What do you think?
Rate this book
Scheue Wesen
Helen Hansford ist alles andere als eine konventionelle Frau – erst recht für die Sechzigerjahre. Unter der Woche arbeitet sie als Kunsttherapeutin in einer psychiatrischen Klinik, an den Wochenenden versucht sie, eine Beziehung zu retten, die sie nicht wirklich glücklich macht. Dann begegnet Helen dem stummen William Tapping, der das Haus seiner verwirrten alten Tante seit Jahren nicht verlassen hat. Während die meisten in dem neuen Patienten nicht mehr als eine Randfigur sehen, bemerkt Helen seine künstlerische Begabung und setzt alles daran, sein Geheimnis zu lüften. Es offenbart sich, dass William nicht der Einzige ist, der schon lange nicht wirklich gesehen wurde ...
513 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2024
About the author
Clare Chambers
15 books700 followersClare Chambers was born on 1966 in in Croydon, Surrey, England, UK, daughter of English teachers. She attended a school in Croydon. At 16, she met Peter, her future husband, a teacher 14 years old than her. She read English at Oxford. The marriage moved to New Zealand, where she wrote her first novel. She now lives in Kent with her husband and young family. In 1999, her novel Learning to Swim won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the Romantic Novelists' Association.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
May 24, 2024
Clare Chambers’ Shy Creatures will draw you into the story quickly and hold you there until the very last page. Her writing is wonderful as is her character building. The premise of the story is so intriguing. What happened that caused William to be hidden away with his spinster aunts for years? Will Helen, an art therapist working at a psychiatric hospital, be able to unravel his past and help him? These are perhaps the most pressing questions but Chambers gives us such a fuller story! I found so much to take in and think on. How many different ways there are to hold power over someone else. When does love and the desire to protect someone tip over into controlling them? How does status play into the idea of causing someone to submit to another’s wants and desires above their own best interest? Can healing for past trauma ever really come about? Finally I appreciated the conclusion that answered this question for us. This was a wonderful read, so well written and so captivating. I will definitely be looking for more from Clare Chambers. Thank you NetGalley and Mariner Books for the chance to read an advanced reader copy!
August 20, 2024
This is my first Clare Chambers. It has definitely given me a push to read more.
The story centres on William Tapping who is discovered in the home of his sickly elderly aunt. He is mute and unkempt with a long beard and hair. Neighbours were unaware of his existence. Both the aunt and William are admitted to Westbury Park for psychiatric evaluations but the aunt dies shortly afterwards leaving the staff to piece together William's history.
William is encouraged to express himself through art by Helen Hansford, an art therapist who becomes determined to find out more about the talented but mysterious man.
Helen meanwhile has her own issues - an unwise affair, a rocky relationship with her parents and few friends. She is also determined to help her niece who has a difficult relationship with her own parents.
The book is divided into two parts - the "present" (1964) when William is taken to Westbury Park and a clever unravelling of William's past in a series of scenes working backwards to 1938 that explain how he has come to be a hidden man.
As I say, my first Clare Chambers and what an utterly delightful story (inspired by real life) to start with. Chambers prose is beautiful in it's simplicity. Her characters are wonderfully real from the inquisitive Helen, the shy and often silent William, to Gil the psychiatrist who steps over every line you can possibly imagine.
I really loved this story. Clare Chambers really made me care about what happened to William and without sensation or drama. I think my favourite characters were William, whose struggle to understand situations felt so real, and Mrs Kenley, the mother of a schoolfriend, who is the sort of woman every child should have in their lives.
Beautiful and heartwarming whilst not shying away from very difficult issues such as child abuse, professional conduct and the treatment of mental health patients. Highly recommended.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
The story centres on William Tapping who is discovered in the home of his sickly elderly aunt. He is mute and unkempt with a long beard and hair. Neighbours were unaware of his existence. Both the aunt and William are admitted to Westbury Park for psychiatric evaluations but the aunt dies shortly afterwards leaving the staff to piece together William's history.
William is encouraged to express himself through art by Helen Hansford, an art therapist who becomes determined to find out more about the talented but mysterious man.
Helen meanwhile has her own issues - an unwise affair, a rocky relationship with her parents and few friends. She is also determined to help her niece who has a difficult relationship with her own parents.
The book is divided into two parts - the "present" (1964) when William is taken to Westbury Park and a clever unravelling of William's past in a series of scenes working backwards to 1938 that explain how he has come to be a hidden man.
As I say, my first Clare Chambers and what an utterly delightful story (inspired by real life) to start with. Chambers prose is beautiful in it's simplicity. Her characters are wonderfully real from the inquisitive Helen, the shy and often silent William, to Gil the psychiatrist who steps over every line you can possibly imagine.
I really loved this story. Clare Chambers really made me care about what happened to William and without sensation or drama. I think my favourite characters were William, whose struggle to understand situations felt so real, and Mrs Kenley, the mother of a schoolfriend, who is the sort of woman every child should have in their lives.
Beautiful and heartwarming whilst not shying away from very difficult issues such as child abuse, professional conduct and the treatment of mental health patients. Highly recommended.
Thankyou very much to Netgalley and Orion Publishing for the advance review copy. Most appreciated.
August 30, 2024
Helen Hansford arbeitet in den 1960er Jahren in England in einer psychiatrischen Klinik als Kunsttherapeutin. Sie liebt ihren Beruf und setzt alles daran, ihren Patient*innen zu helfen. Privat beschäftigt sie vor allem eine Affäre mit einem verheirateten Kollegen, der seine Frau – die zudem eine entfernte Verwandte von Helen ist – jedoch nicht verlassen möchte. Die Affäre steuert auf einen Endpunkt zu, als William Tapping in Helens Leben tritt. Er wird als Patient in die Klinik eingeliefert, nachdem man ihn völlig verwahrlost nach einem Streit im Haus seiner Tante aufgefunden hat. Er hat seit vielen Jahren das Haus nicht mehr verlassen und ist stumm. Helen entdeckt, dass William ein künstlerisches Talent besitzt und versucht, durch die Kunsttherapie zu ihm durchzudringen. Langsam eröffnet sich ihr Williams tragische Vergangenheit.
In „Scheue Wesen“, übersetzt von Wibke Kuhn, spannt Clare Chambers eine wahre Begebenheit, von der sie in der Zeitung gelesen hatte, mithilfe ihrer Fantasie weiter und erschafft so einen leisen, feinfühligen Roman, der vor allem ab dem Mittelteil einen hohen Spannungsbogen aufbaut. Durch die Protagonistin Helen Hansford wirft die Autorin einen Blick auf das Frauenbild der 60er Jahre, durch deren Beruf in der psychiatrischen Klinik beschäftigt sie sich aber auch mit dem Thema Psychiatrie, das zu dieser Zeit gerade in der Entwicklungsphase steckte. Vor allem Letzteres fand ich sehr spannend, hier hätte ich mir an der ein oder anderen Stelle noch eine etwas ausführlichere Auseinandersetzung gewünscht. Den ständigen Fokus auf die Affäre zwischen Helen und ihrem verheirateten Kollegen habe ich hingegen als eher langatmig empfunden. Gefesselt haben mich vor allem die Rückblenden in William Tappings Vergangenheit, durch die nach und nach aufgedeckt wird, wie es dazu kommen konnte, dass er so lange das Haus nicht verlassen hat und ein völlig von der Gesellschaft abgeschnittenes Leben bei seinen Tanten führte. Den Kniff, seine Geschichte rückwärts zu erzählen, war sehr gelungen! Ich hatte viele unterhaltsame Lesestunden mit „Scheue Wesen“ und möchte diese eher ungewöhnliche Story gerne empfehlen!
In „Scheue Wesen“, übersetzt von Wibke Kuhn, spannt Clare Chambers eine wahre Begebenheit, von der sie in der Zeitung gelesen hatte, mithilfe ihrer Fantasie weiter und erschafft so einen leisen, feinfühligen Roman, der vor allem ab dem Mittelteil einen hohen Spannungsbogen aufbaut. Durch die Protagonistin Helen Hansford wirft die Autorin einen Blick auf das Frauenbild der 60er Jahre, durch deren Beruf in der psychiatrischen Klinik beschäftigt sie sich aber auch mit dem Thema Psychiatrie, das zu dieser Zeit gerade in der Entwicklungsphase steckte. Vor allem Letzteres fand ich sehr spannend, hier hätte ich mir an der ein oder anderen Stelle noch eine etwas ausführlichere Auseinandersetzung gewünscht. Den ständigen Fokus auf die Affäre zwischen Helen und ihrem verheirateten Kollegen habe ich hingegen als eher langatmig empfunden. Gefesselt haben mich vor allem die Rückblenden in William Tappings Vergangenheit, durch die nach und nach aufgedeckt wird, wie es dazu kommen konnte, dass er so lange das Haus nicht verlassen hat und ein völlig von der Gesellschaft abgeschnittenes Leben bei seinen Tanten führte. Den Kniff, seine Geschichte rückwärts zu erzählen, war sehr gelungen! Ich hatte viele unterhaltsame Lesestunden mit „Scheue Wesen“ und möchte diese eher ungewöhnliche Story gerne empfehlen!
August 2, 2024
Die Geschichte dreht sich um William Tapping, der im Haus seiner kränklichen älteren Tante entdeckt wird. Er ist stumm und ungepflegt mit einem langen Bart und Haaren. Die Nachbarn waren sich seiner Existenz nicht bewusst. Sowohl die Tante als auch William werden für psychiatrische Untersuchungen in die Westbury Park Paychiatrie aufgenommen, aber die Tante stirbt kurz darauf und überlässt den anderen das zusammenfügen der einzelnen Puzzleteile von Williams Geschichte.
William wird ermutigt, sich durch Kunst auszudrücken von Helen Hansford, einer Kunsttherapeutin, die entschlossen ist, mehr über den talentierten, aber mysteriösen Mann zu erfahren.
Helen hat unterdessen ihre eigenen Probleme - eine unkluge Affäre, eine steinige Beziehung zu ihren Eltern und wenigen Freunden. Sie ist auch entschlossen, ihrer Nichte zu helfen, die auch eine schwierige Beziehung zu ihren eigenen Eltern hat.
Das Buch ist in zwei Teile unterteilt - die "Gegenwart" (1964), als William in den Westbury Park gebracht wird, und eine clevere Enthüllung von Williams Vergangenheit in einer Reihe von Szenen, die bis 1938 zurückreichen und erklären, wie er zu einem versteckt lebenden Mann wurde.
Wie gesagt, es war meine erste Lektüre von Clare Chambers - und was für eine absolut entzückende Geschichte, inspiriert vom wirklichen Leben. Chambers Prosa überzeugt durch ihre Einfachheit. Ihre Charaktere sind wunderbar real, von der neugierigen Helen über den schüchternen und oft stillen William bis hin zu Gil, dem Psychiater, der jede Grenze überschreitet, die man sich vorstellen kann.
Clare Chambers hat mich dazu gebracht, wissen zu wollen, was mit William passiert ist. Ich denke, meine Lieblingscharaktere waren William, dessen Kampf, Situationen zu verstehen, sich so real anfühlte, und Frau Kenley, die Mutter einer Schulfreundin, die die Art von Frau ist, die jedes Kind in seinem Leben haben sollte.
Vor allem ist „Scheue Wesen“ eine Geschichte, die die Bedeutung von Freundlichkeit und gegenseitigem Respekt in einer Welt bestärkt, in der sich die meisten mehr um
ihr Selbstbild kümmern, und welches Image sie ausstrahlen. Ich liebte es zu sehen, wie Helen und William in der Erzählung an sich selbst wuchsen. Ohne das Ende verraten zu wollen, würde ich „Scheue Wesen“ als eine zutiefst befriedigende Lektüre bezeichnen!
William wird ermutigt, sich durch Kunst auszudrücken von Helen Hansford, einer Kunsttherapeutin, die entschlossen ist, mehr über den talentierten, aber mysteriösen Mann zu erfahren.
Helen hat unterdessen ihre eigenen Probleme - eine unkluge Affäre, eine steinige Beziehung zu ihren Eltern und wenigen Freunden. Sie ist auch entschlossen, ihrer Nichte zu helfen, die auch eine schwierige Beziehung zu ihren eigenen Eltern hat.
Das Buch ist in zwei Teile unterteilt - die "Gegenwart" (1964), als William in den Westbury Park gebracht wird, und eine clevere Enthüllung von Williams Vergangenheit in einer Reihe von Szenen, die bis 1938 zurückreichen und erklären, wie er zu einem versteckt lebenden Mann wurde.
Wie gesagt, es war meine erste Lektüre von Clare Chambers - und was für eine absolut entzückende Geschichte, inspiriert vom wirklichen Leben. Chambers Prosa überzeugt durch ihre Einfachheit. Ihre Charaktere sind wunderbar real, von der neugierigen Helen über den schüchternen und oft stillen William bis hin zu Gil, dem Psychiater, der jede Grenze überschreitet, die man sich vorstellen kann.
Clare Chambers hat mich dazu gebracht, wissen zu wollen, was mit William passiert ist. Ich denke, meine Lieblingscharaktere waren William, dessen Kampf, Situationen zu verstehen, sich so real anfühlte, und Frau Kenley, die Mutter einer Schulfreundin, die die Art von Frau ist, die jedes Kind in seinem Leben haben sollte.
Vor allem ist „Scheue Wesen“ eine Geschichte, die die Bedeutung von Freundlichkeit und gegenseitigem Respekt in einer Welt bestärkt, in der sich die meisten mehr um
ihr Selbstbild kümmern, und welches Image sie ausstrahlen. Ich liebte es zu sehen, wie Helen und William in der Erzählung an sich selbst wuchsen. Ohne das Ende verraten zu wollen, würde ich „Scheue Wesen“ als eine zutiefst befriedigende Lektüre bezeichnen!
October 19, 2024
I first heard about this book when I attended a recording of BBC Radio 4’s Bookclub at which Clare talked about her previous book, Small Pleasures. That was a book I absolutely loved so I approached Shy Creatures with a mixture of trepidation and high expectation. I needn’t have worried because she has created another wonderful story.
Clare is an author who seems incapable of creating one-dimensional characters. Take Gil, the psychiatrist with whom Helen has been having an affair for the past three years. He’s attractive – and knows it – and the sort of man who can’t help playing on it. He’s cheating on his wife and is rather economical with the truth when it comes to the state of his marriage. Sounds a bit of a cad, doesn’t he? But the elements of his character that make him so charismatic make him a psychiatrist who can create a real connection with his patients. And he has a more enlightened attitude to treating mental illness than many of his peers, believing talking therapy is more effective than filling them up with drugs. It’s why he championed Helen’s art therapy as a legitimate form of treatment although, of course, he may have had secondary motives as well.
Helen is wrapped up in an affair that she finds hard to leave behind yet knows is wrong. She’s fairly clear-eyed that she and Gil view things differently. ‘She realised that, for Gil, intensity had always been more important than permanence, whereas she had wanted something lasting’. Yet a shock discovery still takes her by surprise. I really liked Helen. I admired her patience, her openmindness and the empathy she shows towards her patients, many of whom have been written off by society.
Small Pleasures was set in the 1950s, whereas Shy Creatures takes us forward to 1964. It’s a time of change, including in the attitude to the treatment of mental illness with the first glimpses of the idea of care in the community rather than shutting people away in asylums. As always, the author brilliantly evokes the period through the food people eat, the films and television programmes they watch.
As the author reveals, the character of William is inspired by a true story but she has given his story an entirely different trajectory to the real life case. Cleverly, it unfolds in reverse chronological order so it’s only towards the end of the book that we learn the reason why William was kept away from the world for so many years. Although born out of love and a desire to protect him from the risk of discovery, his isolation has had a profound impact on him not just physically but psychologically.
Discovering he has a talent for drawing, Helen sets out to help him return to the outside world through the medium of art. It’s a slow process. At the same time, she starts to delve into his past seeking anyone who can shed light on his story. What she discovers is something dark but it also results in an entirely unexpected act of generosity that is in effect repayment of a debt.
Small Pleasures ended with a tragedy. (That’s not a spoiler as it’s revealed in the opening pages.) In comparison, although nothing is spelled out, the final chapter of Shy Creatures left me with a feeling of hope.
Clare is an author who seems incapable of creating one-dimensional characters. Take Gil, the psychiatrist with whom Helen has been having an affair for the past three years. He’s attractive – and knows it – and the sort of man who can’t help playing on it. He’s cheating on his wife and is rather economical with the truth when it comes to the state of his marriage. Sounds a bit of a cad, doesn’t he? But the elements of his character that make him so charismatic make him a psychiatrist who can create a real connection with his patients. And he has a more enlightened attitude to treating mental illness than many of his peers, believing talking therapy is more effective than filling them up with drugs. It’s why he championed Helen’s art therapy as a legitimate form of treatment although, of course, he may have had secondary motives as well.
Helen is wrapped up in an affair that she finds hard to leave behind yet knows is wrong. She’s fairly clear-eyed that she and Gil view things differently. ‘She realised that, for Gil, intensity had always been more important than permanence, whereas she had wanted something lasting’. Yet a shock discovery still takes her by surprise. I really liked Helen. I admired her patience, her openmindness and the empathy she shows towards her patients, many of whom have been written off by society.
Small Pleasures was set in the 1950s, whereas Shy Creatures takes us forward to 1964. It’s a time of change, including in the attitude to the treatment of mental illness with the first glimpses of the idea of care in the community rather than shutting people away in asylums. As always, the author brilliantly evokes the period through the food people eat, the films and television programmes they watch.
As the author reveals, the character of William is inspired by a true story but she has given his story an entirely different trajectory to the real life case. Cleverly, it unfolds in reverse chronological order so it’s only towards the end of the book that we learn the reason why William was kept away from the world for so many years. Although born out of love and a desire to protect him from the risk of discovery, his isolation has had a profound impact on him not just physically but psychologically.
Discovering he has a talent for drawing, Helen sets out to help him return to the outside world through the medium of art. It’s a slow process. At the same time, she starts to delve into his past seeking anyone who can shed light on his story. What she discovers is something dark but it also results in an entirely unexpected act of generosity that is in effect repayment of a debt.
Small Pleasures ended with a tragedy. (That’s not a spoiler as it’s revealed in the opening pages.) In comparison, although nothing is spelled out, the final chapter of Shy Creatures left me with a feeling of hope.
August 25, 2024
Helen arbeitet als Kunsttherapeutin in einer Anstalt für Menschen mit psychischen Erkrankungen. Es sind die 60er Jahre und medizinisch ist Vieles im Wandel zu dieser Zeit.
Eines Tages wird William eingeliefert, er ist verwahrlost und hat die letzten 25 Jahre seines Lebens versteckt im Haus seiner Tanten verbracht. Er ist stumm und scheu - ein scheues Wesen- und Helen fühlt sich berufen sein Zeichentalent zu fördern.. und seine Geheimnisse zu erfahren. Stück für Stück setzt sie die Puzzleteile seines Lebens zusammen. Und das, obwohl sie ihre ganz eigenen Probleme mit sich herum trägt. Gelingt es William und Helen sich gegenseitig ein Stück Halt zu geben?
Ein ruhiges Buch auf mehreren Zeitebenen und aus verschiedenen Perspektiven. Es hat Wärme und Herz. Ich habe es sehr gern gelesen. Am Liebsten mochte ich eine der beiden schrulligen Tanten von William leiden, die ihre ganz eigene Vorstellung davon hat, was für William das Beste ist.
Eines Tages wird William eingeliefert, er ist verwahrlost und hat die letzten 25 Jahre seines Lebens versteckt im Haus seiner Tanten verbracht. Er ist stumm und scheu - ein scheues Wesen- und Helen fühlt sich berufen sein Zeichentalent zu fördern.. und seine Geheimnisse zu erfahren. Stück für Stück setzt sie die Puzzleteile seines Lebens zusammen. Und das, obwohl sie ihre ganz eigenen Probleme mit sich herum trägt. Gelingt es William und Helen sich gegenseitig ein Stück Halt zu geben?
Ein ruhiges Buch auf mehreren Zeitebenen und aus verschiedenen Perspektiven. Es hat Wärme und Herz. Ich habe es sehr gern gelesen. Am Liebsten mochte ich eine der beiden schrulligen Tanten von William leiden, die ihre ganz eigene Vorstellung davon hat, was für William das Beste ist.
April 10, 2024
Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 12th, 2024.
Writing: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot: 3.5/5
1964. When William — a mute and (very) shaggy man — is found in decrepit conditions in a London suburb, he is taken to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation. He apparently had not left the house for over ten years. When William turns out to have a real artistic talent, Helen, the clinic art therapist, feels drawn to the “Hidden Man” and makes him into a special project. The narrative branches off in two directions. The first follows Helen as she tries to unravel the mystery of the Hidden Man’s origins while also coming to terms with her increasingly disastrous relationship with the appealing, but definitely married, psychiatrist treating William. Alternating sections follow William’s story backwards through time — eventually providing the answers in events taking place in 1938.
The story was compelling, and I liked the backwards progression through William’s life slowly explaining how he developed into the man he became. All of the characters were deftly drawn, and I enjoyed the reflection and details that helped me understand (though not necessarily empathize with!) their various personalities. I found the psychological tools and thinking of the era fascinating and wished there had been slightly more of that and less day-to-day descriptions. I found the book a little long winded, but with a little judicious skimming (sorry!) I enjoyed it from beginning to end and appreciated the relatively upbeat ending (will say no more about this!)
I found the writing at the sentence level to be excellent. Here are a few quotes:
“Helen started to feel the intestinal cramping and queasiness that often accompanied the contemplation of her moral failings.”
“As usual, thoughts of her mother prompted a wave of guilt, swiftly followed by a cancelling backwash of resentment.”
“The fact that his ire was aimed not at them, but at some nearby object that confounded him didn’t make it any easier to ignore; for quiet people, raised voices are experienced as a kind of aggression even when directed elsewhere.”
Writing: 4/5 Characters: 5/5 Plot: 3.5/5
1964. When William — a mute and (very) shaggy man — is found in decrepit conditions in a London suburb, he is taken to a psychiatric clinic for evaluation. He apparently had not left the house for over ten years. When William turns out to have a real artistic talent, Helen, the clinic art therapist, feels drawn to the “Hidden Man” and makes him into a special project. The narrative branches off in two directions. The first follows Helen as she tries to unravel the mystery of the Hidden Man’s origins while also coming to terms with her increasingly disastrous relationship with the appealing, but definitely married, psychiatrist treating William. Alternating sections follow William’s story backwards through time — eventually providing the answers in events taking place in 1938.
The story was compelling, and I liked the backwards progression through William’s life slowly explaining how he developed into the man he became. All of the characters were deftly drawn, and I enjoyed the reflection and details that helped me understand (though not necessarily empathize with!) their various personalities. I found the psychological tools and thinking of the era fascinating and wished there had been slightly more of that and less day-to-day descriptions. I found the book a little long winded, but with a little judicious skimming (sorry!) I enjoyed it from beginning to end and appreciated the relatively upbeat ending (will say no more about this!)
I found the writing at the sentence level to be excellent. Here are a few quotes:
“Helen started to feel the intestinal cramping and queasiness that often accompanied the contemplation of her moral failings.”
“As usual, thoughts of her mother prompted a wave of guilt, swiftly followed by a cancelling backwash of resentment.”
“The fact that his ire was aimed not at them, but at some nearby object that confounded him didn’t make it any easier to ignore; for quiet people, raised voices are experienced as a kind of aggression even when directed elsewhere.”
September 29, 2024
I loved this story of Helen, an art therapist, and William, a 37 year old man who's been hidden away from the world by his aunts since he was 11.
Cleverly told, and with a wonderful sense of time and place, William's story is gradually revealed.
This is my second book by Clare Chambers, and there's a gentleness to her writing that really draws me in, with well rounded, likeable characters I really care about, I'll definitely be seeking more from her, 5 stars.
Cleverly told, and with a wonderful sense of time and place, William's story is gradually revealed.
This is my second book by Clare Chambers, and there's a gentleness to her writing that really draws me in, with well rounded, likeable characters I really care about, I'll definitely be seeking more from her, 5 stars.
May 7, 2024
*Thank you to Mariner Books and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on November 12th, 2024.*
Told through the POVs of both the MMC and FMC, you are taking on a ride of discovery, of ones past and future. While the FMC starts out in the past, the MMC starts out in the present. As the story unfolds in present time through the FMCs POV, you are taken back in time through the MMCs POV to discover important instances from his past that have led to his stay at Westbury Park. From start to finish, I enjoyed this novel. The imagery Chambers elicits with her word choice, is remarkable. In a short while you become invested in William, eager to learn what circumstances from his past contributed to his current stay of living. While it's hard to write about an adulterous main character, Chambers managed to do so in a way that did not glorify the topic (though yes, this is fiction), but rather simply as a small detail to the overall story. As this was my first read of a Clare Chambers novel, I am eager to read some of her other works.
Told through the POVs of both the MMC and FMC, you are taking on a ride of discovery, of ones past and future. While the FMC starts out in the past, the MMC starts out in the present. As the story unfolds in present time through the FMCs POV, you are taken back in time through the MMCs POV to discover important instances from his past that have led to his stay at Westbury Park. From start to finish, I enjoyed this novel. The imagery Chambers elicits with her word choice, is remarkable. In a short while you become invested in William, eager to learn what circumstances from his past contributed to his current stay of living. While it's hard to write about an adulterous main character, Chambers managed to do so in a way that did not glorify the topic (though yes, this is fiction), but rather simply as a small detail to the overall story. As this was my first read of a Clare Chambers novel, I am eager to read some of her other works.
August 18, 2024
England, 1964. Die Kunsttherapeutin Helen Hansford arbeitet in einer psychiatrischen Klinik. Eines Tages wird William Tapping in die Einrichtung eingeliefert. Er und seine Tante Louise wurden aufgrund einer lauten Auseinandersetzung wortwörtlich gefunden, denn in dem kleinen Wohnhaus wurde William von den Nachbar*innen in den letzten zehn Jahren nie gesehen. Bei der Einlieferung ist er dünn, blass und hat schier unendlich lange Haare. Auch spricht er nicht, was die Therapie anfangs unmöglich erscheinen lässt. Doch Helen merkt schnell, dass William ein großes Talent im realistischen Zeichnen hat und versucht auf eigene Faust einen Weg zu finden, William wieder zum sprechen zu bringen. Dabei taucht sie immer weiter in seine Vergangenheit ab, die nicht nur Antworten liefert, sondern noch viel mehr Fragen aufwirft.
Mit „Scheue Wesen“ bekommt man als Leser*in einen sanften und ruhigen Roman, der besonders zur Hälfte immer mehr Spannungsmomente aufbaut. Die ersten knapp 100 Seiten erfahren wir von Helens Affäre, die mit den Worten eingeleitet wird „In allen gescheiterten Beziehungen gibt es einen zunächst noch unbemerkten Punkt, in dem man später jedoch den Anfang vom Ende erkennt.“ (Chambers, 2024, S. 7). Mit dem Auftritt Williams jedoch wechselt Helens Blick auf diesen und dem Erforschen seiner Geschichte. Die Autorin selbst gibt an, sich einer wahren Begebenheit als Inspiration bedient, das Ende allerdings weitergesponnen zu haben. So treten im Verlauf der Handlung immer mehr Personen auf, die alle ihre Beteiligung haben und in meinen Augen wirklich toll gezeichnete Figuren sind. Besonders zum Ende hin konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen, weil die kleineren Handlungsstränge alle gemeinsam in eine scheinbare Katastrophe zulaufen, was in diesem doch so unaufgeregten Schreibstil für ordentlich Dynamik gesorgt hat. Meine einzige Kritik ist die unkommentiert gebliebene „Beziehung“ zwischen einer Minderjährigen und einer Person des Klinikpersonals (halte mich hier mit Absicht vage, um niemanden zu spoilern). Hier hätte ich mir wenigstens etwas Kritik durch die anderen anwesenden Figuren gewünscht. Gleichzeitig hatte dies für die Geschichte generell aber auch wenig Mehrwert, man hätte es also schlichtweg auslassen oder einen anderen „Streitpunkt“ finden können. Dennoch hat mich das Buch sehr gut unterhalten und ich habe es richtig gerne gelesen. Williams Geschichte ging mir nahe und Helens aufopferungsvolle Engagement war ganz toll zu lesen. Besonders in Kombination mit dem Thema Kunst konnte mich das Buch also (fast) vollends abholen. Von mir gibt es eine klare Empfehlung.
Mit „Scheue Wesen“ bekommt man als Leser*in einen sanften und ruhigen Roman, der besonders zur Hälfte immer mehr Spannungsmomente aufbaut. Die ersten knapp 100 Seiten erfahren wir von Helens Affäre, die mit den Worten eingeleitet wird „In allen gescheiterten Beziehungen gibt es einen zunächst noch unbemerkten Punkt, in dem man später jedoch den Anfang vom Ende erkennt.“ (Chambers, 2024, S. 7). Mit dem Auftritt Williams jedoch wechselt Helens Blick auf diesen und dem Erforschen seiner Geschichte. Die Autorin selbst gibt an, sich einer wahren Begebenheit als Inspiration bedient, das Ende allerdings weitergesponnen zu haben. So treten im Verlauf der Handlung immer mehr Personen auf, die alle ihre Beteiligung haben und in meinen Augen wirklich toll gezeichnete Figuren sind. Besonders zum Ende hin konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen, weil die kleineren Handlungsstränge alle gemeinsam in eine scheinbare Katastrophe zulaufen, was in diesem doch so unaufgeregten Schreibstil für ordentlich Dynamik gesorgt hat. Meine einzige Kritik ist die unkommentiert gebliebene „Beziehung“ zwischen einer Minderjährigen und einer Person des Klinikpersonals (halte mich hier mit Absicht vage, um niemanden zu spoilern). Hier hätte ich mir wenigstens etwas Kritik durch die anderen anwesenden Figuren gewünscht. Gleichzeitig hatte dies für die Geschichte generell aber auch wenig Mehrwert, man hätte es also schlichtweg auslassen oder einen anderen „Streitpunkt“ finden können. Dennoch hat mich das Buch sehr gut unterhalten und ich habe es richtig gerne gelesen. Williams Geschichte ging mir nahe und Helens aufopferungsvolle Engagement war ganz toll zu lesen. Besonders in Kombination mit dem Thema Kunst konnte mich das Buch also (fast) vollends abholen. Von mir gibt es eine klare Empfehlung.
October 14, 2024
I’ve read several of Clare’s books which I so enjoyed and I couldn’t wait to get into Shy Creatures. I wasn’t disappointed.
Set in Croydon in 1964, 34 year old Helen Hansford is an art therapist at Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. She is not a trained counsellor but her role is to help and support patients to express themselves through art. Her three year affair with married colleague Dr Gil Rudden leaves her conflicted; she feels guilty about his wife and family but still can’t give him up – she has little else in her life apart from Gil and her job. However when 37 year old William Tapping is admitted to the hospital together with his elderly aunt Louisa, she feels drawn to him, not in a romantic way but rather wanting to know more about this mute dishevelled man who appears to have spent most of his adult life shut away at home.
William’s story is an intriguing one and there is an air of mystery about his life. We first meet the adult William in 1964 but whilst the main story moves forward, his goes back to earlier times. William’s life with his three maiden aunts was one of secrecy and loneliness, they weren’t unkind but being of a certain time and social standing had their own reasons for their actions.
The Afterword reveals the author was inspired by a true story to create William and a life around him. It certainly is a captivating read with superb characters and many layers which takes the story to some dark places. William’s story was rather saddening for the life he had been forced to have but there was a hopeful and uplifting element too. Families and their intricate relationships form much of the background and secrets are revealed which have a devastating impact. Standout characters for me were Helen and Marion, both for their empathy and their desire to help and Helen in particular was forced to confront some painful home truths. The story has a timeless feel and despite its 1960’s setting felt just as relevant as one set today. Clare’s writing is so very readable without over description or wasted words, I was immediately hooked from the first page and totally invested in the lives of Helen and William. Certainly one to recommend.
Set in Croydon in 1964, 34 year old Helen Hansford is an art therapist at Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. She is not a trained counsellor but her role is to help and support patients to express themselves through art. Her three year affair with married colleague Dr Gil Rudden leaves her conflicted; she feels guilty about his wife and family but still can’t give him up – she has little else in her life apart from Gil and her job. However when 37 year old William Tapping is admitted to the hospital together with his elderly aunt Louisa, she feels drawn to him, not in a romantic way but rather wanting to know more about this mute dishevelled man who appears to have spent most of his adult life shut away at home.
William’s story is an intriguing one and there is an air of mystery about his life. We first meet the adult William in 1964 but whilst the main story moves forward, his goes back to earlier times. William’s life with his three maiden aunts was one of secrecy and loneliness, they weren’t unkind but being of a certain time and social standing had their own reasons for their actions.
The Afterword reveals the author was inspired by a true story to create William and a life around him. It certainly is a captivating read with superb characters and many layers which takes the story to some dark places. William’s story was rather saddening for the life he had been forced to have but there was a hopeful and uplifting element too. Families and their intricate relationships form much of the background and secrets are revealed which have a devastating impact. Standout characters for me were Helen and Marion, both for their empathy and their desire to help and Helen in particular was forced to confront some painful home truths. The story has a timeless feel and despite its 1960’s setting felt just as relevant as one set today. Clare’s writing is so very readable without over description or wasted words, I was immediately hooked from the first page and totally invested in the lives of Helen and William. Certainly one to recommend.
August 12, 2024
Ein schönes Buch. Unaufgeregt, aber einfühlsam. Warum das Buch allerdings mit "Liebesgeschichte" betitelt ist, erschließt sich mir null, denn es kommt keine wirkliche Liebesgeschichte drin vor.
August 28, 2024
Much like Small Pleasures, Chambers' previous novel, this is a quiet, historical with deep themes surrounding relationships, identity and independence. This novel takes a real life story of a neglected man discovered by police and admitted to a psychiatric hospital and creates a fictional background to the event. Chambers explored mental health in the 1960s with accuracy and sensitivity and this book had propulsion as we flip between the past and find out more of how William, one of the protagonists ended up in the poor state in which he was found. I enjoyed this novel and think Chambers writes intelligent novels that are easy reads.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
October 27, 2024
Clare Chambers books are like getting in a comforting bath. Set in a mid 1960s asylum it deals with childhood trauma, mental health and even RD Laing gets a mention. Well drawn characters and a satisfying story arc
September 8, 2024
4.5
I listened to the audible prior to seeing the author next week. As a long term resident of Croydon I was constantly fact checking and exclaiming in recognition. As I thought, Westbury is based on the old warlingham park hospital, now posh housing. I’ll review further when I’ve read the book but I will say that those who hated the ending of Small Pleasures will be happier with this. I wish I still had my Anello and Davide dance shoes purchased in Drury Lane, not Oxford street - sub editor take note. One thing that interested me was that the character of Gil is partly a plot device to look at Laingian psychiatry methods very popular in the 60s and early 70s. We devoured ‘the divided self’ in the sixth form and it’s a shame psychology and philosophy weren’t A level subjects then. As a student nurse I worked at York Clinic, Guys hospital where one ward was run along these lines. Very hard for nurses to wear mufti after years of hats and aprons so quite traumatic and eye opening.
Clare was good at a very crowded but supportive meeting which was predominantly female. She admitted that she doesn’t enjoy public speaking and hasn’t had to do it before. Parallels were drawn with ‘small pleasures’ and she also talked about her earlier novels which I have enjoyed. Clare spoke of her research process and how SC is set in the non swinging sixties and how she sees the best side of the suburbs, Croydon being her home town. Sarah Waters is her favourite author which didn’t surprise me as I found the backwards style of ‘shy creatures’ reminiscent of ‘the night watch’. A question was asked about ‘small pleasures’ being a miniseries. It was optioned three years ago but it’s hard to find ‘ordinary looking’ actors. I suggested Monica Dolan who did a very good reading of the book on r4. I know bestseller lists are controversial but the book is now number 7 in the Saturday Times.
I listened to the audible prior to seeing the author next week. As a long term resident of Croydon I was constantly fact checking and exclaiming in recognition. As I thought, Westbury is based on the old warlingham park hospital, now posh housing. I’ll review further when I’ve read the book but I will say that those who hated the ending of Small Pleasures will be happier with this. I wish I still had my Anello and Davide dance shoes purchased in Drury Lane, not Oxford street - sub editor take note. One thing that interested me was that the character of Gil is partly a plot device to look at Laingian psychiatry methods very popular in the 60s and early 70s. We devoured ‘the divided self’ in the sixth form and it’s a shame psychology and philosophy weren’t A level subjects then. As a student nurse I worked at York Clinic, Guys hospital where one ward was run along these lines. Very hard for nurses to wear mufti after years of hats and aprons so quite traumatic and eye opening.
Clare was good at a very crowded but supportive meeting which was predominantly female. She admitted that she doesn’t enjoy public speaking and hasn’t had to do it before. Parallels were drawn with ‘small pleasures’ and she also talked about her earlier novels which I have enjoyed. Clare spoke of her research process and how SC is set in the non swinging sixties and how she sees the best side of the suburbs, Croydon being her home town. Sarah Waters is her favourite author which didn’t surprise me as I found the backwards style of ‘shy creatures’ reminiscent of ‘the night watch’. A question was asked about ‘small pleasures’ being a miniseries. It was optioned three years ago but it’s hard to find ‘ordinary looking’ actors. I suggested Monica Dolan who did a very good reading of the book on r4. I know bestseller lists are controversial but the book is now number 7 in the Saturday Times.
September 19, 2024
To start with no review I could ever write would do justice to this amazingly written book. Having read Small Pleasures and being so impressed by it, I couldn't wait to start reading this.
I honestly can't think of any other author that writes characters so well and with such an authentic voice. So many times during this book I found myself smiling and having to re read passages due to the way things were phrased.
I don't want to really say anything about the story other than this is pure joy in a book and I'm sure will be the best thing I read all year.
I honestly can't think of any other author that writes characters so well and with such an authentic voice. So many times during this book I found myself smiling and having to re read passages due to the way things were phrased.
I don't want to really say anything about the story other than this is pure joy in a book and I'm sure will be the best thing I read all year.
October 28, 2024
This took me the whole month of October to read, and this novel seemed pretty long to me, and just on the verge of boring. But it was quite a month, and I'm glad this book was there for me. There was a long-planned weekend at the coast, with cross-country special guests, a knee-injury, election stress, and of course, my usual problems with sleep, so it was nice to have a low-stress book that I was engaged with for all that time.
One of the main characters is Helen, a single young woman in the 1960s who works at a mental hospital as an art therapist. She's having an affair with an older married man. The other main character is an artistically gifted man who doesn't speak who comes to stay at the mental hospital. He has lived a very strange, sheltered life. Helen tries to find out about his past and help him, and in the process, she learns some things about herself.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it's pretty optimistic, and it ends up in a really positive place. Let's hope my knee situation and this election do as well.
One of the main characters is Helen, a single young woman in the 1960s who works at a mental hospital as an art therapist. She's having an affair with an older married man. The other main character is an artistically gifted man who doesn't speak who comes to stay at the mental hospital. He has lived a very strange, sheltered life. Helen tries to find out about his past and help him, and in the process, she learns some things about herself.
One of the things I liked about this book is that it's pretty optimistic, and it ends up in a really positive place. Let's hope my knee situation and this election do as well.
September 15, 2024
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this novel just as much as Small Pleasures - maybe more. It is set mostly in 1964, and once again it’s based loosely on a real life news article discovered by the author.
This novel is easy to read, has interesting and relatable characters, and is full of insights about everyday life and social issues in a different era. Some of the writing is beautiful – the description of William’s time at his school friend’s house, and at the beach, was incredibly vivid for me, and moving. You could feel his joy.
The book is partly set in a psychiatric hospital. If I’ve got one hesitation about the book, it’s whether the stigma of hospitalisation for mental health conditions is reflected strongly enough. I remember the way our local mental hospital was viewed in the 1970s….it’s sad and uncomfortable to think about that now.
As with Small Pleasures, the Afterword is full of interest about Clare Chambers’ research and writing process. I very much look forward to further books by this author.
I enjoyed this novel just as much as Small Pleasures - maybe more. It is set mostly in 1964, and once again it’s based loosely on a real life news article discovered by the author.
This novel is easy to read, has interesting and relatable characters, and is full of insights about everyday life and social issues in a different era. Some of the writing is beautiful – the description of William’s time at his school friend’s house, and at the beach, was incredibly vivid for me, and moving. You could feel his joy.
The book is partly set in a psychiatric hospital. If I’ve got one hesitation about the book, it’s whether the stigma of hospitalisation for mental health conditions is reflected strongly enough. I remember the way our local mental hospital was viewed in the 1970s….it’s sad and uncomfortable to think about that now.
As with Small Pleasures, the Afterword is full of interest about Clare Chambers’ research and writing process. I very much look forward to further books by this author.
June 6, 2024
4.5 stars
A remarkable story full of hope and inspiration. I loved this from the get go, it was written and plotted so beautifully and with so much care. Helen was a wonderfully flawed character to lead the book, although I didn’t agree with some of her choices, I had no problem empathising with her. William was another excellent character, one whom I couldn’t help but feel pity but also hope for.
The setting and background characters added much needed plot depth. I really enjoyed the premise and the way William’s story was told in reverse order, giving us a little bit more information chapter after chapter. If I took anything away from this novel, it’s the important of kindness despite everything. Chambers did a brilliant job of delivering a beautiful book, and I’m so grateful to have read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ShyCreatures #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A remarkable story full of hope and inspiration. I loved this from the get go, it was written and plotted so beautifully and with so much care. Helen was a wonderfully flawed character to lead the book, although I didn’t agree with some of her choices, I had no problem empathising with her. William was another excellent character, one whom I couldn’t help but feel pity but also hope for.
The setting and background characters added much needed plot depth. I really enjoyed the premise and the way William’s story was told in reverse order, giving us a little bit more information chapter after chapter. If I took anything away from this novel, it’s the important of kindness despite everything. Chambers did a brilliant job of delivering a beautiful book, and I’m so grateful to have read it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for kindly providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. #ShyCreatures #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2024
I’m a really big fan of Chambers’ Small Pleasures, but my second run at her work left me cold. When I read the opening of this (third to me) book, I thought I was back in SP territory – and I was, but, alas, briefly.
Shy Creatures tells two intertwining stories, that of art therapist Helen and her affair with a married psychiatrist, and a patient admitted to their hospital. All the twists and turns that get William to where he is at the start of the book are reasonably well executed, but much needs to be stretched to make it fit, including how Helen, as the POV character, comes to find out a lot of the information. Possibly it would have been better left to the reader alone.
Also, the plot about Helen and Gil fizzles out a bit disappointingly. Not in the sense that the relationship ends – the fact of its ending is in the first line of the book – but that Chambers made Gil a bit too much of a pasteboard villain. She didn’t have a whole lot to say about the fact of being a mistress, or the contemplation of other options for Helen (including being single, in your thirties, and it's the 1960s, when that situation is hard af in 2024 when you can at least have a credit card).
That being said, I enjoyed most of this, and I will continue to read Chambers in hopes of a second run at SP feels.
‘She left the office with a strange fluttering in her ears, her heart beating a little faster in her triumph. Already there was between them that invisible thread that joins two people who have noticed each other for the first time.’
Great description of a crush.
‘In those moments of dissociation when he felt himself detaching from the world and beginning to doubt that he was real, it was a comfort to him to think that David Balfour existed in the same realm.’
Something I’ve never considered about fictional characters living in the limerance space!
‘Far from despising them, she had been thinking how pleasant it must be to have such a careless abundance of time together that whole evenings could be comfortably squandered without a word spoken.’
Also a very generous stance.
Shy Creatures tells two intertwining stories, that of art therapist Helen and her affair with a married psychiatrist, and a patient admitted to their hospital. All the twists and turns that get William to where he is at the start of the book are reasonably well executed, but much needs to be stretched to make it fit, including how Helen, as the POV character, comes to find out a lot of the information. Possibly it would have been better left to the reader alone.
Also, the plot about Helen and Gil fizzles out a bit disappointingly. Not in the sense that the relationship ends – the fact of its ending is in the first line of the book – but that Chambers made Gil a bit too much of a pasteboard villain. She didn’t have a whole lot to say about the fact of being a mistress, or the contemplation of other options for Helen (including being single, in your thirties, and it's the 1960s, when that situation is hard af in 2024 when you can at least have a credit card).
That being said, I enjoyed most of this, and I will continue to read Chambers in hopes of a second run at SP feels.
‘She left the office with a strange fluttering in her ears, her heart beating a little faster in her triumph. Already there was between them that invisible thread that joins two people who have noticed each other for the first time.’
Great description of a crush.
‘In those moments of dissociation when he felt himself detaching from the world and beginning to doubt that he was real, it was a comfort to him to think that David Balfour existed in the same realm.’
Something I’ve never considered about fictional characters living in the limerance space!
‘Far from despising them, she had been thinking how pleasant it must be to have such a careless abundance of time together that whole evenings could be comfortably squandered without a word spoken.’
Also a very generous stance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2024
Chambers once again turns a story that is grim and unsettling into something quite beautiful. While she examines some awful events she always manages to create some beautiful compassionate people.
August 21, 2024
Shy Creatures by Clare Chambers is a strangely compelling character driven tale told through two characters in dual timelines. In 1964 we meet Helen, an art therapist working in a psychiatric hospital in London. She has been having an affair with one of the doctors, Gil, an older married man who happens to be married to a distant relative of Helen. She is drawn to him physically but also because of the way he treats her an a professional when talking about patients, advances in therapy etc. One weekend a new patient is admitted, William, a man in his late thirties, who was found, along with an elderly woman, apparently his aunt, as part of a wellness check. William does not speak and it seems that he has been shut up in the house for decades, never venturing outside its doors. William is a skilled artist and Helen soon finds herself invested in him and his story, making it her mission to try to find out why he was hidden away for so long, but in doing so she uncovers a shocking secret.
I think this is a beautiful story about how important kindness is and how even the smallest gesture can make a difference when someone is having a tough time. It is not without its darker moments and there is a definite theme of control running through from the relatively minor things like Gil dictating what type of music Helen should listen to, to his expectation that she is available to him at his convenience which means she has distanced herself from friends and family to more extreme examples like William's confinement or the attitudes to some of the patients at the hospital where Helen and Gil work.
I knew this author could write a compelling story with well rounded characters and I was not disappointed. The skill with which she played out the reveal of William's back story was impeccable, I was absolutely hooked and needed to keep reading even when I knew where the story was heading.
Overall a beautifully written character driven story that will be enjoyed by many readers.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I think this is a beautiful story about how important kindness is and how even the smallest gesture can make a difference when someone is having a tough time. It is not without its darker moments and there is a definite theme of control running through from the relatively minor things like Gil dictating what type of music Helen should listen to, to his expectation that she is available to him at his convenience which means she has distanced herself from friends and family to more extreme examples like William's confinement or the attitudes to some of the patients at the hospital where Helen and Gil work.
I knew this author could write a compelling story with well rounded characters and I was not disappointed. The skill with which she played out the reveal of William's back story was impeccable, I was absolutely hooked and needed to keep reading even when I knew where the story was heading.
Overall a beautifully written character driven story that will be enjoyed by many readers.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
August 2, 2024
„𝐼𝑐ℎ 𝑔𝑙𝑎𝑢𝑏𝑒, 𝑣𝑖𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑛 𝑀ä𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑛 𝑖𝑠𝑡 𝑗𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒 𝑉𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑛ü𝑔𝑒𝑛 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑑ä𝑐ℎ𝑡𝑖𝑔, 𝑤𝑒𝑛𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑒 𝑛𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑒 𝑈𝑟ℎ𝑒𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑑.“
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Scheue Wesen war wesentlich mehr, als ich mir unter dem Klappentext vorgestellt habe. Vermarktet wird es zwar als „feinfühlige Liebesgeschichte“, für mich war es aber alles andere als das. Und das meine ich absolut positiv!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Die Geschichte spielt in den 60er Jahren: Protagonistin ist Helen Hansford, eine Kunsttherapeutin, die in einer modernen Rehabilitationsklinik arbeitet. Dort arbeitet auch Dr. Gil Rudden, mit dem sie eine Affäre hat. Eines Tages nimmt Gil Helen mit zu einem besonderen Einsatz – ein stummer Mann wird entdeckt, der 10 Jahre lang in einem Haus versteckt worden ist. Williams Schicksal berührt Helen und so engagiert sie sich für ihren neuen Schützling. Als dann zusätzlich die mentale Gesundheit von Helens Nichte Lorraine „auf der Kippe steht“, hat Helen alle Hände voll zu tun. Kann sie das Geheimnis um William lüften? Kann sie Lorraine helfen? Und hat die Beziehung zu Gil eine Zukunft?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Der Roman ist sehr vielschichtig aufgebaut. Die Rückblicke ergaben für mich manchmal ein paar Längen, doch sie haben auf jeden Fall geholfen, William als Charakter näher zu beleuchten. Es gibt Liebe, Trauer, Hoffnung und Ausweglosigkeit – für jeden ist was dabei. Ich mochte Helen sehr gerne, weil sie regelmäßig reflektiert hat und wirklich ein guter Mensch ist – trotz Affäre. Alle Charaktere wirkten auf mich sehr menschlich und ich wollte stets wissen, wie die Geschichte ausgeht. Eine Liebesgeschichte steht hier nicht im Vordergrund, sondern eher die Charakterentwicklungen der Figuren. Ich fand außerdem großartig, dass die Autorin dem Ende so viel Zeit eingeräumt hat.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ich möchte das Buch von Herzen empfehlen, für mich war es auf jeden Fall ein Jahreshighlight!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4,5/5 ⭐️
Rezensionsexemplar | @eiseleverlag @netgalleyde 🩵
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Scheue Wesen war wesentlich mehr, als ich mir unter dem Klappentext vorgestellt habe. Vermarktet wird es zwar als „feinfühlige Liebesgeschichte“, für mich war es aber alles andere als das. Und das meine ich absolut positiv!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Die Geschichte spielt in den 60er Jahren: Protagonistin ist Helen Hansford, eine Kunsttherapeutin, die in einer modernen Rehabilitationsklinik arbeitet. Dort arbeitet auch Dr. Gil Rudden, mit dem sie eine Affäre hat. Eines Tages nimmt Gil Helen mit zu einem besonderen Einsatz – ein stummer Mann wird entdeckt, der 10 Jahre lang in einem Haus versteckt worden ist. Williams Schicksal berührt Helen und so engagiert sie sich für ihren neuen Schützling. Als dann zusätzlich die mentale Gesundheit von Helens Nichte Lorraine „auf der Kippe steht“, hat Helen alle Hände voll zu tun. Kann sie das Geheimnis um William lüften? Kann sie Lorraine helfen? Und hat die Beziehung zu Gil eine Zukunft?
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Der Roman ist sehr vielschichtig aufgebaut. Die Rückblicke ergaben für mich manchmal ein paar Längen, doch sie haben auf jeden Fall geholfen, William als Charakter näher zu beleuchten. Es gibt Liebe, Trauer, Hoffnung und Ausweglosigkeit – für jeden ist was dabei. Ich mochte Helen sehr gerne, weil sie regelmäßig reflektiert hat und wirklich ein guter Mensch ist – trotz Affäre. Alle Charaktere wirkten auf mich sehr menschlich und ich wollte stets wissen, wie die Geschichte ausgeht. Eine Liebesgeschichte steht hier nicht im Vordergrund, sondern eher die Charakterentwicklungen der Figuren. Ich fand außerdem großartig, dass die Autorin dem Ende so viel Zeit eingeräumt hat.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Ich möchte das Buch von Herzen empfehlen, für mich war es auf jeden Fall ein Jahreshighlight!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4,5/5 ⭐️
Rezensionsexemplar | @eiseleverlag @netgalleyde 🩵
August 27, 2024
Shy Creatures
By Clare Chambers
When Clare Chambers read a newspaper article about a bedraggled man unknown to neighbours, who was found, following a fracas involving clothes flung out a window, living in squalor with his elderly aunt, she was moved to imagine what had happened in his life that he spent 25 years as a recluse only to emerge childlike, almost naked, with 5 ft long hair, a 2ft long beard and mute.
As a child I clearly remember a similar situation occurring in Finglas, not far from where I grew up, and I was immediately drawn to the premise, albeit with trepidation, because the woman involved in my neighbourhood has remained in my heart for 50 years and I have a protective feeling about how a story like this should be told. (Side eye at Sally Diamond)
This is my first Clare Chambers and I'm relieved to say that this story is in good hands.
There is an old fashioned quality to the storytelling, and I mean that in a positive way. There are 2 timelines, one set in 1960's beginning with the grim discovery and the medical and psychiatric treatment employed, and the 2nd is a reverse timeline from earlier in the 60's back to the 1930's, which resolves the layered reasons that William and his aunts ended up the way they did.
The main protagonist is Helen, an art therapist, who is involved in an illicit relationship with Clive, a colleague, one of the psychiatrists at Westbury Park, where William is admitted for treatment and recovery. They, like most of the characters are deeply flawed, but utterly relatable.
Chambers chose the 60's setting because she considered it an interesting time in the history of psychiatry, and her deep research of both that field and of the social and cultural period really pays off, giving this book such an air of authenticity that I almost believed it had been written in that time, by someone with the sensibilities of the time.
Despite the tragic circumstances of William and his squandered youth, the book is imbued with much humour and some shenanigans that would have been too scandalous to laugh about in the sixties.
A highly entertaining story that turns a lens on the many versions of mental illness, and the thin veil that separates the patient from the healer.
Publication date: 29th August 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #OrionPublishing for access to the eGalley
By Clare Chambers
When Clare Chambers read a newspaper article about a bedraggled man unknown to neighbours, who was found, following a fracas involving clothes flung out a window, living in squalor with his elderly aunt, she was moved to imagine what had happened in his life that he spent 25 years as a recluse only to emerge childlike, almost naked, with 5 ft long hair, a 2ft long beard and mute.
As a child I clearly remember a similar situation occurring in Finglas, not far from where I grew up, and I was immediately drawn to the premise, albeit with trepidation, because the woman involved in my neighbourhood has remained in my heart for 50 years and I have a protective feeling about how a story like this should be told. (Side eye at Sally Diamond)
This is my first Clare Chambers and I'm relieved to say that this story is in good hands.
There is an old fashioned quality to the storytelling, and I mean that in a positive way. There are 2 timelines, one set in 1960's beginning with the grim discovery and the medical and psychiatric treatment employed, and the 2nd is a reverse timeline from earlier in the 60's back to the 1930's, which resolves the layered reasons that William and his aunts ended up the way they did.
The main protagonist is Helen, an art therapist, who is involved in an illicit relationship with Clive, a colleague, one of the psychiatrists at Westbury Park, where William is admitted for treatment and recovery. They, like most of the characters are deeply flawed, but utterly relatable.
Chambers chose the 60's setting because she considered it an interesting time in the history of psychiatry, and her deep research of both that field and of the social and cultural period really pays off, giving this book such an air of authenticity that I almost believed it had been written in that time, by someone with the sensibilities of the time.
Despite the tragic circumstances of William and his squandered youth, the book is imbued with much humour and some shenanigans that would have been too scandalous to laugh about in the sixties.
A highly entertaining story that turns a lens on the many versions of mental illness, and the thin veil that separates the patient from the healer.
Publication date: 29th August 2024
Thanks to #NetGalley and #OrionPublishing for access to the eGalley
August 12, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. This was soo good! I really enjoyed this dual POV story about art therapist Helen, and her patient William, who has been discovered after not leaving his house for over 10 years. As well as treating William and finding out about his past, Helen is having troubles of her own: an affair with one of the married doctors at the hospital and a niece who may be having a breakdown.
Knowing the area somewhat, I loved the setting in 1960s Croydon, with flashbacks to the previous thirty years. There are lots of amusing scenes, such as Helen and her partner discovering the Beatles for the first time, and wry observations about other characters. Clare Chambers is really good at this sort of thing without it dragging the plot. The therapy angle was very interesting and I learnt something about the state of mental health treatment in the 1960s - actually a lot of more progressive than I thought!
The reason for William’s condition is drawn out slowly, but each chapter from his perspective still reveals something new about him. I’d say I still liked Helen’s storyline more and wanted to skip ahead to that at times.
Overall, great read and recommended. I also loved Small Pleasures by the author so now off to read the rest of her backlist!
Knowing the area somewhat, I loved the setting in 1960s Croydon, with flashbacks to the previous thirty years. There are lots of amusing scenes, such as Helen and her partner discovering the Beatles for the first time, and wry observations about other characters. Clare Chambers is really good at this sort of thing without it dragging the plot. The therapy angle was very interesting and I learnt something about the state of mental health treatment in the 1960s - actually a lot of more progressive than I thought!
The reason for William’s condition is drawn out slowly, but each chapter from his perspective still reveals something new about him. I’d say I still liked Helen’s storyline more and wanted to skip ahead to that at times.
Overall, great read and recommended. I also loved Small Pleasures by the author so now off to read the rest of her backlist!
July 10, 2024
No review I write could give this book justice. I will admit that at the beginning I wasn't totally invested in the story, Helen and Gil came across as self centred and selfish but once William was introduced then the words just flew off the page.
It's a beautiful read, a tale of hope and friendship. I loved reading about the positive aspects of Westbury Park, very often books that are centred on psychiatric hospitals are dark and morose but Clare Chambers has given us an enlightened look at the many therapies that assist the residents.
Marian was a lovely character that you could really warm to.
A book that will stay with me
I'm immensely grateful to Netgalley and Orion Publishing group for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. My opinions are my own and not expected
It's a beautiful read, a tale of hope and friendship. I loved reading about the positive aspects of Westbury Park, very often books that are centred on psychiatric hospitals are dark and morose but Clare Chambers has given us an enlightened look at the many therapies that assist the residents.
Marian was a lovely character that you could really warm to.
A book that will stay with me
I'm immensely grateful to Netgalley and Orion Publishing group for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. My opinions are my own and not expected
August 7, 2024
Mich hat bei diesem Buch tatsächlich das Cover mehr als der Klappentext angesprochen. Der wird meiner Meinung nach nämlich der Geschichte nicht gerecht, denn es steckt viel mehr hinter Helens Geschichte, als man vermuten kann.
Ich glaube, dass es auch in den Sechzigerjahre Frauen gegeben hat, die in der gleichen Lage wie Helen waren. Aber Helen ist nicht nur die Geliebte eines verheirateten Mannes, sondern auch eine selbstständige Frau mit einem Beruf, den sie liebt und in dem sie gut ist. Allerdings sehen das ihre Eltern anders, denn sie würden Helen lieber wie ihre Schwester verheiratet und als Mutter sehen.
Für Helen gibt es noch einen weiteren Grund als ihre Unabhängigkeit, ihren Beruf auszuüben: Giles, ihr Vorgesetzter und auch ihr Geliebter. Sie wartet nur noch auf dem Tag, an dem die Kinder alt genug sind und er seine Frau verlassen kann. Eine Geschichte, die sie nur zu gerne glaubt. Aber ihr neuester Patient lässt sie die Dinge anders sehen: William Tapping lebte jahrelang unbemerkt im Haus seiner Tante versteckt und erst als die alte Dame nicht mehr für sich und ihn sorgen kann, wird das Geheimnis um ihn entdeckt. Er kommt als Patient in das Haus, in dem Helen und Giles arbeiten und in ihre Kunsttherapiegruppe.
Während alle anderen in William nur einen weiteren Patienten sehen, sieht Helen in ihm auch den Menschen. Sie erkennt sein Talent und will mehr über ihn und ihre Vergangenheit erfahren. Ihre Bemühungen, William aus seinem selbstgewählten Schneckenhaus zu holen, führen zu Spannungen bei der Arbeit und in ihrer Beziehung.
Claire Chambers erzählt die Geschichte aus verschiedenen Perspektiven, Gerade die Teile aus Williams Vergangenheit lässt sie von ihm selbst erzählen. Einiges von dem, was er erlebt hat, konnte ich schon ahnen bevor er es erzählte. Genauso, wie auch vieles in Helens Geschichte nicht nur waren, gerade was ihre Beziehung zu Giles betrifft. Aber die Charaktere können sich aus den bekannten Klischees lösen und neue Wege einschlagen.
Die Autorin hat mich mit ihrem Buch überrascht. Sie erzählt viele bekannte Motive, aber die Art, wie sie sie erzählt und wie sie sie verknüpft, haben die Geschichte für mich zu etwas Besonderem gemacht.
Ich glaube, dass es auch in den Sechzigerjahre Frauen gegeben hat, die in der gleichen Lage wie Helen waren. Aber Helen ist nicht nur die Geliebte eines verheirateten Mannes, sondern auch eine selbstständige Frau mit einem Beruf, den sie liebt und in dem sie gut ist. Allerdings sehen das ihre Eltern anders, denn sie würden Helen lieber wie ihre Schwester verheiratet und als Mutter sehen.
Für Helen gibt es noch einen weiteren Grund als ihre Unabhängigkeit, ihren Beruf auszuüben: Giles, ihr Vorgesetzter und auch ihr Geliebter. Sie wartet nur noch auf dem Tag, an dem die Kinder alt genug sind und er seine Frau verlassen kann. Eine Geschichte, die sie nur zu gerne glaubt. Aber ihr neuester Patient lässt sie die Dinge anders sehen: William Tapping lebte jahrelang unbemerkt im Haus seiner Tante versteckt und erst als die alte Dame nicht mehr für sich und ihn sorgen kann, wird das Geheimnis um ihn entdeckt. Er kommt als Patient in das Haus, in dem Helen und Giles arbeiten und in ihre Kunsttherapiegruppe.
Während alle anderen in William nur einen weiteren Patienten sehen, sieht Helen in ihm auch den Menschen. Sie erkennt sein Talent und will mehr über ihn und ihre Vergangenheit erfahren. Ihre Bemühungen, William aus seinem selbstgewählten Schneckenhaus zu holen, führen zu Spannungen bei der Arbeit und in ihrer Beziehung.
Claire Chambers erzählt die Geschichte aus verschiedenen Perspektiven, Gerade die Teile aus Williams Vergangenheit lässt sie von ihm selbst erzählen. Einiges von dem, was er erlebt hat, konnte ich schon ahnen bevor er es erzählte. Genauso, wie auch vieles in Helens Geschichte nicht nur waren, gerade was ihre Beziehung zu Giles betrifft. Aber die Charaktere können sich aus den bekannten Klischees lösen und neue Wege einschlagen.
Die Autorin hat mich mit ihrem Buch überrascht. Sie erzählt viele bekannte Motive, aber die Art, wie sie sie erzählt und wie sie sie verknüpft, haben die Geschichte für mich zu etwas Besonderem gemacht.
June 13, 2024
4.5 stars
This is my first novel by Clare Chambers and it certainly won’t be my last. It was a beautiful, utterly absorbing read. I fell pretty much instantly in love with William, whom was the main character; his childlike innocence, naive perspective and vulnerability, making him incredibly endearing.
The book centres around a rather idyllic (this is not ‘one flew over the cuckoos nest’!) Westbury Park mental institution in the 1960s, where several employees and old acquaintances become deeply involved with the care and the future of the central character, ‘The Hidden Man’ - William. Helen, whom is the passionate art therapist at the Park, is increasingly drawn to William and his talents - and through this side of the story, we also hear of her disastrous relationship with Gil, a married, leading psychiatrist with anti-establishment views. This for me, was slightly the weaker side of the plot, largely because I was frustrated with Gil’s sickly sweet character and I wanted to respect Helen, but felt she was indeed lowering herself. Nevertheless, I can see the need for this side of the story, within the whole - he just annoyed me profusely!
There are several timelines, through which we look back on William’s mysteriously short school years with his best and only friend Frances, and the following decades he spends apparently unable to leave the closed doors of his guardian aunts’ house. The telling of William’s post school years with his reclusive and eccentric aunts was simply wonderful. But we are constantly led so wonder what occasion led to William’s seemingly voluntary imprisonment for decades in his own home and his now, mutism.
I’m now off to order Clare Chambers’ back catalogue!
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
This is my first novel by Clare Chambers and it certainly won’t be my last. It was a beautiful, utterly absorbing read. I fell pretty much instantly in love with William, whom was the main character; his childlike innocence, naive perspective and vulnerability, making him incredibly endearing.
The book centres around a rather idyllic (this is not ‘one flew over the cuckoos nest’!) Westbury Park mental institution in the 1960s, where several employees and old acquaintances become deeply involved with the care and the future of the central character, ‘The Hidden Man’ - William. Helen, whom is the passionate art therapist at the Park, is increasingly drawn to William and his talents - and through this side of the story, we also hear of her disastrous relationship with Gil, a married, leading psychiatrist with anti-establishment views. This for me, was slightly the weaker side of the plot, largely because I was frustrated with Gil’s sickly sweet character and I wanted to respect Helen, but felt she was indeed lowering herself. Nevertheless, I can see the need for this side of the story, within the whole - he just annoyed me profusely!
There are several timelines, through which we look back on William’s mysteriously short school years with his best and only friend Frances, and the following decades he spends apparently unable to leave the closed doors of his guardian aunts’ house. The telling of William’s post school years with his reclusive and eccentric aunts was simply wonderful. But we are constantly led so wonder what occasion led to William’s seemingly voluntary imprisonment for decades in his own home and his now, mutism.
I’m now off to order Clare Chambers’ back catalogue!
Huge thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
October 15, 2024
The novel - set in 1960s Croydon - follows Helen, an art therapist in a psychiatric ward who has been in an ill-advised affair with a colleague and distant relative for a few years.
One day, her lover Gill calls her out to the home of an elderly woman and her nephew, William - a man whose existence appears to be secret and who had been leading a reclusive life in the house for many years. Buoyed by his clear talent for art, Helen becomes determined to paint a picture of this man’s life and what has come to pass.
From here the story follows two narratives: a #chronologicalnarrative following Helen, Gill & Helen’s family, including her troubled teenage niece as they navigate their way through a world changing for women and the world of mental health, and an #antinarrative that works backwards, beautifully stripping back William’s life as we follow him through to childhood, slowly revealing the mysteries and secrets that have shrouded his life.
I had a couple of reservations about the novel - primarily to begin with the pacing in the early William chapters and then to do with some of the plausibility of some of the characters’ decisions, but, ultimately that gave way to overarching feeling of reading beautiful, hopeful and thought-provoking fiction. Whilst I took a while to get ‘into’ William’s narrative, I soon came to love him - and the perfection of Chambers’ revelation of his life, moving through it backwards was so thoughtfully and perfectly executed - ending with an episode of pure joy & hope that completed the story in a glorious cyclical way. Helen, too, went on a journey that felt real and honest but reflected well the struggles and developments of the time.
4.5 stars
One day, her lover Gill calls her out to the home of an elderly woman and her nephew, William - a man whose existence appears to be secret and who had been leading a reclusive life in the house for many years. Buoyed by his clear talent for art, Helen becomes determined to paint a picture of this man’s life and what has come to pass.
From here the story follows two narratives: a #chronologicalnarrative following Helen, Gill & Helen’s family, including her troubled teenage niece as they navigate their way through a world changing for women and the world of mental health, and an #antinarrative that works backwards, beautifully stripping back William’s life as we follow him through to childhood, slowly revealing the mysteries and secrets that have shrouded his life.
I had a couple of reservations about the novel - primarily to begin with the pacing in the early William chapters and then to do with some of the plausibility of some of the characters’ decisions, but, ultimately that gave way to overarching feeling of reading beautiful, hopeful and thought-provoking fiction. Whilst I took a while to get ‘into’ William’s narrative, I soon came to love him - and the perfection of Chambers’ revelation of his life, moving through it backwards was so thoughtfully and perfectly executed - ending with an episode of pure joy & hope that completed the story in a glorious cyclical way. Helen, too, went on a journey that felt real and honest but reflected well the struggles and developments of the time.
4.5 stars
October 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! Set in 1964, with flashbacks for William Tappings story. Helen Hansford is a 30 year-old unmarried art therapist at the Westbury Park psychiatric hospital. She is having an affair with one of the psychiatrists at the hospital. One spring afternoon William Tappings is brought to the hospital, the story that unfolds is quite fascinating. From the book jacket “ A gorgeously written in life, affirming novel about life‘s delicate layers of experience and connection, Shy Creatures reveals all the different ways we can be confined and liberated.”
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews