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Yes
Maureen McCormack wakes up in hospital after a stroke. Her memory is fragmented and she can say only one word – yes. Friends, family and lovers visit her, filling silences with secrets and learning to open up as Maureen learns to listen.
As the revelations mount, she and those around her attempt to come to terms with all that has been left unsaid and unexamined, and her view of life shifts fundamentally. When Maureen’s ability to speak returns she decides to keep it a secret until she has made sense of her past and gathered the strength to shape her future.
Yes is a captivating novel about how relationships grow, disintegrate and heal, showing what happens when people really listen to each other.
220 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2017
1 person is currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Anne Patterson
1 book3 followersAnne Patterson’s first novel, Yes, published by Silvertail Books is set in the fictional town of Derryconnor, somewhere in County Antrim. Yes was shortlisted for the McKitterick Prize in 2018.
Anne lives in London but was born in County Armagh and grew up in County Antrim. She works in the NHS, writing between shifts. She’s been writing all her adult life. Inspirational adult education teachers help her focus. A supportive writing group, evolved from friends made on an Arvon Course in 2007, encourage her to keep going. She is currently working on her second novel, which is set between NI and London. Her writing explores the things left unsaid in families and friendships.
Anne lives in London but was born in County Armagh and grew up in County Antrim. She works in the NHS, writing between shifts. She’s been writing all her adult life. Inspirational adult education teachers help her focus. A supportive writing group, evolved from friends made on an Arvon Course in 2007, encourage her to keep going. She is currently working on her second novel, which is set between NI and London. Her writing explores the things left unsaid in families and friendships.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 4, 2018
Middle-aged Maureen wakes up in hospital. Her mind and body have been damaged by a stroke and she can only say the word ‘yes’. As the days and weeks of her recovery pass, her visitors fill the long silences with all manner of news, gossip and revelations, many of which lead Maureen to reflect on her own life. When her voice returns, she decides to keep this piece of news to herself, knowing that one day she’ll have to speak again. But when will be the right time?
This is one of those stories that makes you feel like you’re there; a bystander watching the life of a real person. There’s a crispness to Maureen that, for me, doesn’t invite sympathy, but does intrigue. The author cleverly reveals more and more back story at just the right moments, so that as the book progresses you’re naturally drawn further into the lives of Maureen and her family. Their relationships feel authentic, and I particularly like how the author describes the complexity of Maureen’s relationship with her late husband, and how as she learns more about herself she grows to regard their years together in a different light.
There are moments of sadness and moments of humour, which are handled with just the right touch; never over-played. There were occasions when I would have liked a little more development of some elements of the story. However, as I was so engrossed in Maureen’s life, my own imagination added what I needed.
Maureen, her daughter, her sister and other cast members have been popping into my head since I finished reading. I would love to be able to drop by her house to see her and have a chat over a cup of tea to find out how she’s doing. It’s the mark of some really good storytelling when characters live beyond the pages of a book.
This is one of those stories that makes you feel like you’re there; a bystander watching the life of a real person. There’s a crispness to Maureen that, for me, doesn’t invite sympathy, but does intrigue. The author cleverly reveals more and more back story at just the right moments, so that as the book progresses you’re naturally drawn further into the lives of Maureen and her family. Their relationships feel authentic, and I particularly like how the author describes the complexity of Maureen’s relationship with her late husband, and how as she learns more about herself she grows to regard their years together in a different light.
There are moments of sadness and moments of humour, which are handled with just the right touch; never over-played. There were occasions when I would have liked a little more development of some elements of the story. However, as I was so engrossed in Maureen’s life, my own imagination added what I needed.
Maureen, her daughter, her sister and other cast members have been popping into my head since I finished reading. I would love to be able to drop by her house to see her and have a chat over a cup of tea to find out how she’s doing. It’s the mark of some really good storytelling when characters live beyond the pages of a book.
March 30, 2018
I unreservedly loved this book. As Maureen recovers from her stroke, we’re privileged to hear her internal voice as she meanders through the memories of her life – her loves, her losses, her moments of joy and heartbreak, her childhood, her adolescence, her marriage, her family and her relationships – as she struggles to say more than “yes” to the stream of visitors who sit by her bed. Everyone who visits fills the silence by sharing secrets they feel safe unloading – and we also find that Maureen has secrets of her own that she has never shared.
The key relationship in this book is perhaps with her sister Shirley, a relationship neglected in adulthood, and it’s an absolute fascination watching their sisterly bond and former closeness rediscovered: she’s a wonderful character, a whirlwind of perfume and hairspray, and the source of much of the book’s gentle humour (particularly in relation to her dysfunctional marriage). But every single character in this book is exquisitely drawn – from the hospital staff, with their conversations over the hospital bed (and I particularly loved the cheery speech therapist), to Maureen’s family, past and present, and the other significant people who figure in her life. Her daughter Jackie has Down’s Syndrome – their love for each other is palpable, very moving, and demonstrated with light and beautiful touches and exchanges.
Maureen’s own voice – her internal one – is wholly consistent and authentic: I took her to my heart, and it was a real joy sharing both the memories of her life and her experiences during her largely silent recovery. I must mention the story’s backdrop too, quite beautifully drawn – the little details of day-to-day life on the farm, the touches of nature, the Irish religious divide always present, real life events gently dropped in to indicate the timing.
You might just expect this book, with its subject matter, to be a tad depressing – but it’s actually the total opposite. At times, it’s extremely funny, always full of warmth, and has so much perfectly judged observational humour – at other times, Maureen’s memories and experiences will break your heart. Delicately balanced, beautifully written, a very real woman at its centre with a lifetime of experience and so many stories to tell – and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. Do give it a try…
The key relationship in this book is perhaps with her sister Shirley, a relationship neglected in adulthood, and it’s an absolute fascination watching their sisterly bond and former closeness rediscovered: she’s a wonderful character, a whirlwind of perfume and hairspray, and the source of much of the book’s gentle humour (particularly in relation to her dysfunctional marriage). But every single character in this book is exquisitely drawn – from the hospital staff, with their conversations over the hospital bed (and I particularly loved the cheery speech therapist), to Maureen’s family, past and present, and the other significant people who figure in her life. Her daughter Jackie has Down’s Syndrome – their love for each other is palpable, very moving, and demonstrated with light and beautiful touches and exchanges.
Maureen’s own voice – her internal one – is wholly consistent and authentic: I took her to my heart, and it was a real joy sharing both the memories of her life and her experiences during her largely silent recovery. I must mention the story’s backdrop too, quite beautifully drawn – the little details of day-to-day life on the farm, the touches of nature, the Irish religious divide always present, real life events gently dropped in to indicate the timing.
You might just expect this book, with its subject matter, to be a tad depressing – but it’s actually the total opposite. At times, it’s extremely funny, always full of warmth, and has so much perfectly judged observational humour – at other times, Maureen’s memories and experiences will break your heart. Delicately balanced, beautifully written, a very real woman at its centre with a lifetime of experience and so many stories to tell – and one of the very best books I’ve read this year. Do give it a try…
January 2, 2018
Poignant reflection on a life of ‘what-ifs’? Set in a rural Ireland where confines of religion and a social strait jacket limited this woman’s life. Patterson directs her lens of humour at life where we can only listen through a stroke enforced silence to the seemingly powerless victim of a life spent pleasing others. Will she ever be able to speak up for herself?
A slim volume but brimful of optimism and humour. I was left with a very large book hangover - the characters are still with me, long after the last page.
A slim volume but brimful of optimism and humour. I was left with a very large book hangover - the characters are still with me, long after the last page.
December 28, 2017
Such a pleasure to read this book. A well-crafted novel about ordinary people doing ordinary things; from the first pages you care about Maureen and what is going to happen to her. Anne Patterson has a gift for observation, and it is well served here, as the speechless Maureen has time, possibly her first ever opportunity, to observe and listen to people she thinks she knows but possibly has not spent enough time paying attention to. In the process she learns about them, and about herself too.
This might all sound terribly worthy, but it's leavened with humour and vignettes of rural life in Northern Ireland. You feel that the author has lived through some of these scenes herself. She's very perceptive about people too, and good at conveying a person in few words. I loved the description of Maureen and Walter's marriage on pages 42-44; succinct but conveying everything you need yo know. Later she paints a quick sketch of Boffy: "He has strong-looking hands and is always touching things as if sucking up information about them -- everything from the furniture, to the old gate, to Claire [...] Boffy likes carrying things for people. He lifts the groceries in from the car before anyone else gets a chance. He's a boy brought up by a woman alone and he knows his size is an advantage. I picture his mother asking him to lift heavy boxes or put up the Christmas tree the moment he's big enough."
And finally, I loved the ending. No predictable clichés here, and wittily done. This book would make a good film. And roll on the next novel!
This might all sound terribly worthy, but it's leavened with humour and vignettes of rural life in Northern Ireland. You feel that the author has lived through some of these scenes herself. She's very perceptive about people too, and good at conveying a person in few words. I loved the description of Maureen and Walter's marriage on pages 42-44; succinct but conveying everything you need yo know. Later she paints a quick sketch of Boffy: "He has strong-looking hands and is always touching things as if sucking up information about them -- everything from the furniture, to the old gate, to Claire [...] Boffy likes carrying things for people. He lifts the groceries in from the car before anyone else gets a chance. He's a boy brought up by a woman alone and he knows his size is an advantage. I picture his mother asking him to lift heavy boxes or put up the Christmas tree the moment he's big enough."
And finally, I loved the ending. No predictable clichés here, and wittily done. This book would make a good film. And roll on the next novel!
June 26, 2018
Middle-aged Maureen suffers a stroke and wakes up in hospital. Not only has her body been damaged, her speech has been affected too and the only word she can say is ‘Yes’. As she slowly recovers, those who visit her can’t help but fill the silences with their own private thoughts and divulge previously hidden secrets. This leads Maureen to reflect on all of aspects of her own life and she slowly comes to realise the part she has played in past mistakes that have been made.
I think this is a fantastic read. It has many poignant touches and is full of understated and laugh out loud humour. The characters are so well drawn I found myself worrying about them long after I had finished reading the book. I would definitely recommend this book and can say it is one of the best ones I have read in a long time.
I think this is a fantastic read. It has many poignant touches and is full of understated and laugh out loud humour. The characters are so well drawn I found myself worrying about them long after I had finished reading the book. I would definitely recommend this book and can say it is one of the best ones I have read in a long time.
April 2, 2018
Actually three and a half stars. I really liked this book about a stroke victim who really struggled to learn how to speak again and could only say "yes" for the longest time. I was once a helper at an aphasia group (people who have had strokes and could not speak properly) so can appreciate this struggle. They try so very hard to relearn speech. This book really had an impact on that subject.
Romantically, however, I wanted the ending to be different.
Romantically, however, I wanted the ending to be different.
April 25, 2019
Liked this easy to read book. Seeing and reading the progess of Maureen after her stroke.
The little tricks she gets up to. Questioning her relationships she has and with others.
Loved it. Easy to read. Funny in some places. "Feel good" kinda book. Even better you know the person that wrote it and this is her first published book.
Do we really listen to others??
Want a quiet quaint book. Read this
The little tricks she gets up to. Questioning her relationships she has and with others.
Loved it. Easy to read. Funny in some places. "Feel good" kinda book. Even better you know the person that wrote it and this is her first published book.
Do we really listen to others??
Want a quiet quaint book. Read this
November 8, 2017
Entrancing characters
I was engaged with Maureen, the central character, immediately. I wanted to know her and I got my wish. This is a book that draws you straight in and carries you along. I heartily recommend this book.
I was engaged with Maureen, the central character, immediately. I wanted to know her and I got my wish. This is a book that draws you straight in and carries you along. I heartily recommend this book.
March 25, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected to.
April 15, 2020
3 1/2 stars. An enjoyable read with likeable characters and Maureen’s thoughts occasionally giving me some laugh aloud moments.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews