In this Cyrano de Bergerac-like novel, Karl, a teenage boy, enlists a famous writer to help him impress his girlfriend, Fiorella.

She's asked him to write her a letter in which he reveals his true self.

Convinced he's not good enough with words to please her, Karl tracks down Fiorella's favourite author and pleads with him to take on the task.

The writer reluctantly agrees on the condition that Karl submits to a series of interviews, so the letter will be based on authentic feeling.

Through these lively, intelligent discussions, award-winning author Aidan Chambers creates an indelible portrait of a teenage boy discovering his own voice in the world and constructs a love story that is as much about the mind as the heart.