Hmmmh... - Rated 
I have, over the years, read a considerable number of Patrick Gale's books and find them enjoyable. Occasionally they rise above this to elevate themselves to a level where I would happily recommend them to others. "Rough Music", his prior novel to this seemed to indicate that perhaps he was about to elevate himself to a place alongside some of Britain's more seriously considered writers. "Notes From An Exhibition" should have been the proof and, whilst it is a thouroughly enjoyable book, it does fall a little short.
Structuring itself around the themes of art, death, and bipolarity the subject matter gives the impression of the serious minded. The handling of the link between central character Rachael Kelly's bipolarity and her creativity is well handled and insightful. Here the book rises to its challenge with aplomb. One clever trick is that the central character is really only fully appreciated from the perspectives of the other characters in the book. This is due, in part I suspect, to her bipolar disorder but it is a very clever conceit indeed.
Gale writes engagingly throughout and I did find the book both easy to read and difficult to put down. You are genuinely engaged by some of the characters in this book. Apart from Rachael, the children Hedley and Morwenna are well rounded, as is her husband Anthony. The trouble is the book devotes time to about 3 more characters and weaves in little subplots.
It's here where the book both falls down and looses its sense of purpose. There is simply too much going on and too many people to spread the story around. The inclusion of Petroc is useful and although his character is not as fully fledged as some his place in the plot is quite important. As for the other brother and Rachel's sister, both could easily have been cut with almost no harm to the plot. I found the closing chapter of Rachel's story utterly superfluous (but I won't reveal why as I'm not in the habit of spoiling things for others).
There are probably enough ideas in here for two novels, loosing some of the more superficial ones would not have been to its detriment. It would ultimately have lead to a possibly darker, bleaker book about art and death but as these are by far the strongest elements it would have been for the better.
I enjoyed this book but found the final stages unsatisfactory due to not fully giving space to explore the impact death on a family in a fuller light. A case, perhaps, of one idea to many. Like a cheese souffle, this book is hugely enjoyable during consumption, yet somehow not substantial enough to satisfy entirely.
in the mind of an artist - Rated 
being an artist myself i found i could relate to this book in many ways. I loved it. It is the first of his books i have read but i will be looking out for more, definately!
The Artist's Way - Rated 
The use of the 'notes': paintings and other items, gave the book a interesting structure. It certainly helped to tell the story from the experiences of different characters and to explore their connection with the central character Rachel.
The story gave a strong insight to the difficulties artists and writers have balancing the time and space needed for creativity with the pressures of family life and domesticity.The fact that Rachel also has to manage bipolar depression adds a good dimension to these struggles and this was well researched and portrayed, especially through the eyes of her children.
Perhaps the number of characters was ambitious and led to a little dilution, for example in her relationship with husband Antony but then perhaps he just wasn't that significant, never placing demands upon her - just there.
Good book. Enjoyed it!
Utter Perfection! - Rated
I have read all of Patrick Gale's novels and he continues to be a truly accomplished and deft storyteller. This is probably one of my favourite books to date. Gale's ability to deliver rounded characters (with an all too rare lightness of touch) combined with a beautifully woven story is spellbinding.
Drivel! - Rated 
Sorry, but this is over-rated nonsense. I couldn't find anything about it that I liked. Not one thing. Plastic characters, silly plot lines, "empty" experiences - don't you just hate it when a really bad book steals a even jut a few minutes of your precious life? And this is a really, really bad book. Honestly, don't waste your money - or your time.
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