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A Map of Nowhere
David Price always wished life would blow up in his face. And then it did. His mother died. The urge to paint left him. Then Sarah came his way, followed by Pete, a psychiatric outpatient. Now David spends his time worrying about Sarah’s eating habits, visiting her terminally ill sister and working as Pete’s carer.
When Pete’s odd behaviour starts to leave David fearing for his own safety, he is shocked to discover that Sarah knows the reason why but will not disclose it. What is about to happen will change everything.
Funny, moving, compelling and wholly original, A Map of Nowhere leaves us wondering just how well it’s possible to know others and, indeed, ourselves.
When Pete’s odd behaviour starts to leave David fearing for his own safety, he is shocked to discover that Sarah knows the reason why but will not disclose it. What is about to happen will change everything.
Funny, moving, compelling and wholly original, A Map of Nowhere leaves us wondering just how well it’s possible to know others and, indeed, ourselves.
- GenresFiction
Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Martin Bannister
2 booksMartin Bannister was born in Wigan. He studied fine art and has worked as an artist, graffiti muralist, teacher and support worker for people with enduring mental health problems.
Martin is a graduate of the creative writing MA at the University of East Anglia and lives in London.
Martin is a graduate of the creative writing MA at the University of East Anglia and lives in London.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 14, 2015
“A Map of Nowhere” was published by one of those tiny independent presses that you go to discover your next favourite author no one else has heard of, which of course gives you many hipster points and that has become of utmost importance to me ever since I moved to Clapton and began worrying I’d be asked to relocate on the account of not being cool enough.
Other than elevating my social standing this book was very good at recreating London reality I could actually recognise. There are as many Londons as there are Londoners (and a few more), so often when I read books about London I still feel transported – to that foreign London that the author inhabits. This book, however, did not transport me. I felt like I could get on the overground train to Denmark Hill and walk down towards Herne Hill and at some point seamlessly walk into this little novel.
It’s a quite touching debut that’s generally skilfully written but it lets itself down by making the final twist utterly predictable from almost the first page. Perhaps, it was done on purpose. Perhaps the reader was supposed to see what was right in front of the narrator’s eyes. But it did leave me a little disappointed, feeling I figured things out way too early. I was compensated, however, by the very careful portrayal of Peter, a mentally disturbed man for whom David, the narrator, is a part-time carer/key worker.
Additionally I’m always fascinated by bizarre art projects which serve as a leitmotif for a book. I loved the moth landscapes in Asunder by Chloe Aridjis and I love the strange reconstruction scene of a life-changing moment that Peter is building throughout the novel.
Other than elevating my social standing this book was very good at recreating London reality I could actually recognise. There are as many Londons as there are Londoners (and a few more), so often when I read books about London I still feel transported – to that foreign London that the author inhabits. This book, however, did not transport me. I felt like I could get on the overground train to Denmark Hill and walk down towards Herne Hill and at some point seamlessly walk into this little novel.
It’s a quite touching debut that’s generally skilfully written but it lets itself down by making the final twist utterly predictable from almost the first page. Perhaps, it was done on purpose. Perhaps the reader was supposed to see what was right in front of the narrator’s eyes. But it did leave me a little disappointed, feeling I figured things out way too early. I was compensated, however, by the very careful portrayal of Peter, a mentally disturbed man for whom David, the narrator, is a part-time carer/key worker.
Additionally I’m always fascinated by bizarre art projects which serve as a leitmotif for a book. I loved the moth landscapes in Asunder by Chloe Aridjis and I love the strange reconstruction scene of a life-changing moment that Peter is building throughout the novel.
September 18, 2013
I am so bowled over by this story, I do not have the words to write a review, and I really mean it.
Baggage. The human spirit. The amazing gift of forgiveness. And Karma, steering lives without showing itself voluntarily. After all, 'they say the brain is like an ocean - largely unexplored and pretty much doing its own thing. Unpredictable baffling. A force to be reckoned with. Maybe the brain is more like a smartphone. Fast and powerful when new, sluggish when too many apps are up and running.
David Price thought his life was fairly okay. He did relatively well as an artist, he had a relatively good childhood, he coped well. Until he met Sarah, Claire, and Pete. They knew a secret that David did not. And when he finally got to know it, he felt upended by his own backstory. He would feel like an actor in a role he thought he perfected, but suddenly finds himself flattened or fake by the events - like Jim Carey in The Truman Show when the tip of his boat tears a hole in the painted-on sky.
Before I reached page 100, I was convinced that this book was not for me. The initial pace was slow, due to the detail often too overwhelming, the issues too unsettling, the atmosphere not something I could handle at this moment in my life. But then the pieces of the puzzle started making sense in their color heaps. David, the first person narrator and protagonist, packed them neatly in colored heaps, before the different characters fitted the tale into one magnificent piece of art. The end left me totally speechless, not because it was a surprise(it was that as well), but because of the emotions I was left with. I wanted to laugh and cry. Happy and sad. Blown away by my feelings.
Endearing. Amazing. Well-written, with nothing I would have loved to change in it. Okay, maybe the end, but that would be for selfish reasons. All the elements blended perfectly. Not even the kite strings were left dangling aimlessly in the wind. It has an understated, powerful message. The question the reader is left with is: how would you have handled it?
A great book - recommended for sure.
Baggage. The human spirit. The amazing gift of forgiveness. And Karma, steering lives without showing itself voluntarily. After all, 'they say the brain is like an ocean - largely unexplored and pretty much doing its own thing. Unpredictable baffling. A force to be reckoned with. Maybe the brain is more like a smartphone. Fast and powerful when new, sluggish when too many apps are up and running.
David Price thought his life was fairly okay. He did relatively well as an artist, he had a relatively good childhood, he coped well. Until he met Sarah, Claire, and Pete. They knew a secret that David did not. And when he finally got to know it, he felt upended by his own backstory. He would feel like an actor in a role he thought he perfected, but suddenly finds himself flattened or fake by the events - like Jim Carey in The Truman Show when the tip of his boat tears a hole in the painted-on sky.
Before I reached page 100, I was convinced that this book was not for me. The initial pace was slow, due to the detail often too overwhelming, the issues too unsettling, the atmosphere not something I could handle at this moment in my life. But then the pieces of the puzzle started making sense in their color heaps. David, the first person narrator and protagonist, packed them neatly in colored heaps, before the different characters fitted the tale into one magnificent piece of art. The end left me totally speechless, not because it was a surprise(it was that as well), but because of the emotions I was left with. I wanted to laugh and cry. Happy and sad. Blown away by my feelings.
Endearing. Amazing. Well-written, with nothing I would have loved to change in it. Okay, maybe the end, but that would be for selfish reasons. All the elements blended perfectly. Not even the kite strings were left dangling aimlessly in the wind. It has an understated, powerful message. The question the reader is left with is: how would you have handled it?
A great book - recommended for sure.
March 31, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and for the most part it was an easy read. It's about things that were, things that are and things that might have been. The characters worked well and the observations of human nature and its frailties were very good. It is a powerful story of lives and deaths in which it could be said that very little actually happens however don't let that put you off. If family lives and mental health issues interest you I'd be surprised if you didn't get something out of this narrative. I confess the twist in the middle did surprise me (pleasantly) and made the tale even more interesting.
August 8, 2013
"David Price always wished life would blow up in his face. And then it did. His mother died. The urge to paint left him. Then Sarah came his way, followed by Pete, a psychiatric outpatient. Now David spends his time worrying about Sarah's eating habits, visiting her terminally ill sister and working as Pete's carer."
Moving, clever and beautifully written.
Moving, clever and beautifully written.
January 12, 2024
Oh wow. I am not sure what I just read, but that was wild. Emotion-wise. So raw, so graphic, so grating. The ending left you gasping, grappling for hope, for mercy.
My only complaint is viewing the story from one point of view only, is quite nauseating and caging. Unless, well, if that's the point. Then I have nothing to say. But please, give readers some breaks, don't just escalate continuously.
My only complaint is viewing the story from one point of view only, is quite nauseating and caging. Unless, well, if that's the point. Then I have nothing to say. But please, give readers some breaks, don't just escalate continuously.
May 26, 2019
Got me at the end.
Found the ending of this book excellent. Probably due to my childhood memories of holidaying in north Wales. Thanks Martin.
Found the ending of this book excellent. Probably due to my childhood memories of holidaying in north Wales. Thanks Martin.
April 15, 2014
Read this directly after Fractured, was another that I got for 99p in the Kindle store, and the contrast in quality may have been what made me enjoy it as much as I did. But I do think it was very much worth reading. The parts where it detailed Pete's mental state at his most unstable points were really, really interesting - I don't know to what extent it's based on research or true accounts, and not having suffered from mental illness myself I'm not sure if it would be enjoyable to read as someone who had (i.e. would it be relatable? realistic? is it an over-exaggerated or over-simplified portrayal?). But the plot, the relationships between the characters, the way their lives came to be intertwined, all made for a really enjoyable read.
Oh also as it's about mental illness the concern for triggers is probably higher than in other books, so TW for themes of suicide and eating disorders in particular, there may be more but these are the ones that come directly to mind.
Oh also as it's about mental illness the concern for triggers is probably higher than in other books, so TW for themes of suicide and eating disorders in particular, there may be more but these are the ones that come directly to mind.
November 18, 2013
Illness, mental or physical doesn't just affect the person who is ill. The family, friends and carers all have to face hard facts and struggle with their own problems as well as the ill person - it's no wonder so many people with chronic metal or physical illnesses feel constant guilt. I felt this book embodied that feeling, that you spend so long worrying about other people until it consumes you. This isn't a preachy book, this isn't an amazing book but it's more a glimpse into someone's life and how illness has shaped and moves it forward. It doesn't blame anyone, illness is nobody's fault and illness does not make you a bad person. Neither does walking away or staying. I feel this is a very honest account and would touch most people in some profound way.
April 20, 2014
This book has a strong start, the story is original and compelling. Unfortunately though, I got bored in the model-building section as there was just too much detail that was not remotely interesting, and from there on out I continued to be a bit bored. And it was very predictable. So overall it weakened in the second half as many books do, which is a real pity. I'd still say it is worth a read though, for anyone interested in the subject matter (mental illness).
November 13, 2014
I didn't expect to like this book as much as I did, it could have easily been a 4 if the ending wasn't so predictable, I was expecting something more. I found the last few chapters when they were building the model and on the trip really boring, other than that it was good.
June 9, 2014
Not the sort of book I usually read but I'm so glad I read this. Heartwarming and heartbreaking. A great read
October 31, 2013
I enjoyed this book. I found it easy to read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews