Goulash deals with a young American man moving to Prague during the end of the Cold War. Within moments of his arrival, his shoes are stolen and thus begins an entire quirky life in turbulent Czechoslovakia.

Brian Kimberling's new novel is both humorous and descriptive, with a similar feel to Lost in Translation. However, the characters are not likable and there is a lack of character development, which makes it difficult to sympathise with their plight. And while the situations the young protagonist finds himself in are vivid, it may not be enough to be a five star novel.