"An extraordinarily moving book... The chief strength of this book - and what makes it such a beautiful, moving document - is in the descriptions that Mankell gives of the joy and suffering he has seen, especially in Africa... Throughout Quicksand, there are scenes [of] joy and triumph in the midst of suffering and loss. This grave book, intensely beautiful in spirit, takes us to these places in the thoughtful company of a great soul" -- Alexander McCall Smith New Statesman "An honourable, courageous piece of work... A work of considerable scope... A remarkable man" -- Sean O'Brien i "Potent and evocative" -- Nick Rennison The Sunday Times "A deeply sombre book... Fans of Mankell's magnificently gloomy fiction will have no difficulty in recognising the blueprint for his literary alter ego, Kurt Wallander... Compelling." -- Daisy Goodwin The Times "Quicksand, a hybrid of essay and memoir, reflects knowledgeably on art, religion, childhood and the "final insensibility" that is our dying. Rarely has a writer contemplated the mystery of the end of life with such a wide-ranging curiosity." -- Ian Thomson Evening Standard

Henning Mankell has become a worldwide phenomenon with his crime writing, gripping thrillers and atmospheric novels set in Africa. His prizewinning and critically acclaimed Inspector Wallander Mysteries continue to dominate bestseller lists all over the globe. His books have been translated into forty-five languages and made into numerous international film and television adaptations: most recently the BAFTA-award-winning BBC television series Wallander, starring Kenneth Branagh. Mankell devoted much of his free time to working with Aids charities in Africa, where he was also director of the Teatro Avenida in Maputo. In 2008, the University of St Andrews conferred Henning Mankell with an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of his major contribution to literature and to the practical exercise of conscience. www.henningmankell.co.uk