"Glen Sibley’s ‘Where I've Not Been Lost’ is an interesting and contemplative novel that explores a sense of ennui that is perhaps felt by a great many of us, unsure of what to do next or how to build a life for ourselves."
When we first meet Brian O’Malley I think it’s fair to say he’s near rock bottom. To use his terms he’s “in a bad way” and a misguided decision to take too many painkillers sees him ringing an ambulance. By the next chapter there’s been a jump in time, Brian’s relationship has broken down and a move to Devon finds him with an unexpected roommate. Brian is lost, unsure of what to do next with his life, constantly fielding calls from his mother, struggling with the loss of his father and the breakdown of the band he was a part of. ‘Where I've Not Been Lost’ is perhaps then an apt title for this character focused novel as Brian haphazardly tries to rebuild his life. The narrative has a gentle pace, reflecting Brian’s passive and at times haphazard efforts to find work and build relationships. His possibly naive relationship ambitions create even more obstacles, each knock being felt deeply by our main character. Alongside Brian we have a variety of supporting characters each offering their own nuance and problems to face however there seems to be a distance or a disconnect that stops Brian from empathising in a way that could build closer connections. Glen Sibley’s ‘Where I've Not Been Lost’ is an interesting and contemplative novel that explores a sense of ennui that is perhaps felt by a great many of us, unsure of what to do next or how to build a life for ourselves. By the end it offers a sense of hope and possibility as first steps are made towards a future.
Charlotte Walker, A LoveReading Ambassador
| Primary Genre | Indie Author Books |
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