"Sentence by sentence, image by image, there are few contemporary writers who understand words the way Hopkin does. In fact, I can think of no other. If you care about fine writing, read Winter Under Water.''

- M J Hyland, author of the Booker-shortlisted bestseller, Carry Me Down

Paperback out NOW! In all good bookshops, or on Amazon.

Coming June 24! 'Picador shot' (only £1.99!)- 2 short-stories: 'Even the Crows Say Krakow' and 'Apple Vapours' - order here

'Jeane' - a short story in an anthology (Serpent's Tail) inspired by the music and lyrics of the Smiths.

The novella, 'Say Goodbye to Breakfast', also on the way!

James Hopkin's top ten Polish books, The Guardian

James Hopkin on Polish culture in the UK, New Statesman

'A seductive and irresistible read ...a delight in the infectious magic of words...the prose is littered with the sort of startling and poetic metaphors that continually persuade the reader to pause and savour in satisfaction...There are few first-time novelists who have an ability to conjure language to such magical effect...a winningly confident debut' (Independent on Sunday, full review )

'Impressively complex and lucid...constructed with a poetic subtlety...a modern European love story that refuses the formula of the romance...while examining the possibility of a European identity' (Times Literary Supplement, 23 Feb, 2007, for full review please see'links')

'A chilly and atmospheric first novel...Hopkin beautifully conveys the sense of being a stranger in a strange land, struggling to reach a true understanding' (The Times, 17 Feb, 2007)

'elegaic and satirical in the very same breath...Hopkin's treatment of place, culture and language has sensitivity and creative ardour...a romantic fascination without romanticising...his characters affirm that there is still a passionate seriousness abroad. (The Independent, 23 Feb, 2007)

'The narrative flits across time with liquid eloquence and an exuberance that reinforces Hopkin's fascination with the way darkness and light define people, places and relationships.' (The Observer, Feb 25, 2007)