'The intense story of the pre-historical moment when stone yielded to bronze . . . Crace is a virtuoso' Frank Kermode, New York Times A coastal community live prosperously crafting fine stone tools. But their proud insularity is breached by raiders, and in the violence a boy loses his arm. Useless as a knapper, he finds a role as the village storyteller, roaming far and returning home with fantastically embellished tales. When the arrival of a new metal threatens all their livelihoods, his fearless imagination becomes a lifesaving gift. 'His style is as simple as it is beautiful . . . Crace reveals the dignity in human labour and the power of the passing of time' Herald 'A deceptively simple book that explores profound ideas with a rare delicacy of touch' Los Angeles Times 'Bewitching . . . brings a lost world to life and imbues it with a sense of wonder' Sunday Times