This is Natasha Solomons’s first book. She first worked as a shepherdess at the age of nine, graduated later to screenwriting, and has since written this gratifying story about the extraordinary Mr Rosenblum. Mr Rosenblum arrives in England after the war and wants desperately to assimilate. To do so, he creates a comprehensive guide to the manners, customs and habits of his new home. His wife finds this all too much really and would prefer to remember those left behind. But together, they search for a new home and for the meaning of home.

This is their story. I mention that Natasha was once a shepherdess because there is clearly a link between this wonderful writer’s first job and this tale. (One has to read it to find the connection.) I can tell you, though, that this novel is about the best of humanity: a great big dose of kindness, laughter and empathy. It’s all here in Mr Rosenblum’s List.