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The Lazarus Child
It takes just an instant for a family's life to be changed forever. Now seven-year-old Frankie Heywood lies in a coma. The experts are telling her parents there is no hope. Their son is slipping away emotionally. And the Heywoods--their marriage already strained to the breaking point--are desperate. They have one last chance.
Dr. Elizabeth Chase is a brilliant neurologist who has dedicated her life to coaxing children back from the darkness. Her work is unconventional, controversial--and some say illegal. But the Heywoods have put their trust in her. They are convinced their daughter is waiting just beyond their reach. And they believe Dr. Chase is the miracle worker who can throw Frankie the lifeline that will lead their child back to them. But not even miracles occur without a price.
Dr. Elizabeth Chase is a brilliant neurologist who has dedicated her life to coaxing children back from the darkness. Her work is unconventional, controversial--and some say illegal. But the Heywoods have put their trust in her. They are convinced their daughter is waiting just beyond their reach. And they believe Dr. Chase is the miracle worker who can throw Frankie the lifeline that will lead their child back to them. But not even miracles occur without a price.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
17 people are currently reading
606 people want to read
About the author
Robert Mawson
13 books4 followersRobert Mawson also writes under the pen name Robert Radcliffe.
He was born and educated in London where he worked at various jobs until talking his way into an editorial job on a yachting magazine. From there he worked in journalism, advertising and PR “gradually learning the ropes while trying to write my own stuff at home.” In the 1980s he took up flying then spent ten years as a commercial pilot, working all over the world, while still working on writing projects in his own time.
In 1991 Robert returned to England to form his own Suffolk-based PR consultancy, and work on book-writing projects. His first novel, A Ship Called Hope, was published under the Mawson name in 1994. In 1997 he sold his house and business and moved to a borrowed cottage in France to try and write full time. The result was The Lazarus Child, a book that sold more than a million copies worldwide and been translated into over twenty languages. In 2004 it was made into a movie starring Andy Garcia and Angela Bassett.
Success enabled Robert to become a full-time writer. In 2002 he published Under An English Heaven, under the pen-name Robert Radcliffe. It is about an American bomber base in Suffolk during World War II. Under An English Heaven was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and has sold more than 150,000 copies to date. This was followed up by Upon Dark Waters in 2004, Across The Blood-Red Skies in 2009 and Dambuster, in 2011.
He was born and educated in London where he worked at various jobs until talking his way into an editorial job on a yachting magazine. From there he worked in journalism, advertising and PR “gradually learning the ropes while trying to write my own stuff at home.” In the 1980s he took up flying then spent ten years as a commercial pilot, working all over the world, while still working on writing projects in his own time.
In 1991 Robert returned to England to form his own Suffolk-based PR consultancy, and work on book-writing projects. His first novel, A Ship Called Hope, was published under the Mawson name in 1994. In 1997 he sold his house and business and moved to a borrowed cottage in France to try and write full time. The result was The Lazarus Child, a book that sold more than a million copies worldwide and been translated into over twenty languages. In 2004 it was made into a movie starring Andy Garcia and Angela Bassett.
Success enabled Robert to become a full-time writer. In 2002 he published Under An English Heaven, under the pen-name Robert Radcliffe. It is about an American bomber base in Suffolk during World War II. Under An English Heaven was a Sunday Times top ten bestseller and has sold more than 150,000 copies to date. This was followed up by Upon Dark Waters in 2004, Across The Blood-Red Skies in 2009 and Dambuster, in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 31, 2018
Good read! an intriguing medical drama that was filled with twists and enough surprises that will keep many guessing (paperback!)
February 2, 2008
found that i was losing interest by the end of this book where as i was totally gripped at the start.
June 22, 2021
Heel aangrijpend boek over een klein meisje dat met haar vriendinnetje onder een autobus terecht komt, onder de ogen van haar oudere broertje. Het vriendinnetje is op slag dood, Frankie komt in een diepe coma terecht. De ouders komen te weten dat er een dokteres is die een nieuwe methode gebruikt om zulke kinderen uit hun coma proberen te halen. De dokteres en haar medewerkers krijgen echter veel tegenkanting van allerlei protestgroepen. Toch besluiten de ouders hun kind aan haar toe te vertrouwen. Hoewel Frankie niet veel kans heeft, gaat Lizzie, de dokteres, tot het uiterste om Frankie met hulp van haar getraumatiseerde broertje Ben, terug te halen.
Een boek dat ik niet weg kon leggen. Ik vond het fascinerend hoe de auteur het aandurfde om te schrijven over een mogelijke 'wereld' waar geesten, of zielen, van comateuze patiënten verblijven. Ik zou het vijf sterren geven, maar ik vond het tussenliggende verhaal over de mensen die de kliniek wilden sluiten, anderen (defensie) die de technologie zelf in handen wilden krijgen, wel nogal storend. Het was waarschijnlijk bedoeld om de spanning op te drijven, maar dat is voor mij toch niet gelukt.
Een boek dat ik niet weg kon leggen. Ik vond het fascinerend hoe de auteur het aandurfde om te schrijven over een mogelijke 'wereld' waar geesten, of zielen, van comateuze patiënten verblijven. Ik zou het vijf sterren geven, maar ik vond het tussenliggende verhaal over de mensen die de kliniek wilden sluiten, anderen (defensie) die de technologie zelf in handen wilden krijgen, wel nogal storend. Het was waarschijnlijk bedoeld om de spanning op te drijven, maar dat is voor mij toch niet gelukt.
July 14, 2021
“Όσα δε φέρνει ο χρόνος όλος, τα φέρνει μια στιγμή» λέει μια παροιμία και σε αυτό το βιβλίο βρίσκουμε την εφαρμογή της. Η επτάχρονη Φράνκι, ένα χαρούμενο κοριτσάκι, πέφτει θύμα τροχαίου. Μέσα σε δευτερόλεπτα ανατρέπεται ο κόσμος όλος κι η ανάβαση στον προσωπικό τους Γολγοθά, αρχίζει για την ίδια και την οικογένειά της.
Το ατύχημα της μικρής φέρνει μια οικογένεια που μέχρι τότε δούλευε σαν καλολαδωμένη μηχανή, στα πρόθυρα της κατάρρευσης. Ο Robert Mawson κατορθώνει να αποδώσει άριστα τη ψυχολογική κατάσταση της οικογένειας από τη στιγμή του ατυχήματος και μετά.. Παράλληλα θίγει σημαντικά θέματα και βαθιά ερωτήματα που προκύπτουν μέσα από κρίσεις αυτού του είδους. Ο συγγραφέας αποδεικνύει ασίγαστο ταλέντο και οδηγεί τον αναγνώστη στον άγνωστο κόσμο της απώλειας συνείδησης, του κώματος ενώ καταβυθίζεται στη ψυχοσύνθεση των οικείων του θύματος, οι οποίοι προσπαθούν να φέρουν το παιδί πίσω στον κόσμο των ζωντανών.
Δεν είναι ένα εύκολο ανάγνωσμα, κάθε άλλο. Δε ξέρω αν έχετε δει την ταινία «το λάδι του Λορέντζο». Μου το θύμισε πολύ η ιστορία αυτή. Όπως στην ιστορία του Λορέντζο, έτσι και στην ιστορία της Φράνκι, έχουμε την πολύ συγκινητική και βαθιά εξιστόρηση των γεγονότων που στιγμάτισαν τις οικογένειές τους. Ο Mawson έκανε μια πολύ ιδιαίτερη προσέγγιση στο θέμα, μου άρεσε πολύ η ιδέα του και μου έδωσε τροφή για σκέψη. Ήταν ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και συναισθηματικό βιβλίο.
Αν έχω να του καταλογίσω ένα μειονέκτημα, αυτό θα ήταν στο κάπως χαοτικό κι ίσως βιαστικά γραμμένο τέλος, το οποίο με μπέρδεψε κι αναγκάστηκα να γυρίσω κάποιες σελίδες πίσω για να ξεκαθαρίσω τα πράγματα. Ωστόσο, τελειώνοντας μου άφησε μια αίσθηση πικρής εξιλέωσης
Εν κατακλείδι, «Το παιδί-Λάζαρος» είναι ένα πολύ συγκινητικό, οικογενειακό/ιατρικό δράμα, το οποίο μέσα στις σελίδες του κρύβει αρκετές εκπλήξεις. Το σίγουρο είναι ότι κρατά δέσμιο τον αναγνώστη, μέχρι την τελευταία του αράδα!
Το βιβλίο είναι εξαντλημένο.
Δείτε περισσότερες απόψεις για βιβλια στο blog των ΒΙΒΛΙΟγραφικών: https://vivliografika.blogspot.com/
Το ατύχημα της μικρής φέρνει μια οικογένεια που μέχρι τότε δούλευε σαν καλολαδωμένη μηχανή, στα πρόθυρα της κατάρρευσης. Ο Robert Mawson κατορθώνει να αποδώσει άριστα τη ψυχολογική κατάσταση της οικογένειας από τη στιγμή του ατυχήματος και μετά.. Παράλληλα θίγει σημαντικά θέματα και βαθιά ερωτήματα που προκύπτουν μέσα από κρίσεις αυτού του είδους. Ο συγγραφέας αποδεικνύει ασίγαστο ταλέντο και οδηγεί τον αναγνώστη στον άγνωστο κόσμο της απώλειας συνείδησης, του κώματος ενώ καταβυθίζεται στη ψυχοσύνθεση των οικείων του θύματος, οι οποίοι προσπαθούν να φέρουν το παιδί πίσω στον κόσμο των ζωντανών.
Δεν είναι ένα εύκολο ανάγνωσμα, κάθε άλλο. Δε ξέρω αν έχετε δει την ταινία «το λάδι του Λορέντζο». Μου το θύμισε πολύ η ιστορία αυτή. Όπως στην ιστορία του Λορέντζο, έτσι και στην ιστορία της Φράνκι, έχουμε την πολύ συγκινητική και βαθιά εξιστόρηση των γεγονότων που στιγμάτισαν τις οικογένειές τους. Ο Mawson έκανε μια πολύ ιδιαίτερη προσέγγιση στο θέμα, μου άρεσε πολύ η ιδέα του και μου έδωσε τροφή για σκέψη. Ήταν ένα πολύ ενδιαφέρον και συναισθηματικό βιβλίο.
Αν έχω να του καταλογίσω ένα μειονέκτημα, αυτό θα ήταν στο κάπως χαοτικό κι ίσως βιαστικά γραμμένο τέλος, το οποίο με μπέρδεψε κι αναγκάστηκα να γυρίσω κάποιες σελίδες πίσω για να ξεκαθαρίσω τα πράγματα. Ωστόσο, τελειώνοντας μου άφησε μια αίσθηση πικρής εξιλέωσης
Εν κατακλείδι, «Το παιδί-Λάζαρος» είναι ένα πολύ συγκινητικό, οικογενειακό/ιατρικό δράμα, το οποίο μέσα στις σελίδες του κρύβει αρκετές εκπλήξεις. Το σίγουρο είναι ότι κρατά δέσμιο τον αναγνώστη, μέχρι την τελευταία του αράδα!
Το βιβλίο είναι εξαντλημένο.
Δείτε περισσότερες απόψεις για βιβλια στο blog των ΒΙΒΛΙΟγραφικών: https://vivliografika.blogspot.com/
January 19, 2015
This book was difficult for me as I have worked for many years with people with Traumatic Brain Injuries. I put my understanding of how the body works and what progresses the medical field have made aside and tried to take this book as the pure fantasy that it is.
I was enjoying the book and wishing that medical breakthroughs in the field of Traumatic Brain Injury could be obtained as it was written but the author make a sharp change about 60 pages from the end and was a disappointment.
The story is about a young boy in London who had to walk his little sister to school. One morning the little sister is hit by a car and is in a very deep coma due to Traumatic Brain Injury. Doctors consider her to be in a vegetative state and the parents begin looking for alternative therapies to bring Frankie out of it.
At the same time her brother Ben is having difficulties with feelings of guilt and is withdrawing into his own world and even becomes suicidal at one point. The family find a doctor in the United States that will treat both Frankie and Ben and to try to reunite the family.
I wish that the author had not changed course near the end. Had he stuck with the original plan I think this book had the potential of being very good.
May 9, 2025
El título atrae, por ello caí aquí.
Pesado, lleno de descripciones inútiles, podría ser más corto para contar la historia.
El final llega sin haber mucha transición en lo sucedido y como se llega a resolver el problema inicial.
Le pongo 2 estrellas por ser amable.
Pesado, lleno de descripciones inútiles, podría ser más corto para contar la historia.
El final llega sin haber mucha transición en lo sucedido y como se llega a resolver el problema inicial.
Le pongo 2 estrellas por ser amable.
May 5, 2017
“Sometimes you have to kind of die inside in order to rise from your own ashes and believe in yourself and love yourself to become a new person.”
― Gerard Way
Robert Mawson is a pen name of the author Robert Radcliffe whose historical novels I have largely enjoyed so I was curious as to how he would handle a very different subject matter.
This books weaves two stories together. The first takes the Heywood family through the consequences of a near-fatal accident to their youngest child Frankie which was witnessed by her 12-year-old brother Ben. Frankie is hit by a bus on the way to school and knocked into a deep coma.
Rather than a fairly conventional treatment of right to life and euthanasia issues or perhaps the locked-in syndrome from the point of view of the patient as in Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got his Gun", Mawson takes a very different path. Exploring the consequences of trying to bring Frankie back - Lazarus-like - from what doctors clinically describe as a persistent vegetative state.
Brilliant young American psychiatrist Lizzie, who herself lost a younger sibling when a child, has established the Perlman Clinic specifically to rescue children in Frankie's condition believes that she can bring Frankie back. However, a sizeable part of the American medical establishment are against Lizzie and her methods despite the fact that she has had some limited success.This is the second thread of this book.
On the whole Mawson is compelling, even daring, and the story rattles on at a fairly good pace. At times you feel for Frankie's parents, Jack and Alison, and the unenviable situation they find themselves in, not to mention the difficult decisions they are faced with. However, what lets the book down generally is that some parts seem to work better than others. This seems apparent in the first chapter alone. The placement of the innocent image of the rag doll at the scene of the accident is wonderful. Then it swiftly switches to the father Jack waking up on the office settee because he slept with his secretary and has been banished fro the family home meaning Ben must walk Frankie to school. This in turns to why Ben witnesses and blames himself for Frankie's accident. However, although we know why Jack is unable to walk the kids to school we are none the wiser why Alison did not fill the void.
Character development is generally poor as was treatment of the protest at the clinic IMHO which quite frankly I'm not sure was totally necessary. However, what really let me down was the psychic journey that culminates with the end of the book. The title itself gives the ending away so is fairly predictable and did Mawson really need so detailed description and to take so long to get there?
On the whole I found the book OK running along at a quick enough pace to keep me interested but a little more care with the characterisation and a little judicious editing would have made it more thought provoking. However, on a plus side Mawson did at least keep it plausible which perhaps was no mean feat in itself.
― Gerard Way
Robert Mawson is a pen name of the author Robert Radcliffe whose historical novels I have largely enjoyed so I was curious as to how he would handle a very different subject matter.
This books weaves two stories together. The first takes the Heywood family through the consequences of a near-fatal accident to their youngest child Frankie which was witnessed by her 12-year-old brother Ben. Frankie is hit by a bus on the way to school and knocked into a deep coma.
Rather than a fairly conventional treatment of right to life and euthanasia issues or perhaps the locked-in syndrome from the point of view of the patient as in Dalton Trumbo's "Johnny Got his Gun", Mawson takes a very different path. Exploring the consequences of trying to bring Frankie back - Lazarus-like - from what doctors clinically describe as a persistent vegetative state.
Brilliant young American psychiatrist Lizzie, who herself lost a younger sibling when a child, has established the Perlman Clinic specifically to rescue children in Frankie's condition believes that she can bring Frankie back. However, a sizeable part of the American medical establishment are against Lizzie and her methods despite the fact that she has had some limited success.This is the second thread of this book.
On the whole Mawson is compelling, even daring, and the story rattles on at a fairly good pace. At times you feel for Frankie's parents, Jack and Alison, and the unenviable situation they find themselves in, not to mention the difficult decisions they are faced with. However, what lets the book down generally is that some parts seem to work better than others. This seems apparent in the first chapter alone. The placement of the innocent image of the rag doll at the scene of the accident is wonderful. Then it swiftly switches to the father Jack waking up on the office settee because he slept with his secretary and has been banished fro the family home meaning Ben must walk Frankie to school. This in turns to why Ben witnesses and blames himself for Frankie's accident. However, although we know why Jack is unable to walk the kids to school we are none the wiser why Alison did not fill the void.
Character development is generally poor as was treatment of the protest at the clinic IMHO which quite frankly I'm not sure was totally necessary. However, what really let me down was the psychic journey that culminates with the end of the book. The title itself gives the ending away so is fairly predictable and did Mawson really need so detailed description and to take so long to get there?
On the whole I found the book OK running along at a quick enough pace to keep me interested but a little more care with the characterisation and a little judicious editing would have made it more thought provoking. However, on a plus side Mawson did at least keep it plausible which perhaps was no mean feat in itself.
October 23, 2015
Aunque el tema de las enfermedades, sobre todo en niños, siempre es controversial... este libro a mí me gustó mucho. Desafió mi imaginación. Me hizo sentir que el plano de los sueños era más amplio de lo que creímos, lo que quizá es cierto. Hubo una belleza en la historia completa.
El final, eso sí, quizá sea exagerado. No me gustó mucho. Uno siempre quiere que todos sean felices a lo Hollywood, jaja, y en la vida real no ocurre siempre así. O sea, si estamos inventando un mundo de a mentirillas en una novela, al menos hagamos uno bueno, en que todos terminen comiendo algodones de azúcar mientras se suben a una rueda de Chicago, ¿cierto?
Bueno, quizá ocurra así en el mundo de los sueños, y quizá ese mundo sea, al final, más real. Quién sabe.
El final, eso sí, quizá sea exagerado. No me gustó mucho. Uno siempre quiere que todos sean felices a lo Hollywood, jaja, y en la vida real no ocurre siempre así. O sea, si estamos inventando un mundo de a mentirillas en una novela, al menos hagamos uno bueno, en que todos terminen comiendo algodones de azúcar mientras se suben a una rueda de Chicago, ¿cierto?
Bueno, quizá ocurra así en el mundo de los sueños, y quizá ese mundo sea, al final, más real. Quién sabe.
April 8, 2014
If you're willing to suspend your disbelief for most of this novel, sit back, relax, and marvel at the wonderful imagination of Mr.Mawson you'll enjoy this book. I found it fascinating, exciting, and a wonderful escape from day to day chores Mr.Mawson takes the reader into the unknown world of the coma victim as various interesting characters attempt to bring an innocent child back to the conscious world. There are plot twists and enough surprises to keep one guessing.
the ending confused me a little and I may need to reread to see if I missed something, if I haven't then I hope he writes a follow up.
Excellent read
the ending confused me a little and I may need to reread to see if I missed something, if I haven't then I hope he writes a follow up.
Excellent read
March 13, 2010
I first "read" this book in 2000 on my way back from a wedding in Atlanta - I was driving alone and it was my first book on tape. I was mesmerized. I found the book at the Green Valley Book Fair a few years ago and snatched it up. I read it this week and found it to be just as mesmerizing. Some of the sequences with the kids who are in deep comas are a bit disturbing, but the book as a whole just entangles my mind. I think about all the what ifs and the moral choices and the psychology and it is just fascinating.
February 12, 2015
An extremely moving and deep book, it really gave me food for thought, and I really enjoyed the writers perspective, the idea and concept. Very interesting and emotional book.
I see people rating this book low for personal reasons, and although I can fully understand it touching close to home for you, myself included, you should really rate the book for what it is, how it was written, how it made you feel. If it moved you due to personal difficulties in relation to the story, then isn't that a good thing that a book and a story could do that? Deserving a higher rating in my humble opinion.
I see people rating this book low for personal reasons, and although I can fully understand it touching close to home for you, myself included, you should really rate the book for what it is, how it was written, how it made you feel. If it moved you due to personal difficulties in relation to the story, then isn't that a good thing that a book and a story could do that? Deserving a higher rating in my humble opinion.
September 12, 2010
Absolutely riveting! From the very first chapter, the story pulled me right in! The characters really came to life as well and Mawson revealed their histories, flaws and traits in an interesting style that kept me turning the pages well into the night. And while the ending felt a bit rushed and chaotic, with a few too many outside forces pressuring down on them from every side imaginable, it did end well - with a very cinematic flair. I am curious to read his first book now!
August 31, 2013
Great book... but often a bit vague as to what was actually real/not real, sometimes I was confused as to who was the character at the time. Interesting plot, but could have gone deeper into some characters. Great suspense at the end, then was let down with vague ending. Enjoyed reading it, but disappointed because I didn't really know what had happened to the main characters in the end.
May 22, 2010
It was a very intresting book and i enjoyed it a lot. It had a huge pull on me in the begining and kept it going. It slowly lost it's effect in the end, as the ending was dull. It was pacted full of emotions and almost made me cry at points. Overall it was a good book, and i will r
October 30, 2019
Με άγγιξε πολύ το θέμα του. Αν δεν ήταν τόσο μακροσκελείς οι περιγραφές, σε συγκεκριμένο κομμάτι προς το τέλος του βιβλίου θα ήταν ακόμα καλύτερο. Μου το χάλασε λίγο εκεί, αλλά μου άρεσε πολύ!
September 3, 2020
Από το οπισθόφυλλο :
Η Φράνκι είναι μόλις εφτά χρονών,ένα χαρούμενο,άτακτο,συνηθισμένο παιδί,με μια απλή ,συνηθισμένη οικογένεια. Και ξαφνικά ένα πρωί,στο δρόμο για το σχολείο,τη χτυπάει ένα αυτοκίνητο.
Και εδώ έρχεται η γνωστή λαϊκή ρύση : "Όσα φέρνει η στιγμή,δεν τα φέρνει ο χρόνος όλος. "
Ο μεγαλύτερος εφιάλτης ενός γονέα,είναι μην πάθει γρατζουνιά το βλαστάρι του. Πόσο μάλλον,όταν εμπλέκεται σε ένα τροχαίο που αφήνει το παιδί μετέωρο μεταξύ φθοράς και αφθαρσίας. Όταν πρέπει να πάρεις δύσκολες αποφάσεις. Όταν καλείσαι να αποφασίσεις την "εύκολη" λύση ή να δοκιμάσεις να φτάσεις στα άκρα. Στα άκρα και των ίδιων σου των αντοχών. Και τι γίνεται με όσους μένουν πίσω? Με τα κατηγορώ τους?
"Ήμασταν μια ομάδα,μια μονάδα,ένα αυτοσυντήρητο σύστημα,κάτι δυνατό και ζωντανό που λειτουργούσε ανεξάρτητα από όλα τα άλλα,αυτοδύναμα σαν....σαν μια μικρή μηχανή" (.....) "Και μετά,κάποια στιγμή,κάπου στην πορειααρχισαν όλα να καταρρέουν,να χάνονται. Λόγω κακής συντήρησης φαντάζομαι"
Μια οικογένεια ,στο χείλος της διάλυσης. Ένα γεγονός που είτε θα τους δέσει και θα ξεπεράσουν τα μικροπροβλήματα,είτε θα τους δώσει μια κλωτσιά την ώρα που είναι πεσμένοι χάμω.
Και δεν το κρυβω,ότι μου θύμισε έντονα την ταινία Lorenzo's Oil.
Ένα ευαίσθητο θέμα,μια πρωτότυπη προσέγγιση. Λόγος στακατος και όχι περίτεχνος. Σκηνές "απλές" και "ωμές" σαν να βλέπεις επεισόδια μιας σειράς. Μια εναλλαγή σκηνών όμως,στα λιγοστά κεφάλαια που προσωπικά με αποσυντονιζε μέχρι να καταλάβω για ποιον μιλάει. Ειδικά στην αρχή μέχρι να ξεχωρίσω τα ονόματα. Ίσως αυτό είναι και το μόνο που με χάλασε ελαφρώς.
"Η αναισθησία είναι σαν να κατεβαίνεις μια κυλιόμενη σκάλα. (...) Όσο πιο κάτω φτάνουμε τόσο πιο μόνοι είμαστε και τόσο πιο δύσκολο είναι να ανέβουμε πάλι πάνω"
Ο συγγραφέας φτιάχνει μια δική του προσέγγιση ως προς το τι συμβαίνει στο υποσυνειδητο και ίσως και το ασυνείδητο των ασθενών σε κώμα. Και τι κόστος έχει το πολυπόθητο ξύπνημα τους.
Ένα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται με μια ανάσα και μας αφήνει με μια πίκρα.
Η Φράνκι είναι μόλις εφτά χρονών,ένα χαρούμενο,άτακτο,συνηθισμένο παιδί,με μια απλή ,συνηθισμένη οικογένεια. Και ξαφνικά ένα πρωί,στο δρόμο για το σχολείο,τη χτυπάει ένα αυτοκίνητο.
Και εδώ έρχεται η γνωστή λαϊκή ρύση : "Όσα φέρνει η στιγμή,δεν τα φέρνει ο χρόνος όλος. "
Ο μεγαλύτερος εφιάλτης ενός γονέα,είναι μην πάθει γρατζουνιά το βλαστάρι του. Πόσο μάλλον,όταν εμπλέκεται σε ένα τροχαίο που αφήνει το παιδί μετέωρο μεταξύ φθοράς και αφθαρσίας. Όταν πρέπει να πάρεις δύσκολες αποφάσεις. Όταν καλείσαι να αποφασίσεις την "εύκολη" λύση ή να δοκιμάσεις να φτάσεις στα άκρα. Στα άκρα και των ίδιων σου των αντοχών. Και τι γίνεται με όσους μένουν πίσω? Με τα κατηγορώ τους?
"Ήμασταν μια ομάδα,μια μονάδα,ένα αυτοσυντήρητο σύστημα,κάτι δυνατό και ζωντανό που λειτουργούσε ανεξάρτητα από όλα τα άλλα,αυτοδύναμα σαν....σαν μια μικρή μηχανή" (.....) "Και μετά,κάποια στιγμή,κάπου στην πορειααρχισαν όλα να καταρρέουν,να χάνονται. Λόγω κακής συντήρησης φαντάζομαι"
Μια οικογένεια ,στο χείλος της διάλυσης. Ένα γεγονός που είτε θα τους δέσει και θα ξεπεράσουν τα μικροπροβλήματα,είτε θα τους δώσει μια κλωτσιά την ώρα που είναι πεσμένοι χάμω.
Και δεν το κρυβω,ότι μου θύμισε έντονα την ταινία Lorenzo's Oil.
Ένα ευαίσθητο θέμα,μια πρωτότυπη προσέγγιση. Λόγος στακατος και όχι περίτεχνος. Σκηνές "απλές" και "ωμές" σαν να βλέπεις επεισόδια μιας σειράς. Μια εναλλαγή σκηνών όμως,στα λιγοστά κεφάλαια που προσωπικά με αποσυντονιζε μέχρι να καταλάβω για ποιον μιλάει. Ειδικά στην αρχή μέχρι να ξεχωρίσω τα ονόματα. Ίσως αυτό είναι και το μόνο που με χάλασε ελαφρώς.
"Η αναισθησία είναι σαν να κατεβαίνεις μια κυλιόμενη σκάλα. (...) Όσο πιο κάτω φτάνουμε τόσο πιο μόνοι είμαστε και τόσο πιο δύσκολο είναι να ανέβουμε πάλι πάνω"
Ο συγγραφέας φτιάχνει μια δική του προσέγγιση ως προς το τι συμβαίνει στο υποσυνειδητο και ίσως και το ασυνείδητο των ασθενών σε κώμα. Και τι κόστος έχει το πολυπόθητο ξύπνημα τους.
Ένα βιβλίο που διαβάζεται με μια ανάσα και μας αφήνει με μια πίκρα.
July 19, 2022
Am Anfang geht es eigentlich nur um eine Familie, die tragischerweise das jüngere Kind, eine 7-jährige Tochter durch einen Verkehrsunfall ins Koma verliert. Der Bruder, geplagt von Schuldgefühlen, da er hätte auf seine Schwester aufpassen müssen, der Vater, der die lebenserhaltenden Maßnahmen lieber abstellen und die Tochter in Frieden gehen lassen möchte, und die Mutter, die sich darauf stürzt, ihre Tochter durch alternative Methoden zurück zu bekommen. Mit einem flüssigen Schreibstil führt der Autor den Leser sehr leicht durch die erste Hälfte des Buchs, mit dieser wirklich schweren Thematik. Das Buch macht nachdenklich und traurig.
Mit der Verlegung der Tochter in eine "Spezialklinik", in der mit diversen, kontroversen Methoden (Elektroschocks, Pornographie, laute Musik etc.) Kinder und Jugendliche aus dem Koma geholt werden, wird das Buch dann allerdings etwas strange. Der Gedanke, dass sich Koma Patienten mehr oder weniger tief in einer anderen Bewusstseinsebene, ja einer anderen Welt, befinden ist zwar sehr interessant, und auch die Möglichkeit, dass der Bruder durch Hypnose ins er Lage sei, seiner Schwester aus den Tiefen eben jener Welt heraus zu helfen, klingt noch plausibel und nach einer interessanten Idee, verbunden mit der hektischen Schließung des Krankenhauses, aufgrund von Demonstrationen, Anklagen wegen Experimenten an lebenden Kindern etc. wird es ziemlich wild. In einer Nacht- und Nebelaktion werden die Kinder von der Ärztin und ihren Eltern "gestohlen" und die Behandlung versteckt weitergeführt. Die Ärztin selbst taucht in die tiefe Bewusstseinsebene ein, der Rest des Buchs wird leider nicht weiter ausgeführt. Das letzte Kapitel spielt einige Monate in der Zukunft und wirft mehr Fragen auf als welche zu klären.
Vielversprechende erste Hälfte, sensibler Umgang mit einem bisher noch nicht sehr erforschten Thema - dann wird es leider zu angespaced und am Ende zu schnell abgehandelt. Unbefiredigender Ausgang.
Mit der Verlegung der Tochter in eine "Spezialklinik", in der mit diversen, kontroversen Methoden (Elektroschocks, Pornographie, laute Musik etc.) Kinder und Jugendliche aus dem Koma geholt werden, wird das Buch dann allerdings etwas strange. Der Gedanke, dass sich Koma Patienten mehr oder weniger tief in einer anderen Bewusstseinsebene, ja einer anderen Welt, befinden ist zwar sehr interessant, und auch die Möglichkeit, dass der Bruder durch Hypnose ins er Lage sei, seiner Schwester aus den Tiefen eben jener Welt heraus zu helfen, klingt noch plausibel und nach einer interessanten Idee, verbunden mit der hektischen Schließung des Krankenhauses, aufgrund von Demonstrationen, Anklagen wegen Experimenten an lebenden Kindern etc. wird es ziemlich wild. In einer Nacht- und Nebelaktion werden die Kinder von der Ärztin und ihren Eltern "gestohlen" und die Behandlung versteckt weitergeführt. Die Ärztin selbst taucht in die tiefe Bewusstseinsebene ein, der Rest des Buchs wird leider nicht weiter ausgeführt. Das letzte Kapitel spielt einige Monate in der Zukunft und wirft mehr Fragen auf als welche zu klären.
Vielversprechende erste Hälfte, sensibler Umgang mit einem bisher noch nicht sehr erforschten Thema - dann wird es leider zu angespaced und am Ende zu schnell abgehandelt. Unbefiredigender Ausgang.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2017
This book tosses family drama and suspense into the mix. Robert Mawson was unrelenting and unsympathetic to readers’ emotions, basically assaulting it with his introduction, which is little Frances (Frankie) Heywood’s accident. The accident happened when Ben Heywood, her brother, was walking her and her friend Isabelle to the school and rushes ahead only a moment too quickly buy himself a treat at a newsagent’s shop. Only a few pages in and we have a horrible accident and a guilt-ridden 12-year-old boy. We are then further dismayed by Alison and Jack Heywood’s rocky marriage, which was a result of Jack’s infidelity.
This is a wonderful read where family and friends come through. It's always nice to have that in a book, isn't it? You've also got ethics, morality, and the law to ponder about when you put it down. I didn't see the ending coming - well I guessed part of it from the title so that's no secret - and wouldn't have it written any other way. Kudos to Robert Mawson.
Read the full review Bookmarks & Blue Light
This is a wonderful read where family and friends come through. It's always nice to have that in a book, isn't it? You've also got ethics, morality, and the law to ponder about when you put it down. I didn't see the ending coming - well I guessed part of it from the title so that's no secret - and wouldn't have it written any other way. Kudos to Robert Mawson.
Read the full review Bookmarks & Blue Light
February 28, 2025
I read this book after watching the movie because I was curious to learn more about Lizzie's character and no offense but I liked the movie better. The way the subconscious worked made more sense to me in the movie and I also found it hard to believe that Lizzie would be that down bad for a man who kept working against her passion and life's work. The romance was toned down a lot in the movie, which I liked, even though there he was actually more supportive of her so the romantic feelings wouldn't have felt as misplaced. Who knows, maybe it's just that I don't like bootlickers so I had a hard time relating to Lizzie's feelings for John.
The ending of the book also felt very abrupt. It was less pleasing than how the movie ended but that was probably the author's intention.
I did like the descriptiveness of the book, the prose was very nice and I also liked learning more of Lizzie's backstory. Even though she was written as white, I still imagined her looking and speaking like Angela Bassett, who played her a bit more confidently.
The ending of the book also felt very abrupt. It was less pleasing than how the movie ended but that was probably the author's intention.
I did like the descriptiveness of the book, the prose was very nice and I also liked learning more of Lizzie's backstory. Even though she was written as white, I still imagined her looking and speaking like Angela Bassett, who played her a bit more confidently.
October 29, 2016
Difficile non perdersi dentro ad un sogno.
Difficile risalire l'oscuro baratro del torpore del coma.
Dispersivo, bello, emblematico, interessante, odioso, irrazionale, sessuale...
Ci sono tanti aggettivi che descrivono questo libro ed i suoi personaggi.
Di certo è una storia bellissima riguardo il legame di due fratelli. E tutto ciò che gira attorno è una scienza medica che cerca di spingersi oltre i confini consentiti dalla legge dell'uomo e dalla legge religiosa, perché non c'è alcuna mano di un dio dietro ai bambini che cadono in coma, ma solo quella degli uomini.
E troppe conseguenze. Ma studiare il sonno ed i suoi livelli è per chi non ha paura.
Difficile risalire l'oscuro baratro del torpore del coma.
Dispersivo, bello, emblematico, interessante, odioso, irrazionale, sessuale...
Ci sono tanti aggettivi che descrivono questo libro ed i suoi personaggi.
Di certo è una storia bellissima riguardo il legame di due fratelli. E tutto ciò che gira attorno è una scienza medica che cerca di spingersi oltre i confini consentiti dalla legge dell'uomo e dalla legge religiosa, perché non c'è alcuna mano di un dio dietro ai bambini che cadono in coma, ma solo quella degli uomini.
E troppe conseguenze. Ma studiare il sonno ed i suoi livelli è per chi non ha paura.
April 25, 2022
A good read , this is the first book by Robert Mawson I have read and I really enjoyed it . Something quite different to anything I have read before but gave me plenty to think about . The author has cleverly crafted a novel which could almost be based on a true event ,but then he takes the reader into controversial medical intervention so there is a fantasy aspect to the book .
November 10, 2017
This book tosses family drama and suspense into the mix. Robert Mawson was unrelenting and unsympathetic to readers’ emotions, basically assaulting it with his introduction, which is little Frances (Frankie) Heywood’s accident. The accident happened when Ben Heywood, her brother, was walking her and her friend Isabelle to the school and rushes ahead only a moment too quickly buy himself a treat at a newsagent’s shop. Only a few pages in and we have a horrible accident and a guilt-ridden 12-year-old boy. We are then further dismayed by Alison and Jack Heywood’s rocky marriage, which was a result of Jack’s infidelity.
This is a wonderful read where family and friends come through. It's always nice to have that in a book, isn't it? You've also got ethics, morality, and the law to ponder about when you put it down. I didn't see the ending coming - well I guessed part of it from the title so that's no secret - and wouldn't have it written any other way. Kudos to Robert Mawson.
Read the full review at Bookmarks & Blue Light
This is a wonderful read where family and friends come through. It's always nice to have that in a book, isn't it? You've also got ethics, morality, and the law to ponder about when you put it down. I didn't see the ending coming - well I guessed part of it from the title so that's no secret - and wouldn't have it written any other way. Kudos to Robert Mawson.
Read the full review at Bookmarks & Blue Light
May 8, 2019
One of my favourite books of all time! A clever concept that is written in a way that makes it exceptionally plausible. I've read this book several times over the last two decades and have become re-immersed each and every time, unable to walk away.
August 3, 2019
I was curious in the beginning of the book, however it went downhill. It got quite boring and I felt like the story was not moving at all, the last 60 or so pages took a turn I didn't like at all. Also the ending was very abrupt and just happened.
November 16, 2019
3.5 Sterne
Alles in allem fand ich es sehr spannend und aufregend. Und überhaupt diese Frage: Was ist wenn... Wenn wir schlafen? Tief schlafen? Bewusstlos sind? Tot?
Bloß das Ende fand ich ziemlich abrupt, wenn auch unerwartet.
Alles in allem fand ich es sehr spannend und aufregend. Und überhaupt diese Frage: Was ist wenn... Wenn wir schlafen? Tief schlafen? Bewusstlos sind? Tot?
Bloß das Ende fand ich ziemlich abrupt, wenn auch unerwartet.
May 17, 2020
This is a rather harrowing book as it involves a child being catastrophically injured in a road accident. Her brother witnesses the accidents the accident and in hugely traumatised. It sounds grim but has a really gripping plot. Not for the faint-hearted but I recommend it.
August 29, 2021
A book you want to read and finish, but quite sad to follow the progress of the protagonists. Family Heywood is going through a tough process. Well written but not a feel-good if that's what you're looking for.
July 20, 2022
Though it moved slow sometimes this book was amazing. It made me angry, elated and sad. I actually cried. I was prepared to not like it because it uses pseudo-science but here I am saying it was good!
February 13, 2024
Eindelijk weer een page turner. Over volharding, over geloven in wat je doet, ondanks tegenwerking van buitenaf, en twijfels bij jezelf. Risico's durven nemen, buiten de lijntjes durven kleuren. Mooi.
May 12, 2017
Loved the Spiritual hook Fourth dimensial, bummer it was left unexplained...Read Dutch version
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