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rose_paints's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
snikkidee's review against another edition
4.0
1st book of boutofbooks 13.0! Made me cry. I'm a sucker for books with health issues. This deals with schizophrenia and was written by a nurse!
amycat's review against another edition
2.0
It was okay. I don't understand the hype - it wasn't very well written.
lias_little_book_shelf's review against another edition
4.0
Awesome book, took me way too long to read it though haha! It was a good explanation of what it's like to go through schizophrenia. A fair amount of the book I was slightly confused but it all comes together really nicely at the end!
dan80's review against another edition
dark
emotional
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
It's good. Very assured debut. Powerful and very real voice.
Unfortunately for me though, I've read a number of books in the last year narrated by people with unique points of view (such as mental illness), so I don't think I was as affected by Matthew as I might otherwise have been.
I did still find Filer's writing strong and confident for a first novel, and did want to know what would happen to the man speaking to me through the book.
We know from the offset that Matthew's brother died as a child and that he feels responsible. It takes more than three quarters of the book to find out what happened, with insights into Matthew's adulthood and frequent tussles with his schizophrenia along the way. I found Matthew's daily life very interesting, his relationship with his grandmother touching, and comments on social care illuminating. I wasn't very shocked or moved by the revelations into Simon's death, rather anticlimactic actually, but Filer's ending was moving while leaving the reader wanting more.
It's lovely when a debut writer received accolades and awards over seasoned novelists, getting more names into the public eye. And Filer covers an important area that deserves ore recognition and discussion.
Lots to learn and technique to admire.
Unfortunately for me though, I've read a number of books in the last year narrated by people with unique points of view (such as mental illness), so I don't think I was as affected by Matthew as I might otherwise have been.
I did still find Filer's writing strong and confident for a first novel, and did want to know what would happen to the man speaking to me through the book.
We know from the offset that Matthew's brother died as a child and that he feels responsible. It takes more than three quarters of the book to find out what happened, with insights into Matthew's adulthood and frequent tussles with his schizophrenia along the way. I found Matthew's daily life very interesting, his relationship with his grandmother touching, and comments on social care illuminating. I wasn't very shocked or moved by the revelations into Simon's death, rather anticlimactic actually, but Filer's ending was moving while leaving the reader wanting more.
It's lovely when a debut writer received accolades and awards over seasoned novelists, getting more names into the public eye. And Filer covers an important area that deserves ore recognition and discussion.
Lots to learn and technique to admire.
ess_naomi's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
katieinca's review against another edition
4.0
I was talking to someone the other day about how it's hard for a good story, especially one that's intense and/or strikingly unique, to have a good ending. Most often the end is either too pat and doesn't feel realistic, or fails to resolve anything in order to stay quirky.
This book had a good ending. I'm not going to spoil it or anything, but it was true to the book, and felt true to the hard reality of the characters, while still being satisfying for the reader. At least to this reader.
(In case it wasn't adequately implied by the above, this book is intense, and has an unusual voice. If it reminds me of anything, it's probably [a:Will Self|13794|Will Self|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1207342063p2/13794.jpg]. And I'd add it to the list of ones where even 10 years ago I think I would have identified with the protagonist, and I find myself thinking more about the parents.)
This book had a good ending. I'm not going to spoil it or anything, but it was true to the book, and felt true to the hard reality of the characters, while still being satisfying for the reader. At least to this reader.
(In case it wasn't adequately implied by the above, this book is intense, and has an unusual voice. If it reminds me of anything, it's probably [a:Will Self|13794|Will Self|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1207342063p2/13794.jpg]. And I'd add it to the list of ones where even 10 years ago I think I would have identified with the protagonist, and I find myself thinking more about the parents.)
joana_stormblessed's review against another edition
4.0
very different from anything ive ever read. at times i was a bit annoyed bc the narrator is unreliable and so i didnt know if i should trust him or not, but i really enjoyed this book!