This was a really clever book in mu opinion which drew me on and into the lives of the characters. It starts with an artist's death and then the book is a cleverly constructed look at the lives of all who were intertwined with her. When i say constructed that might give the wrong impression because I didn't feel it was a construct but each chapter is headed by the note from a particular piece of Art in the posthumous showing of Rachel Kelly's work. The first few chapters i found a little frustrating because I assumed there was a link between the art described and the action within the story; after a while i concluded that there wasn't, or if there was it was beyond my meagre imagination to fathom. I also guessed that Kelly's art would not be the type I would have on my wall, much more Rothko then Burne-Jones but that seemed to be a great strength. I didn't follow her story because she was a great artist or created works I could adore, I followed and symathized and mourned because she was a human being. The way in which the Author, Patrick Gale, puts across her struggles with mental breakdown and depression and the way that informed her work, the knock on affect that had in the lives of her husband, children and friends, her unattractive and cruel side; all these things served only to make her more real. The lives, loves and deaths of other characters were pwerfully painted and inherited mental disorder was shown that it might be less harmful or destructive on a child's life then might casual cruelty or apathy.One of his main characters happens to be gay and it is a joy to read a book which accepts this without making a big song and dance either by describing in great detail every movement, action and thought or by holding up the character for some sort of lab analysis. Gale is saying, there are gay people in the world, they walk, talk and have joys and problems just like everyone else.I found that simple creed pleasantly refreshing. I was a little confused by the seeming over-emphasis of Quakerism. Patrick Gale has evidently been mightily impressed by the Society of Friends but I did think he rather over-did that aspect of the characters. The rather ridiculous coincidence of one of the characters having anonymous sex with a woman he met in a hotel bar in London and then proceeding to meet her by chance in a quaker meeting house in another part of London the next day seemed silly and rather forced as if even adulterous quakers can ' only do it with each other '. The perpetual referring to all the main characters holding others in light ' as they were taught at Meeting ' had me beginning to quietly seethe. Yes Patrick, Quakers are very nice i'm sure but can you please stop shoe horning them in at every opportunity. Anthony's quakerism was believable, strong and really integral to the plot because it served to explain much of his loyalty and goodness but a soufle, as they say, can be over-egged. Having said all that,it was a book I enjoyed adn would definitely seek out more of his work. I might check to make sure there are no quakers in it though.
This is part of my "238 books in 238 days"-challenge. You can follow my progress here.--------I spent a long time thinking how I was going to rate this book and I am still not sure about it. Overall, it is an average read. It might make a nice choice for a book club as it's a nice story and interesting themes are explored, but it is not particularly moving or fascinating. Indeed, few of the characters really stood out, and I was never really gripped by the mystery of what had happened. This puts it at three stars.The author works with nonlinear storytelling (you see the notes on a painting and then get a story for it), and although the idea is great, it's not perfectly realized. The chapters have no real beginning or end. They work just well enough as character studies but as they don't seem to end and just stop somewhere, they don't help to keep the reader turning the pages.This makes three stars, maybe 3.5 considering I love the idea of creating a book out of smaller stories.Then there is our "main character" Rachel Kelly, who is a painter with a bipolar disorder. She's extremely relatable, and Patrick Gale does a great job of writing her viewpoint through both extremes of her emotions. (Little wonder that Stephen Fry liked it.) The other likeable character - her husband Antony - is a simple man, and on his part we can see his love for his wife, but also his deep struggles to understand her moods, and bring up kids and live a normal life while at the same time having to watch over his wife as well. Those two are great characters, and if you wouldn't enjoy the rest of the book, they justify its existence. This means probably around 4.5 stars, because a serious, non-judging depiction of mental illness is important.All in all, this more or less makes a rating of something close to four stars. As I said, the read itself probably only earns three of those, but maybe it just wasn't right for me and other people were gripped. I probably wouldn't read another book of his, and that puts it down to 3.5 again. But I've already said I've had a hard time deciding on something.There is one final thing I have to say though, and that is a "thank you" to the author Patrick Gale. The "notes" that accompanied Rachel's painting in the exhibition and that frame the chapters are incredibly well-written. They show how the choices of an artist reflect in the art, how the circumstances can change certain expressions, and how the smallest things can deeply affect the way a life goes. These short paragraphs alone have been the highlight of this book for me. They're the reason it found a place on my favourites shelf, and they're the reason I've rounded up from 3.5. Because they served as an inspiration for me.
What do You think about Notes From An Exhibition (2015)?
When troubled artist Rachel Kelly dies raving in her attic studio in Penzance, her saintly husband and adult children have more than the usual mess to clear up. She leaves behind her paintings of genius - but she leaves also a legacy of secrets and emotional damage it will take months to unravel. Patrick Gale uses the device of an exhibition of artist, Rachel’s various pieces to trigger off a chapter about an event or character in the book, related to her. You can't help empathising with each character of them, when one got under your skin. But because each character portrayed a snapshot of a particular time in Rachel's life I did get lost in the story, and how they contributed to the unfolding plot. I felt somewhat dissatisfied and didn't finish reading it. Perhaps it needs a second attempt and may be better the next time around.
—Maureen Crombie
This novel is brilliant! I love the way Gale gets so close to his characters and in this novel more so than his earlier ones - the construction is masterful. We gets pieces here and there, one at a time: when the children are young, a different child in the present day, back to the past, Rachel in her twenties and so on.Mysteries start to unfold but Gale makes it clear in the novel (as in real life)that we make assumptions about others that are often way off the mark. Not everything is revealed and we are left to ponder about some things. I love the way Gale plays with the significance of the birthday cards and the stones and the mesmerising chapter with Petroc at the beach. Ditto the last three paragraphs of the novel. A joy to read!
—Debbie Robson
What can I add to the many reviews here - except perhaps that I have read most of Patrick's work (not in order I hasten to add) and this is one of his best. This author is one of, if not the most consistent current writers who just lives and breathes life, particularly family life with so much fine detail and with such warmth and emotion. Every one of his novels takes you on a journey, sometimes sad, sometimes funny, always with a depth and clarity his fellow novelists don't match. Cornwall is as ever given star billing, and his uncanny viewpoints from a woman's perspective are, once again, incredibly accurate and beautifully drawn. Rachel just talked to me from his words, the artist, the mother, the twist at the end. Wonderful stuff Mr Gale. I doubt you will ever surpass Rough Music for me (for those who have never read it, do so) but this came close. Every time I read Patrick's work I just wish I could write like him. Stunning language, feeling and incredible detail on all manner of subjects. I have never read any of his work without wanting to cry or cheer the hero(ine) home. Look forward to my next treat, his new work.
—Jane Markland
