Attend

by West Camel

As the threads of their lives unravel … they find magic under their feet…

When Sam falls in love with South London thug Derek, and Anne’s best friend Kathleen takes her own life, they discover they are linked not just by a world of drugs and revenge; they also share the friendship of the uncanny and enigmatic Deborah.

Seamstress, sailor, story-teller and self-proclaimed centenarian immortal, Deborah slowly reveals to Anne and Sam her improbable, fantastical life, the mysterious world that lies beneath their feet and, ultimately, the solution to their crises.

With echoes of Armistead Maupin and a hint of magic realism, Attend is a beautifully written, darkly funny, mesmerisingly emotive and deliciously told debut novel, rich in finely wrought characters that you will never forget.

Genres: Fiction, Magical Realism

276 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2019

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As debut novels go, "Attend" written by West Camel, is up there with the best. Original, thought provoking, spellbinding and compelling, this story of grief, mortality, friendship and dreams, threaded with a hint of magic realism and mystery, you can't help but feel in awe at this beautifully weaved story. It is difficult to categorise into one genre as it literally covers a bit of everything from magic realism to even romance. Very character driven but intelligent and atmospheric too.
Blurb - When Sam falls in love with South London thug Derek, and Anne’s best friend Kathleen takes her own life, they discover they are linked not just by a world of drugs and revenge, they also share the friendship of the uncanny and enigmatic Deborah.
Seamstress, sailor, story-teller and self-proclaimed centenarian immortal, Deborah slowly reveals to Anne and Sam her improbable, fantastical life, the mysterious world that lies beneath their feet and, ultimately, the solution to their crises.
I very much enjoyed reading this addictive story and straight away I immediately felt I was down by the mighty Thames in Deptford, such was the atmospheric descriptions detailed by the author. I was particularly enthralled by Deborah's mysterious chapters and I was hooked following her emotional story from beginning to end. I also had a soft spot for Sam, a gay man who moved to Deptford in his search for men and glittering nightlife.
With an eye catching, well designed cover, that represents the three threads to the story - Sam, Anne and Deborah - and the needlework the story is based on, this polishes off an exceptionally well thought out, unique story that is both captivating and mesmerising.
I'd happily recommend "Attend' and this exciting, fresh new author and hope to read more by him in the future.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visit the settings in the novel

A debut novel and a very special one at that. Set in Deptford, London, this focuses on a unique set of characters and one in particular who floats through the novel like a thread, tieing everything up and linking everyone in some way. It’s very assured writing for a first novel. From the hands of Orenda’s editor no less, and it’s lovely to see his own words come to life off the page. I will never forget Deborah who must be one of the most memorable characters in fiction I’ve read in a long while. And you feel a frisson when you allow the magical realism to flow over you.

[The Book Review Café · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ There’s nothing more exciting than picking up a novel that comes with a unique and spellbinding plot, a novel that consumes your every waking minute, and yet you find yourself reluctant to carry on reading it as you don’t want it to end, and Attend by West Camel is one of those novels. Oh how I adored this book, rather like enigmatic seamstress Deborah’s sewing, this novel is rich in detail, with its threads expertly woven, resulting in a captivating read that is told in the most lyrical way. This is a book that refuses to fit into one particular genre, and I mean that in a positive way, it’s part gritty crime thriller, yet there is also a magical quality hidden within its pages.

Attend is the story of three people, Deborah a seamstress, Anne an ex drug addict and Sam whose coming to terms with his own sexuality, each has their own personal challenges. The author has created three very different characters but their stories intertwine, Deborah being the thread that binds them together. The setting of Deptford, London is perfectly depicted and so vividly described, it’s not a pretty picture, as within the shadows of the town lie the darker elements of town life, the violence and addiction that go hand with the seedier and murky criminal fraternity, a world that both Anne and Sam know only to well.

Craven has created characters that are rich in personality, and unforgettable. Dorothy is a character who evokes strong emotions, there’s something that makes you feel desperately sorry for her, she’s someone who deserves to have an abundance of happiness and love and yet that’s something that appears to be just outside her reach. There’s a sadness and an overwhelming sense of loneliness that radiates from Dorothy, as her story unfolds you realise why. When Anne and Sam become part of Dorothy’s life she shares her stories, some see far-fetched, even elaborate and fairy like in there telling, but these are the tales that magically bind the three together. Dorothy’s stories are rich in description and beautifully told, and then you have the strands of Anne and Sam’s stories which are both dark and gritty in their telling.

Attend is so different to many of my previous reads, and I’m not sure the pace or the plot will be to everyone’s taste, it’s definitely not action packed, this is a novel driven by its characters. Personally I found Attend to be a memorising read, the setting, the characters and the story line make this novel such an unusual and compelling read. West Camel writes with confidence, he breathes magic into the story he is telling, his characters come alive but best of all Attend is highly original which is always a good thing. Highly recommended.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that leave the reader breathless, and dumbstruck. There are books that are realistic and gritty yet filled with such magic that it becomes difficult to say how you feel about the story. There are books that you just want to take, and to thrust into a person's hands and shout 'read it'.

Attend is one of of those books. It has felt as though the author has cast a spell, has thrown out his words and characters and incredible story and left us readers to flounder. There is no description for how this story has affected me. Maybe it's because I read it whilst I was very ill, whilst I was feeling sorry for myself, and a little bit scared about what was happening to me. Maybe.

Attend is a story of three very different parts, yet those three threads are cleverly woven together to make something that feels so much more than a whole. Yes, I played on the cover image; that theme of magical threads that run so smoothly through this story not only depict the plot, but the structure.

Two of our main characters are Sam and Anne. Sam is a young man who is just beginning to accept his sexuality and when he meets Derek he is swept off his feet. Derek is a thug; recently divorced, infertile, heavy handed and not afraid to use his fists. He mixes with the lowest of life in Deptford, and he and Sam meet through a particularly nasty act of violence.

Anne is a mother, an ex wife and a recovering heroin addict. She's recently returned to Deptford after years on drugs. Her daughter Julie has become a mother, her own mother prefers her ex husband Mel. She's trying her best to get her life together and when her oldest friend Kathleen begs her to help her to end her suffering, she can't do it.

Deborah is the lead character. Aged and wise, she seems to live her life in the shadows, being ignored by everyone around her, but she sees and hears everything. Deborah spends her days sewing. Surrounded by cloths of many textures and colours, with stories and memories for each and every one of them. Deborah cannot die.

It is Deborah who binds this story together. It is Deborah who enables both Sam and Anne to see more in life that what is on the surface. Whilst neither of them really can believe her wild tales, they have both seen with their own eyes, the evidence of what she tells them.

There are lines of prose within Attend that took away my breath;

"She continued her story as they strolled, her voice weaving in with the threads of drizzle."

".... its arches filled with garages and workshops - where people made livings and metallic banging sounds, and got themselves filthy dirty, so on special days they could dress up and go to christenings and be proud and knew that they had done the right thing."

This is magical writing of the highest quality that will transport any reader to the darkest corners of Deptford. These are real people; people that have had the hardest of knocks and the most troubled of lives, yet they can be transformed by the magic of an old woman's memories.

There's a huge sadness running through Attend. The sadness of lives that have been wasted, of regrets and hidden secrets. There's also a sense of joy; little sparks throughout the story that scream of hope and redemption and an ending that seems to release the characters from their mistakes.

Up to date, gritty and dark yet filled with a magic that is unique and uplifting. Attend is adventurous, charming and utterly compelling.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the best way to sum this story up is that it's a story of lost souls. And a thoroughly unique tale that is very difficult to pinpoint a genre for. It's a little bit of everything! And it works! You get totally caught up in the lives of these characters - especially Anne and Sam - that makes you think of them long after you've finished reading and it takes a special way of writing to achieve that.

It has very dark themes which add to the realism of their stories - their lives haven't been easy and they find themselves in tough times but in the character of Dorothy they seem to find someone to share all their thoughts and fears with, while she has her own fascinating story to share. She seems to put more into life than she gets out with her comments on feeling like so many don't see her and her connection with Anne and Sam is particularly touching.

It deals with many issues that are rife nowadays - complicated families, drug issues, relationship problems and dealing with those demons that can take over your head and approaches all these subjects with such clarity and sensitivity.

It's a book that evokes many emotions from anger to sadness as you read, but definitely a story and characters that you won't forget.

[Beth (bibliobeth) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, thank you so much to Anne Cater for inviting me to take part in this blog tour and to Karen Sullivan from Orenda Books for the complimentary digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I have to admit, when Anne first emailed me about this book I was immediately entranced by that simplistic yet stunning front cover. It really draws the eye (and perhaps also threads the eye?!) and is a perfect example of how beautiful cover art can entice a reader to want to know more about the story. Luckily it had a fantastic synopsis too - I mean, "self-proclaimed centenarian immortal?" I simply HAD to read this book when that line jumped out at me! Please pardon the pun but this is a beautifully woven story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It has its darker moments, which to be honest, I'm always a fan of but there were softer, more gentle periods too that I really appreciated.

This is the story primarily of three people. Anne is a former heroin addict, mother to Julie and grandmother to Tom. She has been away from her family for some time while she recovers from her addiction and is determined not to see any of them until she can ensure she won't succumb to her demons and let them down again. As a result, she hasn't even met her grandson and at the time the novel is set, she is slowly trying to integrate herself back into their lives whilst attempting to fight her own personal battles. Sam is a young gay man who has also had some hardships in his life and eases his loneliness by going out a lot, desperate to find someone who will finally "see" and appreciate him. Our final protagonist is Deborah, an older lady with a plethora of stories to tell, primarily how she has become immortal through working on a small piece of sewing. All three characters are drawn together by seminal events that occur in their lives and by finding each other, there is an opportunity for each one to eventually find happiness and contentment.

The more I think about this novel, the more I realise what the author might have been trying to say and how moving the narrative is in general. We have three characters, all three are intriguing, have a story to tell, have had difficulties in their lives in the past and present and crucially, all of them are struggling with being seen by other people. I think my favourite part of the narrative had to be Deborah's story, particularly when she told parts of her past that were incredibly heart-breaking. There's a particular moment during the war when she is trapped in a shelter that was so moving and written so beautifully I couldn't put the book down until I had finished that specific chapter. Additionally, I loved how all the characters find that inner strength they eagerly desire from each other and they emerge more resilient by the end.

Finally, I really appreciated that you can't really categorise this novel. It's such a heady mixture of contemporary fiction with a dashing of historical and crime elements and a sprinkling of magical realism. I feel like the more fantastical, whimsical parts of the story worked very well as a whole and it never strayed into the realms of unbelievable. From that beautiful front cover, to an equally beautiful story within the pages, Attend is an imaginative piece of work that will touch your heart and potentially make you believe in magic all over again.

For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attend – An excellent debut.

It is clear from reading Attend that the author West Camel (person not the place in Somerset) has taken to heart the Stephen King idiom of read, read and read some more, and then when you think you know how to write, read some more. West Camel, besides editing many novels, and magazines is the epitome of the King idiom. Which is a good thing when you are writing your debut novel.

When I read the blurb, I thought I would be getting a literary crime novel, but what I got was something better. A multi-layered, multi-person novel where there is a crossover with one friend, Deborah. Who knows how old Deborah really is, but she is an enigmatic character that is a kind of seamstress, story-teller and seeming immortal. One thing she is, she is the mortar that binds the novel and the stories together.

Anne has moved back to Deptford having cleaned herself up, from her previous drug induced life, and in need of a friend. Sam, a gay man, has just moved to Deptford, and in need of a friend. Life is not very easy for Anne or Sam Anne’s former best friend commits suicide and Sam falls in love with local thug Derek. It Deborah that holds the friends together with her stories of a long-forgotten Deptford.

The story takes you on a journey of discovery, interconnected stories and as much as we like to think of ourselves as separate, we all have a connection somewhere. That as smooth as we would like life to be it really is a messy thing that we have to deal with.

An interesting and absorbing debut, that deeper you get in to the book the better it seems to get. This is a book that will leave a deep mark long after I have finished.

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novel set in Deptford, LONDON



A pleasingly unusual read that captures the feel of South London, with involving characters one could meet any day of the week on the pavements of this often overlooked area of the city.

Anne is a recovering drug addict who seeks her place back in her own family but is not embraced with open arms. In fact her family prioritises her ex. Sam is a newcomer to the city, and a chance encounter with Derek – thug that he is – changes the trajectory of his life. And there is Deborah, the mystical and aged woman, who hovers in the shadows, yet is a facilitator for change, an enabler and the main character.

This is the story of a disparate group of people who, at heart, are living their lives in the anonymity of the big city. It can be a challenging and lonely existence – in any big city, in fact – and the author portrays his characters with fondness and care. The cover is a lovely, clear metaphor for people’s lives colliding – enmeshing – connecting; and then separating.

The feel of the novel – the other worldly nature combined with gritty reality – makes this an unusual read. It reveals the existence of tunnels and cellars below the streets that all add to the mystery. The author has a gift for storytelling; he has even been accorded the moniker the “Dickens of Deptford” ...

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Anne and Sam. They haven’t met yet, but their lives are slowly becoming connected on many levels. Anne is a recovering heroin addict trying to make her life normal again in her hometown of Deptford. Things are tense between Anne, her family, and former close friends as she works to prove that she has changed. Sam has recently moved to Deptford from a empty life where he brought home a new man every night. He wants a simple life where he can be happy and away from his past mistakes.

While trying to reinvent themselves, Anne and Sam will both become friends with Deborah. She is unlike anyone they have ever met before. She is eccentric and comes with a plethora of stories to tell. Deborah is a self-proclaimed centenarian with tales that sound like they come from a storybook. Through a series of interrelated events, Anne and Sam’s worlds will collide. They will find themselves turning to the one woman who can solve their problems, Deborah, and together the trio will enter a world where the improbable feels real.

West Camel’s ATTEND is a work of literary fiction that draws the reader into the lives of Anne, Sam, and Deborah, who are three characters that on the surface don’t appear to have much in common. By the end of the book their lives are woven together in a pattern that can never come undone. Camel has created the characters of Anne and Sam with backstories that feel real and relatable, so that the reader is instantly connected to them. They both have troubled pasts, which you desperately hope they can work through and find a silver lining in life.

The character of Deborah is one who comes across as endearing as someone’s grandmother. The type of women who loves to embrace the company of others and share her stories. Deborah’s life history is certainly nothing short of captivating. She has lived quite the life over the course of 100+ years. As she unravels her past to both Anne and Sam, the reader can feel a sense that these stories possess a magical quality that Deborah wholehearted believes in. She challenges Anne and Sam to see the world in a different light. To see beyond the hurt and their damaged pasts. To embrace the future and their paths to redemption.

ATTEND is the story of three people whose lives become threaded together at a point where they each need a friend to lean on more than they ever imagined. Tragedy and pain are certainly prominent emotions within these pages, but what stands out more is the feeling of hope and friendship. The belief that things can get better and that sometimes people just need a helping hand to get there. Camel’s writing is imaginative and yet real at the same time. This book is so hard to classify for me past literary fiction. There are elements of magical realism mixed with historical fiction mixed with contemporary fiction. At the end of the day ATTEND is a book that can connect readers across the genres and is a book I would recommend every reader add to their list!

Disclosure: Thank you to Orenda Books for sending me a free review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Stephen Donovan · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5 stars*

I have decidedly mixed feelings about this book. While I can say it was highly imaginative and well-written, I struggled to develop a proper connection with it almost throughout, so ultimately I will put this down as a book that I appreciated more than I enjoyed.

The story centres upon three principal characters. Anne is a recovering drug addict; Sam is a young gay man who has just moved to the area. They seem to have nothing in common, but are eventually brought together by their relationship with Deborah, a mysterious old woman with many stories to tell about her long life as a seamstress.

The book switches between the points of view of all three characters. They are each told at a relatively slow pace, and I found them interesting without ever being truly captivating. Deborah was definitely the most intriguing and I enjoyed the subtle hints of magical realism, but there were only sporadic moments in all three storylines that had me gripped.

One of the main problems here was the supporting characters. Although they helped to raise some of the book's key themes, especially assisted dying and suicide, they were mostly unlikable and did not seriously enhance the plot. I found Derek (Sam's love interest) interesting and complex, so he is an exception, but I did not enjoy reading about any of the others.

The setting is totally synonymous with this book, and that creates the most lasting memory. I liked how the author created a great sense of atmosphere by making contemporary London feel eerie and somewhat oppressive. It is described in great and impressive detail, and that the author is from Deptford adds extra weight to this portrayal. It is like we are seeing Deptford through his eyes.

Overall, this is a thoughtful and well written piece of contemporary literature, and I can certainly understand why it has received a lot of positive reviews. For that reason I regret that I didn't like it more, but the plot and the pace of the storytelling just failed to captivate me.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have never read anything like this book before. I had expected it to be a crime novel with mention of drug related crime in the synopsis. But, while there is violence it is more about the emotion that the acts cause. The reasons why the violence has to occur and the loyalty portrayed by the friends and family of the people responsible. And bizarrely the lack of sympathy to the victim.
The three main characters are ones that will stay with me for quite a while. Two of them, Sam and Anne are trying to rebuild their lives. Anne finds it very difficult, the daily struggle to stay off drugs, having to rebuild her family’s trust and the sense of loss over missing so much. Sam, who realises that he can only be really happy if he is honest about his feelings. Deborah is different, older but adamant that she will get what she wants and helping Sam and Anne come to terms with their situation.
It’s a great feeling when you realise very early in a book that you are in for a treat. West Camel’s writing is stunning, his characters who all give me the impression of being very lonely are ones that I think about constantly. Deborah especially, with her life story and the thing that she is desperate for. The accounts of her childhood and her experiences in the blitz are very moving, and had me thinking of stories passed down in my own family.
It’s not only the characters in the novel that I am still thinking about it is also the setting in Deptford. When I was reading the acknowledgments I realised that the areas mentioned exist. I then spent a fascinating hour looking at local history websites and photos on the internet.
Wonderful book with a fascinating setting.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the first assumption one makes about this story is that Deborah is some kind of forlorn spirit or a ghost who is destined to wander the streets of Deptford for eternity. The truth is so much more complex. It’s also what gives this story an essence of eccentric charm. You never really know for certain whether she is real, is she a figment of imagination or is she really walking among the living waiting for the right circumstances?

The only trouble with magical realism is the fact it is hard to distinguish between what is real and which elements belong in the magical category. So, with that said I am off to go look for Deborah in the tunnels or in her abode by the river.

One of the most poignant moments in the book is when Deborah asks if Anne and Sam can really see her. If you set aside the story for moment, it speaks to the lack of compassion and empathy in our society. The lonely walk through our world like invisible people. We look away from and turn our backs on things that make us uncomfortable, including the homeless, the abused and invisible in our society.

Not everyone sees Deborah, which in itself says a lot about the world she lives in, and a lot about the people who can or do see her. Does she connect with Anne and Sam because they need her in exactly that moment in time? Are their inner struggles and demons like a flare in the darkness for Deborah? Or do the paths of this threesome meld because fate has dictated this path for them?

I can’t tell a lie, this story drew me in further with each word. I was mesmerised by the story of the young girl in the tunnel and her magical discovery. From the claustrophobic feel of the tunnels, the mysterious piece of cloth – to the Hansel and Gretel safety thread

Attend is a nod in the direction of magical realism with a noirish quality and yet simultaneously filled with the brusque reality of our modern world. The collusion between these different worlds culminates in an extraordinary piece of fiction.
*I received a copy via the publisher.*

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book is breathtaking, the words on the pages transpire into a beautiful and authentic storyline. One which will stay with you long after you have finished the book. West Camel where have you been! This debut is mesmerising.

The story follows Anne, a recovering drug addict who lost everything and Sam, a gay man who moved to Deptford for the flashy bars and men. The mysterious Deborah links them all, turns up unexpectedly and always seems surprised, all the while telling her story to them both and the story behind her fabric.

That is all I will say about the plot because to say anymore could potentially ruin it for you. What I will say, it is a page-turner as you become addicted to the three characters wanting to learn more, you have a need to find out more. As I said I was mesmerised, as slowly each chapter revealed something new, as we live the day-to-day with Anne and Sam and the “magical” one with Deborah.

When I picked up this book I was not sure what to expect, but what I got was something unexpected. The emotions I felt, watching Anne rebuild her life and Sam learning what it is to truly be alive.

The writing is quite simply stunning. The story is magical. I felt I was really seeing Deptford, picturing the idyllic houses on the estates, smelling the smells, hearing the sounds. All the while reinforcing that connection between people is strong and we all need it no matter what level sometimes we receive it, but it makes us truly alive

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think there's ever been so perfect a cover for so perfect a book. Three threads; three central characters; three beautifully woven and perfectly joined stories. For me, three days of reading joy. This book has all the things I love - hopeful and hopeless people, a story open to the reader's interpretation, a dash of magic, and gloriously beautiful writing. 'Deborah must tell her tale, they must attend.' Oh, I did. I did.

[The Literary Shed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Deptford, south London, Attend opens with a meeting between Anne, who’s recently returned to the area, and Deborah, a slightly arcane, elderly woman who seems to pop up in the oddest of places, just when the characters are feeling at their most alone. Deborah is also the link between Sam – in London for ‘flashing bars and clubs, for guys with their shirts off. For sex’ – and edgy Derek, the man with whom he falls in love. Anne, Sam and Derek are all facing their own crises and Deborah, through the stories she weaves and the London and history she reveals to them, helps them to find their way.

… Camel’s Attend is extremely readable. Packed with detail, it evokes Deptford and its environs beautifully … That apart, the characters and dialogue are authentic, the storyline attention-holding and it’s extremely well-written. Camel is an editor and writer and his precision and respect for language shines through. So, really, what’s not to like?

I’m not going to bang on about Orenda … Suffice it to say, the list showcases extremely fine domestic and international writing and West Camel’s Attend slots slickly into this.

This is part of a review published for the virtual book tour. All opinions are our own and all rights reserved. To see the full review go to: http://www.theliteraryshed.co.uk/read...





Acknowledgements: Quote from Attend © West Camel 2018. This review is published as part of the Attend virtual book tour. Many thanks to lovely Anne Cater for organising the tour and to the publisher for supplying a book proof. All thoughts and opinions are our own.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to review a book like Attend by West Camel?? On first thoughts it seems pretty impossible and I have spent a long time after finishing it wondering about the words I could use that would do this extraordinary piece of writing the justice it deserves. Attend is like nothing I have read before and it is difficult to pin a genre on.

The main characters are Sam, Anne and Deborah – three very different people that are linked together by a familiar thread of loneliness. Sam is a young man looking for love and finding it in all the wrong places, Anne is a former addict struggling after returning to her home town with it’s bad memories and unforgiving family members, and Deborah…? Deborah is the magic thread that links them all together and helps Sam and Anne to see beyond their problems and resolve them. It appears that Deborah has been on her own for a very (very) long time and is surprised that the others can even see her! She is a calming influence in their turbulent times and they soon come to look to her for comfort and a listening ear. As much as Deborah is there to absorb she also imparts her fascinating life story; at times we are left wondering if they are the ramblings of an old lady who has lived on her own for too long but it soon becomes obvious there is far more to Deborah than meets the eye.

A truly magical read that will weave its way into your heart and soul!

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not so much a book, as an experience, 'Attend' is a invitation to be present, to pay attention, and be involved in the stories of Sam, Anne and Deborah,-attend and listen as their stories interweave and create a magic that is purely brilliant.
I would possibly categorise it as historical and literary fiction though neither title does this book justice. It is a rare book that captivates, entwines and enfolds you in the narratives which switch effortlessly between characters. Magic realism comes closet to describing this work, the last time I felt so strongly about a book was reading 'Eva Luna' by Isabel Allende.
At some points, you realise that you are no longer in the room, you have been completely immersed in the tale of Deborah, seamstress, abandoned child, and ageless as she intersects with Anne and Sam in the London district of Deptford.
Sam is in love with a thug named Derek and is coming to terms with his sexuality and his relationship. Anne is a an ex-drug addict, always teetering on the brink of succumbing to the siren call of narcotics. And Deborah sits between them, a possibly immortal centenarian.As she weaves their stories together I was reminded of the sewing adage 'Measure twice, cut once' as West Camel ensures that each word is chosen so succinctly and perfectly for it's purpose, and for maximum impact. Not a single punctuation mark or paragraph is out of place, it is immensely assured for a debut novel.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t know where to start with Attend. It’s such an unusual read. It’s a story about people. Three very different lead characters but oh so similar, a feeling of isolation from those around them.

Deborah – hiding herself away bubbling just out of the peripheral vision of day to day life of humanity. Slightly unnerving with her lack of regular social interaction. Really did not know what to make of her.

Sam, he’s trying to find his way in the big city and then a chance meeting with Deborah and Derek changes his life forever.

Anne, recovering addict trying to prove herself to her family but they aren’t quick to open their arms to her. She’s been out of their lives for so long, it’s going to take a lot for her to regain their trust.

West Camel has a poetic writing style. His storytelling unbeknownst to me slowly brought me into the centre of Deptford and the middle of the lives of these three interesting characters. The seemingly unrelated threads of this story slowly plaited themselves together to tie my attention up to the end.

The cover to Attend is so simple and yet fits this complex story impeccably. Three individual threads brought together.

[Laura Wonderchick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a unique book and timely for now. Such totally different characters and such realism.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

This is an absolutely brilliant debut novel!!

I thought the concept behind the book was excellent, it was well written, the flow of the story was spot on and it had some fantastic characters. It was a completely addictive read for me.

I finished the book the same day I started it and it was a genuine page turner, I will be honest as I wasn’t sure what it would be like from the blurb as it seemed to cross a few genres that I wouldn’t necessarily mix but honestly I needn’t have had any worries at all – it all works and the whole thing was executed so, so well, it has gone right up there with my top reads of 2018 and I can’t wait to see what the author releases next!!

The plot was superb – 5 stars from me, very highly recommended – I loved it – if you get a chance make sure you grab a copy when you can – it is worth it!!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attend left me emotional, grieving for the characters due to the end of the book (this is not a spoiler, I just wasn't emotionally ready for the book to finish!) I told West Camel that I was not ready to forgive him because of the beautiful rollercoaster he took me on that left be book hungover, but I am now a fangirl and will no longer expect my feeling to be safe in the hands of his books.

We are firstly introduced to Anne, one of the three main characters of Attend and oh my heart. My initial feeling of Anne is that she's made huge mistakes in the past that her family and friends just will not let her runaway from. She's treated like a nuisance, a bad woman but I think she just wants a chance to redeem herself, although no-one has enough faith in her. Anne's loneliness and need for acceptance radiated of the page.

Sam is what I imagine to be a mid - 20's guy whose own life experiences has lead him to become addicted to sex, with any man he can find, in any settling. Again, their is a radiance of lack of self - worth and loneliness coming from him. He too yearns for someone who can understand him and love him for who he is.

In walks Deborah, a strange woman whom no - one ever seems to notice, she's just part of the scenery which can be ignored. That is until one day she is noticed, and my did I love her. I thought of her as a wacky type of Jeremy Cricket with a heart of solid gold. Again, she's not had the best start in life, and it is so sad! I very rarely find a book where I fall in love with every main character, but my gosh I was head over heals for all three of them. The development of each character as well as the way that the storyline flicked between them, future and past, was flawlessly carried out. I was completely engaged.

The magic of books is that everyone who reads sometimes finds bits of themselves, or feel changed somewhat due to the words on those pages. For me, Attend felt like a euphemism for something bigger, like with a big entanglement of various wools; each different colour wool is an individual's life and no amount of picking and unknotting with untangle it. Just like life whether we know it or not, we are all tied together with no clear start or finish. You can't give a clear uncomplicated description of your life without tying in with the thread of others. You can agree with me or not; this is what the book meant to me and as reader's I think we all have different outlooks on a book, well that was mine.

I love to read the acknowledgements, West states that Attend has had a long gestation period but my gosh the book that has come out of it is astonishingly brilliant. For me it was uplifting (regardless of tears shed) and thought provoking. I also raged a bit about the way that Anne was treated, she didn't deserve it! Just wanted to hug her! (Yes, yes she isn't real I know) It's not all emotional though, West has managed to throw in a sprinkle of magic and a dash of humour which brings out the true shine of this novel.

Attend is a book that I will be shouting about for a long time to come. I recommend this 100%. Thank-you West Camel for writing Attend and sharing it with us readers!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been putting off writing this review. And I mean putting it off, putting it off. I just really don't know how to begin. This is one of those books that is so very hard to describe, hard to position in terms of narrative style or even genre. It's described as magical realism and I guess, finally, I may now be starting to understand what that means. For me, however you want to try and classify the book, it put me in mind of the beautifully lyrical titles that Orenda excels at finding, the likes of Sealskin and The Bird Tribunal. Perhaps neither one of those fits perfectly as a comparison, but in terms of the narrative style, the sense of realism that dominates the story and yet the sense that there is more to what is happening than meets the eye, they are as close as you will find.

Attend is, in essence, a story of three very different people whose lives intersect and become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways. Anne is a recovering drug addict who is trying hard to get her life back on track whilst struggling to navigate the murky waters of family and friendships. Sam is a young man who is looking for love, finding it in the most unlikely of places. Deborah is a woman who has lived a very long life, has lived through wars and experienced things that defy explanation. She navigates the murky waters of Deptford. Quite literally as it happens. When Deborah enters the lives of both Anne and Sam, it is hard to see how a friendship can possibly develop, and yet that is exactly what happens. Both of them find a kind of inexplicable solace and comfort in the old woman's presence.

It is really hard to explain the book without giving too much away. What I can say is that Deborah meets both Anne and Sam quite by accident and they bond over a series of stories she tells them about her life. These are quite extraordinary tales and it is here that the whole sense of something mythical, a kind of wonderfully enduring folk tale, begins to pervade the story. These passages, largely set in the past, during wartime and beyond, are quite exquisite to read, a wonderful blend of local history and a lyrical prose which paints the scene in glorious colour. Or should that be embroiders ... Although Deborah is telling her own story, you are never entirely sure how much of it to believe and how much is the fanciful ramblings of a dear old lady, finally glad to have an audience after many years of living in the shadows.

When it comes to the lives of Anne and Sam, the story is far more grounded in modern life. The gritty reality of Anne's life is a stark contrast to the colour which Deborah brings to her story. Anne's is a story which is easy to understand if not wholly relate to, and West Camel has done a brilliant job of creating a character who feels undeniably real. You won't fully empathise with her - she was a drug addict after all - but you do understand her problems and the way in which the author has portrayed her struggles, not only with staying clean but with her understanding the course of her emotions, is well observed and a side of her character I can fully understand. Sam's life, likewise, is one that many people will relate to. The struggle to find love; the confusion that comes as you walk the fine line between expectation and reality. Both characters seem a bad fit with Deborah, and yet this strange old woman with her fantastical stories helps them to discover something within themselves that could change their future.

Deborah is a truly interesting character. As a child she learns to recreate a special motif, one which seems unusual and rare but the small scrap of cloth on which it is embroidered seems to hold within in it a lifetime of secrets. And this is where the element of magic comes in to the story, where the novel becomes something special that elevates it far beyond simply being a story of modern life in the city. The motif which Deborah sews is enduring, as is her quest to finish stitching the pattern once and for all.

It is as though the threads that Deborah uses are the threads of life, and each pattern she weaves is just another fragment of her story being told. Likewise, each of the characters, Deborah, Sam and Anne, represent a unique thread, quite unlike any other around them. It takes Deborah's skill as a seamstress to pull these single, diverse threads together, just as the author draws their stories together throughout. We slowly see the pattern emerging, a kind of rich tapestry of exploding colours. The image we are presented with is all at once poignant and beautiful, full of both fear and wonder. There is an overwhelming sense of the inevitable as we read, that all three of our protagonists will find their new beginning, whatever that may be.

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm grateful to Orenda Books for an advance e-copy of this book for review.

I have a habit, when I review books, of approaching them in terms of how they measure up to their genre. Perhaps this is lazy, but I find it can be a way into a discussion of a book (and of course the review doesn't stop there, I generally have much more to say!)

In Attend, though, West Camel is having none of this.

The book focusses on characters, and an area, with some criminal aspects, and indeed includes crimes. But it's not a crime novel.

At the centre of the book is an unfolding romantic relationship, unlikely and immediately at risk. But it's not romance.

There is a tang of the supernatural, but the book doesn't frame that as a major source of danger or examine how the protagonists overcome it. The book isn't really fantasy or horror.

And while one character's story takes us on a journey through the 20th century (including evocative scenes set in the London Blitz) it's not historical.

Nor is it some kind of mash-up, as is currently fashionable.

No, it's clear that Attend is very much its own thing. And what a thing... Set in present day Deptford, the story focuses on the present day lives of Sam, a young gay man discovering himself and trying to build a life; Anne, a middle-aged woman who's been in pain and recently managed to quit heroin, and mysterious Deborah, a (much) older woman who believes that she can't die.

So - we have a life opening up, a life being rebuilt and a long, long life with flashbacks to episodes in Deborah's history, Camel hopping years or decades so we often hear present day Deborah refer back to events that are only described later.

This isn't the story of Deborah's life, fascinating though that might be (she starts life being brought up in a charity hospital, then is sent to an orphanage, lives as a single woman first working in factory than in business on her own behalf, survives the Blitz... always an outsider, increasingly overlooked, ignored, Deborah is a bewitching character evoking sympathy, admiration and, often surprise).

These three lives intersect, cross and double back like stitches in a piece of work in a narrative that often makes use of the symbolism of needles.

As an addict, Anne has a great deal of experience of needles - they almost cost her her relationship with her daughter Julie and her grandson. Deborah is a seamstress and has a different use for needles. Hidden away in her strange two room house on the creek, she works and works at a "winding-sheet" (I knew what a winding-sheet was so this gave me a bit of a tingle, but in case you don't I won't say) and on copying and unpicking the strange "motif" she found as a girl on a piece of stitching given her by a mysterious, dying woman. Anne has struggled to control her life, to escape from her abusive ex-husband, Mel and to rebuild some relationship with her mother and daughter. Sam is experiencing life, with great gusto, but even for him there is a darkness, a thing in his past. He doesn't feel guilty about, of course not, but which sticks with him

We see needles in other places too - such as the spire of a church, or on sale in the sewing shop. As well as causing harm, they can be used to mend, to put things right. Deborah makes Anne a beautiful dress which helps her take her place in the family. But not everything can be mended. I mentioned crime above, and at the centre of this book is a dangerous, swirling tide of male aggression and territoriality. When it all gets out of control it's left to Anne, Deborah and Sam to try and mend things.

This is a gorgeous book, full of secrets, full of unexpected glimpses of the world - light reflecting off the towers of Canary Wharf, an upstairs room glowing blue-white in the moonlight, a house where nobody expects it, the physicality of sailing in a small boat on the Thames. At the centre is a mystery which is never completely resolved - indeed I'm not we can be certain if it was there at all, which is part of the book's allure - but which drives everything. I loved the matter of fact use that Camel makes of this mystery, this possible supernatural element - it's at once throughly grounded and unremarkable and also wonderfully strange, the strangeness slipping into the misty, tide-driven marginality of Camel's Thames estuary.

I'm in danger of gushing.

I just loved this book, I wanted it never to end, I still want to know what happens next - and what happened before - and what happened in the gaps between the parts of Deborah's story we're shown. Camel's writing is immediate, compelling and vivid, creating almost a sense of the Gothic in a modern London suburb (which is perhaps as close as I'll get to answering that "genre" question").

Strongly recommended.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Attend, West Camel has written one of those rare books which never shies away from the grimmer aspects of life but is still so beautiful and so lyrical that for a few hours I was transported into the pages of this intensely vivid and truly memorable tale. The three main characters are each given the room to become fully formed, richly imagined people and I felt each of their stories could have lent themselves to a fascinating novel in its own right but when combined their narratives become almost magical.
The chapters in the book switch between Anne and Sam's perspectives set in the current day and Deborah's incredible, almost mythic tales of her extraordinary life. Deborah is the catalyst to the story and for much of the book her interactions with Anne and Sam occur without the pair knowing of the existence of one another. Later in the novel, their lives do become enmeshed but it's not just a shared knowledge of the people who inhabit this world which links them; they also share the feeling that they exist of the periphery of life - the people whose stories are forgotten as time passes.
Anne begins the novel as a recovering addict who while not completely estranged from her family, still has a strained relationship with her mother and her now adult daughter. One of the many pleasures of Attend is seeing how Anne's self-esteem grows during the course of the book; from the shamed outcast who still fears the lure of the needle to the confident woman who is starting to realise she still matters and can make a difference to the lives of others. Sam's story is equally as heartwarming as he embarks on an unlikely relationship with local thug, Derek. Their courtship is not without pitfalls and Sam is understandably reticent to become involved with a man who operates on the darker side of life but although Derek may not be a stranger to less than savoury activities, he's so much more than a cardboard cut-out villain. I fell a little bit in love with them both and desperately hoped they would find happiness together after learning more about their troubled pasts.
It's Deborah, however, who is the thread that weaves throughout Attend and draws everything together. As magnificent as any tapestry, her story reaches back to 1913 when as an orphan girl still living in the Hospital for Infants in Albury Street she explores the tunnel underneath the building. If her fantastical claims are to be believed, her discovery there results in what appears to be both an incredible gift and a terrible curse. Attend is teasing magical realism where I was never quite sure of the truth and yet this little old woman's mysterious charm meant that I trusted her. I could understand why they both Anne and Sam continue to listen to her despite their suspicions that she could be at best a fantasist or even wilfully misleading them for I would have done the same.
The themes in Attend meander and combine to produce what is quite simply a masterclass in storytelling. The superlative characterisation and engaging plot are complemented throughout by the authentic descriptions of both past and present Deptford which leap from the page - there were times where I could almost smell the damp and musty air. I loved every word of this gently subversive, wise and perceptive novel and it will be one that stays with me for the longest time. I can't wait to find out what further delights West Camel has up his sleeve following this absolute treat of a debut!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novel of harsh reality, complex relationships and a hint of fantasy, “Attend” is a novel which draws the reader in, messes with her mind, then leaves a shock. It is the story of people with a past, sometimes difficult, sometimes tragic, and the vulnerable present that they find themselves in as they look around Deptford. This is a contemporary book, but the persistent fantasy is of someone who can look back for over a century, and does so in acts of compulsive storytelling. As characters are forced to examine themselves and what is truly going on around them they discover not only their weaknesses but also their strengths, even if that discovery comes at a high cost. It is a faithful insight into the drab loneliness of solo lives, lived on the edge of others’ preoccupations. I am grateful for the opportunity to experience this unusual book as it is first published.
Anne has returned to a place she knows well, perhaps too well, as she is confronted with a family she has in some senses abandoned, amidst the buildings, pathways and places she can remember with painful clarity. It is when she is at her lowest, when the memories crowd in, that she is first confronted by the mysterious character of Deborah. Without beginning or end, she conjures up a world of mystery, remembered things, and endless sewing.
Sam is a troubled young man of secrets and deceptions, as he tries to continue a world of encounters with men that leave him dissatisfied. He too lives in a drab world, challenged by the actions of others, all too aware of the dangers inherent in his lifestyle. He too meets Deborah, as he alternates saving her and being saved by her, drawn in by her fantastic stories and yet beyond puzzled the unlikely tales, he develops in courage and begins to discover what is important.
The characters in this book are satisfactorily multi dimensional, as even a small baby is given a role as a challenge for Anne. Dark comedy and soap opera type emotion is combined with a literary style that lifts this book away from romantic drama, especially in those moments concerning the elusive Deborah. The subject matter, of drug use, twisted friendship and danger makes this a powerful novel, yet the presence of Deborah somehow gives it an ethereal element. Not that she always has a positive story to tell, as she recalls wartime London. As even buildings and roads seem to move with her words, Anne and Sam have to discover how to survive and live in the world.
This is an impressive novel, confidently written with an eye to the visual as well as the emotional experience of the characters. A strongly written book, with powerful events and challenging conflicts, this is memorable and compelling reading. The confusing details of a mysterious life are put up against the reality of everyday life with the small touches of clothes, daily routine, as even the inaccessibility of Deborah’s home becomes familiar. This is a book which poses many questions, but is also a compelling narrative. An impressive and challenging debut, Camel’s characterisation is well developed and mature throughout this memorable book.

[Adrian · Rating 3 out of 5]

CAMEL’S DEBUT WILL LEAVE YOU SCRATCHING YOUR HEAD IN THE QUEEN VIC



Every year millions are spent around the world by people trying to stall the march of time and retain their youthful looks. According to an article on Marie Claire online last year, British people spend on average £4,400 per year on beauty products. Its all well and good staying young like Dorian Gray, but what about living forever? Yes, our own mortality is still one of the biggest taboo subjects but eventually death comes to us all. With the advances in medical science, we are all living longer, thus putting a strain on the planets resources and those of the individual countries we live in, pensions, health care etc. Eternal life is one of the main topics in this month’s book review and blog tour. Its ‘Attend’, by West Camel which is published by Orenda Books (www.orendabooks.co.uk) on the 13th December.

Anne is an ex drug addict whose been away for a couple of years rehabilitating. She returns to her home town of Deptford, in the southeast of London and is starting to rebuild her life and relationships with her family and friends, whose own lives have moved on in her absence. Things are complicated by her ex sister in law whose been diagnosed with terminal cancer asking her to get some “gear” so she can take her own life.

Sam is a young chap from the North of England who’s moved to London to follow his heart and find love in the city’s gay community. He starts a relationship with a small time East End gangster, called Derek after witnessing him beating up a local drug dealer in a back street. Derek is a mate of Mel, Anne’s ex husband.

They both separately meet Deborah an old woman and ex-seamstress who lives in a small ramshackle house on the banks of the river Thames, with no power or running water and who survives by sewing, sailing her boat up and down the river and fishing in the Thames. She’s basically an “Off-Gridder” in the middle of one of the world ‘s largest cities. In her own unique way, she helps both Anne and Sam start to turn their lives around. Things come to ahead when Anne witnesses her sister in law buy drugs off the local dealer, the same guy Sam witnessed Derek beating up and she subsequently takes her life. Which sets Derek and Mel on the war path for him. But Deborah’s got a bigger secret that she finally reveals to Sam and Anne. She’s well over a hundred years old and can’t die due to a strange motif she’s been sewing on pieces of cloth for years. Now she wants their help to die. Can Anne and Sam stop her ex and his lover from going to prison and also help Deborah, finally rest in peace?

Everything about this book is weird, from the title, to the authors name (which sounds made up but appears to be genuinely his) to the story within the covers. Its hard to describe it but basically it comes across as The Picture of Dorian Gray meets Eastenders and City of Angels. As for the title, at almost three quarters of the way through the book the word ‘attend’ is mentioned once. You never really get an inkling as to what or who we’re supposed to attend to…

The story unfolds like a modern-day soap opera, set in London and you are at every turning page expecting to hear the Duh, Duh, Duh drumbeat of the cliffhanger ending to an episode. However, it is hard to see where its going and what type of story it is. Also the little voice in my head kept trying to impersonate Phil Mitchell and Pat Butcher when reading dialogue. Well out of order!



The book doesn’t come across as a love story, or a mystery. Neither is it an attempt at some sort of modern fairytale. It was a bit of stretch to try find a moral message about assisted suicides and mortality within the pages.

Initially I thought that Deborah was an angel, as the only people who seem to see her are Anne and Sam. She seems to pass unnoticed by every other single member of public. With the time of year that it is, it was quite apt and the only thing missing is the sound of a church bell tolling and some kid saying the immortal line, “Every time a bell rings an angel gets its wings..”

This is British author West Camel’s (www.westcamel.net) first novel. He is currently an editor with Orenda books and The European Literature Networks Riveter magazine, along with writing for various arts organisations plus ghostwriting a new adult novel. Before that, he was an editor with the Dalkey Archive Press, which is based just up the road from me, here in South County Dublin. He has also written several short scripts which have been produced in various theatres on London’s fringe network.

Did I like this novel, Yes’ish… I didn’t hate it. It was readable, but it wasn’t what you’d call a “one session read”. The characters are stereo-typical, bar Deborah who is like-able, if at times she has a sort of Mary Poppins-esque vibe about her. Considering she’s quite a few stops past a decade on this planet, I was amazed she was still nimble enough to be able to sail a boat single-handedly. So if you are up for a safe middle of the road modern story, then download a copy or get one in your local book shop and maybe you can find some deeper meaning to this story.


Reviewed by: Adrian Murphy at www.thelibrarydoor.me

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently I had the pleasure of reading Fall by West Camel and it wowed me (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/... therefore, I couldn’t resist reading his debut novel, Attend. It’s one of the most unusual books I’ve read – in a good way.

As the cover suggests, the book has three intertwined stories. Anne, 45, is a recovering heroin addict who has returned to Deptford to reconnect with her family. Sam is a young gay man who has recently moved to southeast London. Sam and Anne’s live intersect when Sam falls in love with Derek, a man whom Anne has known for years. More importantly, their lives are connected by their separate friendships with Deborah, an old woman who tells them fantastical tales of her life, including finding an intricate needlework motif she found in a tunnel. She believes that motif has granted her immortality.

The three characters have much in common. As a recovering addict, a gay man, and an old woman, they live on the margins of society. They could be described as lost souls who are well acquainted with loneliness. They are struggling to be seen and are looking for a sense of belonging. Anne, for instance, is seeking a place within her family; her drug usage meant she was largely absent for years. Now she is trying to earn her family’s trust and reconnect with her mother, daughter and grandson. Sam, a newcomer to the city, is looking for someone who will understand, accept, and love him. Deborah, an old woman, is ignored by virtually everyone; in fact, she is surprised when Anne and Sam see her because “’Very few people do.’” (I found myself humming “Eleanor Rigby” when taking breaks from reading the book.)

The most interesting character for me was Deborah. Her stories of her past are heart-breaking, and now she is overwhelmingly lonely and feels invisible. There is a sense of mystery about her: more than once the reader will question if she is real. Certainly, some of her appearances can only be described as uncanny. At times, it seems as if she is prescient; at others, she behaves almost like one of the Moirai. Does she seek out Anne and Sam because she senses kindred spirits who might help her: “Everything was simply found by those who happened to be looking in the right places”? Though she wants them to attend to her, to be present and pay attention and take care of her, she ends up helping them. Her stories help Anne and Sam make sense of their own lives. It’s fitting that she’s a seamstress because she binds them together and helps them mend their lives.

The book is difficult to categorize: it doesn’t fit any one genre. It has mystery, romance, elements of historical and literary fiction, and touches of fairy tales (Hansel and Gretel) and mythology (the thread of life). Anne and Sam are both on journeys of self-discovery. And there’s magic realism. This latter genre does not generally appeal to me, but the author was not heavy-handed with the fantastical. Readers can opt for logical explanations for the surreal events or fully embrace the magical moments.

The narrative is not action-packed, but it is a compelling read. A very unique plot written in elegant prose reminds us of the importance of connection; by working together, all the characters find some contentment. Deborah is obsessed with a complex needlework motif, but she weaves an equally intricate tapestry when she brings Anne and Sam into her life.

When I have the time to re-read this novel, I’m sure I’ll notice more threads to which I should attend.

Please check out my reader's blog (https://schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/) and follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/DCYakabuski).

[Nicolas Chinardet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the holes in the tapestry of its narrative, Attend is an original and gripping tale, "spell-binding", one might say.

Works of fantasy that include an element of magic require a strong internal logic and clear parameters. The magic should be used to put something into relief. Sadly I feel that the book lacks all these things. The magical element is never really explained and there is a blurry vagueness that surrounds the circumstances of the story which rather yearns for an ultimate meaning. The book is rich in details but remain a little too enigmatic to be fully satisfying.

...MILD SPOILERS...
The three main characters live on the margins of the city for various reasons and it sorts of make sense that they should come together and recognise each other as lonesome kindred spirits. All of them somehow get more or less what they want by the end of the book but it is not clear why magic was needed in this narrative, which could work without it.

Some central elements are unexplained or improbable: what becomes of the woman who gives the pattern to Deborah? why doesn't she help her to begin with? How does Deborah manages to survive all her life without money? Is she really invisible? If so why are Anne and Sam capable to see her? etc..
.../MILD SPOILERS...

Camel says in his acknowledgment that he has (still does?) live(d) in Deptford but it doesn't feel like there is quite enough of the place and its character and quirkiness in the book, despite its importance to it. Where is Manze's (the pie and mash shop)? Where is the egg shop? Where are the leisure centre or even the Albany Theatre? All landmarks of the place. The market itself barely gets a mention.

Overall, the plot is simple and fairly uneventful, yet Camel manages nonetheless to create an energy and a momentum to his story that compels the reader onwards. The writing is good if too often marred by typos and missing words (no thanks to Abbie Rutherford, there, listed as proofreader in the acknowledgments).

All that said, the book works and it is undoubtedly a pleasurable experience to entangle oneself with the threads of the three main characters' lives. Despite its darker undertones, this is a positive and optimistic story, which could have done with a better title. You could do much worse.

[Book-Social · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When Sam falls in love with Deptford thug Derek, and Anne’s best friend Kathleen takes her own life, they discover they are linked not just by a world of drugs and revenge; they also share the friendship of the uncanny and enigmatic Deborah.

Seamstress, sailor, story-teller and self-proclaimed centenarian immortal, Deborah slowly reveals to Anne and Sam her improbable, fantastical life, a history of hidden Deptford and ultimately the solution to their crises."

Attend is the first book from (the brilliantly named) West Camel and coincidentally my last Blog Tour of the year. It is told from three perspectives, Anne, Sam and Deborah and flits about between present day and as far back as 1913.

I found myself immediately warming to Anne. All throughout the book I was rooting for her to stay clean and stay clear of her nasty ex-husband Mel. I can appreciate the stance of her mother and daughter given the hell Anne must have put them through as a heroin addict but really felt for her trying to fix broken bonds. Even now the book is finished, I still hope she is doing alright.

I loved how magical realism was cleverly woven into the plot. Camel pushed it just enough to enable the reader to either believe or fall back on the more plausible explanations offered. Excellent from a debut. I thought the front cover was strong. A needle, so central to Deborah's life, threaded with three strands (Anne, Sam and Deborah?) Certainly stands out on the shelf. I also loved the glimpse of South London through the ages, the river, the markets, the council estates.

What I liked most however were the re-occurring themes of not fitting in and being on the outskirts of society. The recovering heroin addict, the elderly woman with no relatives, the single man new to the City and how this can often make you invisible. Not Abra Cadabra invisible (or was it?) but unneeded, unwanted and yes, unloved. Anne when visiting her family, Sam speaking to no-one once work had finished, Deborah living alone in a run down building she called home. All scenarios we have probably read about before yet wrapped up and given a unique take in Attend. It's unlike any other book I have read this year and as a first (Camel) and last (me) it's an excellent offering.

[Mandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Attend is the story of three quite different people that are linked together. As a reader you can see the links, but they are only revealed to the characters quite late on. Anne is a recovering drug addict who has just returned to her home town to try to mend fences with her mother and daughter, Sam has recently moved into the area not sure what he wants to do with his life and Deborah, the person who links them together, well I am not actually sure how to describer her. She is someone who has lived a very long and interesting life and seems to move around Deptford unseen by most people with the exception of Sam and Anne.
Attend is such a different book from most that I have been reading this year and that is what makes it both exciting and enjoyable. With it being told from the viewpoints of the three main characters you get to learn so much about their lives with the chapters dedicated to Deborah telling us so much about her past. It is her stories that capture your attention the most as you wonder which parts are real and which are the confused memories of an elderly person. Out of the three of them it is Deborah that I took to the most and actually looked forward to her stories no matter if they were real or imagined. The friendships that develops between Sam and Deborah and Anne and Deborah are truly heart-warming and you can see that they all benefit from these unlikely pairings in different ways.
There is definitely an element to this book that has you wondering if everything is real… after all why do only Sam and Anne see Deborah, is there something mystical about her or is it just a reflection of the times, where some people truly are invisible to us, the ones we never see purely because we are so focused on our own lives.
No matter what the truth is this book is just brilliant and had me reading well into the night as I just wanted to read to the end of the next chapter (I even had to start using the dark mode on my kindle so that I could cram in the extra pages unnoticed). Once again Orenda has given its readers a book that will have them wondering for quite some time after they turn the final page and West Camel is certainly an author I look forward to reading more from.