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A review by ufoparts
Some Hope by Edward St. Aubyn
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
After the wild ride of being trapped inside Patrick Melrose’s head in Bad News, it’s a real shame we’re not privy to his thoughts more often in Some Hope. The narrative of this book returns back to the one used in Never Mind, where it alternates between different characters. However, the genius of that book was how well it painted family trauma, addiction, and an outside look into that from all angles.
In Some Hope, there’s just a few too many character’s internal monologues Edward St. Aubyn is trying to balance. It’s unfortunate because I actually think this book has the most weight and depth to it out of the three Melrose books I’ve read so far. The scenes between Johnny and Patrick are incredibly moving. It also tackles sobriety in a refreshing way, relying neither on cheesy taglines nor an almighty love for god - just a perseverance.
It’s the scenes featuring Patrick in his headspace which make this book something special. The Bridget and Sonny drama, and the Princess Margaret funniness add some great colour to the proceedings, but I’d have trimmed a lot else. The beginning of the book is a bit of a slog, but the second half is really entertaining. It all culminates in an ending that is strangely beautiful, and yes, hopeful.
In Some Hope, there’s just a few too many character’s internal monologues Edward St. Aubyn is trying to balance. It’s unfortunate because I actually think this book has the most weight and depth to it out of the three Melrose books I’ve read so far. The scenes between Johnny and Patrick are incredibly moving. It also tackles sobriety in a refreshing way, relying neither on cheesy taglines nor an almighty love for god - just a perseverance.
It’s the scenes featuring Patrick in his headspace which make this book something special. The Bridget and Sonny drama, and the Princess Margaret funniness add some great colour to the proceedings, but I’d have trimmed a lot else. The beginning of the book is a bit of a slog, but the second half is really entertaining. It all culminates in an ending that is strangely beautiful, and yes, hopeful.