- Hardcover: 224 pages
- Publisher: Fig Tree (7 Oct 2010)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905490690
- ISBN-13: 978-1905490691
- Product Dimensions: 21.4 x 15.6 x 2.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (41 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 143,483 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Mr Chartwell
and over one million other books are available for Amazon Kindle .
Learn more
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Plus, get an extra £5 Gift Certificate when you trade in books worth £10 or more before June 30, 2012. Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. |
Product details |
More About the Author
Product Description
Review
A remarkable debut. These are some of the best evocations of depression you'll read (Observer )
Extraordinary. Owing to Hunt's robust, intelligent style and ingenuiuty and compassion with which she deals with her story, it is very good indeed (Daily Telegraph )
Offers a powerful evocation of depression. Brilliantly original and thought-provoking. She tackles a serious topic with humour and intelligence and marks herself out as one to watch (Sunday Express )
Moving. Hunt treats her heavy themes with a light, intelligent touch and writes with a distinctive blend of humour, restraint and insight (Metro )
Marvellously original, tender and funny debut novel. Rebecca Hunt proves herself to be a gifted writer who has no need of fictional realism to deliver profound truths (Daily Mail )
A real joy to read: funny, clever and original. A darkly comic debut that hits all the right notes (Scotsman )
Inventive and original (Grazia )
Utterly gripping, truly innovative, beautifully written. One of those novels which knocks you sideways with the brilliance of the idea behind it (Stylist )
An exuberantly imagined novel that gives full rein to its central conceit. Larger than life in every way, Black Pat is a terrific character. Hunt writes with wit and verve. Bold, original and frequently very funny. I can't wait to see what Hunt comes up with next (Guardian )
Extraordinary. Owing to Hunt's robust, intelligent style and ingenuiuty and compassion with which she deals with her story, it is very good indeed (Daily Telegraph )
Offers a powerful evocation of depression. Brilliantly original and thought-provoking. She tackles a serious topic with humour and intelligence and marks herself out as one to watch (Sunday Express )
Moving. Hunt treats her heavy themes with a light, intelligent touch and writes with a distinctive blend of humour, restraint and insight (Metro )
Marvellously original, tender and funny debut novel. Rebecca Hunt proves herself to be a gifted writer who has no need of fictional realism to deliver profound truths (Daily Mail )
A real joy to read: funny, clever and original. A darkly comic debut that hits all the right notes (Scotsman )
Inventive and original (Grazia )
Utterly gripping, truly innovative, beautifully written. One of those novels which knocks you sideways with the brilliance of the idea behind it (Stylist )
An exuberantly imagined novel that gives full rein to its central conceit. Larger than life in every way, Black Pat is a terrific character. Hunt writes with wit and verve. Bold, original and frequently very funny. I can't wait to see what Hunt comes up with next (Guardian )
charming, funny and moving
(Independent )
Review
A remarkable debut. These are some of the best evocations of depression you'll read Observer Extraordinary. Owing to Hunt's robust, intelligent style and ingenuiuty and compassion with which she deals with her story, it is very good indeed Daily Telegraph Offers a powerful evocation of depression. Brilliantly original and thought-provoking. She tackles a serious topic with humour and intelligence and marks herself out as one to watch Sunday Express Moving. Hunt treats her heavy themes with a light, intelligent touch and writes with a distinctive blend of humour, restraint and insight Metro Marvellously original, tender and funny debut novel. Rebecca Hunt proves herself to be a gifted writer who has no need of fictional realism to deliver profound truths Daily Mail A real joy to read: funny, clever and original. A darkly comic debut that hits all the right notes Scotsman Inventive and original Grazia Utterly gripping, truly innovative, beautifully written. One of those novels which knocks you sideways with the brilliance of the idea behind it Stylist
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
In 1964, 89 year old Winston Churchill wakes up to find a looming presence in his room. It is the depression from which he has suffered throughout his life, which he famously called the "black dog." Across town, Esther Hammerhans opens her front door to find a huge black dog standing outside, wanting to rent her spare room. The black dog introduces himself as Mr Chartwell, and later comes to be known as Black Pat. Esther has no idea who or what he is, or why he has sought her out. So will she find out before she falls under his diabolical spell?
This is such an unusual novel that I find it very difficult to review. The premise sounds completely absurd - to make the black dog of depression into an actual black dog, who can talk and interact with those whose life he infiltrates - and does not sound as though it should work. However, as a plot device it works incredibly well, showing how depression can creep up on someone insiduously, how it can affect all areas of life, and how it can be strangely attractive.
The narrative is in the third person, and takes place over a few days during which Churchill retires completely from politics. The story switches from Churchill to Esther, who do not know each other, and are unaware that they have a mutual companion. I thought the writing was terrific - descriptive, but without any unnecessary words, subtle, and at times very funny. However, the humour had a distinct sting in the tail.
Esther is a beautifully drawn character, who was easy to believe in, and Churchill was also described brilliantly (as was his wife, Clementine), and facts from his real life were woven into the story. Black Pat hovers over every scene ominously and is variously shown as tender, spiteful, witty, selfish, cynical and inviting. But while he can sometimes be quite likeable (at least in the form which he takes in this story), the reader is never allowed to forget exactly who he is and what he represents.
I'm not sure that my review has done this book justice. However, I will say that it was one of the most original stories I've read in a long time, and despite the unusual premise, it worked on every level for me. This is Rebecca Hunt's debut novel - I certainly hope that she will write more!
This is such an unusual novel that I find it very difficult to review. The premise sounds completely absurd - to make the black dog of depression into an actual black dog, who can talk and interact with those whose life he infiltrates - and does not sound as though it should work. However, as a plot device it works incredibly well, showing how depression can creep up on someone insiduously, how it can affect all areas of life, and how it can be strangely attractive.
The narrative is in the third person, and takes place over a few days during which Churchill retires completely from politics. The story switches from Churchill to Esther, who do not know each other, and are unaware that they have a mutual companion. I thought the writing was terrific - descriptive, but without any unnecessary words, subtle, and at times very funny. However, the humour had a distinct sting in the tail.
Esther is a beautifully drawn character, who was easy to believe in, and Churchill was also described brilliantly (as was his wife, Clementine), and facts from his real life were woven into the story. Black Pat hovers over every scene ominously and is variously shown as tender, spiteful, witty, selfish, cynical and inviting. But while he can sometimes be quite likeable (at least in the form which he takes in this story), the reader is never allowed to forget exactly who he is and what he represents.
I'm not sure that my review has done this book justice. However, I will say that it was one of the most original stories I've read in a long time, and despite the unusual premise, it worked on every level for me. This is Rebecca Hunt's debut novel - I certainly hope that she will write more!
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a significant first novel. It shows a young author in full command of her imagination, wit, intelligence and creativity. She has a natty turn of phrase and an ability to revel in the absurd.
The first impressions are of a lovingly created book. The varying textures of the cover, the humour of the design and general presentation smack of quality. The writing matches that effortlessly.
There is a poetic lyricism to some of the writing which nestles seamlessly alongside broad humour and a subtle insight into the human condition.
It is rare to find a book that feels truly original - and I am delighted to have been one of the first to encounter this new talent. In just over 200 pages, she has created something to savour, something to linger over, something to make you laugh and think.
Read it!
The first impressions are of a lovingly created book. The varying textures of the cover, the humour of the design and general presentation smack of quality. The writing matches that effortlessly.
There is a poetic lyricism to some of the writing which nestles seamlessly alongside broad humour and a subtle insight into the human condition.
It is rare to find a book that feels truly original - and I am delighted to have been one of the first to encounter this new talent. In just over 200 pages, she has created something to savour, something to linger over, something to make you laugh and think.
Read it!
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a thought provoking and intelligent book based on an intriguing premise. Winston Churchill suffered from a state of gloom or depression which he referred to as his "black dog". What if this was a real, visible dog? What if it afflicted others in the same way? What if it could come for you...?
Esther Hammerhans is alone, two years after her husband Michael... Well I won't say: facts are hard won in this book and it's worth letting them tease themselves out. Anyway, Esther needs to let a room, which is how she meets Mr Chartwell. He needs somewhere to stay while he attends to a client who is, he reluctantly admits, Sir Winston Churchill. Esther, though surprised, treats him politely, even though Mr Chartwell is a large, black dog.
Esther's character is convincingly drawn here - polite and English, she doesn't want to ask how a dog can talk, or rent a room, or why nobody else can see him
Mr Chartwell himself is a contradiction. He is clearly malign (Hunt draws here, of course, on a deep well of folklore about the Black Dog):
"He watched her, sensing that a little seed of warmth had taken root and needed to be usurped."
Mr Chartwell - or Black Pat, as he asks to be called - is not passive, he has desires, he wants to manipulate, to control his "clients", bring to a certain frame of mind. But at the same time he is only acting on instructions (why? from whom? we never learn) which he cannot disobey. And his behaviour is convincingly doggish - as well as seeking to dominate, he seeks affection in a doggy way (causing chaos in the house). He is also flirtatious: there is - and this is genuinely unsettling - almost a vein of seduction here, conveyed very well and creepily. Mr C's purposes and methods become clear, though his origins and reasons remain obscure.
The book covers a short period of time, a few days leading up to Churchill's "retirement". It takes place on a small canvas, never far, of course, from the shadow of Churchill's momentous life, and it brings Esther to a choice. The relationship between Esther, her friends and Sir Winston is well described and engaging.
Overall, I was impressed by this book. It does have defects. In some respects, the story was rather set back (for me) by glitches in the language. For example, I'm not sure you can be "sick with apathy", and I have never heard of "Westminster Palace" - isn't it it always "The Palace of Westminster"? Also, the frequent references simply to "Churchill" grated rather. And the key interaction between Esther and Mr Chartwell doesn't always ring true. Yes, I know, the protagonists are a woman and a large talking dog, so a bit of licence is required... it's just that the conversations sometimes read as though the author knew she had to get them from A to B via C by the end of the chapter, and she was going to do it come what may, even at the cost of narrative sense.
However, this is a first book, and setting those quibbles aside, I really enjoyed it (how often can you say that of a novel about depression?) and would highly recommend it. I will look out for future work from Rebecca Hunt.
Esther Hammerhans is alone, two years after her husband Michael... Well I won't say: facts are hard won in this book and it's worth letting them tease themselves out. Anyway, Esther needs to let a room, which is how she meets Mr Chartwell. He needs somewhere to stay while he attends to a client who is, he reluctantly admits, Sir Winston Churchill. Esther, though surprised, treats him politely, even though Mr Chartwell is a large, black dog.
Esther's character is convincingly drawn here - polite and English, she doesn't want to ask how a dog can talk, or rent a room, or why nobody else can see him
Mr Chartwell himself is a contradiction. He is clearly malign (Hunt draws here, of course, on a deep well of folklore about the Black Dog):
"He watched her, sensing that a little seed of warmth had taken root and needed to be usurped."
Mr Chartwell - or Black Pat, as he asks to be called - is not passive, he has desires, he wants to manipulate, to control his "clients", bring to a certain frame of mind. But at the same time he is only acting on instructions (why? from whom? we never learn) which he cannot disobey. And his behaviour is convincingly doggish - as well as seeking to dominate, he seeks affection in a doggy way (causing chaos in the house). He is also flirtatious: there is - and this is genuinely unsettling - almost a vein of seduction here, conveyed very well and creepily. Mr C's purposes and methods become clear, though his origins and reasons remain obscure.
The book covers a short period of time, a few days leading up to Churchill's "retirement". It takes place on a small canvas, never far, of course, from the shadow of Churchill's momentous life, and it brings Esther to a choice. The relationship between Esther, her friends and Sir Winston is well described and engaging.
Overall, I was impressed by this book. It does have defects. In some respects, the story was rather set back (for me) by glitches in the language. For example, I'm not sure you can be "sick with apathy", and I have never heard of "Westminster Palace" - isn't it it always "The Palace of Westminster"? Also, the frequent references simply to "Churchill" grated rather. And the key interaction between Esther and Mr Chartwell doesn't always ring true. Yes, I know, the protagonists are a woman and a large talking dog, so a bit of licence is required... it's just that the conversations sometimes read as though the author knew she had to get them from A to B via C by the end of the chapter, and she was going to do it come what may, even at the cost of narrative sense.
However, this is a first book, and setting those quibbles aside, I really enjoyed it (how often can you say that of a novel about depression?) and would highly recommend it. I will look out for future work from Rebecca Hunt.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
An odd little book
This is a strange little book that I did enjoy a fair bit!
The premise is interesting and it is definitely unlike anything I have read before. Read more
The premise is interesting and it is definitely unlike anything I have read before. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Alison Fable
Curse of the black dog
In a time when depression was considered shameful, Winston Churchill was pretty open about his psychological problems -- he called his depression "the black dog. Read more
Published 3 months ago by E. A Solinas
satisfied of Malestroit
An interesting and amusing take on what is a difficult subject. It is easy to see how the lovable rogue could worm his way into your affections in real life.
Published 3 months ago by Satisfied of Malestroit
Fun read
Good book, nice read, not too long. 2nd novel will be interesting as she has set her bar pretty high. Hunt clearly has a clever imagination.
Published 3 months ago by Tabascojazz
A startlingly good debut novel
A highly original central premise is handled with verve and described in lyrical prose. What could easily have become whimsical or too fantastical for my taste in fact remains... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Fiction Fanatic
Brilliant, original and clever
Most books about depression are, well, a bit depressing. Or they're written by people who can't help coming across as if they secretly think that being depressed makes them somehow... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joanne Sheppard
Interesting and original
When I read the back of this book I thought I was in for quite a light hearted and witty read but instead I discovered something much darker than the synopsis suggested. Read more
Published 6 months ago by J. Willis
Charming Mr. Chartwell...
A funny book about depression? It's not an easy task but Rebecca Hunt definitely pulls it off here. I loved how the author was able to spin a light, funny, charming story around... Read more
Published 6 months ago by clara76
Mr Chartwell
This book was chosen by my book club to read and on first glance it looked really good.
The reviews on the back and inside cover state how funny and entertaining this... Read more
The reviews on the back and inside cover state how funny and entertaining this... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Jaycey
Rather Inconsequential
I bought this book after it was recommended on a BBC programme about promising first novels, and got some good reviews. Read more
Published 7 months ago by GVI Gary
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
