This novel immerses the reader in the world of London bus drivers and their management, whose mantra is 'The Maintenance of Headway'. According to this worldview, running early is the worst thing a bus driver can do. Although London isn't specifically mentioned, that is manifestly the setting. My favourite thing about the novel was definitely the phrase 'bejewelled thoroughfare' to describe Oxford Street.

Not a great deal happens in this book, which describes the operation of a dynamic system from the perspective of an agent within it. Thus I enjoyed it as a social science student more than as a fiction reader, I think. This novella demonstrates that Magnus Mills has a sly sense of humour and deft touch with words, but it is very narrow in scope. I enjoyed it, but would like to read something else by him with a wider canvas. ( )

Really great, quirky little book about the daily life of bus drivers, and their animating philosophies. Was a touch existential and surreal, but in a very, very gentle way. ( )

As a veteran bus traveller, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was deadpan and absurd and at the same time felt 100% accurate, probably because Mills himself works as a bus driver. The ending was perfect. Highly recommended. ( )

Not my favorite Mills, though I still enjoy his style. The undercurrent is not quite as ominous as The Restraint of Beasts or Three to See the King. Still, a quick fun read. ( )

Not my favorite Mills, though I still enjoy his style. The undercurrent is not quite as ominous as The Restraint of Beasts or Three to See the King. Still, a quick fun read. ( )