Paul Bailey introduces Peter Smart, whose self-confessed failings gradually reveal a grotesque portrait gallery of the extraordinary people around him.
Paul Bailey’s novel about shifting family relationships, loss and bereavement is surprisingly sad and remarkably funny in equal measure.
Young Gabriel Harvey is happy until his father inherits a lot of money and becomes an appalling snob and his beloved mother, 35 years younger than his father, vanishes. At first, Gabriel believes that he’ll see her again, but he gradually comes to understand that her ‘holiday’ is a complete separation. His subsequent success as a writer does little to ease this pain.
Paul Bailey
About the Author
Paul Bailey is a novelist who has appeared twice on the prize shortlist, with Peter Smart's Confessions (1977) and Gabriel's Lament (1986). His experiences as a judge were less happy.Other nominated books by Paul Bailey