Alexarae
member
Reged: 08/06/2007
Posts: 108
Loc: Northamptonshire
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One of those books that I kept seeing everywhere and wondering whether I should get it, mainly I think because the cover was appealing (no reason I know but it's nice!) What put me off was that I rarely read books by men which is very sexist I know but I just don't get on with them. Anyway, I walked into my local library the other day and there it was sitting on the just returned trolley so I just had to have it.
It's been a wonderful read, quite disturbing in places as the main character suffers from acute depression and some of the descriptions leave little to the imagination. It also covers lots of other issues, mainly I suppose, the relationships between family members.
It's set in Penzance which makes it even more appealing, describing the artists community there and a lot of the area. I'm sure readers who know that part of Cornwall well will love it and it's made me want to visit again that's for sure. At the back of the book the author has written a walk round Penzance for readers to follow to see some of the landmarks described in the story. There's also one of those things "If you loved this you might like this ...." so I've now ordered one of those recommendations, The Pumpkin Eater by Penelope Mortimer and another Patrick Gale title, Rough Music also set in Cornwall. I'll let you know what they were like!
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avron
member
Reged: 11/10/2006
Posts: 113
Loc: South Coast
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Hello Alexarae, I read this book a few months ago and enjoyed it immensely. A very sensitive story about bipolar disorder and how it affects a family in so many different ways. The trouble is it left me wanting more....I want to know what happened after the story finished. Perhaps Mr.Gale can be persuaded to write a sequel. I haven't been to Cornwall very often, but the strong sense of place in this book has made me eager to visit again soon, if only to stroll round Penzance.
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saraw
member
Reged: 08/03/2007
Posts: 272
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I to loved this book, having lived in St Ives and worked with people with mental health problems made the story more alive for me. I shall definitely read more of his books and I agree that Avron should visit,that part of the country is beautiful and I am sure you would enjoy yourself wandering around Penzance. I am visiting in nearly 2 weeks and cannot wait to visit my old haunts. I also hate it when you really get into a book and then it ends I always want the characters to carry on.
Sara
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DeepBlue
member
Reged: 16/02/2008
Posts: 280
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I too loved this book. My grandfather was bi-polar and although I never knew him by all accounts he was very sensitive and wrote beautiful poetry. I also know a lot of artists a few of whom have 'artistic tempraments'. Very difficult to live with but wonderful company because they see the world so differently and are so sensitive. Great talent comes at a price!
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