Umbrella

By: Will Self

Narrated by: Mike Grady

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012

Could modernity be an illness? Umbrella follows the story of Audrey Dearth, who fell victim to the encephalitis lethargic sleeping sickness epidemic at the end of the First World War and has been in a coma ever since. Arriving at the asylum she still lingers in, maverick psychiatrist Zack Busner becomes involved in an attempt to bring her back to life - with wholly unforeseen consequences.

©2012 Will Self (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd

Probably a great story, but needs better narration

Any additional comments?

A confusing cast of characters and a story line that jumps back and forth in time and place really requires a narrator that can give life to people and places. That did not happen here, so while I see glimpses of brilliance in the story, I am repeatedly confused about where/when we are...