Book Clubs
Why BONKAS for Your Book Club?
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I hope BONKAS offers reading groups a uniquely layered experience that generates rich discussion and diverse interpretation.
The novel's dual reading nature - where first and second readings reveal distinctly different stories - provides groups with multiple angles for exploration and debate
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Through the unreliable narrative of Patrick Brady and the residents of Treetops, the novel explores complex themes of mental health, grief, prejudice, exploitation and justice. I hope these challenging subjects, balanced with moments of humanity and dark humour, can spark passionate discussion about moral ambiguity and personal growth. The character journeys - from Charles's battle with addiction to Abby's lost songs, from Lacey's search for safety to Trisha's navigation of prejudice - provide numerous paths for readers to explore.​
​​The novel's engagement with real-world issues, particularly the unregulated UK funeral industry and institutional care systems, allows groups to consider broader social implications alongside the personal narratives. This blend of individual stories and systemic issues creates natural discussion points about how society handles grief, mental health, and personal transformation.
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As a debut novel that I hope rewards careful reading and interpretation, BONKAS may particularly suit book clubs interested in psychological depth and narrative complexity.