Imagine you’ve just eaten a massive slice of black forest gateau. A queasy mass of chocolate creams, custards and icing, stacked with multiple sponges, peppered with small, bitter fruits, decorated with intricate swirls and roses, a kalaidescope of multi-coloured sprinkles the grand finale.

As you finish the last bite, you feel an overwhelming sense of nausea and regret.

So it was for me with this book.