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Bad News Edward StAubyn 9780749398729 Books

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Bad News Edward StAubyn 9780749398729 Books

I have just finished the series of four novels (novellas, really) that comprise The Patrick Melrose Novels. This near-700 page work was, as another reviewer wrote, “compulsively readable.” It is dense and intense material, horrifying sometimes to the point that this reader found it unbearable. If there had not been so many glowing reviews by literate people, I would not have persisted beyond those brutally painful sections. I am glad that I did persist, however. This book/these novels are tremendously thought-provoking and I am desperate to discuss “what does it all mean” with other readers and yet there are what almost seem to be cautions to readers from “Patrick Melrose”/the author against reading too much between the lines and then “do nothing….do nothing….” So I will resist the very strong urge to “discuss” and simply say that there seems to me to be so much reading between the lines, such complexity and so much of importance in these novels that they are thoroughly worth persisting through to the end. Much could be said but I will just say this: it is hard to imagine what the author’s process was for creating these works; they are, after all, autobiographical by all accounts, and it just seems monumental to have been able to be both inside his head and yet able to get outside it to create this tangible “product” that encompasses so much, an amazing experience of the interior worlds of several characters and the exterior worlds that Patrick Melrose and other characters inhabit. The other aspect that I was always aware of while reading these was how immediate the experience was; it always felt very much as if one was right there with Patrick or other characters close to him. In the hands of smart, wise teachers, these books could be used in a variety of college courses; English, of course, but even more significantly, psychology, child development, social work and the like, because – it seems to me anyway – that one of the themes is legacy, inheritance, human development/human needs – and inheritance in the context of human developmental needs throughout life, childhood to life’s end. OK, I’m starting to “read between the lines” and will stop now. I feel sure this is writing and material that will stay in mind for a very long time. I highly recommend these books to good readers, but be prepared: fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride – but worth it.


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Bad News Edward StAubyn 9780749398729 Books Reviews

How I wish I could use the English language like Edward St. Aubyn! As one who has spent countless hours writing and rewriting scenes in order to attract and hold the attention of readers, I can say St. Aubyn is not only a master but a grand master of the craft. The story itself, of Patrick Melrose and his dysfunctional family, is unrelentingly dark and savage. Every character is so fully formed and perfectly brought to life you feel you would know them if you happen to see them at a party, and when you saw them you would want to slap them silly for their cruel and boorish behavior. They are all profoundly flawed and brutal to themselves, each other, and the world at large and seem to feel that everybody else is just like them. I've read that the story is to some degree autobiographical, and if so I feel sorry for the author. Sexual abuse, drug addiction, alcoholism, rampant marital infidelity, fraud of every kind at every level, lying, deceit; yet there are flashes of humanity. Patrick kicks the drugs, then (as though it's not a drug) the alcohol, and he loves his two sons, and after a fashion even loves his hateful mother who looked away, or was too blind to see, when Patrick's father raped him, then wasted his inheritance on a scoundrel. Patrick's wife is almost too devoted a mother, but the children are the better for it. They are delightful as pictured so far, but I have not yet read the final book in the series so I don't know how they turn out. I just downloaded it and can't wait to find that out and see how Patrick copes with life from where we left him and the family at the end of Mother's Milk. So, while the story is gripping and laden with emotional barbs that won't let loose, the even greater attraction, for me, was his endlessly inventive way with the language. I urge you to take advantage of 's "Look Inside" feature and check out that aspect of the book. If you're as fascinated with words and their usage as I am, you'll be hooked too.
Never Mind, the first of the Patrick Melrose novels is a tour de force, albeit a painful one. A boy is not only raped by is father but neglected by an alcoholic mother. This shocking detail is the bare bones of a plot, but it in no way is even the barest description of St. Aubyn's chilling and beautiful (yes, beautiful) novel. Never Mind achieves astonishing authenticity when imagining the insecurity, doubt and finally terror of a five year old boy. Equally shocking and unsettling and painful is the abuse of Patrick's mother by a husband who positively thrills in sadistic behavior. If these were Never Mind's only characteristics I'm not sure I would recommend it. However, St. Aubyn also is an astonishingly witty writer. One with a distinct upper class voice that lays bare the neglect and indifference of a whole gaggle of smug and self-centered sots.

There is an intriguing discussion of identity throughout (am I who I think I am or who I am perceived) that was quite stimulating. And the author's use of the Lives of the 12 Caesars--tying Nero the artistic hack and Caligula the abused abuser to Patrick's father was quite brilliant. And finally, the book is funny. Really. Sarcastic, wickedly witty and at times just belly-laugh funny. The subject matter is unquestionably disturbing, but if you are interested is reading a novel unlike any you have encountered before, try Never Mind.

I will add reviews of the other books to this review as I finish them....
I have just finished the series of four novels (novellas, really) that comprise The Patrick Melrose Novels. This near-700 page work was, as another reviewer wrote, “compulsively readable.” It is dense and intense material, horrifying sometimes to the point that this reader found it unbearable. If there had not been so many glowing reviews by literate people, I would not have persisted beyond those brutally painful sections. I am glad that I did persist, however. This book/these novels are tremendously thought-provoking and I am desperate to discuss “what does it all mean” with other readers and yet there are what almost seem to be cautions to readers from “Patrick Melrose”/the author against reading too much between the lines and then “do nothing….do nothing….” So I will resist the very strong urge to “discuss” and simply say that there seems to me to be so much reading between the lines, such complexity and so much of importance in these novels that they are thoroughly worth persisting through to the end. Much could be said but I will just say this it is hard to imagine what the author’s process was for creating these works; they are, after all, autobiographical by all accounts, and it just seems monumental to have been able to be both inside his head and yet able to get outside it to create this tangible “product” that encompasses so much, an amazing experience of the interior worlds of several characters and the exterior worlds that Patrick Melrose and other characters inhabit. The other aspect that I was always aware of while reading these was how immediate the experience was; it always felt very much as if one was right there with Patrick or other characters close to him. In the hands of smart, wise teachers, these books could be used in a variety of college courses; English, of course, but even more significantly, psychology, child development, social work and the like, because – it seems to me anyway – that one of the themes is legacy, inheritance, human development/human needs – and inheritance in the context of human developmental needs throughout life, childhood to life’s end. OK, I’m starting to “read between the lines” and will stop now. I feel sure this is writing and material that will stay in mind for a very long time. I highly recommend these books to good readers, but be prepared fasten your seatbelts; it’s going to be a bumpy ride – but worth it.