 |
The Outcast |
Average User Rating: 80% (84 Reviews) | |
| 5 / 5 | Oppressive, claustrophobic and OUTSTANDING!
Joanne D'Arcy (Portsmouth, UK) - 23 June 2008 It is difficult to know where to start when it comes to describing this book. The story is set over a roughly ten year period and involves Lewis Aldridge who in the prologue is seen coming home after a spell in prison, we don't know why he has been there or what circumstances drove him to commit a crime but this just merely sets the scene for the next three parts of the book, as we discover why Lewis has been incarcerated and trapped not just in prison but in his short life. Lewis background is filled in and we gradually come to know and meet all the characters. Gilbert Lewis' oppressive father who seems to think that by not talking about events means you will not have to deal with them. Elizabeth, the mother of Lewis, who hides in alcohol and who adores him and spoils him up until the day she tragically loses her life. Lewis grief sets off changes, event after event which affects everyone. Alice, the stepmother who is not stereotypical stepmother; evil, but weak in many ways, and I felt less empathy for this character, who made me want to scream, there is so much she could have done to help Lewis and stop things spiralling but she hid in her room, in alcohol and behind her new husband. The Carmichaels are the major neighbouring family who the Aldridge's socialise with in their stuffy manner of class and system in the 1950s. Their youngest daughter Kit, is the other trapped character within this book, who is trying to escape the fact that she has fallen in love with the local bad boy `Lewis' but also her violent father, Dicky who seems to have control over everyone, either by force and brutality or what and whom he knows. Justice will prevail in the end for the reader, and a relief it was. Lewis is a rather lost soul, after his mother has died and his actions are always referred back to the tragic event. He is trapped within the constraints of his mind, never discussing what has happened and uses self harm to release the pain. Trapped in prison, trapped amongst his father's regime and the neighbours as they expect a certain sort of behaviour, trapped by a local girl for fun to name but a few. This book beautifully deals with some fairly brutal issues and places them into a society which is somewhat different to nowadays. The descriptions of the violence are somewhat shocking but this is only to emphasise the problems that these people have to deal. I really felt quite claustrophobic while reading the whole book and felt just as trapped as Lewis and Kit did. There is not an Epilogue to this story, you do not know what happens after these major events, you just hope that justice prevails and those who live to be loved remain so and can find peace in their own minds. Do not let any of this put you off the book it is a fantastic story which keeps you on the edge of your seat from page one right until the end. A great debut novel. ... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | Stunning
Lynne Barrett-lee (Cardiff, Wales) - 23 June 2008 As a novelist myself, I tend to read fiction with both a writer and a reader's eye at the same time - and however much it pains me to admit it, this is the book, above all others I've read in the last year (and I read lots), that most makes me want to hurl it across the room, screaming 'I SO wish I'd written this!'. Which is also why I'm here singing its praises, as word of mouth is the best way to choose your next book. Trust me, you won't be disappointed by this one. Unbelievably assured and well crafted for a first novel, The Outcast - who takes the form of recently released from prison 19 year old Lewis Aldridge - grabs you on the very first page and, simply put, just refuses to let you go. I defy anyone not to want to pluck the traumatised Lewis from his nightmare and take him home with them, and the claustrophobic and oppressive atmosphere of a stifling 1950's upper middle class Surrey is so well drawn it's hard to imagine this writer is too young to have lived it. Sadie Jones is not only a born novelist (so hurry up and write the next, please) but a worthy pick for the ever-reliable (and refreshingly publisher's-hype free) Richard and Judy machine. Just brilliant. ... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | Riveting and moving
A. Phillips (uk) - 27 June 2008 As I grow older- I am intolerant of books which try to be so clever that reading becomes a chore rather than a pleasure and other dull books that centre around middle class women to and fro-ing from private schools and having affairs. This is an intelligent book with an engaging story of love, loss and suppressed emotions in the 1950's. This book grabbed me within a few pages and I devoured it within a couple of days. In fact at times it was hard to put down. It was beautifully written, passionate and moving at times. You won't be disappointed.... Read Full Review » |
| 5 / 5 | I cannot believe this is a first novel
J. Sproxton Miller "Secretly crazy" (S E England) - 12 June 2008 Everything about this book is achingly beautiful. I gasped at almost every page and often wanted to cry. Jones' mastery of character & simplicity belie that this is a first novel. I don't often feel this way - but I want to read this book over and over again! |
| 2 / 5 | extremely well written but thoroughly depressing
love reading "marsy" (Scotland) - 6 July 2008 I am amazed that Richard & Judy chose this novel for their Summer Read collection. It is certainly not a book to read while relaxing by the pool. I enjoyed the reading of this as the style of writing is so pristine and fresh. It is also didactic and reveals the narrow minded prejudices of the not so distant past in a very powerful and clever way. It reminded me of Catcher in the Rye, one of my favourites. However, I just found the content so unedifying: self-harm, abuse, incestuous relationships, apathy, coldness etc, etc, etc. It was compulsive reading though as I had to find there was resolution and hope. If that hadn't come, I might just have put the book immediately in the bin. It has certainly made me think though and I am very moved by the experience of it but, too heavy going, for my taste but I can't deny its power and genius.... Read Full Review » |
Publisher
Vintage
Publication Date
16 June 2008
Format
Paperback (448 pages)
ISBN
9780099513421
Price Range
£4.49 - £4.49
List Price
£7.99
