The Possession of Mr Cave

This was one of the more difficult books Ive read over the last years, It wasnt demanding in the sense of my lacking language skills but rather a nerve-wrecking piece, where the Posession keeps putting you in various emotional states, app sharing the one feat of being uncanny. Anxiety, hatred, dread, solitude – its all in there. And theyre not going anywhere.

The Possession.. is a slow and perversely filled with details descent into madness, where the pace takes a very sudden turn near the end, and where you end up with more questions than actual answers.

Its not a book for everyone; in fact, its a far cry from other Haigs prose Ive been devouring over the last months.. which only makes it even more interesting, thanks to the writers vast experience.

This, to me, is a unique text. A first person perspective of what the abuser in an abusive relationship might convince themselves of. The narrative, which is essentially one long letter, is uncomfortable to read. It is well written but to inhabit such a character from such an intimate view point is uncomfortable. If art is about provoking emotion this book achieves it. I am relieved to be done with this book, parts of it it will linger with me. It is difficulty to casually recommend but it is worth the time to read.

What can I say, I love Matt Haig! His books are different and I’ve read them all!

The story is about Mr. Terrence Cave – a self-absorbed, controlling man…. who becomes even more so after the death of his son, Reuben. Reuben fatally falls from a light post after attempting a daredevil stunt in front of a group of local boys, Mr. Cave then falls into a sort of madness. Madness which causes him to become even more self-absorbed and controlling of Reuben’s twin sister, Byrony. He convinces himself that he is “protecting” her but in reality he just seems to be controlling and guilt ridden… guilt ridden because he didn’t pay as much attention to Reuben as he should have. He then slowly loses contact with reality in trying to control Byrony, his past, his guilt
The story is written as a long convoluted letter to Byrony. I should have liked the book better – but I was looking for light relaxing reading away from my Psychology class – and this book was just not what I was looking for

A superbly written work. I read it straight through because I couldn’t stop. The book possessed me! A story filled with profound glimpses into human nature twisted by the chaotic throes of grief, love and madness. It’s a haunting tale that I’ll remember for a long, long time.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member