The Outcast by Sadie Jones

[magicstar]

I loved this book, think it was my favourite read of the summer (what summer?) , not always keen on R&J reads but enjoyed this one.

Had a bit of a crush on Lewis

[madcow]

Will have to bump this one up the TBR pile, sounds like a great read.

[Inver]

Have just finished this via the bookring on here. It was very well written and easy to get through. I wasn't sure what to expect from it. Can't say it was a happy read and

I found the self harming a bit distressing at times, but very much part of the book

. Tamsin was a bit of a horror have to say and as for Dicky, how on earth did he get away with what he did.

 

Glad things sort of turned out for Lewis and Kit in the end.

[Wonders disciple]

Just picked this up the other day for 25p, hoping to get around to reading it soon.

[chesilbeach]

Bumping up this thread, and adding my own review:

 

There are so many interesting things about this book, I don't know where to start!

 

I guess the first thing that struck me when I finished the book was the narrative. Although told in the third person, the focus is always on either Lewis or Kit, and while they never directly speak to the read, you always feel as though you're seeing their unique perspective on the story and it results in a very personal and close relationship with the reader.

 

I usually prefer linear plots, but this one starts at the mid point of the story for the prologue, then jumps back to the beginning and follows the rest of the story in the traditional chronological order. This actually add to the story for me, as you know what has happened and you gradually come to understand why it has happened and the ongoing fallout from the tragedy.

 

The claustrophobic society of the village, the lack of communication between family members and the repression of emotions are all indicative of the 1940's and 1950's before the advent of the idea that people need to share feelings and talk about traumatic experiences to get comfort from each other. This leads to one of the characters starting to self harm, something that while I'm aware of it, I know very little about. I thought the descriptions and explorations of the feelings of the characters involved, and also those of the people who eventually find out what has been happening were compelling to read.

 

This is not a pleasant read, but I have to say, it held my attention and I savoured reading it, taking care to understand an unusual subject matter. Well written with heart and feeling, and a very worthwhile read.

[Kidsmum]

Good to read so many positive reviews on this one as it's on my TBR pile so i think i'll move it nearer the top.