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Editorial Review:
'Poised and pitch-perfect throughout, this is an engrossing portrait of a troubled and remarkable character. A fine writer at the top of his game.' Mail on Sunday 'This is an uplifting, immensely empathetic novel, and Gale's prose, as ever is as clear and bright as the Cornish light.' Guardian 'It has the kind of quietly radiant intelligence, craft and integrity that bypasses superficial questions of originality. A novel with a variety and freshness that is all the more powerful and surprising for being discovering in such a circumscribed and very English milieu.' Adam Lively, Sunday Times 'Skilfully constructed as a mosaic of different viewpoints that shift back and forwards in time. A warm, well-written novel about creativity and the perils of living with the creative spirit.' Times Literary Supplement 'By the end I had laughed and cried and put all his other books on my wish list. This is dense, thought-provoking, sensitive, satisfying, humorous, humane -- a real treat.' Toby Clements, Telegraph 'Beautifully written, slowly unravelling tale!Patrick Gale's serene and carefully crafted prose conveys a profound understanding of the workings of human relationships and the torment that mental illness causes its sufferers and also those around them.' Ross Gilfillan, Daily Mail 'I was completely enthralled by "Notes from an Exhibition." Patrick's Gale's prose grows ever more acrobatic and heartstopping, though somehow he never seems to be showing off. And few writers have grasped the twisted dynamics of family the way Gale has. There's really no one he can't inhabit, understand and forgive.' Armistead Maupin '"Notes from an Exhibition" is a story about family life and the tensions that at once bind it and tear it apart. Patrick Gale's focus is sharp and this small group of characters is carefully observed and lovingly brought to vivid life!the book [is] a kaleidoscope of pictures, sometimes comic, sometimes unutterably moving. Ultimately, Notes from an Exhibition is a rewarding read.' Peter Burton, Express 'All the characters are dimensional and heartbreaking. It is a book saturated with love and humanity. And it has a great last line.' Barbara Gowdy 'A tender, powerful novel.' The Gloss 'This is a book full of insight, intelligence and quiet humour familiar from his previous masterpiece, "Rough Music".' Image magazine 'Gale moves seamlessly between different characters, and from past to present, so we never the narrative thrust. An excellent summer read.' Psychologies magazine 'His sense of place is utterly coherent and he makes the background easy to navigate!the writing itself is so unpretentious, and Gale brings such patience and generosity to the story, that one cannot help but respond to his uplifting faith in human nature.' New Statesman
`This is an uplifting, immensely empathetic novel, and Gale's prose, as ever is as clear and bright as the Cornish light.'
'It has the kind of quietly radiant intelligence, craft and integrity that bypasses superficial questions of originality. A novel with a variety and freshness that is all the more powerful and surprising for being discovering in such a circumscribed and very English milieu.' Adam Lively,
'Beautifully written, slowly unravelling tale...Patrick Gale's serene and carefully crafted prose conveys a profound understanding of the workings of human relationships and the torment that mental illness causes its sufferers and also those around them.'
/ Lead title The new novel from the bestselling Patrick Gale. Renowned Canadian artist Rachel Kelly -- now of Penzance -- has buried her past and married a gentle and loving Cornish man. Her life has been a sacrifice to both her extraordinary art and her debilitating manic depression. / The brilliant new novel from bestseller Patrick Gale -- 'Notes From An Exhibition' is a touching and tragic story of one family and the love and loss of their genius mother. / 'Rough Music' has sold over 70,000 copies since publication in the UK alone. / Competition: Armistead Maupin
'Gale deals with this anxious family with humour and humility and the eccentric characters are sympathetically and truthfully drawn.'
'By the end I had laughed and cried and put all his other books on my wish list...'
'Beautifully written, slowly unravelling tale...'
'...has the kind of quietly radiant intelligence, craft and integrity that bypasses superficial questions of originality.'
'A warm, well-written novel about creativity and the perils of living with the creative spirit.'
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
A clever and insightful read Although this is the first Patrick Gale book I've ever read it certainly won't be my last. The story focuses on the inter-woven lives and experiences of a family held together by a parents' bi-polar disorder. Each of the characters are very individual, however the mental illness that they live with runs through them all and becomes more evident the further you read on. Gale manages to write about the emotive topic of mental illness without mushy sentimentality or judgements being evident. Excellant!!!
Good book Notes From An Exhibition synopsis from Amazon: Renowned Canadian artist Rachel Kelly -- now of Penzance -- has buried her past and married a gentle and loving Cornish man. Her life has been a sacrifice to both her extraordinary art and her debilitating manic depression. When troubled artist Rachel Kelly dies painting obsessively in her attic studio in Penzance, her saintly husband and adult children have more than the usual mess to clear up. She leaves behind an extraordinary and acclaimed body of work... more info
disappointing Very disappointed with this book which was recommended by Uncle Richard and Auntie Judy. I rushed out to buy it to take on holiday and started reading it, enthusiastically reading each page with vigour. Admittedly, Patrick Gayle's use of language describes Rachel, her family and relationships beautifully. Having a professional background in Mental Health Nursing, it was reassuring to see that Mr Gayle has researched the subject of Bipolar Affect Disorder with accuracy, sympathy and above all empathy, in... more info
An absolute gem This book is beautifully written. Its an absolute joy and is without doubt worth its 5 stars.
