Fall

LoveReading Says

When your debut novel receives an avalanche of accolades and is shortlisted for the Polari First Novel prize and the Guardian “Not The Booker Prize”, there must be some pressure for a writer as they embark on that “difficult second novel.”

West Camel has spent the intervening years meeting that challenge handsomely for Fall is a beautifully conceived contemporary tale of twin-sibling rivalry between Aaron, skinny, grey haired, final resident of Marlowe Tower on the Deptford Strand Estate, designed by their architect Mother, Zöe, and his property developer brother, Clive, whose plans to turn the tower into luxury flats are being thwarted by Aaron’s refusal to sell up.

Into this present day narrative, flashbacks to the boys' past introduce twin sisters Annette and Christine and hint at secrets and darkness to come as the novel develops into a deep, rich story of families and friendships with an underlying drone note of supremely well-managed tension.

What really makes this a superb, deeply affecting novel is Camel’s ability to build a credible world that draws you in, page by page, and to populate it with fully drawn characters through a writing style that evokes the dark languor of early Ian McEwan.

By exploring the fragile architecture of lives and the scaffolding that supports them, Camel has created a darkly evocative tale that speaks of prejudice, of fear and of the moments that come to define our futures. 

Be in no doubt, this is a novel you just have to read to understand how good it is and with this second step, Camel seems set on a path to prizes.

Paul Blezard

Find This Book In