Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Himself by Jess Kidd

[SorchaMumsnet]

This week we'd like to introduce you to debut author Jess Kidd. We're sharing her top tips for aspiring authors - and giving away 50 copies of her first novel, Himself. Apply for your copy now.

When Mahony returns to his birthplace of Mulderrig, a tiny coastal town in the west of Ireland, he is determined to uncover the secrets of the past. Featuring a host of eccentric characters, this intriguing and darkly comic novel creates a wholly unforgettable world.

We ask all winners to share their thoughts about the book on this discussion thread. However, you don't have to win a free copy to take part in the discussion - anyone who has read Himself can post their thoughts on it here.

Everyone who posts feedback on the book on this thread before 13 December will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Love2shop voucher.

This giveaway is sponsored by Canongate

No not yet, but I am going to

Not the usual type of book I read but I was given it as a present and really enjoyed it.

off to London on the train so taking this with me as I have not read as much yet as I would like to have. Will update!

I am really sorry but I just could not get into this. It was too hard work and really did not grip me. I have tried again but no joy. I really thought that I would love it. Even getting past the initial violent start did not help.

Loved this book - first few pages were a bit unpleasant but I kept with it and am glad that I did - I love magical types of books so was intrigued by this. Its about a man called Mahony who is on a quest to find out why he was an orphan. There are some very funny moments in this book that had me smiling to myself. Its a fab thriller, whodunnit, mystical book. Really enjoyed it thanks for the opportunity to read it.

I found this a fairly dark book, but a compelling read, and beautifully written.

I loved this book from start to finish, I found the language quite poetic and soothing even though the subject matter was dark and at times violent. I don't in anyway believe in ghosts, but found the way they were described in this book quite convincing. I did find the ending a bit ambiguous and would have liked to see Maloney's future mapped out a bit more, perhaps there is the opportunity there for a sequel?

I enjoyed reading the book, its a murder-mystery book with supernatural involved as well.... As for the murder-mystery part, at least for me I did not feel that the book answered all the questions, and the conclusion did not quite fulfilled me. I did however enjoyed a lot the chemistry between the main character Mahoney and Mrs Cauley, that was the most amusing thing to read! Jess Kidd brings Mulderigg, the magical town and all of its habitants both living and non-living alive, and that for me compensates the uncomplished murder-mystery part. Overall it is an original book, which mixes comedy, supernatural and murder-mystery.

It was a hard read but enjoyed it

I loved this book though given the amount of violence and quite horrifying events it feels odd to say that!

I'm Irish though live elsewhere and I love reading books set in Ireland - good books set in Ireland not crappy Oirish stuff ;) I felt this book really understood subtle and difficult to explain aspects of Irish life and I loved the insight.

The characters were so rich and well drawn and a mix of throughly likeable and wonderful and quite dark, disturbing ones too.

I thought the book was very beautifully written - It deserves to be read again paragraph by paragraph just to delight in the glorious prose.

Really intelligent and exciting book- not for everyone but truly wonderful.

Here's the link to my review of this book. I found it a really different great read.
blogmumjd.wordpress.com/2016/12/08/mumsnet-book-club-review-himself-by-jess-kidd/

A very good debut novel from Jess Kidd. Wonderful writing style that draws you in from page 1. Set in Ireland in the 1970s, the story follows the main character Mahoney and his investigations into how his mother went missing. A trip into the supernatural with ghosts amongst the living sprinkled with humour and great characters.

Havent heard about this one
love a good read though

No but would really love to read it. fingers crossed I win a copy

Not yet but can't wait to, it looks really good

I haven't read this book but it does sound interesting.

I really enjoyed the book. The characterisation was superb and I loved the unlikely crime solving partnership of Mahoney and Mrs Cayley. Jess Kidd did a great job of portraying the insular nature of rural life. The story was well-paced with dark secrets gradually being revealed by living and deceased villagers.

not yet but looking forward to it

a bit violent at the start but then became a page-turner

I really enjoyed this book. When it started so violently I didn't think I was going to like it but actually got into it really quickly. I will certainly keep an eye out for future books by this author.

I really enjoyed it even the darker parts, very well written.

This book is extremely well written and a good read. Set in Ireland between 1950 - 1970 it is full of mystery and intrigue.

not yet but it sounds great

Sorry not read it yet, but looking forward to it

A combination of murder mystery, supernatural tale, love story and an insightful funny look into a small Irish town in the 70s. Does not sound like it should work but it does...