This anthology presents a curated selection of excerpts from the five works that secured the 2007 Costa Book Awards across various literary categories. Each featured author demonstrates a distinct approach to narrative, ranging from historical biography to contemporary fiction and poetry. The collection serves as a cross-section of the literary landscape of the period, highlighting the specific stylistic choices that earned these authors recognition from the Costa judges. The framework is strictly modular, providing readers with a brief entry point into the larger, complete works represented in the volume.

Readers and critics often view this anthology as a useful sampler for those interested in the specific literary trends of 2007. Discussion frequently centers on the variety of genres included, which allows for a quick comparison between different modes of storytelling. The excerpts are generally praised for their ability to stand alone while providing a clear sense of the author's voice and thematic focus. Many readers highlight the collection as an effective tool for discovering new authors whose full-length works they might otherwise overlook. The balance of fiction and non-fiction within the volume ensures that it appeals to a broad spectrum of literary interests.