Jamrach's menagerie

SHORTLISTED FOR THE MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2011 Young Jaffy Brown never expects to escape the slums of Victorian London.

Then, aged eight, a chance encounter with Mr Jamrach changes Jaffy's stars. And before he knows it, he finds himself at the docks waving goodbye to his beloved Ishbel and boarding a ship bound for the Indian Ocean.

With his friend Tim at his side, Jaffy's journey will push faith, love and friendship to their utmost limits.