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A Perfectly Good Man

A heartfelt, humane novel of Cornwall, love and forgiveness

Patrick Gale author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Headline Publishing Group

Published:19th Apr '18

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A Perfectly Good Man cover

In A Perfectly Good Man, a young man's struggle with despair leads to profound challenges for his family and community, exploring faith and morality.

In A Perfectly Good Man, the story unfolds on a picturesque summer day in Cornwall, where a young man named Lenny grapples with despair and contemplates taking his own life. He reaches out to Barnaby Johnson, a family friend who is also a priest, for support. This poignant request sets off a chain of events that challenges not only Barnaby's faith and moral compass but also impacts his wife, family, and the entire community. As Lenny's struggles come to light, the secrets and complexities of their intertwined lives begin to surface, forcing everyone to confront their past choices and the weight of their actions.

The narrative delves into the themes of faith, morality, and the human condition, exploring the notion of 'doing good' in a world where intentions often clash with reality. Barnaby, who has always endeavored to lead a life of virtue, finds himself at a crossroads, questioning the effectiveness of his efforts in the face of overwhelming despair. The story invites readers to reflect on the nature of compassion and the sometimes messy realities of helping others.

A Perfectly Good Man is a beautifully crafted tale that resonates with readers through its rich character development and vivid depiction of life in a small Cornish community. The author, known for his insightful storytelling, weaves a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, leaving readers with lingering questions about faith, love, and the complexities of human relationships.

A writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit, one whose company you relish and trust * Observer *
A writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit, one whose company you relish and trust * Observer *
This being Gale there's a compelling tale to be told . . . a convincing, moving account of man's struggle with faith, marriage and morality * Sunday Times *
This being Gale there's a compelling tale to be told . . . a convincing, moving account of man's struggle with faith, marriage and morality * Sunday Times *
A thoughtful and moving novel about love, morality and faith. Marvellous * Mail on Sunday *
A thoughtful and moving novel about love, morality and faith. Marvellous * Mail on Sunday *
A heartfelt, cleverly constructed read * Independent on Sunday *
A heartfelt, cleverly constructed read * Independent on Sunday *
Beautifully written * The Times *
Beautifully written * The Times *

ISBN: 9781472255426

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 28mm

Weight: 280g

416 pages