The Blue Mask

The Blue Mask is a 2003 novel by Joseph Oneill that follows a student's journey of recovery after being brutally attacked. It explores themes of trauma, change, violence, and love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Influx Press

Neil, a student at Birmingham University, leads a typical life filled with gigs, clubs, politics, and sex. However, one night, after a heated argument with his lover, he follows a stranger onto a canal towpath, only to be brutally attacked. The stranger viciously carves up Neil's face, leaving him mutilated beyond recognition.

The aftermath of this traumatic experience is a challenging journey of recovery. Neil undergoes surgical reconstruction to repair his physical injuries, but the emotional scars remain deep. As he attempts to track down his attacker, he delves into his own hidden, destructive self, questioning the values he had always taken for granted.

The Blue Mask, originally published in 2003 and long out-of-print, is a powerful and emotional novel that explores the trauma of change and the nature of violence and love. Through the character of Neil, the book delves into the complexities of human relationships and the effects of trauma on individuals.

The novel's exploration of the aftermath of violence is particularly poignant, as Neil grapples with the physical and emotional scars that have left him forever changed. He struggles to rebuild his life and find meaning in a world that seems to have lost its sense of order. The search for his attacker becomes a journey of self-discovery, as Neil confronts his own demons and uncovers the dark secrets that lie within him.

The Blue Mask is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal and transform. It is a must-read for anyone who has experienced trauma or is interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 131 x 199 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914391057