THIS is a sorry tale - literally - but that doesn't mean it's a bad one.

Food critic Marc Basset writes a scathing review that leads a chef to commit suicide.

Struck by unaccustomed guilt, he is moved to apologise to the widow, and finds that her forgiveness makes him euphoric. Thus he decides to apologise to everyone he's ever wronged.

So far, so Nick Hornby, but this amusing tale does get a bit silly as Basset finds himself working as the United Nations' Chief Apologist.

In addition, Basset is a bit of an irritating character and after spending 400-odd pages in his company you start to feel he owes you an apology.

A diverting read.

Andrew Chappell