Patrick Melrose series

[Thisisworsethananticpated]

Has anyone else read ?
I had some books from my deceased father so rather than buy I decided to read through my shelves
But fuck me they are dark
Dark dark dark
His awful behaviour is both understanding bit also so triggering
I really don’t like the toxic masculinity , like the Houllebec (?) books
I don’t know if I will bother with #4

Excuse my ignorance but was the TV series based on these books? If so, I didn't realise. I found the series harrowing but I just couldn't stop watching it. The acting was incredible. The books sound even more difficult to read, I think I'll give them a miss!

Very dark and very true, unfortunately.

I had to stop watching the TV series after the first scene of child abuse. It was just too harrowing. Sadly I can't look at Hugo Weaving in the same light again, and doubt I would watch anything with him in now. I know it is just excellent acting, but his face haunted me for ages afterwards.

The fourth novel is told from the point of view of Patrick's children and is one of the less harrowing books in the series. There is also a sense of hope which carries through to the fifth book.

The first and third books were absolutely horrific in parts.

I couldn't put them down when I read them. I thought the writing was impressive and although elements are quite brutal, found sections had a wonderful, absurdly comic undertone - a bit like early Martin Amis. I'm thinking of the drug quest in New York, for example.

I like the writing , hence why I stuck with 3 !
But you know how something leaves you really low after reading ? Too much darkness
The father , obvs
His useless mother
The addiction
How vile he turns out to be as a husband

The only adult character I liked was his wife

I can see that, and not sure I'd want to reread them at the moment, but also agree with TheSmallClanger (love the Oliver Postgate ref btw) they end with a sense of hope - they're semi-autobiographical and just as the author worked to overcome his past so the main character starts to emerge from the burdens of his.

Maybe I should persist
Just need a break of something maybe lighter and more trivial whilst I receover !

It’s unusual for a book to affect me so

I think it would be unusual if it didn’t. My husband watched about five minutes of the tv series and had to turn it off. The idea of that small child in those circumstances is almost too much to bear.

I read the first one in the series, it was someone’s book club choice, and I hated it. Yes, the description of place and atmosphere and characterisation was compelling, but I just couldn’t ‘enjoy’ the book and will certainly not be back for more.
Disturbing just thinking about it now.

Haven't read the books but the TV series is absolutely excellent, a sheer masterclass in acting by Benedict Cumberbatch. You have to get past the first episode though which is a tough watch - we nearly didn't continue with episode two but am so glad we did.

I read the whole series back to back as I found them unputdownable because the writing was so excellent. I agree that the TV series was also excellent. However, I agree the subject matter is incredibly difficult and tough to read/watch knowing that it’s autobiographical.

I read the first one but was shocked by the abuse and didn't want to read anymore.

They're masterpieces, but everyone I know who's read them has been left a touch stunned because he really does tell the truth about bad parents.

Beyond worth it. Also, famously, very funny so it's not all doom and gloom. The acceptance and peace he finds at the end is beautiful.