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A review by andrewspink
Lean Fall Stand by Jon McGregor
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This was a book that I would have never have chosen to read of my own accord. From the blurb, it looked depressing and sentimental, all about someone recovering from a stroke. But it was chosen by a book club that I am joining, so I thought I would give it a go. They must have had a reason for choosing it
To say that I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. Its first act (as it were) was set at an Antarctic research station. That was nice, I used to have a friend who worked for the British Antarctic Survey, and I've worked at field stations, albeit not in such extreme circumstances. Then something went wrong (I'll avoid spoilers) and the protagonist got a stroke. That is when I expected it to go downhill, but actually, it was so well written that I read on with even more fascination than during the first part. It was gripping, interesting and moving - but with no sentimentality.
I read it in just a couple of days, which is always a good sign.
To say that I was pleasantly surprised was an understatement. Its first act (as it were) was set at an Antarctic research station. That was nice, I used to have a friend who worked for the British Antarctic Survey, and I've worked at field stations, albeit not in such extreme circumstances. Then something went wrong (I'll avoid spoilers) and the protagonist got a stroke. That is when I expected it to go downhill, but actually, it was so well written that I read on with even more fascination than during the first part. It was gripping, interesting and moving - but with no sentimentality.
I read it in just a couple of days, which is always a good sign.