Debut novel – ‘The Storyteller’

A claustrophobically beautiful story of recovery from depression, of friendship, of coming of age, of betrayal, of the unreliability of narrative voice – longlisted for the Republic of Consciousness Prize 2017.

You can find it in paperback here and on Kindle here.

‘Shall we start again?’

A young woman regains consciousness. An elegant old lady degenerates into flailing madness. A beggar counts small change on Westminster Bridge. Hot summer afternoons transform into autumn and winter days and back to summer again.

At first, Iris and Rachel are linked only by their illness, but as they heal they grow closer, and soon they are enmeshed in a relationship neither can escape. When Iris insists on writing Rachel’s biography the younger woman is unable to resist; but is her life being reported or created by her self-appointed storyteller?

With a claustrophobic intensity of vision, The Storyteller is a challenging, beautifully written novel of disconnect, insanity and reawakening.

Reviews:

“To write a novel with a central character suffering from a lack of affect is always high-risk. To do so with prose that rightly pivots between clarity and opacity is a high-wire act that requires real insight and great technique. This reads like mid-period John Banville, but without ever taking its eye off the lived experience of character. A strong and uncompromising first novel.” – The Republic of Consciousness judges

‘A Vivid Glimpse into the Secret Workings of an Unravelling Mind’ – The Contemporary Small Press

‘The Storyteller is a beautifully unique novel that delves into an authentic and disturbing experience of mental illness – 10/10’ – CulturedVultures.com

‘Dare I even say a The Golden Notebook for the 21st century’ – Paul Fulcher

‘This is an intense coming of age story with sharp observations around mental health issues. If you’re looking for something a bit different this summer then pick up The Storyteller as you won’t be disappointed’ – Jessica Patient