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The Key of All Unknown
Brilliant scientific researcher Tilda Mosse wakes up in hospital unable to speak or move and with no recollection of what happened to her. Determined to find answers and prove she is not in a persistent vegetative state, she travels back through her fractured memories looking for clues. Could someone really have tried to kill her? An indulged younger brother, an obsessive flatmate, jealous colleagues and a missing lover. Everyone has a motive. On the edge of death, and questioning the value of her life, Tilda’s only hope is to unlock the key of all unknown.
256 pages, Paperback
First published October 18, 2016
2 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Hitchins
3 books26 followersK. A. Hitchins studied English, Religious Studies and Philosophy at Lancaster University, graduating with a BA (Hons) First Class in English, later obtaining a Masters in Postmodern Literatures in English from Birkbeck College, London. K. A. Hitchins is married with two children. Her first two novels 'The Girl at the End of the Road' and 'The Key of All Unknown' were published by Instant Apostle in 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 17, 2016
This book has all the ingredients of a brilliant thriller with the added bonus of an intriguing and thought provoking angle. Dr Tilda Moss wakes up in a hospital unable to move or communicate and diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state. The Key of All Unknown sees Tilda trying to work out how she ended up in hospital and takes us through her childhood memories, family dynamics, career and lover. Full of twists and turns I read this book thoroughly gripped and with a huge lump in my throat throughout. Highly recommended
November 7, 2016
What a glorious read this is. K.A. Hitchins must be commended most highly for her wonderful use of English. The writing is sublime. Words strung together so beautifully that the book is lyrical and pure joy to read. Tilda Moss, imprisoned by her own body, is a thoroughly believable character. My heart bled for her misfortune. Despite the damage of many of the characters, they all found a place in my heart. This was the most wonderful read, I genuinely couldn't put it down. A captivating tale told cleverly and beautifully. A definite 5 star hit!
August 27, 2017
**RATING 4.5**
decided to pick up this book for a little light reading before bedtime but the next thing I knew it was 2 am and I had finished it. Compelling, emotional, and completely absorbing, THE KEY OF ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a unique and terrifying story that is perfect for fans of thrillers with a psychological aspect.
When Tilda Mosse wakes up, she realises she is in hospital and unable to move or talk, leading the medical team and those around her to believe that she is in a vegetative state. Terrified at what is happening to her, Tilda knows that she must search back through her memories of the past to discover how she ended up like this. There must be something hiding in her mind which will shine a light on how she has become so severely injured. If she is to survive, her only chance is to open the lock on her mind and find the truth, no matter how terrifying that might be...
THE KEY OF ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a unique and really harrowing story that physically made me catch my breath many times throughout. Locked-in syndrome is utterly devastating and as Tilda desperately tries to make sense of everything that has happened, my heart broke for her. With many twists and turns, the mystery of Tilda soon begins to take shape and I fully became immersed in the plotline.
THE KEY TO ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a real page-turner and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
decided to pick up this book for a little light reading before bedtime but the next thing I knew it was 2 am and I had finished it. Compelling, emotional, and completely absorbing, THE KEY OF ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a unique and terrifying story that is perfect for fans of thrillers with a psychological aspect.
When Tilda Mosse wakes up, she realises she is in hospital and unable to move or talk, leading the medical team and those around her to believe that she is in a vegetative state. Terrified at what is happening to her, Tilda knows that she must search back through her memories of the past to discover how she ended up like this. There must be something hiding in her mind which will shine a light on how she has become so severely injured. If she is to survive, her only chance is to open the lock on her mind and find the truth, no matter how terrifying that might be...
THE KEY OF ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a unique and really harrowing story that physically made me catch my breath many times throughout. Locked-in syndrome is utterly devastating and as Tilda desperately tries to make sense of everything that has happened, my heart broke for her. With many twists and turns, the mystery of Tilda soon begins to take shape and I fully became immersed in the plotline.
THE KEY TO ALL UNKNOWN by K.A. Hitchins is a real page-turner and I highly recommend it.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the author
November 17, 2016
How does what is essentially a whodunit from the point of view of comatose patient get to be so absorbing, intriguing and enjoyable? Bloody brilliant, beautiful writing, that’s how. Thoughtful, clever and imaginative concepts, and an ability to engage the reader (well, me at least) in some pretty deep philosophical notions about life and death. So unusual and memorable, this is a real stand-out novel. I thought it was simply marvellous. Well done!
5-stars at the very least!
5-stars at the very least!
November 6, 2016
I have just read this book in a morning as I couldn't put it down and all I can say is wow. I don't want to say anything about the plot for fear of 'spoilers' so all I will say is I loved the premise, it was well written, and it will stay with me for a LONG time afterwards.
April 13, 2018
Tilda Moss finds herself in a hospital bed trapped in a coma. She can’t remember the events of the past few days. She can see and hear the conversations around her, but Tilda can’t reach out to let people know she is still there.
Tilda’s family and the inspector try to figure out what happened that night and who is responsible. The author drops little clues and throws in twists so that the reader is left suspecting many possibilities from the full cast of characters.
The Key of All Unknown by K A Hitchins did not meet my expectations. Many of my fellow reviewers loved this book, including Rose, but it just didn’t work for me.
The entire book is from Tilda’s perspective, trapped in a body on a bed. It made me claustrophobic to imagine it (which is great that I felt as Tilda did). We get glimpses of Tilda’s memory as it works through the days leading up to her accident. I was supposed to have this book read and reviewed at the end of March, well here it is the middle of April. The book was just slow and so little going on that I was almost bored.
My biggest issue with this book is the ‘love story’ between Tilda and Michael. I’m not an insta love fan, and Tilda fell hard for Michael. It turns into an obsession for her, neglecting her own personal life and the research she was so committed to. Throughout the whole time she was in a coma, it seemed Tilda only worried and obsessed over Michael.
The Key of All Unknown by K A Hitchins receives 2.5 stars.
Tilda’s family and the inspector try to figure out what happened that night and who is responsible. The author drops little clues and throws in twists so that the reader is left suspecting many possibilities from the full cast of characters.
The Key of All Unknown by K A Hitchins did not meet my expectations. Many of my fellow reviewers loved this book, including Rose, but it just didn’t work for me.
The entire book is from Tilda’s perspective, trapped in a body on a bed. It made me claustrophobic to imagine it (which is great that I felt as Tilda did). We get glimpses of Tilda’s memory as it works through the days leading up to her accident. I was supposed to have this book read and reviewed at the end of March, well here it is the middle of April. The book was just slow and so little going on that I was almost bored.
My biggest issue with this book is the ‘love story’ between Tilda and Michael. I’m not an insta love fan, and Tilda fell hard for Michael. It turns into an obsession for her, neglecting her own personal life and the research she was so committed to. Throughout the whole time she was in a coma, it seemed Tilda only worried and obsessed over Michael.
The Key of All Unknown by K A Hitchins receives 2.5 stars.
April 19, 2018
Amazing. The most beautiful use of the English language I can remember. This is great literary fiction wrapped up in a story so moving it will leave you bereft.
March 6, 2018
I could not put this book down. and any book that makes me cry is an automatic five stars. so please excuse me, I'm sobbing.
February 21, 2018
Dr. Matilda Moss is moving toward a bright future. A top British stem cell researcher, she's on the verge of a breakthrough that promises cures for a variety of ailments. But then a fall from a balcony leaves her brilliant mind trapped in a useless body slipping inexorably toward death. Unable to move or speak or even blink her eyes, she is powerless to explain what happened to her. Was it a failed suicide? Attempted murder? She can only listen to the speculations swirling about her, collect hints from those who visit her hospital room, and sift through her own memories in an effort to find the meaning behind her life and impending death.
"The Key of All Unknown" floored me. Told in first person through Matilda's eyes and mind, it is full of heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching twists and turns. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the tale rounds a new bend and everything changes, not just once, not just twice, but time after time. Beneath it all runs a current of philosophical and moral questing touching on the deepest questions of life and death, and critiquing society's mad rush to devalue its own humanity. Emotional, topical, and beautifully told, this novel is among the best I've read in recent times. I can't find a thing to complain about, except a very occasional quibble over an excessively ornate description, and that may just be a matter of taste. The ending is so unequivocal that you'll either be deeply moved by it or you'll hate it, but either way it's worth the reading. Five stars for story, five stars for the writing, five stars hands down. Brava, Ms. Hitchins!
"The Key of All Unknown" floored me. Told in first person through Matilda's eyes and mind, it is full of heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching twists and turns. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, the tale rounds a new bend and everything changes, not just once, not just twice, but time after time. Beneath it all runs a current of philosophical and moral questing touching on the deepest questions of life and death, and critiquing society's mad rush to devalue its own humanity. Emotional, topical, and beautifully told, this novel is among the best I've read in recent times. I can't find a thing to complain about, except a very occasional quibble over an excessively ornate description, and that may just be a matter of taste. The ending is so unequivocal that you'll either be deeply moved by it or you'll hate it, but either way it's worth the reading. Five stars for story, five stars for the writing, five stars hands down. Brava, Ms. Hitchins!
November 21, 2016
This is the first story I have read of Hitchins. I was gifted a copy of her book through TBC against an honest review.
First let me start by the quality of her writing. It is outstanding! Poetic and imaginative with metaphors that will linger long after you finish reading the story.
Second, the pacing. I loved the continual shifting from the present to the past. I was never confused and always intrigued.
And third, the story. It was sad and beautiful and extraordinarily interesting. Locked-in syndrome is not something I was familiar with before reading The Key of All Unknown. Hitchins turned something horrifying and sad into something beautiful with a somewhat positive ending.
My only, tiny criticism is the ending. I sort of wish she'd told it in a straightforward way, instead of transforming it into a complex, esoterical episode. I am a spiritual person, but I became confused as to what was happening.
But all in all, it was a great read! Looking forward to more books by this author.
First let me start by the quality of her writing. It is outstanding! Poetic and imaginative with metaphors that will linger long after you finish reading the story.
Second, the pacing. I loved the continual shifting from the present to the past. I was never confused and always intrigued.
And third, the story. It was sad and beautiful and extraordinarily interesting. Locked-in syndrome is not something I was familiar with before reading The Key of All Unknown. Hitchins turned something horrifying and sad into something beautiful with a somewhat positive ending.
My only, tiny criticism is the ending. I sort of wish she'd told it in a straightforward way, instead of transforming it into a complex, esoterical episode. I am a spiritual person, but I became confused as to what was happening.
But all in all, it was a great read! Looking forward to more books by this author.
June 20, 2017
The key to all unknown by k a hitchins is a thriller read.
Brilliant scientific researcher Tilda Moss wakes up in hospital unable to speak or move and with no recollection of what happened to her. Determined to find answers and prove she is not in a persistent vegetative state, she travels back through her fractured memories looking for clues. Could someone really have tried to kill her? An indulged younger brother, an obsessive flatmate, jealous colleagues and a missing lover. Everyone has a motive. On the edge of death, and questioning the value of her life, Tilda's only hope is to unlock the key of all unknown.
OMG what a read. Absolutely fantastic. Full of twists and plots. I was stumped with who it could be. This was a book with a difference. Love tilda. Highly recommended. 5*. Although I would give more if I could. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
Brilliant scientific researcher Tilda Moss wakes up in hospital unable to speak or move and with no recollection of what happened to her. Determined to find answers and prove she is not in a persistent vegetative state, she travels back through her fractured memories looking for clues. Could someone really have tried to kill her? An indulged younger brother, an obsessive flatmate, jealous colleagues and a missing lover. Everyone has a motive. On the edge of death, and questioning the value of her life, Tilda's only hope is to unlock the key of all unknown.
OMG what a read. Absolutely fantastic. Full of twists and plots. I was stumped with who it could be. This was a book with a difference. Love tilda. Highly recommended. 5*. Although I would give more if I could. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
November 14, 2016
I found the idea of the story being told from the viewpoint of someone ,Tilda, who is in a coma quite intriguing and read it over a couple of days. I liked the character development, both for Tilda and friends and family and thought that the twists gave the story a good depth. For me however it took a bit too long to really get going and I found my concentration wavering as I read.
November 27, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and kept putting myself in Tilda's position, wondering what it would be like and whether I'd fight or give up. Tilda is locked in her own world in hospital, she wants to break free but can she?
I raced through the book to find out the conclusion and had a rough idea of certain outcomes.
I raced through the book to find out the conclusion and had a rough idea of certain outcomes.
December 4, 2016
This book was a brilliant thriller read! The chapters alternate between past and present. I don't know about anyone else but I love a book like that! There were so ma y twists and turns too. Tilda is locked in her own world at the hospital and she rely wants to break free. She is unable to speak or move. Doesn't remember what happened to her and she's desperate to find out what happened to her. To prove that she's not in a vegetative state. She has to go back through her broken memories to find some clues. Maybe someone tried to kill her?! There's a few people that are in mind. I don't want to say too much as,I don't want to ruin the book. But it's definitely a must read and amazingly written. It draws you in and you can't put it down!
November 29, 2016
One of the best books I have ever read! The writing is almost poetic with fabulous use of the English language. The story line is thought provoking and unnerving, with endless twists and turns. The chapters move between the past and present to reveal all the answers I craved, and the ending was not what I expected but was brilliantly written. This book will join a handful that will stay with me forever, and I recommend it to all lovers of beautifully composed literature. Just perfect!
February 21, 2017
The writing is stunning, the premise is unnerving and my biggest fear is now locked in syndrome .. not being able to communicate that you can hear and feel and aren't vegetative must be the scariest thing for a person to ever endure!
I loved Tilda's reflections when trying to remember what caused her to end up in this terrible condition and who caused it, there were many twist and turns to this unusual and unsettling mystery.
Highly recommended 4.5 - 5 stars
I loved Tilda's reflections when trying to remember what caused her to end up in this terrible condition and who caused it, there were many twist and turns to this unusual and unsettling mystery.
Highly recommended 4.5 - 5 stars
November 16, 2016
What beautiful writing from K A Hitchins, I totally loved this book. Tilda Moss lies in a hospital bed in a vegetative state. How did she end up here and was it an accident or was someone responsible? This book is part thriller but also part love story as it explorers Tilda's relationships with her family and friends and questions the very meaning of life.
November 18, 2016
I read this as the premise was very interesting where a woman wakes up in hospital in a comatose state and has to go back through her memories to find out what happened. I found it dragged in places and the story slowed down. I also felt the author used 20 words when a couple would suffice in some places.
November 12, 2016
What a beautiful story following Dr Tilda. It makes you think and feel about things in a way I've never imagined. Even as a nurse I found some hope and warmth in the way this story was written. It will stay with me forever.
March 4, 2018
This book was recommended by a fellow Indie Author, who gave it high marks. The premise intrigued me. A woman sustains a massive head injury, leaving her unresponsive and considered to be in a persistent vegetative state. The only problem is, Tilda maintains an awareness of herself and her surroundings despite showing little to no brain function on scans. She thinks, she feels, she questions, she perceives, despite no outward evidence of any of the above, and no way to share any of it with others.
The outer story involves the investigation into how Tilda came to be injured, while those who love her wrestle with the reality that she is simultaneously here and not here. The inner story involves Tilda gradually becoming more aware, remembering more about what happened before the injury, and questioning all that she knew and believed before she was trapped in body that is like a living coffin.
The author uses Tilda's inner dialogue to address universal themes regarding science versus faith, optimism versus pessimism, what we can prove versus what we believe, trust versus suspicion, and self-protection versus opening the door to the vulnerabilities of loving someone; all of these built on shifting sand as new experiences shift our view like looking through a kaleidoscope.
Despite a main character who is immobile, the plot moves along nicely with new twists and turns as more is discovered through outside characters, described in a way that is interesting and fresh.
The thought of an aware, functioning mind trapped inside a body that can't be made to move or speak is the stuff of nightmares, and made me shudder at the possibilities. But then I wondered, how many of us have felt just as trapped, just as unable to speak, just as unseen and unknown, even though our outside parts still work...because we don't feel free to release what is in our minds to the outside world? Perhaps nightmares come in degrees.
The outer story involves the investigation into how Tilda came to be injured, while those who love her wrestle with the reality that she is simultaneously here and not here. The inner story involves Tilda gradually becoming more aware, remembering more about what happened before the injury, and questioning all that she knew and believed before she was trapped in body that is like a living coffin.
The author uses Tilda's inner dialogue to address universal themes regarding science versus faith, optimism versus pessimism, what we can prove versus what we believe, trust versus suspicion, and self-protection versus opening the door to the vulnerabilities of loving someone; all of these built on shifting sand as new experiences shift our view like looking through a kaleidoscope.
Despite a main character who is immobile, the plot moves along nicely with new twists and turns as more is discovered through outside characters, described in a way that is interesting and fresh.
The thought of an aware, functioning mind trapped inside a body that can't be made to move or speak is the stuff of nightmares, and made me shudder at the possibilities. But then I wondered, how many of us have felt just as trapped, just as unable to speak, just as unseen and unknown, even though our outside parts still work...because we don't feel free to release what is in our minds to the outside world? Perhaps nightmares come in degrees.
February 12, 2018
The Key Of All Unknown by K.A. Hitchins is a beautiful contemporary novel that I read in just one sitting. I was unable to put it down.
Trapped in her body, Tilda hears everything that is going on. Bit by bit as her memories play out she longs for her body to respond. The words "If you look at me again, you'll see I'm here" just break the reader's heart. How many of us are locked inside our bodies, just longing for the world to see the real us?
The book is written in the first person so the reader 'experiences' all that Tilda does. We 'feel' her frustrations and her pain as she is manhandled by those supposed to care. "I'm a medical condition to be analysed, not a person to be comforted."
Conflicting opinions reign as Tilda fights for her life. Whose side are you on?
The reader senses the raw emotion of her father. "My love isn't enough. It can't reach her." Sometimes our love is not enough to nurse our loved ones back to health. The hopelessness and helplessness are painful to witness.
There are crimes to be solved. The reader tries to piece together what has happened.
Even in the darkness, there can be hope for new life if we just hold on and do not give up.
The Key Of All Unknown was beautiful. I hung on to every word that K.A. Hitchins wrote. There were moments when my jaw literally dropped and radiance and love filled my soul.
Why don't you read The Key Of All Unknown and experience the peace that passes all understanding, as you read this work of great beauty.
Trapped in her body, Tilda hears everything that is going on. Bit by bit as her memories play out she longs for her body to respond. The words "If you look at me again, you'll see I'm here" just break the reader's heart. How many of us are locked inside our bodies, just longing for the world to see the real us?
The book is written in the first person so the reader 'experiences' all that Tilda does. We 'feel' her frustrations and her pain as she is manhandled by those supposed to care. "I'm a medical condition to be analysed, not a person to be comforted."
Conflicting opinions reign as Tilda fights for her life. Whose side are you on?
The reader senses the raw emotion of her father. "My love isn't enough. It can't reach her." Sometimes our love is not enough to nurse our loved ones back to health. The hopelessness and helplessness are painful to witness.
There are crimes to be solved. The reader tries to piece together what has happened.
Even in the darkness, there can be hope for new life if we just hold on and do not give up.
The Key Of All Unknown was beautiful. I hung on to every word that K.A. Hitchins wrote. There were moments when my jaw literally dropped and radiance and love filled my soul.
Why don't you read The Key Of All Unknown and experience the peace that passes all understanding, as you read this work of great beauty.
May 25, 2018
Imagine the horror of being trapped within a body considered vegetative by medical standards but very much alive and aware. Having the ability to think, feel, and experience pain but no way to communicate with the friends and loved ones who have come to visit.
Tilda has no recollection of the circumstances that preceded her arrival at the hospital. Spending hours and days coming in and out of consciousness, readers experience the entirety of the book through her thoughts. While authorities are treating her injuries with suspicion, her brother and father are fighting over her future medical care.
Childhood memories, projects for work, the progression of a dating relationship, all flit through Tilda's mind like a crazy quilt of experiences. And while Tilda feels very much alive, no on knows she can her them. She is left to question every person in her life and whether a colleague, boyfriend, or roommate tried to kill her.
Will Tilda find a way to make her presence known? Why hasn't her boyfriend come to visit? Who will decide whether she lives or dies? The questions keep piling up and the answers seem to slip further and further away.
The Key to All Unknown was a brooding mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers turning page after page. Make sure to include this on your summer reading list!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Key of All Unknown from Instant Apostle Reader Reviews for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
Tilda has no recollection of the circumstances that preceded her arrival at the hospital. Spending hours and days coming in and out of consciousness, readers experience the entirety of the book through her thoughts. While authorities are treating her injuries with suspicion, her brother and father are fighting over her future medical care.
Childhood memories, projects for work, the progression of a dating relationship, all flit through Tilda's mind like a crazy quilt of experiences. And while Tilda feels very much alive, no on knows she can her them. She is left to question every person in her life and whether a colleague, boyfriend, or roommate tried to kill her.
Will Tilda find a way to make her presence known? Why hasn't her boyfriend come to visit? Who will decide whether she lives or dies? The questions keep piling up and the answers seem to slip further and further away.
The Key to All Unknown was a brooding mystery filled with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers turning page after page. Make sure to include this on your summer reading list!
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Key of All Unknown from Instant Apostle Reader Reviews for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
November 24, 2016
The Key of All Unknown
By: K.A. Hitchins
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Key of All Unknown by K.A. Hitchins is a thrilling mystery book. Tilda Moss is a brilliant scientific researcher. She wakes up in a hospital unable to speak or move, with no recollection on what has happened to her. She is determined to find answers on what happened to her and prove that she is not in a persistent vegetative state. Could someone have tried to kill her?
This is an awesome story. What I love the most is when Tilda is thinking back, trying to remember what has happened. She reveals a lot about herself, her beliefs, and how she sees her life. The other characters in the story range from her family, friends, and co-workers. Then there is the detective that is assigned to her case. They are all well developed and some of them are very complex. The emotions that are brought forward when Tilda’s father and brother are forced to consider whether or not to continue life support will have you thinking of what you would do if in that same situation.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery along with a character’s reflection on their life. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
By: K.A. Hitchins
5 out of 5 stars
The story The Key of All Unknown by K.A. Hitchins is a thrilling mystery book. Tilda Moss is a brilliant scientific researcher. She wakes up in a hospital unable to speak or move, with no recollection on what has happened to her. She is determined to find answers on what happened to her and prove that she is not in a persistent vegetative state. Could someone have tried to kill her?
This is an awesome story. What I love the most is when Tilda is thinking back, trying to remember what has happened. She reveals a lot about herself, her beliefs, and how she sees her life. The other characters in the story range from her family, friends, and co-workers. Then there is the detective that is assigned to her case. They are all well developed and some of them are very complex. The emotions that are brought forward when Tilda’s father and brother are forced to consider whether or not to continue life support will have you thinking of what you would do if in that same situation.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery along with a character’s reflection on their life. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
August 23, 2018
This book dealt with an interesting concept. Genetic scientist, Tilda Moss wakes up in a coma. She is aware of all her surroundings and what people are saying, although they believe she is in a permanent vegetative state. With her partial awareness, Tilda is determined to find out, through a series of dreams and memories exactly what put her in this state. She lives through her childhood, her dependent brother, Oscar, her lover, Michael Cameron, a commercial supplier, all of them have a reason it seems for putting her in this position. However, there are surprises along the way as she also battles with her atheistic beliefs that there is nothing after death to the fairly obvious Christian faith of the hospital cleaner, Claude, who she comes to see as her guardian angel.
This began as an interesting study of a coma patient but became slightly tedious as that situation continues chapter after chapter with few changes. The ending however is rather rewarding and makes it worthwhile plodding through the story, as do the later surprising changes.
This began as an interesting study of a coma patient but became slightly tedious as that situation continues chapter after chapter with few changes. The ending however is rather rewarding and makes it worthwhile plodding through the story, as do the later surprising changes.
July 25, 2023
This is an excellent thriller that really drew me in and kept me engaged. A young woman, Tilda, wakes up in hospital unable to move or speak, and with no memory of what has happened to her. She is stuck in a living nightmare with no escape, and the book details her attempts to piece together how she got there. She does remember her boyfriend - but what is his secret and did he do this to her? What about her flatmate? Her work colleagues?
Tilda's suffering and yearning is almost unbearable to read at times, but there's some hope and humour too, and the story is fascinating and kept me guessing right to the end. There is also a spiritual element - Tilda is an atheist, but gradually find her assumptions challenged. No spoilers, but the ending might not be what you expect. Is it a happy one? Well ... yes and no. That's all I'm saying! You'll have to read it for yourself - and I don't think you'll regret it. This is an exceptionally well written book, , and I hope to read more from this author.
Tilda's suffering and yearning is almost unbearable to read at times, but there's some hope and humour too, and the story is fascinating and kept me guessing right to the end. There is also a spiritual element - Tilda is an atheist, but gradually find her assumptions challenged. No spoilers, but the ending might not be what you expect. Is it a happy one? Well ... yes and no. That's all I'm saying! You'll have to read it for yourself - and I don't think you'll regret it. This is an exceptionally well written book, , and I hope to read more from this author.
July 22, 2017
This is such an intelligent and well-written book - I loved it. Dr Tilda Moss lies in a hospital bed in a vegetative state unable to move speak or communicate with anyone. All she has are her thoughts and memories and she tries to work out how she ended up falling from her balcony and who was responsible.
Her father, brother, flat mate and colleagues visit and talk to her and interwoven with their conversations are her memories of her childhood, her career and her lover who does not come to visit. On one level this is a clever psychological thriller where you are never sure who to suspect. On another level it's a thought-provoking essay on life, religion, science and love.
It's exciting and very very clever and I enjoyed the story and the issues that it raised. I may have made it sound boring but it's the opposite- I couldn't put it down and I had no idea how it would end or what would happen. A very worthy 5 stars for this!!
Her father, brother, flat mate and colleagues visit and talk to her and interwoven with their conversations are her memories of her childhood, her career and her lover who does not come to visit. On one level this is a clever psychological thriller where you are never sure who to suspect. On another level it's a thought-provoking essay on life, religion, science and love.
It's exciting and very very clever and I enjoyed the story and the issues that it raised. I may have made it sound boring but it's the opposite- I couldn't put it down and I had no idea how it would end or what would happen. A very worthy 5 stars for this!!
November 17, 2016
We all know of the words “Talk to her - she might be able to hear you” referring to a person in a coma. And so it is quite chilling to embark upon this story, told intriguingly from the viewpoint of the brilliant research scientist Tilda Moss, locked in a semi vegetative state. And indeed, despite being apparently unconscious, she is able to see and hear everything going on around her. While trying desperately to convince medical staff and visitors that she is aware, she is also determined to analytically piece together the unfolding evidence of what befell her - as she can only listen.
The language is beautiful, the story compelling, an emotional roller coaster of a journey that made me question my own beliefs and consider some highly philosophical ideas - a highly recommended 5 star read.
The language is beautiful, the story compelling, an emotional roller coaster of a journey that made me question my own beliefs and consider some highly philosophical ideas - a highly recommended 5 star read.
November 12, 2016
Tilda Moss finds herself in a semi vegetative state in hospital. She watches her visitors come and go. Her grieving father, her selfish brother, her flat mate, the investigating police. But who is the doctor that comes to her room and doesn't speak to anyone, or the beautiful Allegra who's doesn't seem to know anyone else? And where is her lover Michael? How can she make them understand that she is still there? Not to give up hope? And can she remember how she ended up there in the first place??
Beautifully written, one of my favourite books of the year
Beautifully written, one of my favourite books of the year
May 11, 2018
An intelligent and eloquent journey of the mind,soul and body.
I happened across this book because another author I was following reviewed it on Goodreads. I thank her for that reference.
This is a powerful book, that challenges everything. The urge to empathise is irresistible as Tilda fights the ultimate battle for life. Various sub plots serve as vignettes that should not be taken for granted. “The Key of All Unknown” arrived unplanned, but like many spontaneous events, will leave a significant imprint upon me. The mark of a good book.
I happened across this book because another author I was following reviewed it on Goodreads. I thank her for that reference.
This is a powerful book, that challenges everything. The urge to empathise is irresistible as Tilda fights the ultimate battle for life. Various sub plots serve as vignettes that should not be taken for granted. “The Key of All Unknown” arrived unplanned, but like many spontaneous events, will leave a significant imprint upon me. The mark of a good book.
February 18, 2018
An amazing very well written story. A different angle on something like this. I loved it. It has many twists and turns and surprises you can't put it down. She is in a coma and it is like looking in through her in an complex yet wonderful way. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it. It is exciting, enjoyable, emotional, intriguing and so much more. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.
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