A review by sampayn3
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

4.0

To say that The Shock of the Fall is an odd book would be an understatement. It is bizarre, scattered, chaotic even. But this disorder works in the story's favour, adding to the authenticity of the schizophrenia that it aims to portray. I've read a few mental illness novels, and I'd say that this is one of the best: it's vivid, raw, and completely engrossing. Nathan Filer, the author, has managed to craft the distinct voice of Matt, the main character, around an equally unsettling situation with his brother, Simon. The novel has many purposes: it's a mystery, a story of social problems, a highly politicised view of health care, and a coming of age narrative. Yet above all, it recalibrates stigmas surrounding mental health, proving that the sufferer is a victim. In this startling view of such illnesses, Filer succeeds most. If we are to make progress in this area of health, it must begin by changing the general attitude towards it.