{"product_id":"the-mess-were-in-a-vivid-story-of-friendship-hedonism-and-finding-your-own-rhythm-9781472297167","title":"The Mess We're In: A vivid story of friendship, hedonism and finding your own rhythm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThe Mess We're In is a novel by Sarah Macmanus that follows Orla Quinn, a young woman who moves to London with her best mate and a band called Shiva. The book explores themes of music, love, and loss, and is praised for its lyrical prose and authentic portrayal of indie rock culture. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 384 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 29 February 2024\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Headline Publishing Group\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA captivating blend of exhilaration and emotional turmoil . . . I thoroughly relished every moment of it .  GRAHAM NORTON  Macmanus' writing is characterized by remarkable vigor and insight . . . She has crafted a character that has quickly become my favorite of recent years .  LOUISE KENNEDY  What [Macmanus] has accomplished with London, and the profound impact it holds for different generations of Irish individuals, is truly remarkable and deeply moving .  RODDY DOYLE  I am now a Londoner. I am a voice amidst the chaos. I am prepared.  As the new millennium dawns, Orla Quinn arrives in London with nothing but her CD collection and demo tape, finding solace in a dilapidated Kilburn house alongside her best friend and a band called Shiva. Orla yearns to pursue her passion for music, but the demands of two jobs and relentless partying hinder her progress. Back in Ireland, her parents' marriage has dissolved, leaving her estranged from her father, while her mother and sister succumb to excessive drinking. While Orla's own dreams seem stagnant, Shiva is on the cusp of a breakthrough. However, as the band's fame grows, so does the indulgence, straining the relationships within the house.  This tale unfolds as a young woman navigates through life, seeking a sense of belonging in a foreign land. It also delves into the realm of music, exploring its transformative power to break down and rebuild individuals, and the challenge of finding rhythm amidst a cacophony of noise.  The Mess We're In has garnered widespread acclaim for its lyrical brilliance, captivating readers from start to finish.  OBSERVER praises it as a \"bracingly lyrical\" masterpiece, while iPAPER describes it as a \"dizzyingly good read.\" The book's authenticity in capturing the essence of the bygone heyday of indie rock resonates deeply with readers. IRISH INDEPENDENT hails it as a \"gorgeous book,\" with one reader expressing their absolute delight in consuming every word. AISLING BEA laments the end of the story, expressing a desire for sixty more chapters to delve deeper into the characters and their journeys. JOANNE MCNALLY praises the book's \"beautifully painted\" portrayal, while SARA COX applauds its \"well-set up and realistic\" narrative.  Praise for Macmanus' earlier work, Mother Mother, is equally effusive. A writer whose understanding of human emotions is unparalleled, Macmanus has crafted a series of novels that delve into the intricacies of family relationships, societal pressures, and the search for self-identity. Her characters are relatable, flawed, and utterly human, making her novels a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring relevance of human experiences.  In conclusion, The Mess We're In by Claire Macmanus is a literary gem that offers a captivating blend of thrills, heartbreak, and introspection. Through its vivid portrayal of London, its exploration of music's transformative power, and its poignant portrayal of human relationships, the book has earned widespread praise and has resonated with readers across generations. Whether you are a fan of indie rock, or simply seeking a compelling and relatable story, Macmanus' work is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating her future endeavors.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 264g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 128 x 197 x 27 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781472297167\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Annie Macmanus","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":45276695232762,"sku":"9781472297167","price":7.31,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1709316321961_book.jpg?v=1709451933","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/the-mess-were-in-a-vivid-story-of-friendship-hedonism-and-finding-your-own-rhythm-9781472297167","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}