Tears of a Shadow
by Oliver Silver
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Pub Date 28 Oct 2023 | Archive Date 15 Nov 2023
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Description
A gripping, claustrophobic and intense psychological thriller follows Jonathan Stetson, an out-of-work actor suffering from borderline personality disorder. Waiting tables to make ends meet, he spends his nights drinking alone, plotting a return to the West End stage. Manic, unstable and highly impulsive, Jonathan is completely unaware of his condition, lost in the chaos of his own mind. When he turns to his estranged older brother for help, old wounds from the past are opened, sending him hurtling further into the abyss of his own self-destruction.
I am not my thoughts. My thoughts are not me.
Jonathan Stetson’s life has not turned out the way he envisaged. Just shy of forty, his limited theatre work has dried up and he finds himself alone, broke and depressed, waiting tables just to get by. Consumed by addiction and self-loathing, he attempts to reconcile with his estranged and highly successful older brother in a bid to get his life and career back on track.
When his advances are met with resistance, Jonathan spirals further into his own dysfunction and twisted sense of reality, developing an obsessive interest in his brother’s family, especially his young nephew, as he struggles to come to terms with a world that continues to reject him…
A Note From the Publisher
Born in the Middle East, Oliver Silver is a British writer and actor. Tears of a Shadow is his debut novel. Oliver lives in London.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781916668713 |
| PRICE | £4.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 312 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Rachel S, Reviewer
Loved this book read it in a day! Thought provoking and intense. Likeable characters and good story line.
Gail H, Reviewer
The book starts with a very disquieting prelude where 2 individuals are waiting to give a performance. They appear to be in a cellar, and there's just one piece of furniture, a shabby sofa. "Uncle Simon" comes down the rickety stairs and demands to see what they've prepared. Michael has nothing, his brother Jonathon is word perfect with Hamlet.
Fast forward and Jonathan is an actor whose life is spiralling out of control. He's having problems finding acting work, he's cruel to his on-off girlfriend, drinking too much, taking drugs, and getting into fights.
He's obsessed with his brother Michael, a successful businessman with a wife and son. Michael tries to hold him at arm's length.
Eventually the traumas of childhood and PTSD resurface with devastating results.
A promising debut from Silver.
Rebecca R, Reviewer
A gripping story of one man's spiral with addiction. You'll find yourself totally immersed in this characters plight.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book
Louise G, Reviewer
This book is really a fascinating study of trauma and how mental health challenges can emerge and affect you. It showcases addiction and desperation with heart breaking sincerity and I found the account of the characters as children absolutely compelling.
Robin P, Reviewer
There is an abundance of visceral and vivid style as Jonathan Stetson tells his story, his words littered with vitriol and vinegar. His world view is shaped by alcohol, drugs and disillusionment but he's also cultured, clever and calculating.
This is a book about what happens to us when things come unstuck. It's about familial abuse, failed loyalties, forfeited love and the pressure of having to make do giving birth to jealousy, decadence and desperate measures.
I couldn't help falling for Jon. He's an antihero with style and a certain panache. Is he psychotic or just a guy in need of a good break? My empathy's all for him and him alone.
This is a literary work of breathtaking brilliance much in need of a sequel.
Charleigh R, Reviewer
This was an unexpected novel and I’m so glad i gave it a chance. I found myself questioning anything and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The writing really reflected the atmosphere. It was unsettling, gut wrenching and really reflected the desperation of the plot. This was an incredible debut novel and I’m so excited to see what the author writes next.
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