At the Jerusalem, [Paul Bailey's] first novel, would be remarkable as the work of a writer over middle age; from so young a man it is astounding in its empathy... A master of dialogue, Paul Bailey creates the atmosphere of The Jerusalem, where these old ladies have nothing to do except eat junket and die peacefully without any fuss... A very funny book, but never jeering, full of pity, but unsentimentally harsh with the tragedy of old age which institutional kindness cannot cushion'

Financial Times

It extends human sympathy beyond the point where it normally comes to a stop

Observer

Laconic, merciless, appallingly accurate... It is so well done that it is often not bearable'

Spectator

At the Jerusalem remains a striking example of what Philip Hensher, on the dust jacket, calls 'imaginative emphy'... I would struggle to name a novel by a living English writer more worthy of republication'

New Statesman