Deep, well researched, the book cover does the book an injustice.

I could not stop once I started this book. Looking at the cover illustration I thought it was going to be a ‘beach read’ type book, which initially discouraged me from buying.
This is a thought provoking and relevant novel to our sometimes navel gazing society.
A voice for homelessness and, hopefully a boost for mental health awareness.
Well done Jane.
Now ..... I must get on with what I was meant to be doing before I started to listed to it .

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Amazing!!!!

I absolutely loved this book, a new author for me and I will without doubt be downloading another. It is 4.30 am - I had to stay awake to finish it so I think that says it all!

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Excellent and important

This is an excellent, gripping and important book. A fine example of how thoughtful and carefully researched literature is one of the best ways of helping us make sense of complex, wide reaching and difficult themes such as homelessness and PTSD. Slightly confused at the start, probably due to insufficient narration pauses between sections, but soon sorted the story trajectory thanks to Audible’s 30 second re-wind button - and all became clear towards the end. I will definitely be downloading more of this author’s work.

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Buckle up, this one isn't for the faint-hearted.

As a sufferer of mental and physical abuse, I've rarely read a book that defines these actions correctly. I flinched at times as memories flooded back. I wouldn't have chosen 'I Looked Away' if I had read the synopsis. Corry has you hanging by a thread as each chapter ends, flipping the tale from Jo to Ellie, leaving you wondering how this twisty story can end.

Hats off to you for taking on such heartbreaking subjects. PTSD isn't an easy subject to explain, yet Corry helps her readers understand the complexity of this condition.

I recommend this book, especially if you're in a 'book slump'. It's gripping from the get-go.

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Need to Concentrate a little

This is about the life of Ellie Halls, (who has mental issues), starting from her childhood, right up to aged 49 and a grandmother, finding herself on trial for murder .

Alongside that story, we hear about Jo, about the same age, a homeless Big Issue seller on the streets of Bristol. We somehow suspect these stories are related but don't find out exactly how until near the end.

The listener needs to concentrate because the story is delivered in a disjointed way, like lots of little jigsaw pieces that we have to put together for ourselves. In some cases the author deceives us into initially putting pieces in the wrong places.

The disjointed delivery is probably intended to add mystery, intrigue and suspense, but in the case I think the author over-did it a little.

We get a piece from the author at the end of the book explaining what lead her to write a story about mental health and homelessness.

Good performance from Rachel Bavidge.

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1 person found this helpful

Beautifully Written

My first Jane Corry book most certainly not my last. I devoured this novel over 24 hrs, the author brought to the forefront the plight of homelessness. After listening to this book I will always try to be more understanding and compassionate to the homeless. Narration was excellent!

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Different...

I listened to this book whilst preparing meals at home during Covid 19. It was excellently written and ‘came off the page’ well for listeners, being pleasingly paced and delivered with effective modulation, although I could not identify wholly with some of the voices given by the narrator to characters. Whilst the novel did nothing to lift the depression engendered by ‘lockdown’, it certainly made one count one’s blessings in having a comfortable home and food in the fridge. The terrible nature of homelessness and emotional abuse were vividly created. Ellie, around whom the book centres, was closely and sympathetically drawn. It was a highly detailed, absorbing tale – if, at times, a little confusing. If I were to read it again, I would want the warmth and freedom of a sunny day on holiday – not lockdown! Nevertheless, I was thoroughly engaged by the story and appreciated the author’s personal contribution at the end. I shall now read or listen to other Jane Corry novels.

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3 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Thoroughly enjoyed this listen. Finished in one sitting. 100% would reccomend - a must read/listen.

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Like peeling an onion

Layer upon layer of life experience, trauma, happiness and trepidation, this book was appealing on some many levels. Thought provoking, unpredictable and. Enthralling. I read the book in two days. I resonate with some layers of the book, despite this I felt privileged to have my life and a renewed appreciation for the plight of homeless people and fellow sufferers of mental health issues. I have awarded 5 stars as that’s the max. Highly recommend also narrator was perfect. Thank you

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I looked away

What a good book kept my interest good story. Narration was excellent well worth trying.

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