Ascent

A completely gripping, read-at-once novel – Erica Wagner * The Times *
Hold on tight and enjoy the ride… Tremendous stuff * Independent *
One of the most potent and unusual works of literary fiction I’ve read in years… Mercurio’s Yefgenii is as real as anyone you’ve ever cared about. And care you will – Michael Faber * Guardian *
A seat-of-the-pants ride through the life of top Soviet fighter ace with his sights set on the Moon, from an author whose sights are set just as high * Esquire *
A Russian version of The Right Stuff… Riveting * Daily Telegraph *
In moments of intense action, we’re with this protagonist every inch of the way, through every thought, dive, ache, smell, itch, tast and gastric movement… vertiginously thrilling * Observer *
Ascent is a page turning story of a man’s ambition to be the very best. Based on real events and using real people, it places this fictitious character in a period when space itself was there for the taking. Beautifully written, it’s a book that deserves to be read – Angela Cooke * Daily Express *
A cross between adventure story and literary fiction, this is an unusual novel * Financial Times *
Streaks by at full throttle… truly exciting * Sunday Telegraph *
Speaks volumes about heroism and the human condition… A taut, page-turning narrative * The Times *

Jed Mercurio trained at the University of Birmingham Medical School and practised as a junior doctor before becoming a full-time writer in 1994. As a writer, producer and director his TV credits include the highly successful shows Cardiac Arrest, Bodies, Line of Duty and Bodyguard, as well as adaptions of Frankenstein and Lady Chatterley’s Lover. He has been described by the Telegraph as ‘the most successful writer working in television today’ and by the Independent as ‘the master of British Drama’.

Mercurio is the author of three novels. His first novel, Bodies, was chosen as one of the five best debuts of 2002 by the Guardian. In 2007 Mercurio published his second novel, Ascent, the story of a fictional Soviet fighter pilot and cosmonaut set against the background of the Korean War and the Space Race. Ascent was included in the Guardian’s list of ‘1000 Novels Everyone Must Read’ and a graphic novelization, illustrated by Wesley Robins, was published in 2011. Mercurio’s most recent novel, Amercian Adulterer, a fictionalization of President John F. Kennedy’s infidelities, was published in 2009.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.