Notes from an exhibition
by Patrick Gale
This choice came about by accident as a copy of the book in Oxfam was thought to be of a title already read by the chooser,
but when the error was discovered it was too late to make a change.
The central theme relates to the notes against pieces of art (drawings and paintings) made by the main character in preparation for display at an exhibition.
The book explores topics including the artistic temperament, the artistic process, mental health, death, quakerism, and family life.
The story is not written in chronological order and for some people this detracted from the enjoyment.
As the death of Rachel, the central character, is introduced early in the book, one wondered what was left to be told, but there was plenty.
The characters are well depicted, one reader said vivid, and clearly demarked.
However, the central distaste for the book seems to be the character flaws Rachel exhibited as a mother and "inflicted" on her family, which came about as a consequence of being a bi-polar artist.
"She needed a good slapping" seemed to be the quote of the night.
In defence of Rachel's character depiction, there are no comfortable artists that can multi-task the major roles in life, the real artists are totally unreasonable people.
So Rachel's depiction was perhaps accurate even if her character was not easily lovable.
Whilst the escape from a psychiatric ward with a false identity created a few raised eyebrows, the book does have excellent descriptions of Cornwall, and brilliant descriptions of (disfunctional) family life.
A pretty good read all round. "Rough Music" by the same author is recommended by club members for people who enjoyed the book.
4.5****. PC. 13th Nov, 2018.
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