The Cut that Wouldn't Heal: Finding My Father

The Cut that Wouldn't Heal is a moving memoir about the pain of abandonment, grief, and regret. It explores the connections and ruptures between William Leiths and his father, and asks if he can ever really understand him.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 08 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

A triumph of the human spirit, Justin Webb's The Cut that Wouldn't Heal is a deeply moving and captivating tale that transcends the boundaries of mere morbidity. What might have been a straightforward account of death becomes, in the hands of Webb, a peculiarly mesmerising exploration of the human condition. Craig Brown, in his review for The Mail on Sunday, aptly describes this transformation, noting that what could have been simply macabre becomes "peculiarly mesmerising."

The story revolves around William Leiths, whose childhood was marked by his father's frequent absences, leaving him to navigate a troubled relationship. As his father lies dying, William reflects on the connections and ruptures that have shaped their shared history. He seeks to understand his father, to bridge the physical distance and emotional chasm that has existed between them, and to uncover the underlying reasons for his father's distant behaviour.

Webb's writing is darkly comical, yet it is told with searing honesty and emotional depth. The reader is transported into the world of William and his father, feeling their pain, their grief, and their regret. The memoir is a poignant exploration of the human experience, touching on themes of abandonment, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.

Through his vivid storytelling, Webb offers a unique perspective on the complexities of father-son relationships. He explores the ways in which absence, distance, and regret can shape a person's life, and how the search for understanding and closure can be a lifelong journey. The Cut that Wouldn't Heal is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal and transform.

In conclusion, Justin Webb's The Cut that Wouldn't Heal is a triumph of the human spirit that transcends the boundaries of mere morbidity. Through his poignant storytelling and searing honesty, Webb offers a moving memoir about the pain of abandonment, grief, and regret. The book explores the complexities of human relationships, offering a unique perspective on the father-son dynamic. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal and transform.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 198 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526623799