Disappearing, not disappointing

Tim Krabbè's 1984 novel (in a new English translation) is best known through its film adaptations - the restrained and faithful Dutch original and that Hollywood remake.

But it's his crisp, sparse prose that steals the show here, centring on key moments in the lives of his all-too-real characters.

A woman's unexplained disappearance from a busy petrol station in broad daylight starts an investigation of how we cope with loss, and our human urge to do profound good and bad.

Krabbè's economy with language means his 115 pages belie the depth and breadth of his narrative, and leaves you near breathless with admiration and fear.