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Un nouveau jour
Karen, veuve depuis peu et mère de deux jeunes enfants, est confrontée à la mort de son père. Abby, épuisée par le quotidien auprès de son fils autiste, est en instance de divorce. Michael, fleuriste, est contraint de déposer le bilan.
Leurs trois destins se croisent quand, à bout de souffle, ils se réfugient derrière les portes d'une clinique psychiatrique de Brighton.
Là-bas, grâce aux groupes de parole et aux liens noués avec d'autres pensionnaires, ils reprennent pied dans l'existence et retrouvent le goût des plaisirs de la vie. Mais comment préserver cet équilibre quand la vie est si imprévisible?
Leurs trois destins se croisent quand, à bout de souffle, ils se réfugient derrière les portes d'une clinique psychiatrique de Brighton.
Là-bas, grâce aux groupes de parole et aux liens noués avec d'autres pensionnaires, ils reprennent pied dans l'existence et retrouvent le goût des plaisirs de la vie. Mais comment préserver cet équilibre quand la vie est si imprévisible?
413 pages, Paperback
First published July 17, 2014
32 people are currently reading
1280 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Rayner
24 books278 followers"Reading a Sarah Rayner book is like having a no-holds-barred chat with a close friend..."
Sarah Rayner writes both fiction and non-fiction and has sold over 750,000 books worldwide. She is the author of six novels - including 'Searching for Mr. Yesterday', published in February 2023. Her novel, the international bestseller, 'One Moment, One Morning' has two follow-ups, 'The Two Week Wait' and 'Another Night, Another Day', which feature the same Brighton-based characters.
She is also the author/publisher of the 'Making Friends' series of non-fiction self-help books. 'Making Friends with Anxiety: a warm, supportive little book to help ease worry and panic', 'Making Friends with the Menopause' and 'Making Peace with Depression' were published in 2022 by Thread, the non-fiction imprint of Bookouture. They were fully revised and edited for republication.
In 2021, Sarah published 'No More Tigers', her mother's childhood memoir, through her independent imprint, Creative Pumpkin Publishing. Mary Rayner grew up in Burma and when she was eight years old, in 1942, Mary and her family fled from Burma to India on foot to escape the invading Japanese. Mary Rayner is now 89, and is the author/illustrator of the 'Pig Books'. Sarah has written both a Foreword and Afterword for the memoir which is available on Amazon.
To find out more about Sarah or get in touch, please visit her website, www.sarah-rayner.com - it always makes her day to hear to hear from her readers. She is also on Facebook, Instagram and TicToc (search for Creative Pumpkin) and regularly posts about her life in Brighton, England, where she lives with her husband, Tom.
Sarah Rayner writes both fiction and non-fiction and has sold over 750,000 books worldwide. She is the author of six novels - including 'Searching for Mr. Yesterday', published in February 2023. Her novel, the international bestseller, 'One Moment, One Morning' has two follow-ups, 'The Two Week Wait' and 'Another Night, Another Day', which feature the same Brighton-based characters.
She is also the author/publisher of the 'Making Friends' series of non-fiction self-help books. 'Making Friends with Anxiety: a warm, supportive little book to help ease worry and panic', 'Making Friends with the Menopause' and 'Making Peace with Depression' were published in 2022 by Thread, the non-fiction imprint of Bookouture. They were fully revised and edited for republication.
In 2021, Sarah published 'No More Tigers', her mother's childhood memoir, through her independent imprint, Creative Pumpkin Publishing. Mary Rayner grew up in Burma and when she was eight years old, in 1942, Mary and her family fled from Burma to India on foot to escape the invading Japanese. Mary Rayner is now 89, and is the author/illustrator of the 'Pig Books'. Sarah has written both a Foreword and Afterword for the memoir which is available on Amazon.
To find out more about Sarah or get in touch, please visit her website, www.sarah-rayner.com - it always makes her day to hear to hear from her readers. She is also on Facebook, Instagram and TicToc (search for Creative Pumpkin) and regularly posts about her life in Brighton, England, where she lives with her husband, Tom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
October 23, 2014
I am a big fan of Sarah Rayner right from her first novel. I see that Karen is back in this one.
I have to say, this isn't a series of books, they are stand alone but it was nice to catch up with a character from a previous book with Karen being now somewhat older.
Mental Health has a stigma attached to it, yes, even after all these years, so it was great for me to see this author tackle it in such a readable way. I live with a husband who comes under "the mental health care" as he suffers with Bi Polar so I was very in tune with this author as she demonstrated great care in unfolding and developing the characters in this book.
Going back to Karen, she lost her husband in an awful accident the first time we got to know her, she was left with two children. We visit her now as she becomes the care giver to her Father who suffers with an illness.
Abby is a carer for her son who has autism, which is very hard work for her most times. Along with all of this her marriage is on the rocks.
Then there is Michael who is a business man, he owns a florist and is struggling within himself.
We meet up with these characters at Moreland clinic when each of them need aide for their mental health in one aspect or another.
Its all cleverly thought out and well knitted together.
As I said before, its hard to write about Mental health as people do not understand it, they cannot SEE it, the person seems OK, except for the loved ones who know them of course.
The reason I say its hard to write is infact because not all readers would understand it, but its so cleverly written that it shows us how anxiety, depression, autism, and all aspects of mental health can affect anyone at anytime at any age. Its not selective, it makes not distinction between class of people with money or if poor. Anyone, YOU or ME can get afflicted, things can happen in life that can send us over the edge of us coping and we become like a pressure cooker, we need a release.
Private care is so different from NHS care in the community, this is widely understood as we read. And totally scary.
This book is not sad, its not depressing, its an eye opener if you have never been involved in the caring system and Lillie was an outstanding character that brought me to much laughter many times.
I can honestly say I loved reading this, Sarah Rayner is a brilliant story teller and I am looking forward to reading many more of her books.
I would like to thank Pan Macmillan via Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. Thank you.
I have to say, this isn't a series of books, they are stand alone but it was nice to catch up with a character from a previous book with Karen being now somewhat older.
Mental Health has a stigma attached to it, yes, even after all these years, so it was great for me to see this author tackle it in such a readable way. I live with a husband who comes under "the mental health care" as he suffers with Bi Polar so I was very in tune with this author as she demonstrated great care in unfolding and developing the characters in this book.
Going back to Karen, she lost her husband in an awful accident the first time we got to know her, she was left with two children. We visit her now as she becomes the care giver to her Father who suffers with an illness.
Abby is a carer for her son who has autism, which is very hard work for her most times. Along with all of this her marriage is on the rocks.
Then there is Michael who is a business man, he owns a florist and is struggling within himself.
We meet up with these characters at Moreland clinic when each of them need aide for their mental health in one aspect or another.
Its all cleverly thought out and well knitted together.
As I said before, its hard to write about Mental health as people do not understand it, they cannot SEE it, the person seems OK, except for the loved ones who know them of course.
The reason I say its hard to write is infact because not all readers would understand it, but its so cleverly written that it shows us how anxiety, depression, autism, and all aspects of mental health can affect anyone at anytime at any age. Its not selective, it makes not distinction between class of people with money or if poor. Anyone, YOU or ME can get afflicted, things can happen in life that can send us over the edge of us coping and we become like a pressure cooker, we need a release.
Private care is so different from NHS care in the community, this is widely understood as we read. And totally scary.
This book is not sad, its not depressing, its an eye opener if you have never been involved in the caring system and Lillie was an outstanding character that brought me to much laughter many times.
I can honestly say I loved reading this, Sarah Rayner is a brilliant story teller and I am looking forward to reading many more of her books.
I would like to thank Pan Macmillan via Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this wonderful book. Thank you.
June 2, 2014
*Received in exchange for an honest review*
*Thank you, Sarah Rayner*
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this book. As someone who has anxiety I find it quite tough to read such realistic portrayals of mental health issues. It's something which can sometimes trigger something in me which makes me really focus on myself and anxiety. It brings back a flood of memories that I'd sooner forget so on just accepting this book to read was a big enough challenge. Having finished the book, I am so glad that I decided to read it. So, so glad. It's such a realistic but hopeful portrayal of a variety of mental health issues. Sarah Rayner depicts things so perfectly; I felt like I was in the room with these characters, that I could encourage them through their journey and to help them to start to get better. It's such a powerful and moving read; I really, really loved it.
What I loved the most was how Sarah Rayner didn't shy away from any of the horrible truths of mental health issues. From what it can do to relationships, to what it's like for an individual, to how it impacts on your day to day life; everything that was written was something that I could 100% empathise with. The story captures exactly what it's like to live with a form of anxiety, depression, tourettes; to be bipolar. The list goes on. To me, this book created such a feeling of hope and it manages to shatter that illusion of loneliness that we can feel when going through things such as these. Another Night, Another Day introduces us to a range of characters who are suffering with a range of mental health issues and through this, manages to make us as a reader feel a part of this world. So many feelings that I've had myself are echoed in these pages and I found that such a comfort. Rayner's message seems to be that you are not alone, help is always at hand, you will get past this. I can't think of a better message to send.
Another Night, Another Day took me completely by surprise and took me on three separate adventures. Rayner introduces us to depression, anxiety and panic attacks through the eyes of three protagonists; Abby, Karen and Michael. It is through these three characters that we see the story unfold and how relationships develop as they begin to visit Moreland's Psychiatric Clinic. We are given insight into the varying degrees of help that are provided to people; whether that's in a private institution or public. Rayner doesn't shy away from errors in the system and displays how important it is for people to get help in order to overcome things. This book is so moving, so hopeful, so inspiring. I recommend it to everyone that has ever dealt with mental health issues themselves.
Sarah Rayner has written the perfect novel. It tackles mental health issues head on and writes in such a hope inducing way. I closed the book feeling so empowered by Karen, Abby and Michael's stories. Everything was so realistic, so personal. It makes for one of the most captivating reads I've read in a long time. I loved it. This isn't your 'usual' mental health book. Of course there are tough scenes, but I loved reading about the characters development. I loved seeing friendships grow and seeing how they reacted to their time in Moreland's. Another Night, Another Day is such a wonderfully empowering book, I cannot recommend it enough.
*Thank you, Sarah Rayner*
I'll be honest, I wasn't sure how I was going to react to this book. As someone who has anxiety I find it quite tough to read such realistic portrayals of mental health issues. It's something which can sometimes trigger something in me which makes me really focus on myself and anxiety. It brings back a flood of memories that I'd sooner forget so on just accepting this book to read was a big enough challenge. Having finished the book, I am so glad that I decided to read it. So, so glad. It's such a realistic but hopeful portrayal of a variety of mental health issues. Sarah Rayner depicts things so perfectly; I felt like I was in the room with these characters, that I could encourage them through their journey and to help them to start to get better. It's such a powerful and moving read; I really, really loved it.
What I loved the most was how Sarah Rayner didn't shy away from any of the horrible truths of mental health issues. From what it can do to relationships, to what it's like for an individual, to how it impacts on your day to day life; everything that was written was something that I could 100% empathise with. The story captures exactly what it's like to live with a form of anxiety, depression, tourettes; to be bipolar. The list goes on. To me, this book created such a feeling of hope and it manages to shatter that illusion of loneliness that we can feel when going through things such as these. Another Night, Another Day introduces us to a range of characters who are suffering with a range of mental health issues and through this, manages to make us as a reader feel a part of this world. So many feelings that I've had myself are echoed in these pages and I found that such a comfort. Rayner's message seems to be that you are not alone, help is always at hand, you will get past this. I can't think of a better message to send.
Another Night, Another Day took me completely by surprise and took me on three separate adventures. Rayner introduces us to depression, anxiety and panic attacks through the eyes of three protagonists; Abby, Karen and Michael. It is through these three characters that we see the story unfold and how relationships develop as they begin to visit Moreland's Psychiatric Clinic. We are given insight into the varying degrees of help that are provided to people; whether that's in a private institution or public. Rayner doesn't shy away from errors in the system and displays how important it is for people to get help in order to overcome things. This book is so moving, so hopeful, so inspiring. I recommend it to everyone that has ever dealt with mental health issues themselves.
Sarah Rayner has written the perfect novel. It tackles mental health issues head on and writes in such a hope inducing way. I closed the book feeling so empowered by Karen, Abby and Michael's stories. Everything was so realistic, so personal. It makes for one of the most captivating reads I've read in a long time. I loved it. This isn't your 'usual' mental health book. Of course there are tough scenes, but I loved reading about the characters development. I loved seeing friendships grow and seeing how they reacted to their time in Moreland's. Another Night, Another Day is such a wonderfully empowering book, I cannot recommend it enough.
April 28, 2016
Another very enjoyable read from Sarah Rayner. This is the third book in her series, number 1 being One Moment, One Morning followed by The Two Week Wait, although they all stand alone as individual novels and you don't have to have read the others to enjoy this one. Sarah Rayner is a writer of what I call chick-lit with balls. Her stories are about women and their friendships with a very strong thread for each book, bereavement and infertility issues in her previous books and depression and anxiety in this one. All set in Brighton this one revolves around Karen and her experiences when she is overwhelmed by her life. The people she meets, the medical care, the tears, the laughter, the new friendships and her personal journey. This is not a doom and gloom story although it deals frankly with serious issues very honestly, it is about strong men and women who face their mental illness each in their own way.
July 8, 2014
It seems a bit odd to say that a book about mental health problems is “readable” but this book is just that – extremely readable and it is all down to the three main characters. Karen is a mother of two, recently widowed and is now coping with the illness of her father. Abby has a tough time caring for her son Callum who has autism, and matters aren’t helped because her marriage is on the verge of breaking down. Small businessman Michael is struggling to keep his florist business afloat, but things seem to be spiralling out of control. We meet all three characters when they first become patients at the Moreland’s Clinic but also see what happens in their lives to bring them there, what finally tips them over the edge into depression and anxiety. What I loved about them is that they are all ordinary people, we all know a Karen, an Abby or a Michael, we might even be one of them. Their stories are told so realistically I almost felt as if I was reading about real people at times, they very quickly became my “friends”.
The fact that they were ordinary people is something that really struck me with this book, what they go through could happen to each and every one of us, as there are times when we all have stress to deal with, but it is quite scary how matters can escalate to the point where you need help. I was really quite struck in the book by the difference in care between what was available at the private clinic and what you could expect to get at the local NHS hospital. It made quite a stark, frightening contrast and I could well imagine how traumatic and scary moving from private to NHS care, in this case, could have been.
Whilst we watch the characters deal with the issues that brought them down into the depths, the book is not all doom and gloom. There are some very uplifting and cheerful moments as well, especially with Lillie, a character we meet at Morelands. I am not going to say anything else about her though, so as not to spoil the read for anyone else.
The book features characters from two of the author’s previous books but it really does not matter if you have not read them. This was my first read by this author, and I didn’t feel “lost” because of that in any way, shape or form. It is a really good read, one which I found moving, funny and tear jerking all at the same time. Highly recommended and thanks to the publisher for the copy to read and review.
The fact that they were ordinary people is something that really struck me with this book, what they go through could happen to each and every one of us, as there are times when we all have stress to deal with, but it is quite scary how matters can escalate to the point where you need help. I was really quite struck in the book by the difference in care between what was available at the private clinic and what you could expect to get at the local NHS hospital. It made quite a stark, frightening contrast and I could well imagine how traumatic and scary moving from private to NHS care, in this case, could have been.
Whilst we watch the characters deal with the issues that brought them down into the depths, the book is not all doom and gloom. There are some very uplifting and cheerful moments as well, especially with Lillie, a character we meet at Morelands. I am not going to say anything else about her though, so as not to spoil the read for anyone else.
The book features characters from two of the author’s previous books but it really does not matter if you have not read them. This was my first read by this author, and I didn’t feel “lost” because of that in any way, shape or form. It is a really good read, one which I found moving, funny and tear jerking all at the same time. Highly recommended and thanks to the publisher for the copy to read and review.
July 25, 2016
This is an warm and approachable novel about a difficult subject - mental health. Its quite a feat to write truthfully and humorously about people dealing with anxiety and depression but the author pulls it off.
What’s unusual about this novel is its depiction of the mental health challenges of people from very varied walks of life and the compelling detail of their journeys to recovery.
Sarah Rayner continues the stories of some familiar faces from her previous novels and introduces new characters too. You find yourself really rooting for your favourite characters (and wishing bad things on the less-nice ones!).
I was given an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review
What’s unusual about this novel is its depiction of the mental health challenges of people from very varied walks of life and the compelling detail of their journeys to recovery.
Sarah Rayner continues the stories of some familiar faces from her previous novels and introduces new characters too. You find yourself really rooting for your favourite characters (and wishing bad things on the less-nice ones!).
I was given an advanced copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review
January 14, 2018
I read this book for a book club and it very much reads like a book club novel. It was painful to read at times. It felt like someone had taken an intro psych course, did a few readings on how to write a novel (for example, side characters should have two defining characteristics) and just went for it. I don't enjoy books where I feel like I can see the writing process in the writing. I'll also be the first to admit I'm not generally into reading books with a domestic theme or set in Britain. The bait and switch at the end was a nice touch and it had a nice ending but I just couldn't with this book. I look forward to discussing it with my book club but I will not be reading this author again.
June 4, 2023
J'ai été agréablement surprise par ce roman !
Quand je l'ai acheté, je n'ai même pas lu le résumé, attirée par le côté frais de sa couverture, et je m'étais imaginée que c'était un livre un peu feel-good, peut-être avec une romance.
Aussi ai-je été vraiment étonnée de me rendre compte qu'il ne s'agissait pas du tout de ça.
En fait, on suit trois personnages qui ne se connaissent pas du tout, au départ, mais qui vivent dans des quartiers assez proches les uns des autres, et qui rencontrent de grosses difficultés dans leur vie, soit personnelle, soit professionnelle.
Et ces problèmes vont les amener tous les trois à suivre une thérapie dans une clinique privée, où ils vont se rencontrer.
Et ce roman est le récit de leur parcours : de leur plongée en enfer jusqu'à leur guérison.
La lecture de la 1ère partie était un peu ennuyeuse et déprimante (bien que très bien écrite), mais elle était nécessaire pour bien mettre en place l'histoire et présenter la situation des personnages principaux.
Mais à partir du moment où ils commencent leur thérapie, ça devient réellement intéressant, voire passionnant.
Les histoires de ces personnages ne sont pas extraordinaires en soi, mais c'est justement ça qui est bien, parce que ça montre que faire une dépression ou des crises d'angoisses, ça peut arriver à n'importe qui.
Ce livre nous amène à réfléchir et à comprendre beaucoup de choses, y compris sur nous-mêmes, et c'est en cela qu'il est excellent.
Entre autres, il nous fait réaliser qu'il n'est pas bon de trop supporter de choses et qu'il faut savoir dire stop, qu'il faut savoir s'occuper de nous-mêmes, car on ne peut bien s'occuper des autres que si l'on est bien soi-même.
De même, il nous fait revoir notre façon de penser, car c'est souvent à cause de notre façon de voir les choses qu'on entretient nos angoisses.
Ce roman n'est pas du tout un livre de développement personnel ni un manuel de psychologie, mais il fait beaucoup réfléchir, en suivant des personnages très attachants.
Il y a du rire, des larmes, des émotions, de l'amitié... la vie, quoi, et sa lecture m'a beaucoup apporté.
En fait, je ne m'étais pas trompée sur son côté "feel-good", et je n'ai pas du tout regretté qu'il n'y ait pas de romance !
Quand je l'ai acheté, je n'ai même pas lu le résumé, attirée par le côté frais de sa couverture, et je m'étais imaginée que c'était un livre un peu feel-good, peut-être avec une romance.
Aussi ai-je été vraiment étonnée de me rendre compte qu'il ne s'agissait pas du tout de ça.
En fait, on suit trois personnages qui ne se connaissent pas du tout, au départ, mais qui vivent dans des quartiers assez proches les uns des autres, et qui rencontrent de grosses difficultés dans leur vie, soit personnelle, soit professionnelle.
Et ces problèmes vont les amener tous les trois à suivre une thérapie dans une clinique privée, où ils vont se rencontrer.
Et ce roman est le récit de leur parcours : de leur plongée en enfer jusqu'à leur guérison.
La lecture de la 1ère partie était un peu ennuyeuse et déprimante (bien que très bien écrite), mais elle était nécessaire pour bien mettre en place l'histoire et présenter la situation des personnages principaux.
Mais à partir du moment où ils commencent leur thérapie, ça devient réellement intéressant, voire passionnant.
Les histoires de ces personnages ne sont pas extraordinaires en soi, mais c'est justement ça qui est bien, parce que ça montre que faire une dépression ou des crises d'angoisses, ça peut arriver à n'importe qui.
Ce livre nous amène à réfléchir et à comprendre beaucoup de choses, y compris sur nous-mêmes, et c'est en cela qu'il est excellent.
Entre autres, il nous fait réaliser qu'il n'est pas bon de trop supporter de choses et qu'il faut savoir dire stop, qu'il faut savoir s'occuper de nous-mêmes, car on ne peut bien s'occuper des autres que si l'on est bien soi-même.
De même, il nous fait revoir notre façon de penser, car c'est souvent à cause de notre façon de voir les choses qu'on entretient nos angoisses.
Ce roman n'est pas du tout un livre de développement personnel ni un manuel de psychologie, mais il fait beaucoup réfléchir, en suivant des personnages très attachants.
Il y a du rire, des larmes, des émotions, de l'amitié... la vie, quoi, et sa lecture m'a beaucoup apporté.
En fait, je ne m'étais pas trompée sur son côté "feel-good", et je n'ai pas du tout regretté qu'il n'y ait pas de romance !
April 22, 2014
‘Another Night, Another Day’ is the story of three people from the Brighton area who’s world’s collide when they meet at a private psychiatric care facility. All three are having tough times in their lives and all three are desperately in need of help.
I really enjoyed the way the book is split into sections where it helps us understand each of the characters problems, their admission into the facility, their journey there and what happens once they’re out. This was a well-researched and honest account of how people’s problems can affect them in different ways and how we all cope differently.
The characters were cleanly and clearly painted so the point where I felt as though they could have been personal friends and I felt their pain and their triumph throughout the story. My criticism however is that there’s not much more to it than that. This book plods along at a constant pace and as an outsider we get to take a peep into the three main characters suffering but then we take a step back out again. I’m sure this is what the author intended but I guess I was hoping for something a little more tumultuous.
Setting the book in Brighton left space to really create some foreboding and the sea could have featured as a character in this story, but apart from the mention of the old west pier right at the beginning of the book I felt as though the setting was completely incidental – this story could have unravelled anywhere.
After reading the book I didn’t feel at all like it had been a waste of my time but couldn’t think of a single person I would recommend it to. It lacks the drama to please the fans of the family drama genre but doesn’t really fit any other buckets that I can think of. The counselling sessions within the novel did make me take a view of my feeling though, so maybe it crosses a line between family drama and self-help!
I’ve given this book a 3/5 as I think the author achieved exactly what she set out to but I felt it lacked depth in places and frankly it bored me a times and felt myself skimming through to get to the end. I suppose this is more a reflection of me than the book!
I really enjoyed the way the book is split into sections where it helps us understand each of the characters problems, their admission into the facility, their journey there and what happens once they’re out. This was a well-researched and honest account of how people’s problems can affect them in different ways and how we all cope differently.
The characters were cleanly and clearly painted so the point where I felt as though they could have been personal friends and I felt their pain and their triumph throughout the story. My criticism however is that there’s not much more to it than that. This book plods along at a constant pace and as an outsider we get to take a peep into the three main characters suffering but then we take a step back out again. I’m sure this is what the author intended but I guess I was hoping for something a little more tumultuous.
Setting the book in Brighton left space to really create some foreboding and the sea could have featured as a character in this story, but apart from the mention of the old west pier right at the beginning of the book I felt as though the setting was completely incidental – this story could have unravelled anywhere.
After reading the book I didn’t feel at all like it had been a waste of my time but couldn’t think of a single person I would recommend it to. It lacks the drama to please the fans of the family drama genre but doesn’t really fit any other buckets that I can think of. The counselling sessions within the novel did make me take a view of my feeling though, so maybe it crosses a line between family drama and self-help!
I’ve given this book a 3/5 as I think the author achieved exactly what she set out to but I felt it lacked depth in places and frankly it bored me a times and felt myself skimming through to get to the end. I suppose this is more a reflection of me than the book!
August 26, 2014
I still don't know how Sarah Rayner has made a realistic and moving account of mental health problems in 21st century Britain into a page-turner, but she has.
She doesn't duck issues: private and NHS care are compared and contrasted and she explores the problems of her three main characters with such emotional clarity that it feels as though you are walking around in someone else's shoes - a remarkable achievement.
This is a book written with a quiet, understated skill. I read it in a couple of evenings, staying up late to finish it, something I usually only do for a gripping murder mystery. I am still working out why it is unputdownable. I suspect it's the combination of genuine empathy with a compelling writing style.
It's a very human book throwing light on very human problems. And you don't neeed to read it while wearing a hair shirt...you're not making any sacrifices as a reader
She doesn't duck issues: private and NHS care are compared and contrasted and she explores the problems of her three main characters with such emotional clarity that it feels as though you are walking around in someone else's shoes - a remarkable achievement.
This is a book written with a quiet, understated skill. I read it in a couple of evenings, staying up late to finish it, something I usually only do for a gripping murder mystery. I am still working out why it is unputdownable. I suspect it's the combination of genuine empathy with a compelling writing style.
It's a very human book throwing light on very human problems. And you don't neeed to read it while wearing a hair shirt...you're not making any sacrifices as a reader
September 3, 2017
What an amazing book this is. I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone that is going through a bad time in their life, or those that want an insight into how their loved ones are coping with a mental illness.
My own father passed away almost 8 weeks ago so when I read on the back of the book "there's Karen, worried about her dying father..." I was both interested and slightly nervous with starting a book that was going to hit very close to home.
I have had trouble in the past year with not being able to concentrate and myself dealing with depression and anxiety over my fathers illness so reading fell by the way side. However I read this book in 8 days.
I have read Sarah's previous book One Moment One Morning quite a while ago but her style of writing got me to seek out her other novels. It is so engaging and you feel like your right there with the characters.
I loved this book and I am sad that it has finished! But it will also stay with me for a long time...
Kat
My own father passed away almost 8 weeks ago so when I read on the back of the book "there's Karen, worried about her dying father..." I was both interested and slightly nervous with starting a book that was going to hit very close to home.
I have had trouble in the past year with not being able to concentrate and myself dealing with depression and anxiety over my fathers illness so reading fell by the way side. However I read this book in 8 days.
I have read Sarah's previous book One Moment One Morning quite a while ago but her style of writing got me to seek out her other novels. It is so engaging and you feel like your right there with the characters.
I loved this book and I am sad that it has finished! But it will also stay with me for a long time...
Kat
March 28, 2021
The author Sarah Rayner admits to having depression and anxiety herself. She writes a heartfelt novel about three main characters who are admitted to a clinic for help.
Despite the serious topic, it is a novel that is hopeful.
I have read other novels from Rayner with some of the same characters. This is third in a series but is a stand alone.
Earlier novels:
One Moment, One Morning
The Two Week Wait
Despite the serious topic, it is a novel that is hopeful.
I have read other novels from Rayner with some of the same characters. This is third in a series but is a stand alone.
Earlier novels:
One Moment, One Morning
The Two Week Wait
June 29, 2022
What a brilliant read. Another great book by Sarah Rayner.
February 3, 2025
The three main characters in this novel are people who are experiencing their first serious experience with anxiety or depression and meet in a psychiatric group. I felt the author did a very good job of describing each of their journeys.
July 25, 2021
Very good story line. Loved the style of writing. Mental health issues are captured perfectly within this story.
May 11, 2014
Another Night, Another Day - to be published by Picador in the UK on 17 July - is the third novel by Sarah Rayner featuring her Brighton-based characters. If you haven't read the other two, don't worry - these are companion novels rather than sequels, and some of the same characters feature in each. The first was One Moment, One Morning, the first time we meet Karen, Anna and Lou, whose lives were changed for ever by a dramatic incident on a train. The central themes of that book were death, grief, alcoholism and sexuality, but it's not mawkish, sentimental or difficult to read in any way. Really different and cleverly done, and with a satisfying ending - loved it. Next came The Two Week Wait, taking their lives in a totally different direction, dealing with the agony of women who want a family above all else.
And now we have Another Night, Another Day, which sees Karen moving to centre stage together with a number of other new key characters. This book is very realistic in its depiction of the way in which no-one is immune from the trials and tribulations of life and the effect they can have on mental health. After the initial scene-setting - a look at the stresses and strains affecting the main characters and watching their lives fall apart - much of the book is set inside a mental health facility. Now this might not sound like a barrel of laughs, but - as in her earlier books - the author has a really sure touch with a difficult subject, the lightness and humour always appropriately handled. The book as a whole balances the journeys to recovery of the main characters with a very realistic depiction of the handling of anxiety and depression in private and state care.
Although this is a work of fiction, I learned quite a lot about the realities of psychiatric care - where patients characterise themselves as mad, bad or sad - and I found the whole thing absolutely engrossing. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who'd like to find out more about the wider subject, but I'd also recommend it to anyone who enjoys strong character driven drama with characters drawn from real life, and with whom you develop very strong links and immense sympathy as the story progresses. It's very moving, sad and funny, and I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to be an early reader.
My thanks to netgalley and publishers Pan Macmillan/Picador for my advance reading e-copy.
And now we have Another Night, Another Day, which sees Karen moving to centre stage together with a number of other new key characters. This book is very realistic in its depiction of the way in which no-one is immune from the trials and tribulations of life and the effect they can have on mental health. After the initial scene-setting - a look at the stresses and strains affecting the main characters and watching their lives fall apart - much of the book is set inside a mental health facility. Now this might not sound like a barrel of laughs, but - as in her earlier books - the author has a really sure touch with a difficult subject, the lightness and humour always appropriately handled. The book as a whole balances the journeys to recovery of the main characters with a very realistic depiction of the handling of anxiety and depression in private and state care.
Although this is a work of fiction, I learned quite a lot about the realities of psychiatric care - where patients characterise themselves as mad, bad or sad - and I found the whole thing absolutely engrossing. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who'd like to find out more about the wider subject, but I'd also recommend it to anyone who enjoys strong character driven drama with characters drawn from real life, and with whom you develop very strong links and immense sympathy as the story progresses. It's very moving, sad and funny, and I'm really pleased to have had the opportunity to be an early reader.
My thanks to netgalley and publishers Pan Macmillan/Picador for my advance reading e-copy.
April 24, 2014
Another Night, Another Day starts with two therapists talking to one another in a psychiatric clinic and you know something dreadful has happened but it's not clear what. From there it goes back a few months in time to explore three characters living in Brighton. There's Karen, whose father is ill, Abby, who is finding looking after her son with autism an increasing strain and Michael, whose florist shop is in trouble.
When their lives unravel (about a quarter of the way into the book) they're all brought together at Moorlands clinic, where they encounter a raft of colourful characters - including TV star Lillie - and go into group therapy together. I found it fascinating to see what goes on behind the closed door of a hospital like this - it was quite an insight, and in some ways sounded quite fun!
If you like a novel which goes deep into the minds of the characters you will LOVE this - especially, but not necessarily, if you liked One Moment, One Morning and/or The Two Week Wait, as it features some of the same characters. It's a complete novel though, and actually I found Abby and Michael's journeys just as, possibly more, interesting - my brother has depressive episodes and I can vouch that it gives a very clear portrayal of what it's like to go through. It's not depressing though, in spite of these difficult subjects - it's written with warmth and humour. Think a contemporary Bell Jar crossed with Tales of the City (but set in Brighton, England) and you're in the right ballpark!
I probably wouldn't recommend this to readers who prefer plot driven books with a lot of fast-moving action unless they want to learn more about mental health (in which case I would). But if you like a book that will make you laugh and cry, and keep you turning the pages (when you should be getting enough sleep to go to work!), I can't recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for making the book available for advance review.
When their lives unravel (about a quarter of the way into the book) they're all brought together at Moorlands clinic, where they encounter a raft of colourful characters - including TV star Lillie - and go into group therapy together. I found it fascinating to see what goes on behind the closed door of a hospital like this - it was quite an insight, and in some ways sounded quite fun!
If you like a novel which goes deep into the minds of the characters you will LOVE this - especially, but not necessarily, if you liked One Moment, One Morning and/or The Two Week Wait, as it features some of the same characters. It's a complete novel though, and actually I found Abby and Michael's journeys just as, possibly more, interesting - my brother has depressive episodes and I can vouch that it gives a very clear portrayal of what it's like to go through. It's not depressing though, in spite of these difficult subjects - it's written with warmth and humour. Think a contemporary Bell Jar crossed with Tales of the City (but set in Brighton, England) and you're in the right ballpark!
I probably wouldn't recommend this to readers who prefer plot driven books with a lot of fast-moving action unless they want to learn more about mental health (in which case I would). But if you like a book that will make you laugh and cry, and keep you turning the pages (when you should be getting enough sleep to go to work!), I can't recommend it highly enough.
Thank you to Netgalley for making the book available for advance review.
April 13, 2015
A realistic look at mental health issues. In a note from the author she informs the reader that she wanted to write this novel having had first-hand experience of anxiety and depression.
She feels that because the problems of mental illness are very real and painful that mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health. Too often sufferers are told to pull themselves together or snap out of it. This is often because the symptoms are just not visible, but also hard for any of us to talk about. Mental health problems are problems that normal people like you and I suffer from.
Although this novel is not exactly a sequel to One Moment, One Morning it does continue the story of some of the Brighton based characters met previously. This time one of the main characters is a man, but there is an overlap with Karen, Anna and Lou as they have featured previously. The protagonists are just normal people but they happen to meet in a psychiatric clinic, Sarah Rayner has hopefully made understanding mental illness a little easier to understand by writing about it in this way.
Although the story stands perfectly alone it does pick up the character Karen's life, almost two years after the fateful train journey from Brighton to London. Along with the other two main characters Michael and Abby the three of them are suffering tremendous tensions in their lives. Karen's father is dying, Abby has an autistic son, whilst Michael is about to become bankrupt. It is whilst attending Moreland's Psychiatric Clinic that they get to share their secrets with each other, sharing the low points of their lives, whilst on the road to recovery.
Three ordinary people leading seemingly ordinary everyday life's until something tips them over the edge. They could so easily be you, me or someone we know, as each and every one of us is vulnerable, a thought provoking read.
Sarah Rayner is a writer that tugs at your heart strings, an author definitely worth reading.
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She feels that because the problems of mental illness are very real and painful that mental health should be taken as seriously as physical health. Too often sufferers are told to pull themselves together or snap out of it. This is often because the symptoms are just not visible, but also hard for any of us to talk about. Mental health problems are problems that normal people like you and I suffer from.
Although this novel is not exactly a sequel to One Moment, One Morning it does continue the story of some of the Brighton based characters met previously. This time one of the main characters is a man, but there is an overlap with Karen, Anna and Lou as they have featured previously. The protagonists are just normal people but they happen to meet in a psychiatric clinic, Sarah Rayner has hopefully made understanding mental illness a little easier to understand by writing about it in this way.
Although the story stands perfectly alone it does pick up the character Karen's life, almost two years after the fateful train journey from Brighton to London. Along with the other two main characters Michael and Abby the three of them are suffering tremendous tensions in their lives. Karen's father is dying, Abby has an autistic son, whilst Michael is about to become bankrupt. It is whilst attending Moreland's Psychiatric Clinic that they get to share their secrets with each other, sharing the low points of their lives, whilst on the road to recovery.
Three ordinary people leading seemingly ordinary everyday life's until something tips them over the edge. They could so easily be you, me or someone we know, as each and every one of us is vulnerable, a thought provoking read.
Sarah Rayner is a writer that tugs at your heart strings, an author definitely worth reading.
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December 31, 2014
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In some ways, this is a difficult book to review. The storyline is dealing with depression, not a story to get all excited about. Another Night, Another Day is a very well written character driven story following the lives of three individuals fighting very real demons in their lives. They find themselves in a clinic facing the truth of the lives they've been fighting. I found myself particularly drawn to Karen. I could relate to her grief process and some of her feelings and questions about her grief. Having lost my own dad two years ago, I found myself feeling as if I had no right to really grieve him since I had grieved so hard for my mom and because I knew it was coming. Another Night, Another Day brought out some of my own emotional baggage. Rayner really touched on a subject rarely talked about, but one we should...The story really opened my own eyes to the emotional toll others are going through around me that I have really never thought about. I found the novel very eye opening. I walked away with a better understanding--I mean, wouldn't it be nice if you could have someone to talk to and to help us process our emotions before they get to be too much? Instead, we have a stigma attached to going off and talking to someone or taking a medication to help us when we have emotional overload. We view needing help as weak and yet walking though your emotional pain is extremely brave and far better for us then putting it off.
While reading Another Night, Another Day I really was rooting for all the characters. Wanting them to find their footing again. I cheered for them and I cried with them.
In some ways, this is a difficult book to review. The storyline is dealing with depression, not a story to get all excited about. Another Night, Another Day is a very well written character driven story following the lives of three individuals fighting very real demons in their lives. They find themselves in a clinic facing the truth of the lives they've been fighting. I found myself particularly drawn to Karen. I could relate to her grief process and some of her feelings and questions about her grief. Having lost my own dad two years ago, I found myself feeling as if I had no right to really grieve him since I had grieved so hard for my mom and because I knew it was coming. Another Night, Another Day brought out some of my own emotional baggage. Rayner really touched on a subject rarely talked about, but one we should...The story really opened my own eyes to the emotional toll others are going through around me that I have really never thought about. I found the novel very eye opening. I walked away with a better understanding--I mean, wouldn't it be nice if you could have someone to talk to and to help us process our emotions before they get to be too much? Instead, we have a stigma attached to going off and talking to someone or taking a medication to help us when we have emotional overload. We view needing help as weak and yet walking though your emotional pain is extremely brave and far better for us then putting it off.
While reading Another Night, Another Day I really was rooting for all the characters. Wanting them to find their footing again. I cheered for them and I cried with them.
May 7, 2014
A book about depression that is moving, funny and uplifting? Yes, really. This character-driven story of three people’s descent into mental ill health is as compelling as any thriller I’ve read in the past year. Add to this sensitivity, humour and tender insightfulness and you’ve an absolute corker of a novel.
Like Sarah Rayner’s previous novels, Another Night, Another Day is set principally in Brighton. In it we follow Abby, who is crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage and caring 24/7 for her son who has autism , Karen, a 40-something widow and mother to two young children, and Michael a fifty-three-year-old florist whose sense of self worth is collapsing along with his business. Not only are the characters fully realised and utterly believable, Rayner manages an impressive feat – to illustrate through dramatic narrative that mental ill health can affect anyone. Her characters are ordinary, they are people like you and me, people whose circumstances have conspired to make them ill and, as important, she illustrates the capacity to heal. It’s an instructive novel – at least it was for me – without ever feeling didactic. A range of conditions are covered: anxiety, bio-polar disorder, depression, as are various treatments and therapies available, and the weaknesses of the NHS system due to lack of funding are thrown into sharp relief.
If this is making the novel sound dry and, ahem, depressing, then I’m misleading, because it absolutely isn’t. Another Night, Another Day is an engrossing, bittersweet read peppered with moments of intense beauty.
I was sent a proof copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Like Sarah Rayner’s previous novels, Another Night, Another Day is set principally in Brighton. In it we follow Abby, who is crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage and caring 24/7 for her son who has autism , Karen, a 40-something widow and mother to two young children, and Michael a fifty-three-year-old florist whose sense of self worth is collapsing along with his business. Not only are the characters fully realised and utterly believable, Rayner manages an impressive feat – to illustrate through dramatic narrative that mental ill health can affect anyone. Her characters are ordinary, they are people like you and me, people whose circumstances have conspired to make them ill and, as important, she illustrates the capacity to heal. It’s an instructive novel – at least it was for me – without ever feeling didactic. A range of conditions are covered: anxiety, bio-polar disorder, depression, as are various treatments and therapies available, and the weaknesses of the NHS system due to lack of funding are thrown into sharp relief.
If this is making the novel sound dry and, ahem, depressing, then I’m misleading, because it absolutely isn’t. Another Night, Another Day is an engrossing, bittersweet read peppered with moments of intense beauty.
I was sent a proof copy of the book in return for an honest review.
May 26, 2014
The latest, and hopefully not the last in the series of Brighton-based books with an ensemble cast who will be familiar to anyone having read "One Moment, One Morning" and "The Two Week Wait". "Another Night, Another Day" stands on its own as a book unafraid to tackle an unfashionable subject, mental illness, and to get to the heart of the suffering endured by those caught in its grip.
We see the various roads which lead the different characters to end up needing professional help, and are shown how friendship can be as potent a treatment as drugs or counselling.
Having suffered severe depression many years ago myself, the inner life of the character of Michael hit me most powerfully. l couldn't help but cry as Sarah describes the pain he goes through, as she catches perfectly the bleakness and hopelessness which only depression can bring.
Although there is pain and loss aplenty here, there is also heart and hope. The very words "mental illness" can frighten many people, so it is a great achievement to bring to life such a readable book, for me a literal page-turner, and ensure the reader is hooked from the very beginning. Brighton is once again caught perfectly as a backdrop to all the drama.
I do hope this is the book which will ensure the subject of mental health will be brought to the attention of many more people, especially in an era of cuts and the demonising of those on benefits, which many sufferers are. By the way, these books would make great television. Are you reading, BBC?
We see the various roads which lead the different characters to end up needing professional help, and are shown how friendship can be as potent a treatment as drugs or counselling.
Having suffered severe depression many years ago myself, the inner life of the character of Michael hit me most powerfully. l couldn't help but cry as Sarah describes the pain he goes through, as she catches perfectly the bleakness and hopelessness which only depression can bring.
Although there is pain and loss aplenty here, there is also heart and hope. The very words "mental illness" can frighten many people, so it is a great achievement to bring to life such a readable book, for me a literal page-turner, and ensure the reader is hooked from the very beginning. Brighton is once again caught perfectly as a backdrop to all the drama.
I do hope this is the book which will ensure the subject of mental health will be brought to the attention of many more people, especially in an era of cuts and the demonising of those on benefits, which many sufferers are. By the way, these books would make great television. Are you reading, BBC?
November 4, 2014
Another Night, Another Day by Sarah Rayner is a beautiful work of literary fiction, which takes the reader into the lives of three people seeking help at Moreland’s Psychiatric Clinic. Each character is realistically written and easy to identify with; Karen is struggling with the trying to be a single mom and the caregiver to her ill father, Abby is trying to cope with the strain of caring for her autistic son, and Michael is dangerously close to bankruptcy and has a family to support. Mental health is often overlooked or not spoken about and Rayner tackles the topic with love, compassion, wit, and knowledge. Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety are viewed as invisible illnesses or are shrugged off, or worse the person is presumed to be weak, which is never the case. Another Night, Another Day takes the reader into the lives of three every day people and demonstrates that mental illness can and does impact the lives of all walks of life. Going into this book I was concerned with how the topic would be dealt with, and I am pleased with how well Rayner not only brought the three main characters together, but created a fantastic story line around their lives and in so doing also gently educates while entertaining. I would not hesitate to recommend Another Night, Another Day to any reader.
November 5, 2014
Another Night, Another Day
By
Sarah Rayner
These are the key characters...
Abby, Michael and Karen are the main characters in this book.
Settings...
A small town outside of London, various houses and the mental clinic where all of them meet.
Simply put...what's going down in this book...
Every one is so sad! Abby has Callum...her unpredictable non talking autistic son. Her wears her down. She is also about to be divorced from her husband. Karen...poor sweet Karen is a widow...a recent widow. She does not know how to move forward in her life. She also must deal with the debilitating illness of her father and the circumstances of her mother. Michael...drowning in debt and despair...well...he just simply cannot cope.
What I thought about this book...
This book was rather intense, very sad but also sort of enlightening for me. Three very different characters come together and are able to work on their issues...actually get help for their issues and hopefully have a chance to mend what is broken.
Why you might want to read it, too...
This was an interesting albeit sad book. I really do enjoy this author's writing and I rather enjoyed delving into each character's deep issues. If books that deal with sort of real people trying to feel better with professional help are interesting to you...this book would be a good choice.
By
Sarah Rayner
These are the key characters...
Abby, Michael and Karen are the main characters in this book.
Settings...
A small town outside of London, various houses and the mental clinic where all of them meet.
Simply put...what's going down in this book...
Every one is so sad! Abby has Callum...her unpredictable non talking autistic son. Her wears her down. She is also about to be divorced from her husband. Karen...poor sweet Karen is a widow...a recent widow. She does not know how to move forward in her life. She also must deal with the debilitating illness of her father and the circumstances of her mother. Michael...drowning in debt and despair...well...he just simply cannot cope.
What I thought about this book...
This book was rather intense, very sad but also sort of enlightening for me. Three very different characters come together and are able to work on their issues...actually get help for their issues and hopefully have a chance to mend what is broken.
Why you might want to read it, too...
This was an interesting albeit sad book. I really do enjoy this author's writing and I rather enjoyed delving into each character's deep issues. If books that deal with sort of real people trying to feel better with professional help are interesting to you...this book would be a good choice.
January 17, 2015
I received an advance reading copy of "Another Night Another Day" and I was slightly apprehensive to read it because I knew that it dealt with mental illness. However, as soon as I picked up the book I fell in love with the characters.
It's a story of a group of strangers, each facing difficulties of some sort (i.e. divorce, infidelity, death of a loved one, bankruptcy, etc. ) who meet at a health clinic in order to deal with their mental illnesses.
What this book made me realize is that family is not necessarily by blood and that new beginnings can be formed out of devastating circumstances. I'm glad that Sarah Rayner addressed the very same issues that are often ignored and not taken seriously. We all know someone or have ourselves been depressed, anxious or even suicidal; avoiding the topic does not mean thay it is not there.
Despite the fact that the book was sometimes very sad, I found myself smiling and laughing out loud on numerous occasions while reading. It was a very heart-warming story that reminded me to appreciate the present and to put myself first, but also to accept help and keep (true) friends close by.
It's a story of a group of strangers, each facing difficulties of some sort (i.e. divorce, infidelity, death of a loved one, bankruptcy, etc. ) who meet at a health clinic in order to deal with their mental illnesses.
What this book made me realize is that family is not necessarily by blood and that new beginnings can be formed out of devastating circumstances. I'm glad that Sarah Rayner addressed the very same issues that are often ignored and not taken seriously. We all know someone or have ourselves been depressed, anxious or even suicidal; avoiding the topic does not mean thay it is not there.
Despite the fact that the book was sometimes very sad, I found myself smiling and laughing out loud on numerous occasions while reading. It was a very heart-warming story that reminded me to appreciate the present and to put myself first, but also to accept help and keep (true) friends close by.
October 27, 2014
A lot of people don't realize that depression is an illness. - Jonathan Davis
ANOTHER NIGHT, ANOTHER DAY is a big story about ordinary people. These are people you might meet any day of the week - at the grocery store, walking down the street, at the florist. There is Karen, mother of two, who has been widowed for two years. There is Michael (not Mike) who is a florist and is over his head in debt. Then there is Abby, separated (kind of) from her husband and mother to a severely autistic son.
These are the main protagonists of the story and there are other well-drawn characters as well. These three are all hit hard with anxiety and/or clinical depression.
This is a story of ordinary people dealing with scary stuff, feeling out of control. The story takes place in Brighton so readers get some idea on how England deals with their mental health issues, which was interesting.
Even though this could have been a dark, dreary novel, it actually shows that there is hope for mental illness sufferers. It is a long book at over 400+ pages but it held my interest all the way through.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
ANOTHER NIGHT, ANOTHER DAY is a big story about ordinary people. These are people you might meet any day of the week - at the grocery store, walking down the street, at the florist. There is Karen, mother of two, who has been widowed for two years. There is Michael (not Mike) who is a florist and is over his head in debt. Then there is Abby, separated (kind of) from her husband and mother to a severely autistic son.
These are the main protagonists of the story and there are other well-drawn characters as well. These three are all hit hard with anxiety and/or clinical depression.
This is a story of ordinary people dealing with scary stuff, feeling out of control. The story takes place in Brighton so readers get some idea on how England deals with their mental health issues, which was interesting.
Even though this could have been a dark, dreary novel, it actually shows that there is hope for mental illness sufferers. It is a long book at over 400+ pages but it held my interest all the way through.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 14, 2014
Another night, another day proved to be once again a brilliant novel by Sarah Rayner. The three characters Karen, Michael and Abby are all struggling in different ways in their lives and reach a point where they need help. This brings them to the Moreland’s clinic; a place that enables them to face their difficulties, comfort those around them and find a positive way forward. Sarah Rayner has clearly not only researched the topic of mental health well but also shows an empathetic and true reflection of the various emotions and behaviour that people go through. There is sadly stigma surrounding mental health, a lack of understanding from people and poor funding to support those in need. As a mother of a child with Autism and having gone through many difficult and life changing events I feel that whilst an enjoyable read this book also plays an important role in raising awareness of mental health issues and encouraging people to seek help. Another night, another day very much deserves the 5*.
September 29, 2014
Abby, Michael and Karen are all attending Moreland's Clinic for one reason or another. To start with you learn about their personal situations and then follow them through their treatment and recovery and learn about them as they also learn about themselves. Asw ith the other books by Rayner there are characters in this from her other books, Lou is in it as a friend of Karen and we first met Karen in 'One Moment, One Morning' and so this adds something nice to the book. This book si very moving as the stories are quite emotional and the characters go through a difficult time and as the characters are so well written you really feel for them and can imagine their story and what they are going through. I found this to be unputdownable and I would absolutely recommend this as another fantastic read from Rayner.
May 19, 2014
In her latest Brighton-based novel, ‘Another Night, Another Day’, Sarah Rayner doesn’t just tell a great story, she speaks to the vulnerabilities in all of us when life threatens to become overwhelming or loses its meaning. I was soon gripped by the predicaments of three stressed, unhappy people – Karen, Michael and Abby – who meet as voluntary patients in a psychiatric clinic. They make new friends and are offered insights, but their problems (bereavement, bankruptcy, and the prospect of caring alone for a child with autism) intensify until we don’t know if or how they will find a way through. Heart-warming and suspenseful.
June 8, 2014
I have read both One Moment One Morning and the Two Week Wait so it was great to catch up with the characters again - all be it with the focus on Karen dealing with the events that she has faced in the last couple of years.
Beautifully written and so easy to read, the more you get to know of the characters the more I like and empathise with them.
Sarah Rayner has written a lovely novel which while focusing on depression and the terrible fear that people face when suffering is still an uplifting novel.
I read it curled up on the sofa over a wet weekend but this is just as suited to the beach on your holidays.
Can't wait for the next one :)
Beautifully written and so easy to read, the more you get to know of the characters the more I like and empathise with them.
Sarah Rayner has written a lovely novel which while focusing on depression and the terrible fear that people face when suffering is still an uplifting novel.
I read it curled up on the sofa over a wet weekend but this is just as suited to the beach on your holidays.
Can't wait for the next one :)
July 13, 2015
In between "heavier" books, I slipped in a book that I knew was "lighter" and would be quick to read. I have never read UK author Sarah Rayner before, but I thought she did well with character development and dialogue. And I loved the Brit words I had never heard before. This story of three people who come to a local private mental health clinic reminded me that depression, when it gets out of hand, is a universal health problem. I wasn't compelled by this book, but it was a very interesting way to spend some summer hours. If I am without a book (or books) in process, I feel like a fish out of water.
November 10, 2014
This book is about several people having a life crisis and suffering depression as a result. I have lived with depression for most of my life and thought that I would be able to relate to this book. Instead I found it trite and annoying and I had to force myself to continue reading it. I didn't find any sort of depth to any of the characters, there wasn't much of a plot, and the parts containing therapy read like a psychology text book.
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