Picture the classic story of Job, reimagined as a Princess Bride fractured fairy tale, co-written by C.S. Lewis and Monty Python, and you'll have a picture of the warm, witty and wonderfully romantic adventure that awaits you in Perceval the Altruistic.

The tale begins with a tragically unimaginable loss, then follows Perceval as he struggles through his own pilgrim's progress of grief until he fights his way to a confrontation with the King. Will his bravery be rewarded with an answer to his soul-searching plea, or a demand he forfeit his very life?

Throughout, the book is teeming with wry commentary on modern society, unrequited affections, heartfelt laughs, and, yes, the discovery of the long-lost secret to happiness.