from bookdepository

Eustace, in this 50s, is undergoing radioactive treatment for thyroid cancer and is isolated in a hospital room, where he listens to cello music on an MP3 provided by his friend Naomi, and reflects on his childhood in a rest home run by his parents in Weston-super-Mare, and his adolescence at school and on a music course, in the 1970s, when he learned to play the cello and became aware of his sexuality. I don't want to reveal the story, will just say that there are many interesting characters, a lot about the cello (which sent me searching for performances on Youtube), foot positions, bowings and fingerings, exploratory fumblings with schoolfriends and others slightly more experienced, and a touching naivety regarding his mother. Patrick Gale always adds small details to the narrative that make it seem very vivid and real. He also refers many times to the smell of a person, not just the perfume they use but their natural body smell, something lacking in an online relationship. It is a very sensual book.

Libéré à l'occasion du MBC de Strasbourg, soit le samedi 25 septembre sur la table à livres, à l'attention des participants, soit le dimanche 26 septembre sur le parcours depuis la Place de l'Etoile jusqu'au Jardin des Deux Rives et au centre-ville de Kehl.

During the Strasbourg "unconvention", probably on the book buffet. If it doesn't get taken, then the next day somewhere between Place de L'Etoile and Kehl.

Choisi lors du MBC de Strasbourg. Merci Over-the Moon.