A Song for Issy Bradley by Carys Bray

A Song for Issy Bradley by Carys Bray

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD `I cannot remember when a novel has seduced me so completely…it feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know’ The Times `A terrific book . . . I loved A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY. It’s wry, smart, human, and rather miraculously, avoids mawkishness. And, ultimately, it’s moving and comforting in a way that makes sense even to the agnostic'. Nick Hornby, The Believer This is the story of what happens when Issy Bradley dies. It is the story of Ian - husband, father, maths teacher and Mormon bishop - and his unshakeable belief that everything will turn out all right if he can only endure to the end, like the pioneers did. It is the story of his wife Claire’s lonely wait for a sign from God and her desperate need for life to pause while she comes to terms with what's happened. It is the story of the agony and hope of Zippy Bradley’s first love. The story of Alma Bradley’s cynicism and reluctant bravery. And it is the story of seven-year-old Jacob. His faith is bigger than a mustard seed, probably bigger than a toffee bonbon and he’s planning to use it to mend his broken family with a miracle. Incredibly moving, unexpectedly funny and so sharply observed it will make you feel as if you could pick the woodchip off the bedroom wall, A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY explores the outer reaches of doubt and faith. But mostly it’s a story about a family trying to work out how to carry on when their world has fallen apart.

"I cannot remember a time when a novel has seduced me so completely. . Bray writes with such clarity, intelligence and authenticity that it feels as if a trusted old friend is telling you the story, that the characters are people you know." * The Times *
"Wonderful ... heartbreaking, compassionate and funny." -- Shelley Harris * Independent on Sunday *
"Bray explores the healing power of religion with rare assurance in one of the year's most impressive debuts." * Mail on Sunday *
"Bray brings humour, empathy and knowledge to what is fundamentally a novel about grief and faith ... Read this if you like: Jojo Moyes’ Me Before You." * Harper's Bazaar *
"I loved this tender, moving, funny and deeply truthful story about a family and a faith tested to breaking-point." -- Helen Dunmore, author of THE LIE
"A brilliant debut, compelling and profoundly moving." -- Nathan Filer, Costa winner of THE SHOCK OF THE FALL
"A terrific book . . . I loved A SONG FOR ISSY BRADLEY ... it’s moving and comforting in a way that makes sense even to the agnostic." -- Nick Hornby
"A powerful, heart-breaking book." * Daily Express *
"unique . . . beautifully written . . . powerful" * Daily Mail *
"Bray slips with thoroughness, imagination and dexterity into each of the characters' consciousness . . . [She] is wincingly honest and emotions are portrayed with an assurance that comes from understanding . . . A Song for Issy Bradley is a skilful and empathetic dramatisation. The fact that it deals with such distressing subject matter without falling prey to sentimentality makes it all the more admirable . . . There are some wonderful one-liners . . .Bray's greatest gift, however, is understatement." -- Grace McCleen * Guardian *

Carys Bray was awarded the Scott Prize for her debut short-story collection, Sweet Home. Her first novel, A Song for Issy Bradley, was chosen for Radio 4’s Book at Bedtime and was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award and winner of the Authors’ Club Best First Novel Award 2015. She lives in Southport with her husband and four children.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780091954376
ISBN 10	0091954371
Title	A Song for Issy Bradley
Author	Carys Bray
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Cornerstone
Year published	2014-06-19
Number of pages	416
Prizes	Short-listed for Costa First Novel Award 2014
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable