Linwood Barclay
Dear Bartholomew: Thanks for your note. Your take on the book is an interesting one, and not one I have had before. I think Thomas is the hero of that book, and also a gentle soul. The action he takes is not intended as malicious -- it was not meant to cause that kind of harm -- and only happens because his father is pushing him to confront an issue that left him traumatized. (There is a similar incident earlier in the book, on the stairs.)
I, too, personally know a schizophrenic, another gentle soul. He's the person to whom that book is dedicated. My older brother. He has struggled with schizophrenia for more than four and a half decades, and I have done my best to support and be there for him through very difficult times. The good news is, he's in a pretty good place right now. And I'm grateful, that when he finished reading that novel, he did not describe it as "shameful." He liked it.
Have a great day.
Linwood
I, too, personally know a schizophrenic, another gentle soul. He's the person to whom that book is dedicated. My older brother. He has struggled with schizophrenia for more than four and a half decades, and I have done my best to support and be there for him through very difficult times. The good news is, he's in a pretty good place right now. And I'm grateful, that when he finished reading that novel, he did not describe it as "shameful." He liked it.
Have a great day.
Linwood
More Answered Questions
Nick
asked
Linwood Barclay:
Hi Linwood. When I read the Zack Walker books I would get the feeling Zack was you. With his personality traits and how he takes the purse in the store to teach his wife a lesson about leaving it in plain view. Were you writing the character that way? Or am I reading too much into it?
Ruth
asked
Linwood Barclay:
Thank you for the Promise Falls trilogy, No Time for Goodbye/No Safe House, and Too Close to Home, as well as Last Resort, which is where I began with your books. The unparalleled pleasure of finding a new favourite author is helping me get through a very difficult time, as we grapple with my husband's very treatable but still exhausting abdominal cancer. Glad there are more of your books to read!! Writing more?
Jonz Stoneroad
asked
Linwood Barclay:
ironically, it was by accident that I found The Accident and WOW! amazing! it is my first Barclay book and hooked on the storytelling, the plot twists, characters, realism, and theme. Also, am starting to read the rest of the novels via my local library (they carry most of the current works). My question, do you think there could be a sequel or sorts to The Accident?
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more