Description

Book Synopsis

A groundbreaking novel exploring the intersection between race, class and mental health in the UK

''A strong and humane work of fiction'' Jackie Kay

''That is the glory of being a mental patient. Nothing is impossible.''

It is the 1990s, and Gloria is living in a London psychiatric ward. She is unapologetically loud, audacious and eternally on the brink of bursting into song. After several months of uninterrupted routine, she is joined by another young black woman - Merle - who is full of silences and fear.

Unable to confide in their doctors, they agree to journal their pasts. Whispered into tape recorders and scrawled ferociously at night, the remarkable stories of their lives are revealed.

In this tender, deeply-moving depiction of mental health, Roy creates a striking portrait of two women finding strength in their shared vulnerability, as they navigate a system that fails to protect them. Life-affirming and fearlessly hopeful, thi

Trade Review
We need to hear stories like this today more than ever . . . Still as relevant today as it was in the 2000s * Bad Form *

The Fat Lady Sings

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£8.99

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Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Jacqueline Roy, Bernardine Evaristo

4 in stock


    View other formats and editions of The Fat Lady Sings by Jacqueline Roy

    Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
    Publication Date: 04/02/2021
    ISBN13: 9780241482698, 978-0241482698
    ISBN10: 0241482690

    Description

    Book Synopsis

    A groundbreaking novel exploring the intersection between race, class and mental health in the UK

    ''A strong and humane work of fiction'' Jackie Kay

    ''That is the glory of being a mental patient. Nothing is impossible.''

    It is the 1990s, and Gloria is living in a London psychiatric ward. She is unapologetically loud, audacious and eternally on the brink of bursting into song. After several months of uninterrupted routine, she is joined by another young black woman - Merle - who is full of silences and fear.

    Unable to confide in their doctors, they agree to journal their pasts. Whispered into tape recorders and scrawled ferociously at night, the remarkable stories of their lives are revealed.

    In this tender, deeply-moving depiction of mental health, Roy creates a striking portrait of two women finding strength in their shared vulnerability, as they navigate a system that fails to protect them. Life-affirming and fearlessly hopeful, thi

    Trade Review
    We need to hear stories like this today more than ever . . . Still as relevant today as it was in the 2000s * Bad Form *

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