My Wish Lists Login / Join

At the Jerusalem

By: Paul Bailey, Colm Tóibín (Introduction by)

Write A Review

Paperback | 1 June 2020

At a Glance

Paperback
240 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.9 x 2.8

Paperback

RRP $27.99

$27.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.94 with

Ships in 3 to 5 business days

'A very funny book, but never jeering, full of pity, but unsentimentally harsh with the tragedy of old age which institutional kindness cannot cushion' Financial Times.

Following the death from leukaemia of her daughter, Celia, Mrs Gadny goes to live with her sullen stepson Henry. But she finds little affection or contentment either with him, or with his selfish wife Thelma, or with their ungrateful children. She is sent to an old people's home, 'The Jerusalem', a converted workhouse, green-and-white-tiled. Mrs Gadny is repulsed and humiliated by the home and its inmates: women like acid-tongued Miss Trimmer, the vulgar toothless Mrs Affery, and Mrs O'Blath with her hysterical laughter. Retreating from the kindness offered her by the nurses and the friendly Mrs Capes, she withdraws into her memories, but even their fragmented recollection provides small comfort. Mrs Gadny's only escape from 'The Jerusalem' lies in her own crumbling consciousness.

Paul Bailey is sensitive to the exact nuance of conversation, the precise detail that can create an environment or a mood, and draw the reader into it. His book is an exquisitely defined miniature whose impression will not easily be forgotten.

With an introduction by Colm TÃ³ibÃn.

Industry Reviews

'At the Jerusalem, [Paul Bailey's] first novel, would be remarkable as the work of a writer over middle age; from so young a man it is astounding in its empathy ... A master of dialogue, Paul Bailey creates the atmosphere of The Jerusalem, where these old ladies have nothing to do except eat junket and die peacefully without any fuss ... A very funny book, but never jeering, full of pity, but unsentimentally harsh with the tragedy of old age which institutional kindness cannot cushion' Financial Times.
'It extends human sympathy beyond the point where it normally comes to a stop' Observer.
'Laconic, merciless, appallingly accurate ... It is so well done that it is often not bearable' Spectator.
'At the Jerusalem remains a striking example of what Philip Hensher, on the dust jacket, calls 'imaginative emphy' ... I would struggle to name a novel by a living English writer more worthy of republication' New Statesman.

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.