Benjamin Markovits is twenty-nine, and The Syme Papers is his first novel. Originally from Texas, he now lives in London and writes for the London Review of Books and the Times Literary Supplement.

"'There is a deeply flowing harmony between his characters' emotional states and their surroundings... Markovits' most remarkable achievement is to give them rich, darkly shaded inner lives.' Jonathan Beckman, Observer 'It is difficult to overstress the depth and intelligence, the achievement of this book... It is very human, astonishing, superb; and, what is more important, sublime.' Todd McEwen, Guardian"