As his terrific first novel shows, he also has a genius for telling a story. In the most colourful South American tradition, the events are often violent and tragic, but the prose is vivid, fast-moving and often dazzling, and he has a cynical eye for the awful comedy of everything ... The pace leaves you breathless

Kate Saunders, The Times

If you haven't heard of Acosta, he's ballet's new Nureyev – but not only is he a dervish on the dancefloor, he's also a dazzling storyteller ... A tale that sizzles with atmosphere and a sense of place

Glamour

Jumpy with incident and memorable characters such as Melecio, the child genius who extemporises poetry and designs the Bacardi building and logo, Kid Chocolate, the young boxer KO'd by Oscar's grandfather and the bestial El Mozambique. A little pressure cooker of a novel

Daily Express

Heat, history and hooch ... Vivid storyteller and ambitious scope

Tatler

The multitalented Acosta is set to win even more fans with his atmospheric first novel

Irish Mail on Sunday

In Frank Wynne's skilful translation, Acosta's novel has an earthy charm that makes it more than a mere literary curiosity

Sunday Telegraph