A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale

A Perfectly Good Man

by Patrick Gale

A Perfectly Good Man is another beautifully written novel by an author who is fast becoming one of my favourites. I loved A Place Called Winter and Mother’s Boy, so I was very much looking forward to getting stuck into this novel and, of course, I was not disappointed.

I can’t really put into words how absorbing Patrick Gale’s books are. This one is no exception. I soon found myself captivated by the setting, the characters, and their stories and was happily swept along to the very last satisfying page.

Each chapter is told from the point of view of a different leading character, at different points in their lives, and not in chronological order. Far from being confusing though I really enjoyed this layout and found it to be a very clever way of developing the story and maintaining intrigue.

Father Barnaby Johnson is the main character. A priest, a husband, and a father. He has his own secrets and struggles with his faith at times, as well as with his relationships. A likable, and real, character though. I felt completely compelled by his story and my heart went out to him often although I couldn’t necessarily condone some of his actions. First and foremost, he is human.

This whole story highlights the fragility of human life. Our strengths and weaknesses. Who and what shapes us into the adults we become. Some things not always for the better.

A fascinating cast of characters, with compelling tales to tell, set in beautiful Cornwall. Heart-wrenching at times but thought provoking and incredibly moving. I loved it!

** I read my own paperback copy of A Perfectly Good Man **

I am also currently enjoying Love Lane via NetGalley (on Kindle) and I’m very much looking forward to seeing Patrick Gale is Oswestry, as part of his book tour, towards the end of the month.

On a clear, crisp summer’s day in Cornwall, a young man carefully prepares to take his own life, and asks family friend, Barnaby Johnson, to pray with him.

Barnaby is a priest, a husband and father, and has always tried to do good, though life hasn’t always been either straightforward or rosy. Lenny’s request poses problems, not just for Barnaby, but for his wife and family, and the wider community, as the secrets of the past push themselves forcefully into the present for all to see.