My Wish Lists Login / Join

A Perfectly Good Man

A heartfelt, humane novel of Cornwall, love and forgiveness

By: Patrick Gale

Write A Review

Paperback | 24 April 2018 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
416 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
2.5 x 13 x 19.6

Paperback

$32.99

or 4 interest-free payments of $8.25 with

Ships in 15 to 25 business days

From the author of A PLACE CALLED WINTER and NOTES FROM AN EXHIBITION comes a heartfelt, humane novel about what happens when ''doing good'' is no longer enough...

''A convincing, moving account of man''s struggle with faith, marriage and morality'' Sunday Times

On a clear, crisp summer''s day in Cornwall, a young man carefully prepares to take his own life, and asks family friend, Barnaby Johnson, to pray with him.

Barnaby is a priest, a husband and father, and has always tried to do good, though life hasn''t always been either straightforward or rosy. Lenny''s request poses problems, not just for Barnaby, but for his wife and family, and the wider community, as the secrets of the past push themselves forcefully into the present for all to see.

''Beautifully written'' Times

'' A writer with heart and soul'' Observer

What readers love about A PERFECTLY GOOD MAN:

''A most engaging novel, keenly observed, often witty, and beautifully written'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''A wonderful poetic, perceptive and very realistic insight into a very varied group of characters'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''I loved this book - one of the best novels I have read for a long time. Brilliant characterisation, an interesting setting in a small Cornish community, and a very good plot'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

''Patrick Gale knows, not just the accurate externals of parish life, but the inner realities of human thinking'' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Industry Reviews

At his best, Gale is an effortlessly elastic storyteller, a writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit, one whose company you relish and trust. . . a novel which managed to upset and uplift me in equal measure, and which kept me company - and kept me guessing - right through to its slightly bitter and heartfelt end - Observer

Warm and humane, this novel is beautifully written - The Times

Late at night on the day a new Patrick Gale arrives I am always to be found crouching on the icy bathroom floor, banished from the bedroom for keeping my husband awake, feverishly turning the pages. The pins and needles are terrible, but worth it - Spectator

What Gale does so well is to delineate the unpremeditated spider-web consequences of actions, most particularly those where the intentions are apparently perfectly "good". The unfolding nightmare for all the family of the consequences of adopting are exquisitely and painfully documented... The final chapter left me with a lump in my throat - Guardian

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.