Alice and the Fly - Hardcover

James Rice

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1444790102 ISBN 13: 9781444790108

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2015

Synopsis

A spellbinding debut novel by an exceptional new young British talent.

This is a book about phobias and obsessions, isolation and dark corners. It's about families, friendships, and carefully preserved secrets. But above everything else it's about love. Finding love - in any of its forms - and nurturing it.

Miss Hayes has a new theory. She thinks my condition's caused by some traumatic incident from my past I keep deep-rooted in my mind. As soon as I come clean I'll flood out all these tears and it'll all be ok and I won't be scared of Them anymore. The truth is I can't think of any single traumatic childhood incident to tell her. I mean, there are plenty of bad memories - Herb's death, or the time I bit the hole in my tongue, or Finners Island, out on the boat with Sarah - but none of these are what caused the phobia. I've always had it. It's Them. I'm just scared of Them. It's that simple.

About this title

About the Author

James Rice lives in Liverpool. In 2011 he completed an MA in Writing at Liverpool John Moores University and has since finished his debut novel, Alice and the Fly - the first chapter of which won the Writing On The Wall Festival's novel-writing competition 'Pulp Idol'. He also writes short stories, several of which have been published, and writes songs with his friend Josh, which he sings in a very high-pitched voice people have charitably referred to as 'unique'. He is currently working on his second novel. Follow James on Twitter: @James_D_Rice #aliceandthefly

Review

'This enchanting story centres around friendship, family and phobias - and, most importantly of all, love' * Inside Soap * Fresh, original and a bit crazy -- Red magazine online The writing was stunning and the plot was incredibly intriguing -- The Reading Fan Girl Blog Heartbreaking, haunting and unforgettable... Even after putting the book down, my mind continues to recall parts of the book, think about particular parts that engaged, disturbed, saddened me; the mark of a truly remarkable piece -- Ramsia the Authoress blog I was hugely impressed with this. As a debut novel, it is an enormous, powerful, punchy story with the perfect balance of grit and entertainment. It's been a while since I read something that has had this much power. Rice is a clever writer, with enough wits about him to build strong characters and plot, without dividing attention from either -- House of Blog An intriguing and moving story * Woman & Home * 'It's incredible... The best thing!' -- Scot Williams, Actor 'Alice and the Fly is a stunning novel but as a debut work it is outstanding, marking out James Rice as a new talent to watch. This is a vivid and profoundly disturbing book which will stay with you long after you have closed it. Tremendously dark at times, it also pulls off the rare trick of being funny and engaging' -- We Love this Book Rice's stylistic verve and skillful storytelling make us keen to discover if we're right to be fearful for his characters, while also raising pertinent questions about social divisions and the way outsiders are treated today * Independent * 'At times uncomfortable but always captivating. A wonderful debut novel - Greg's unique voice will stay with you long after the shocking climax.' * Bella * 'This is a novel about loneliness, and Rice vividly evokes the isolation of all those trapped inside the need to present a socially valid exterior. His writing is fuelled by a powerful sense of empathy, even for those whose aspirations he so expertly ridicules. For all the bleakness it portrays Alice and the Fly is an oddly uplifting novel' * Guardian * Fresh, original and a bit crazy * Red * A stunning and fresh debut * Big Issue in the North * A powerful novel * Closer * 'This is a dark and intriguing story of love, obsession and fear - a Captivating Read *****' * OK! * 'A beautifully written, haunting, evocative and immensely accomplished tale... this is a novel that demands that you make people read it - James Rice is one to watch. Don't miss it.' -- Liz Loves Books Alice and the Fly is a darkly quirky story of love, obsession and fear. A disconcerting but beautiful story hung around the enchanting and heartbreaking voice of teenager Greg. -- Anna James, The Bookseller 'One of the most stunning debuts I've read in a long time. The talent behind it is huge.' -- Helen Walsh, author of The Lemon Grove

Edition details

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Publication date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1444790102
• ISBN 13: 9781444790108
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 323