A.J. Sefton
  • Home
  • My Books
    • Growing in Damp Places
    • Crushed
    • Teon
    • Gulfyrian
    • Catnip and Tuck
  • About Me
    • What I'm Reading - Book Reviews
    • Bookshop.org
    • Shop Amazon
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Home
  • My Books
    • Growing in Damp Places
    • Crushed
    • Teon
    • Gulfyrian
    • Catnip and Tuck
  • About Me
    • What I'm Reading - Book Reviews
    • Bookshop.org
    • Shop Amazon
  • Contact
    • Subscribe
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

What I'm Reading: Books of England

30/8/2019

The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy

Picture
Time, history, perception and the recreation of the Beatles' Abbey Road photograph.
A history student is on his way to East Berlin in the old communist state of East Germany in 1988 to bury the ashes of his father. Before he goes he poses for a picture for his artistic girlfriend on Abbey Road, the famous zebra crossing outside the recording studios in London used by the Beatles. 

The story begins with an accident on Abbey Road, where the student is hit by a car. His injuries appear minor and he goes to East Germany anyway. He meets several people who have an impact on his life in one way or another. As the story unfolds, nobody or anything is as it seems. For quite a while the tale seems to ramble aimlessly. Until it slowly registers that some things do not make sense. At  the end of the book a single event reveals why things have appeared not quite right, and by doing so, opens up a completely new perception.

A clever novel that requires observation and delicious thought a long time after the story is told. Intriguing, layered and a bit weird and longlisted for the Booker Prize, this work should have made the shortlist. Recommended.

Published by Penguin Books (UK) Hamish Hamilton on 29 August 2019.
Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.
​
Picture
Capital Chronicles: London Through Time ​
    The RSS feed is ending soon. Therefore, you will not be able to sign up to my book reviews.
     Look for my reviews on Facebook, X and Instagram, plus my website.
    Thank you for your support.
    Picture

    Categories

    All Capital Chronicles: London Through Time Pastoral Ideal: Villages And Estates Rugged Coastline: Islands And Maritime Tales Terrace And Turf: Football Culture The Global Shelf Urban Grid: Gritty Metropolis Wild And Windswept: Moors And Peaks

    Picture
    Commission is paid on qualifying purchases as part of associate programmes.​

Be Ready for the Next Bold Story

My Books   About   Contact   Sitemap    Privacy​​
© Copyright 2012-2026 A.J. Sefton. All rights reserved.