The Outcast – Sadie Jones

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Chosen by Rachel

Eight year old Lewis Alridge meets his father for the first time in 1945, newly returned from the war. Life awkwardly ekes by until one day there is a tragedy in the family which sets Lewis on a path of violence and he ends up in prison. His return home at aged 19 is to a provincial English society full of folk unwilling to question the past or the present. Lewis has had enough of tip-toeing around, however.

❚ “This is a heavy novel. Weighty in themes, drama and suspense. The entire book is narrated by 19-year-old Lewis, so the depth of his emotion is heavily laid at our feet for we only have his point of view to go by. There are a lot of intense morals and moments in this book, so it’s not for the light hearted but it will reward those who love to be moved by fiction.” – Rachel

❚ “This book is a little depressing – the main character has an awfully tragic loss to bear and a father who offers him no real love. Lewis Aldridge has been very well developed and I felt a lot of sympathy for him. The weird maternal-sexual tension is nicely disturbing and adds to the tension. An enjoyable read for me.” – Jo

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Published 2008
480 pages