The Shock of the Fall
336
Novel • Fiction
England • 2000s
2013
Adult
16+ years
In The Shock of the Fall, by Nathan Filer, 19-year-old Matt Homes recounts his life following the traumatic death of his older brother Simon during a family vacation a decade earlier. Struggling with profound guilt and grief, Matt's mental state deteriorates, ultimately leading to schizophrenia and hospitalization. Through writing, Matt seeks to understand the events of that fateful night, hoping to achieve closure and navigate the complexities of his mental health journey. This novel includes themes of mental illness, grief, and loss.
Melancholic
Challenging
Emotional
Mysterious
Contemplative
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Nathan Filer's The Shock of the Fall has garnered praise for its authentic portrayal of mental illness and deeply moving narrative. The protagonist's voice is compelling, and Filer's sensitive treatment of difficult themes stands out. Some readers found the non-linear structure challenging, but overall, it's a powerful and thought-provoking debut.
Readers who enjoy emotionally resonant and introspective novels like The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will be drawn to Nathan Filer's The Shock of the Fall for its poignant exploration of mental illness, loss, and family dynamics.
65,422 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Shock of the Fall won the 2013 Costa Book of the Year, beating other well-regarded titles across various categories.
Nathan Filer, the author of The Shock of the Fall, is also a mental health nurse, which informed his writing and portrayal of mental illness in the novel.
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The book was originally published in the UK under the title Where the Moon Isn't, before being released as The Shock of the Fall in other markets.
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336
Novel • Fiction
England • 2000s
2013
Adult
16+ years
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