Carry Me Down

Ireland, 1971, John Egan is a misfit, 'a twelve year old in the body of a grown man with the voice of a giant who insists on the ridiculous truth'. "I don't think I've ever read such a true book . . . A wonderful feat of imagination." Hilary MantelJohn Egan has a gift. He can tell when people are lying. Hoping that this talent will bring him fame, he has written tothe Guinness Book of Records. But while he waits for a letter in return, his obsession with uncovering the truth begins to threaten his already fragile family."Enthralling and absorbing." Observer"This is fiction-writing of the highest order . . . The story of John Egan's twelfth year is both sympathetic and disturbing. It is also rich in understated humour." J.M. Coetzee"An unputdownable read." Scotsman"Remarkable . . . Convincing, oddly sympathetic and always compelling, this is a novel of dark truths." Irish Times"Uncompromising, unputdownable . . . a work of discreet brilliance. M.J. Hyland is a truly gifted writer." Ali Smith Ireland, 1971, John Egan is a misfit, 'a twelve year old in the body of a grown man with the voice of a giant who insists on the ridiculous truth'. With an obsession for the Guinness Book of Records and faith in his ability to detect when adults are lying, John remains hopeful despite the unfortunate cards life deals him. During one year in John's life, from his voice breaking, through the breaking-up of his home life, to the near collapse of his sanity, we witness the gradual unsticking of John's mind, and the trouble that creates for him and his family.