A tyrannical father and an ineffectual, alcoholic mother have left Patrick Melrose coming to terms with drink, drugs and inheritance problems. Indeed it is sometimes grim, but also very intelligent and funny, and this final novel is a satisfying conclusion to the Melrose series. The writing is brilliant - always authentic and compelling. Particularly poignant and witty are the scenes with Patrick's own wife and two precocious young boys. Read at least 'Mother's Milk' before this.
(Victoria Grey-Edwards - bwl 63 Winter 2011 ) |
