Paul Sayer

This winner of the 1988 Whitbread Prize is the story of Peter, a catatonic inmate of a mental institution. In an attempt to rehabilitate him, he is moved to another facility for some experimental treatment.

The entire novel is narrated by Peter. I think the author creates a believable interior monologue for Peter, and convincingly portrays the perceptions of a catatonic person. For that reason I enjoyed the book. However, while the book was thoroughly believable about what Peter's life is like in the present, it didn't successfully convey why and how Peter became the way he is, although much of the book relates his pre-catatonic life. I found this to be a weakness that hampered my enjoyment of the book.… (mere)

Toenemende verwijdering tussen ee introvert echtpaar, ingeluid door de vrijwillig afgebroken zwangerschap van Susan.
Citaat: 'De vorige dag was Michael Crumlu's vrouw met een kort gesnoeid kapsel thuisgekomen. Susans volle donkere haar, eens een dik wild dier vn krullen en golven, lag getemd tegen haar slanke hals, de pony al even miniem als de vage scheiding waaraan je nog eningszins kon zien hoe het geweest was. Michael stelde zich de zachte plukken op de vloer van de kapper voor, de koele, goedkeurende glimlach van zijn vrouw, en haar felle, lichtbruine ogen in de spiegel.'… (mere)