'Lily Poole' by Jack O' Donnell

Many ABCTales members pledged for Jack O’Donnell’s debut novel ‘Lily Poole’ to be published by Unbound and now it’s a fabulous reality. Here are two great reviews from ABCTales Editors, Sooz and PhilipSidney to spur readers on:

Philip Sidney, ABCTales: 'I read Jack O’Donnell’s haunting novel, Lily Poole some time ago and yet it stays with me like a memory from my own life; such is the intimacy of the writing.  Lily Poole gets close to you, seeps into your mind like a particularly vivid dream.  The nature of reality is at the heart of the novel.  John may or may not actually be seeing and experiencing the traumatic events that hound him, but to him they are real and therefore just as traumatic as if they were not. John feels an overwhelming urge to help the wraithlike Lily Poole, a vulnerable child who seems to have slipped through the cracks, like cold mist.  Her name is perfect; beautiful, pale lilies are reminiscent of death and Poole not only has the notion of eyes staring from the depths but also carries a whiff of Grace Poole, that careless keeper of ‘the madwoman in the attic’ from Jane Eyre.

Jack O’Donnell uses plot in a masterly, light-handed manner.  The reader is quickly convinced by the protagonist’s perspective as he is the kind-hearted, low on luck and self-esteem sort of character we want to root for.  But every so often an incident is dropped in that raises a question around reality, only to be smoothed over and we are reeled in again.  Once the novel has been read you can only look back in admiration at how we have been given clues throughout.  Of course we are still left in some doubt- can we trust any perspective as being the truly accurate one?  This is just one of the questions O’Donnell leaves us with.

What is so impressive is the sensitive manner in which he draws the fears and concerns that haunt us all.  There is humour here, dark but dealt with a light touch.  Wonderful characters pop in and out and his use of setting adds to the necessary gloom. There is also the horror of violence in its many forms; readers must confront a range of disturbing acts and ideas.  Fear and guilt haunts John.  All we can do is helplessly watch and wish we could make it go away for him. Lily Poole is a gripping, unputdownable read but it is not one of those enjoy in the moment and move on experiences.  It is a novel that sticks, it stays with you.  It’s the real thing.’   

Sooz, ABCTales: 'I've read this book several times and it's as rich on the sixth go as it is on the first. What makes this book so damned readable and likeable is the depth of the characters. Mr O'Donnell takes a character and knows it until he's writing not words but a person. The developing relationship between the central character and his girlfriend is played out in a way that endears you to both of them. He's awkward and learning about life, she already knows all there is to know about it--she should be unlikeable but you can't help but love her. This is testament to the standard of Jack O'donnell's writing. And then there's the humour. This book is tragic at times and O'Donnell wrings every drop of emotion out of his characters, even the hard, weather worn, world weary ones...he does this without ever turning to mush. And then there's the humour. If this book wasn't funny it would be a tough read. The dialect works so well to enhance and bring to life his wee devils. If you only read one book this year, I would recommend this one... And then, through the tough life of a low income family, the grit and grime existence when there's little to go round, but always enough in the pot for ten fags... there's the humour.’ 

Finally, the launch party for ‘Lily Poole’ is being held in Scotland this weekend. All ABCTaler’s are welcome to join Jack for drinks and much merriment from 2pm onwards at The Cabin Inn, 474 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, G81 4DN.

If you haven’t bought your copy of the book yet, it's available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lily-Poole-Jack-ODonnell/dp/1783522356 

Comments

Brilliant reviews - really looking forward to the launch party - hope to see some of you there!

 

I'll be there. Most folk try to avoid me, but on that day I'll be doing what I usually do, which is nothing much. And this is true, one of my friends a real bubble head, said she and her pal had read a chapter of Lily Poole in case I asked them a question about it. The thought never entered my tiny mind, but now...

What can I say, what brilliant reviews from two writers whose work I love to read and admire. Oh, gosh, it's got all soppy and I'm going to lie down.  

 

Hi Jack,

This sounds really good, intriguing and mysterious. I have just ordered my copy from Amazon and am looking forward to reading it as autumn nights turn cold.

Cheers, Hilary  smiley

 

magic Hilary. mind and write a review on Amazon (or anywhere else). cheers. 

 

So glad to have this finally pop into my inbox to devour!

 

cheers Lavis, hope it isn't too much of a slog.