Notes From An Exhibition by Patrick Gale

The new novel from the bestselling Patrick Gale. Renowned Canadian artist Rachel Kelly — now of Penzance — has buried her past and married a gentle and loving Cornish man. Her life has been a sacrifice to both her extraordinary art and her debilitating manic depression. When troubled artist Rachel Kelly dies painting obsessively in her attic studio in Penzance, her saintly husband and adult children have more than the usual mess to clear up. She leaves behind an extraordinary and acclaimed body of work — but she also leaves a legacy of secrets and emotional damage it will take months to unravel. A wondrous, monstrous creature, she exerts a power that outlives her. To her children she is both curse and blessing, though they all in one way or another reap her whirlwind, inheriting her waywardness, her power of loving — and her demons. Only their father’s Quaker gifts of stillness and resilience give them any chance of withstanding her destructive influence and the suspicion that they came a poor second to the creation of her art.
Synopsis from Amazon

Prior to writing this, I have just been to Amazon, to find out what others were saying about the book.. and the reviews are rather mixed, which didn’t really surprise me.

Personally speaking, I loved it. The story jumps around, slowly revealing more about the various characters, and their life together. The tale actually starts with Rachel’s death, and as it progresses, you gradually find out more about her, her life as an artist, and her life with bipolar.

Entwined throughout this is the story of the rest of her family, exploring how they were affected, in various ways, by Rachel. All of their various stories come together, painting an overall picture.

Some of the reviews seem disappointed with a lack of ‘story’ or plot, but this isn’t a plot driven book – it’s about the characters and their interactions. They all have their own stories to tell, but as in life, these are subtle.

Maybe this book isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but most should find something to like. It reminded me of The Memory Keeper’s Daughter, and Maggie O’Farrell’s work. I will certainly be looking out for more by this author.