Bright Young Things by Scarlett Thomas. (Flame, £10.99)

Did I miss something?

Was there a Government directive at the advent of the new millennium which suggested a theme for the decade revolving around castaways, desert islands and survival in general?

Contemporary culture seems to be obsessed with the idea, and I must confess, I always have been, but this book by Scarlett Thomas, gives it a whole new twist.

Take six people - three young men and three young women - all in their early 20s, throw them together on a small deserted island in inexplicable circumstances and not only do you have the makings of an excellent mystery story, but the added attraction of the castaway theme.

Unfortunately, having passed the twenty-something age-group myself some time ago, I found the whole taste of the novel deeply annoying and sickeningly juvenile.

If you're into computer games, self-analysis, neurosis and that undercurrent of all-pervasive sexuality that governs this age-group you may enjoy this piece of prose that revolves around the six characters who seem super-cool but inevitably have their failings and weaknesses.

I must be getting old, but I just found it laughable and frustrating. Buy it for your twenty-something off-spring or friends and I'm sure they will love it.

Jackie Harris