Find out what Mumsnetters thought of Himself by Jess Kidd

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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

Thanks for my copy of the book, it was an enjoyable read with likeable characters despite the dark subject matter. Mahony interaction with the living and dead characters was sad and humorous all at the same time. My only criticism was that it was a bit too descriptive in places which slowed the pace down.

I haven't read this one but from the comments left by everyone it's now next on my list xx

Not read it but heard about it from a friend who has just finished it.

Thank you for my copy of the book - I really enjoyed reading it, and was annoyed when I was breastfeeding the baby and realised I didn't have it to hand. It is the story of how the lead character Mahony finds out why his mother left him as a baby. It's beautifully written, and I like how the author perfects the juxtaposition of being dark and serious, as well as humorous.

I'd really recommend this book as a present for an avid reader this christmas, and I look forward to the authors next book.

A really lovely story of a boy who is raised in an orphanage in Ireland who goes back to the village of his mother to find that the villagers were responsible for taking her away from him. Some brilliant writing in this book. Mahoney sets out to investigate what happened to his mother and finds some dark secrets along the way. I loved this book.

Thank you for sending me this book, I loved it! The prose was beautiful, lyrical even and there was a feel of 'Under Milkwood' to it. The characterisation was really good and as I was drawn into the story I could 'see' all the characters, dead and alive, in my mind. I loved the relationship between Mrs. Cauley and Mahoney and the humour and pace of the read. I want to read it again!

Thanks for all your feedback - it seems that despite the violent start, most of you really enjoyed reading Himself. Congratulations to aspella who has won the £100 Love2shop voucher!

Loved this book! Dark and really interesting!

As others have said I was worried the violence would put me off but I'm glad it didn't as I was gripped! The characters were interesting and the time switching kept you on your toes.
Beautifully written. I will look out for the next book by Jess Kidd, clearly a talented author.

sorry have not started reading this book yet but will post soon as possible

Many thanks for the chance to read this book and apologies for the delay in reviewing.

The honest truth is that I still haven't finished reading "Himself" This is so unlike me...I normally finish a book in a couple of days but I'm really struggling to get absorbed in this. I don't know why. However I am persevering and will post a review when I finish reading.

This is a beguiling, dark and wondrously attention grabbing read. The supernatural interwoven with the fantastical. I have loved it. A true page turner

Unfortunately I really couldn't get into this book and I tried a couple of times.
The violent and distressing start did actually intrigue me and I wanted to find out who murdered her and what happened to the baby but it was the style of the writing that put me off. It was too descriptive if that makes sense, I know you have to describe the surroundings and appearance of people to set the scene but I like books that focus more on feelings and conversations. I won't give up on the book and will defiantly dig it out again but it didn't grip me I'm afraid.

Thank you for my copy. It's taken a while to finish what with Christmas getting in the way! I think I also found it a bit heavy going and not as gripping as I'd hoped. It did get better about two thirds of the way through and I was really willing Mahony on to find out the truth behind the disappearance of his Mother.
It's a book that's not easily pigeonholed as it's part murder mystery, part supernatural thriller, part love story, part Ballykissangel!
If you're after something a bit different, challenging and original, then definitely give this one a go.

This book isn't my usual genre but I'm glad I stuck with it. I ended up really liking Mrs Cauley's character though I'm not sure I was supposed to! The characters are really well drawn out and it depicts village life very well.

Just finished reading this book. I really enjoyed it. I also thought it might have been a bit violent after the first few pages, but it wasn't really. With it being set in Ireland, I loved the language that is very typical of an Irish speaking person. The descriptions are magical and I loved the idea of some people being able to see dead people, even if it is a bit creepy at times! I will definitely seek out more books by Jess Kidd. Thank you for my free copy.

This book got my interest in the first few pages. The characters are interesting. I haven't finished reading the book yet but so far and interesting read.

Finished the book now and I have to say that I was wholly absorbed in the storyline despite usually staying away from novels with an 'other worldly' element. The characters were well written and I loved the Irish lilt throughout. I was let down by the 'open question' left at the end, so I hope there will be a sequel!

It took me a while to get into this but now I'm gripped!

Many apologies, finished this book weeks ago and fully intended to follow up my review of Dec 21st but totally forgot.

I'm sad to say that I didn't enjoy this book. The other worldly, almost fairytale feel was off putting. I really didn't take to any of the characters and now, just weeks after reading the book, I can't really remember details of what happened in the story.

I'm sure that many people will love this style of writing and this type of storyline but unfortunately it wasn't for me. Thanks for the opportunity to review.

Joining the thread late, sorry! I can see that the this one has split posters above, and I'm in the "loved it" camp. I'm not always a fan of magic realism, especially the way out South American authors, but this Irish version was done with a very light touch, and was really engaging. The characters - and especially their relationships - were touching and funny, and I really felt the sense of a community keeping its secrets. My only bugbear was the violence of the opening. I read a lot of crime so wasn't bothered, but I've just loaned the book to my mum thinking she'd love it and she couldn't get past the prologue. I'll be keeping an eye out for this author, though.