The Outcast: A Novel
by Sadie Jones
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Book Summary Information
Author: Sadie JonesEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-03-01
ISBN: 0061374032
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: Harper
Book Reviews of The Outcast: A Novel
Book Review: A fine debut novel
Summary: 4 Stars
This dark and mysterious story opens with Lewis leaving prison to return home to his highly dysfunctional family comprising of his father Gilbert and his step mother Alice.
Lewis' mother drowned ten years ago during a picnic by the river, and Lewis was the only witness to her death.
The reader is taken back to Lewis' earlier life and the happy times he shared with his mother whilst his father was away during the War. Once Gilbert appears back on the scene it is clear that there are many problems within the family.
After his mother's death Lewis slowly changes into a very sad, lonely and disturbed child. There are episodes of violence, self harming, alcoholism, running away and sexual exploits.
Gilbert's employer Mr Carmichael and his family feature heavily in the novel - Dickie the overbearing violent father, Claire the mousy wife and Tamsin and Kit, his two daughters.
The novel soon moves to Lewis' adolescence, outlining why he went to prison and the events after he returns to his family.
Tamsin and Kit, whilst very different in character both play an important part in Lewis' coming of age, along with Jeanie - a sleazy nightclub hostess in London. It is Jeanie who shows Lewis the most love and understanding.
I enjoyed this moving coming of age story, which motors along almost thriller-like at times. Lewis is a very odd, disturbed character but very likeable.
The novel ends with some violent scenes and almost bitter-sweet tenderness.
I was left wondering what would happen next to Lewis, his family and his associates.
This is a fine debut novel by Sadie Jones, who I think we will see more of over the next few years.
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