The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer was recently, and deservedly, announced as the winner of The Costa Book of the Year 2013 and, since its release in paperback earlier this year, its been a bedside table staple.

This debut novel tells the story of a Matthew a young man growing up and learning to come to terms with his role in the death of his brother on a family holiday. This is an intimate family profile that's tiny in scope but epic in emotional drama.

Much has been written in the media about how cleverly this novel sheds light on life as a young person dealing with mental illness. Nathan Filer's own experience as a mental health nurse surely contributing to his compassionate and empathetic writing style that explores Matthews struggles with his tragic past. The warm and affectionate narrative grabs you from the first page and, even in its most despairing moments, the story remains heart-warming. 

The book is a true page-turner, some have literally read it cover to cover in one sitting! Driving this is the structure of the novel; Filer maintains the suspense by introducing ideas and plot points but then, teasingly, keeps you waiting for more. The use of different typographic styles also keeps the story moving as the narrative is told through typed memoirs and letters received.

Anyone who has enjoyed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time or Silver Linings Playbook will recognise, in this book, a similarly straight-forward character whose honesty is both touching and poignant. This book is likely to be celebrated in much the same way for years to come.  

A must read and must share