Synopsis:
Michael Bailey’s new novel charts the unsettling and powerful story of one young man’s slide into a confused reality.
‘I have been hugely inspired by JD Salinger – The Catcher in the Rye,’ observes Edinburgh author Michael. ‘I enjoy using the first person narrative and this style works well with An Hour in the Darkness.’ Michael’s novel begins when his narrator, Franklin, suffers a bang on his head that jars his grasp on reality. Franklin begins his desperate journey through his home town in his search of love, forgiveness and understanding. He finds comfort in conversations with his young sister Jenny – but as he reveals himself to be a highly unreliable narrator, we must ask if Jenny exists or is merely a figment of his troubled mind?
Franklin is increasingly losing touch with reality when, against the backdrop of a local landmark he meets a man he believes to be God. This stranger tells of his own son who had similar problems and in his increasing confusion Franklin believes the man is likening him to Jesus. As Franklin’s life spirals further out of control his behaviour becomes ever more erratic, culminating in his touching, frightening attempts to win the affections of market-girl Ronnie, who is fascinated and frightened in turn by this strange, funny, ill young man.
Dealing with such universal themes as loss, love, guilt, forgiveness, relationships and mental health, this is an unsettling, but powerful, novel which will appeal to readers of books such as The Shock of the Fall.
Review:
I got this ebook from Netgalley in return of an honest review.
I... I don't even know how I can give my opinion on this book. As soon as I read the synopsis on Netgalley, I knew I needed to read this, and thank God I did. For Chrissake, An Hour in the Darkness was just crazy, and emotional, and insane.
It starts of with the main character, Franklin, hitting his head really hard and, from then on, we follow him in his journey through madness and back again.
I must admit, I couldn't put it down. It just pulls you on right from the start. I reckon part of this is due to the dialogue style narrative, in which Franklin talks directly to us. As the book progresses, we get to see his quirky characteristics, as well as his view on life and everything around him.
Franklin, in my opinion, was that rare kind of character that should be a horrible person to be around in real life, but that, seeing the world though his eyes, we can't help but absolutely love and pity. He knows he's not well, and yet he still truly believes he's this type of heartbreaker. I found him to be such a fascinating character. He's just trying to find himself, his own self before he hit his head, forgiveness and love. And although he is a very unreliable narrator, you can't help but want his version of reality to be true.
We also get to meet Jenny, his sister, a man he believes to be God and Ronnie. This was one of the most emotional and heartwarming cast of characters I have read in a good time. And I must admit, a few moments made me cry. I was really upset throughout the latter half of the book, but in a very good way.
It was such a powerful and poignant book and I recommend it to everyone. I will definitely be reading more by this author.
