Published Date:
29 May 2009
By Claire Ennis
Award-winning writer Julie Myerson's latest book caused a media stir before it had even hit the shops.
The Lost Child lays bare her experiences with her son, whose disruptive behaviour and cannabis habit drove Myerson and her partner to throw him out of their home at the age of 17.
The painful family story creeps into and takes over the original purpose of the book – an exploration of the life of Mary Yelloly, who painted water-colours as a child in the 1800s, only to
die of consumption at the age of 21. Myerson is gripped by Mary and how most of the traces of her had vanished from the world, and sets off to discover what happened
to her.
Her account is moving and uncomfortably intimate at times, and leaves no doubt of her despair, her love for her son and her conviction she has done the right thing. However, as with all personal accounts, one key voice is missing. That of her son.
Julie Myerson. Bloomsbury, £14.99
-
Last Updated:
29 May 2009 11:49 AM
-
Source:
n/a
-
Location:
Yorkshire
