This book is a masterly exploration of how insular people become living their lives in one culture (in this case, industry or academia) . When Robyn, highly successful in academia, meets Vic, highly successful in industry, the suspicion, culture shock and new insights on both sides are glorious to watch. I was also impressed by his skill at characterisation - Vic and his family are very well-drawn, and Robyn is marvellous... I know Lodge is an English Lit. lecturer himself, but to portray an idealistic, brilliant, female lecturer so convincingly takes talent. Funny and perceptive. Nice work, David.