Thomas's strictly religious father rules the house with his fists and insists the family live according to the Bible. But Thomas has an escape route - he sees incredible things that no one else notices - like tropical fish swimming in the canal and frogs leaping through the letterbox. Now he's recording his observations in a notebook, The Book of Everything, where he also writes down his biggest ambition: to be happy. But will that ever be possible with Father around?

Then Thomas meets Mrs Van Amersfoot, a woman full of rebellious spirit who recognises something similar in her new young friend. And in the fight against his father, Thomas's uniqueness - and the extraordinary power of his imagination - are the biggest weapons he has...

Translated from Dutch, this novel is written with a rare brilliance and startling poignancy. Set in 1950s Holland, Thomas's strictly religious father rules the house with his fists. But Thomas has an escape route - he sees things that no one else notices. Ages: 12+.