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

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Jacqueline Roy, Bernardine Evaristo

    £8.99

    Includes FREE delivery

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 7 Oct 2026.

    4 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

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

      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Random House Group
      Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
      Published 4 February 2021
      ISBN-13 9780241482698
      978-0241482698
      ISBN-10 0241482690
      Also in:
      Contemporary Fiction Psychiatric and mental disorders

      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 *

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account