'My life was never boring, but boring was what I always wanted it to be.
I understand that's not the most inspiring opening line for a novel you've ever read, but I'm contractually obliged to be honest.'
A quote from the main character.
I understand that's not the most inspiring opening line for a novel you've ever read, but I'm contractually obliged to be honest.'
A quote from the main character.
A message from Paul Delve, the author
The clock strikes one
We take no note of time
But from its loss
Edward Young
Above is a quote from Night-Thoughts written in the eighteenth century, a long and dismal blank verse poem inspired by Young’s experiences dealing with bereavement—not the happiest of tales. So why this gloomy reference?
For the main character Niall, wasted time is at the core of this story which revolves around a lie perpetuated for almost a quarter of a century by his mother. This gnawing deceit became Niall’s Hump Everest, the major obstacle which, at every opportunity, interrupted his progress to find true happiness. Enter Vihaan, the hero of the piece, you’ll like him, I promise.
The cover is from a series of paintings I created during Lockdown, it’s my personal favourite so, I decided to give him a fascinating backstory. Some of Niall’s difficulties are based on personal experiences, and writing this story has helped me iron out some of my own intrusive humps too. The cover painting is a fiction, but the story is… as real as you want it to be.
My advice, read slowly and enjoy.
Funny and equally tragic, this biographical narration adds a whole new meaning to the phrase, dying to meet you.
Dedicated to the two most important living entities in my life, my husband Thierry and our dog, Dame Nellie Merton.
The original painting that inspired the book. One of a series I painted during Lockdown entitled, The Anatomy of Solitude.
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