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!