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A Perfectly Good Man

A heartfelt, humane novel of Cornwall, love and forgiveness
By Patrick Gale
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Check link for latest rating. ( 3,333 ratings, 376 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale explores the life of Barnaby Johnson, a Cornish priest, interwoven with the stories of individuals within his community. As Barnaby faces personal and moral challenges, the novel delves into themes of faith, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships, painting a vivid portrait of life in rural England.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this captivating narrative if you are drawn to character-driven stories exploring themes of morality, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships. Set in the richly depicted landscapes of Cornwall, the story intertwines the lives of memorable characters, revealing intricate human emotions and decisions. Patrick Gale's evocative writing style will especially appeal to those who appreciate thoughtful, introspective fiction.

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A warm, humane Cornish novel of love, death and moral dilemma from the bestselling author of NOTES FROM AN EXHIBITION and A PLACE CALLED WINTER

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Devastatingly moving and full of psychological insight, A Perfectly Good Man is a warm, humane Cornish novel from the bestselling author of A Place Called Winter.

'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—priest, husband, and father—has always tried to do good, though life hasn't always been 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.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Patrick Gale's A Perfectly Good Man is praised for its masterful storytelling and emotional depth. Reviews highlight his ability to combine dark humour with heart and soul, creating a narrative that is simultaneously unsettling and uplifting. The novel's exploration of unintended consequences and family dynamics is particularly noted, with its beautifully written, warm, and humane portrayal leaving a lasting impact.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781472255426

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 April 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Tinder Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 416

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Patrick Gale

About the Author

Patrick Gale was born on the Isle of Wight. He spent his infancy at Wandsworth Prison, which his father governed, then grew up in Winchester before going to Oxford University. He now lives on a farm near Land's End. One of this country's best-loved novelists, his most recent works are A Perfectly Good Man, the Richard and Judy bestseller Notes From An Exhibition, the Costa-shortlisted A Place Called Winter and Mother's Boy. His original BBC television drama, Man In An Orange Shirt, was shown to great acclaim in 2017 as part of the BBC's Queer Britannia series, leading viewers around the world to discover his novels.

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  • Mother's Boy
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  • Notes from an Exhibition
    A bestselling 'Cornish' novel, Notes from an Exhibition is a moving, intuitive novel of artistic compulsion, marriage, and the secrets left behind. It was a Richard & Judy bestseller. 'Poised and pitch-perfect throughout' Mail on Sunday Celebrated artist Rachel Kelly dies alone in her Penzance studio, after decades of struggling with the creative highs and devastating lows that have coloured...
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  • Take Nothing With You
    'Absolutely one of his best - a wonderful, wonderful read' Stephen Fry 'Funny and heartfelt' Spectator From the bestselling author of A Place Called Winter comes a compassionate, compelling new novel of boyhood, coming of age, and the confusions of desire and reality. 'An incredibly beautiful story told with compassion. Nothing is wasted. Each sentence is beautifully crafted' Joanna Cannon...
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  • Love Lane
    With Love Lane, Gale gets right to the secret joys and hidden heartbreaks of ordinary, flawed family life. A tender, delicately devastating novel. Sarah Waters Love Lane moved me greatly. The novel has a great sweep, in its story, and in the richness and vividness of each of its characters. This is a book about secrets and lies, yet Gale...
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  • Rough Music
    Truly compelling and rich with emotional insight, Patrick Gale's Cornish novel, Rough Music, is a beautiful story of a marriage and the secrets a family holds. 'Sparkling with emotional intelligence. A gripping portrait of a marriage and the quiet, devastating fall-out of family life' Independent Julian is a contented if naive only child, and a holiday on the coast of...
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  • A Place Called Winter: Costa Shortlisted 2015
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