The Essence of the ThingAn exciting new talent, shortlisted for the 1997 Booker Prize, hailed as a triumph by The Times, and a poignant observer of human hearts, foibles and follies. There isnt a false note in the book, nothing but ravishing grace, wit and tender feelings. Mail on Sunday Nicolas problems began when she is finally told by her partner, Jonathan, that we should part. She nips out to the off licence to buy cigarettes and returns to find a stranger in her living