In this sequel to THE EYRE AFFAIR, literature rules in Fforde`s alternate universe otherwise known as Wales, where the Crimean War is far from over. (Huge crowds flock to Shakespeare`s plays, kids trade bubble gum cards featuring literary figures, and Miss Havisham is still alive and working for the literary police.) When Thursday Next`s husband is imprisoned in a book, she goes in search of him, barging into everything from THE TRIAL to ALICE IN WONDERLAND in an attempt to get him back. A New York Times Notable Book for 2003.