Okay Then That's Great

Marnie, a middle-aged poet, seeks the help of Harley Street shrink, Schlap, to work through her writer's block and sightings of her long-dead twin sister, Perdita. Schlap has his own problems, and Marnie's partner, family, and dog contribute to her confusion. Marnie's encounter with a woman who she thinks is the living embodiment of author Katherine Mansfield may provide the key to unlocking her mind.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

For several months, Marnie, a middle-aged poet and mother, has been experiencing haunting sightings of her long-deceased identical twin sister, Perdita, throughout London. This unsettling phenomenon has caused her to seek the assistance of Harley Street shrink, Schlap, in hopes of overcoming her crippling writer's block and addressing the enigmatic dreams she has been having of becoming a man. However, Schlap's own problems complicate matters. Recently, he has suffered a silent stroke, which has affected his memory and perception of reality.

Marnie's life is further complicated by her long-suffering partner, their three teenage kids, her bohemian Alpha-course attending mum, her diabetic chef dad, and the inquisitive family dog. As if that weren't enough, Marnie's encounter with a woman who she believes to be the living embodiment of long-dead author Katherine Mansfield adds another layer of mystery and intrigue to her already complex situation.

Will Marnie's writing be liberated from its prison? Will she lose her mind? Will the price she has to pay be greater than the sum of its parts? These are the questions that haunt her as she navigates through this tumultuous journey. The novel is a captivating blend of magic, nostalgia, contemporary issues, imagination, tragedy, and humor. It kept me hooked from start to finish, and I was pleasantly surprised and thrilled by the unexpected outcome.

In conclusion, "The Living and the Dead" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story with a touch of magic and mystery. It is a novel that will leave you pondering the complexities of life, love, and identity long after you have turned the last page.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 196 x 130 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473232396