And so Kureishi, having failed to turn his story to psychological or philosophical account, ultimately transforms the book into a thriller, complete with chase scenes.
Pietersen's unbeaten 62 underpinned only a vulnerable 129 for six, and although Pakistan looked sure to complete the chase with ease at one stage, England's bowlers dug in to sneak the spoils.
After rain reduced England's target to 101 from 25 overs, Ian Bell made an unbeaten 52 to complete the chase with 41 balls to spare.
Jockey Club Racecourses will dangle the incentive of a £1m bonus once again during this year's National Hunt season, for the connections of a chaser that can complete its "Chasing Triple Crown" in the Betfair Chase at Haydock, the King George VI Chase at Kempton and the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Miller was dismissed for 33 in the final over, just before the Victorians completed the chase.
Faulkner extinguished any hope Pakistan had of completing their chase by bowling Khalid for 46 and having Imad held at mid-on from the following delivery, before completing his maiden T20 international five-for with the scalps of Sarfraz Ahmed and Wahab in the final over.
England still had work to do when Graeme Swann came to the crease but he completed the chase in emphatic style, hitting the final three balls for a six and two fours as he finished with 31 off 12 deliveries.
Then it careens into madcap farce that is Stroman at its best, complete with a chase scene for a battalion of brides, some in drag, accompanied by a scampering small dog.
In reply, Michael Klinger (45) kept Gloucestershire alive before a 70-run partnership from Dent and Ian Cockbain (27) helped complete the run chase.
Dilshan completed his century and, after he holed out on the leg side off Lee, it was left to Kumar Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal to complete the run chase.
