A Song for Issy Bradley: The moving, beautiful Richard and Judy Book Club pick - Hardcover

Bray, Carys

3.7

3,554 ratings by Goodreads

9780091954376: A Song for Issy Bradley: The moving, beautiful Richard and Judy Book Club pick

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0091954371 ISBN 13: 9780091954376

Publisher: Hutchinson, 2014

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD

‘I cannot remember when a novel has seduced me so completely...it feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know’ The Times

‘A terrific book . . . I loved A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY. It’s wry, smart, human, and rather miraculously, avoids mawkishness. And, ultimately, it’s moving and comforting in a way that makes sense even to the agnostic'. Nick Hornby, The Believer

This is the story of what happens when Issy Bradley dies.

It is the story of Ian - husband, father, maths teacher and Mormon bishop - and his unshakeable belief that everything will turn out all right if he can only endure to the end, like the pioneers did. It is the story of his wife Claire’s lonely wait for a sign from God and her desperate need for life to pause while she comes to terms with what's happened.

It is the story of the agony and hope of Zippy Bradley’s first love. The story of Alma Bradley’s cynicism and reluctant bravery. And it is the story of seven-year-old Jacob. His faith is bigger than a mustard seed, probably bigger than a toffee bonbon and he’s planning to use it to mend his broken family with a miracle.

Incredibly moving, unexpectedly funny and so sharply observed it will make you feel as if you could pick the woodchip off the bedroom wall, A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY explores the outer reaches of doubt and faith. But mostly it’s a story about a family trying to work out how to carry on when their world has fallen apart.

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Review:

"I cannot remember a time when a novel has seduced me so completely . . . Bray writes with such clarity, intelligence and authenticity that it feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know." (The Times)

"Wonderful ... heartbreaking, compassionate and funny." (Shelley Harris Independent on Sunday)

"Bray explores the healing power of religion with rare assurance in one of the year's most impressive debuts." (Mail on Sunday)

"Bray brings humour, empathy and knowledge to what is fundamentally a novel about grief and faith ... Read this if you like: Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You." (Harper's Bazaar)

"I loved this tender, moving, funny and deeply truthful story about a family and a faith tested to breaking-point." (Helen Dunmore, author of THE LIE)

"A brilliant debut, compelling and profoundly moving." (Nathan Filer, Costa winner of THE SHOCK OF THE FALL)

"A terrific book . . . I loved A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY ... it’s moving and comforting in a way that makes sense even to the agnostic." (Nick Hornby)

"A powerful, heart-breaking book." (Daily Express)

"unique . . . beautifully written . . . powerful" (Daily Mail)

"Bray slips with thoroughness, imagination and dexterity into each of the characters' consciousness . . . [She] is wincingly honest and emotions are portrayed with an assurance that comes from understanding . . . A Song for Issy Bradley is a skilful and empathetic dramatisation. The fact that it deals with such distressing subject matter without falling prey to sentimentality makes it all the more admirable . . . There are some wonderful one-liners . . .Bray's greatest gift, however, is understatement." (Grace McCleen Guardian)

Book Description:

‘I cannot remember when a novel has seduced me so completely...it feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know’ The Times

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