The book is stunning. He is an extraordinary writer. Such erudition. Wisdom. Humanity. And humour. A work of immense generosity at a time when we badly need it.

Fergal Keane, special correspondent, BBC News

What a brave outpouring! Tim Franks' book The Lines We Draw is the light in the dark channel of finding who we are. It opens up a new perspective, showing that identity is no longer defined only by primitive attributes like gender, skin colour, nationality or religion, but by the courage to grow beyond restrictions and recognize the depth and significance of the world beyond ourselves.

Xinran, author of The Promise

An extraordinary cast of characters, summoned back to life by a reporter with a gift for telling a story.

Jonathan Freedland