Fiction, General Fiction
Parallel Lines

Parallel Lines

Hardback Published on: 01/05/2025
£20.00
14 reviews
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Bookseller Reviews

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Parallel Lines
Literary fiction at its best.
This is one of the most literary books I have ever read.Sebastian is a schizophrenic being treated by Dr Carr.Olivia , is the adopted daughter of Dr Carr. ... READ MORE
ENEFCEE 1956

Synopsis

Sebastian and Olivia have met only once, by chance, at a party, without knowing their relationship to one another. Olivia, adopted at birth by two north London psychoanalysts, has had a life of love and privilege. Her twin Sebastian, raised in very different circumstances, has spent his early adulthood between hospitals and halfway houses, trying to navigate the destructive inner voices that are the legacy of his childhood.

When the siblings are brought together for a second time by their birth mother, in a misguided attempt at transparency that leaves Sebastian spiralling, a chain of events is set in motion that asks questions of every member of the extended family and their friends.

A profound exploration of nature and nurture, intergenerational trauma and healing, and what a 'happy family' might possibly look like, this highly anticipated new novel from Edward St Aubyn is exceptional in its compassion and insight into its characters' inner lives.

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Vintage Publishing
  • ISBN: 9781787335592
  • Number of pages: 272
  • Dimensions: 240 x 161 x 26 mm
  • Weight: 461g
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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Parallel Lines
Brilliant writer but this book didn't grab me.
NO SPOILERS: The opening chapter of Edward St Aubyn’s Parallel Lines had me hooked and I loved all Sebastian’s chapters. His free thought, his wit, his ... READ MORE
Rebecca Masterman
Parallel Lines
An excellent sequel to "Double Blind"
In 2021 I read Edward St Aubyn's novel “Double Blind” and while elements of its were preposterous I concluded that I found it the most intellectually enter... READ MORE
Graham Fulcher
Parallel Lines
Intellectual family story
Parallel Lines by Edward St Aubyn Meet Sebastian,a young man undergoing long term psychiatric care. Then Olivia, journalist, documentary maker, her hus... READ MORE
Jonathan Kaye
Parallel Lines
Thought provoking read
While the whole concept and packaging were highly engaging, I felt I needed to have read the first book “Double Blind "to fully appreciate the plot. For th... READ MORE
Paula Sterling-stead
Parallel Lines
Not my style
Honestly I was quite excited by this book as it was the first book that a publishing company asked me to read as I had left a favourable review for another... READ MORE
Serina Marshall
Parallel Lines
Madly funny! A superb read!
This is a darkly comical novel about madness, psychiatry and coincidence, shooting off in so many directions it is sometimes hard to keep track – but it is... READ MORE
Jim Sweetman
Parallel Lines
Interesting relationships
I liked this book in part but it felt a bit disjointed. I struggled to get into it and didn’t realise that it was actually a sequel. It makes it difficult ... READ MORE
Helsbelstels
Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines
I absolutely loved this book. It follows on from, and we catch up with, the characters first introduced in Double Blind and you do need to read that book f... READ MORE
Ashrae
Parallel Lines
Endless talking heads discussing various issues do not a novel make
I just have to conclude, given the literary praise St. Aubyn has been showered with, and the general appreciation of many of his readers, that his is a voi... READ MORE
Lady Fancifull
Parallel Lines
A book that moved between fascinating and frustrating
This is my first Edward St Aubyn novel - I hadn't read double Blind which is an earlier book that introduces several characters This is a tale of siblin... READ MORE
Stephen - The Bookworm
Parallel Lines
**HIGHLY RECOMMEND READING "DOUBLE BLIND" FIRST**
Parallel Lines is the second in what looks to be the next series of books by Edward St Aubyn. Having read the Patrick Melrose novels, I was keen to pick up... READ MORE
Lyndsey Dennis
Parallel Lines
Engrossing novel
Edward St Aubyn returns with a follow-on to his 2021 novel Double Blind. I had not read that novel before reading this, and found Parallel Lines to be a g... READ MORE
Ben Dutton
Parallel Lines
A riotously glorious read
I'm afraid I wasn't aware Parallel Lines was a sequel to Double Blind so failed to get a more deep and meaningful read on this text, and the pre-existing c... READ MORE
KimG9