Perfect; Rachel Joyce
Random House - 2014
After falling in love with Rachel Joyce's debut novel The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, I was anxious to try PERFECT. The protagonist of this story is eleven-year old Byron Hemmings.
One foggy morning in the summer of 1972, Bryon's mother
is driving him to school at Winston House, and something terrible
happens. It's an event which deeply affects Bryron and yet for some
reason his mother does not even seem to notice what has happened. Byron
feels in some way to blame, as he was the one who distracted his mother
by wanting her to look at his watch, believing time was going in
reverse.
As weeks pass and no discussion takes place about
what had occurred, Bryon is at a loss of what to do or how to bring up
the subject with his mother. Is it possible that his mother, Diana, is
not even aware of what has happened? Yet for some reason she seems to be
changing before his very eyes. She takes up an unlikely friendship with
the one woman she probably should be avoiding. Does she really realize
what has happened and is this her way of dealing with her guilt? One
thing is sure Bryon's "perfect" world as he knew if is shattered.
Bryon, an unpopular young boy, finds
comfort discussing what has happened with his one friend James.
Unfortunately, his friend James soon seems to be experiencing some
troubles of his own. Anxiety, rituals and fear of other people
soon separate the two boys as James is institutionalized.
Told in split narrative through Byron as a young boy
and later James as a grown man, it is clear early on that their stories
are somehow entwined. Diana was also a central character, a woman with
much internal conflict. She was quite complex and interesting. Her
husband Seymour, who played a small part, was a piece of work. The story
was cleverly written and compelling yet very different from Rachel
Joyce's debut novel. I loved the descriptions of the British
countryside, but the details of James sad situation were especially
difficult and was sad listen to at times.
Paul Rhys narrated the audio version and did a very good job.
4/5 stars
I was seeing this around for a bit and added it to my wish list. I must check the author out at some point period.
ReplyDeleteYou've got me wondering what happened when she was taking him to school.
ReplyDeleteI honestly could not get into this one. I kept thinking this book is way too smart for me and way overhead my head. Glad you were able to enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI want to read/listen to this! Loved your review, Diane.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really different story from Harold Fry but still had that same storytelling feel to it.
ReplyDeleteIntriguing review. You've got me interested.
ReplyDeleteHuh. I wasn't thinking this would be quite so sad.
ReplyDeleteI can't halo but wonder what happened. I loved Harold Fry - I think this one might be worth a read, too.
ReplyDeleteI listened to the audio (while shoveling snow). I liked the complexity of the characters and the layered stories.
ReplyDeleteI loved Harold Frye... will add this to my audio wish list.
ReplyDeleteI missed the opportunity to get the ARC, I didn't recognize the author's name right away, but when I did, it was too late. I did just snag a library copy though.
ReplyDeleteI've heard such great things about this book. I still haven't read the author's other book, but I have it in my TBR.
ReplyDeleteI started this right before my MIL got sick and passed, and have not gone back to it yet. I plan to and am glad you enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteI am only halfway through this one. But so far, I love it. Rachel Joyce writes really well and I find it hard to put this book down.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly sounds intriguing, I'm wondering what happened in the car. I may add this to my wish list.
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