Falling and Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins

by Grace Maxwell

When musician Edwyn Collins, at the age of 45, suffers two devastating brain haemorrhages his doctors tell his partner Grace Maxwell that if he survives, there will be little left of him. When he regains consciousness he can barely move or talk. He has aphasia - an inability to use or understand language - leaving him unable to communicate with his anxious family.

Yet Grace and their son Will refuse to give up hope that the Edwyn they know is coming back. Through gruelling therapy Edwyn fights to reinhabit his body and reclaim almost everything he knew.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Neuroscience, Mental Health

323 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database. This profile may contain works from multiple authors.

See also: Romance author Grace Maxwell

Reviews

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an impulse purchase - saw the cover on the shelves, thought "what's been happening in Edwyn Collins' life to prompt THIS?", and bought it. I knew of him from his work with the band Orange Juice, and his subsequent solo career, but I had no idea that he'd been through major health problems in recent years.

This book, written by his long-term partner, Grace Maxwell, is an amazing read. It was a timely reminder of all that I take for granted, with my good health. It was a compelling insight into how the creative process works, for an artist - and how that process can be swept away, in an instant. It was a heart-breaking tale of loss and suffering, It was a heart-warming tale of struggle and redemption.

It was a damn fine read. Whether you're a fan of his music, or not.

[Hanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just realized, that goodreads seems to have deleted my review of this book, that I wrote after I first read it.

My opinion hasn't changed though, it is a marvelous story and beatifully written. I met Edwyn Collins and his wife Grace Maxwell in 2013, when he performed at a small festival in Vienna, where I was working as the photographer. They both were the most kind people and when Grace told me about Edwyns strokes and the book she had written about it, I was compelled. Seeing him perform was absolutely breathtaking.

When my father in law suffered a heart attack and had two successive strokes two months ago, the prognosis of the doctors was rather bleak. He won't wake up from the coma and if so, he'll most likely be a longterm nursing case, they said. I started reading "Falling and Laughing" as a reminder that doctors say some things, but the turnout can be very different also. I am lucky to say, that this was indeed the case with my father in law. After 33 days in the coma, he woke up and despite being weak and unable to move his left arm and leg (yet), he is doing quite well. He did not suffer aphasia or any other speaking impairments and is quite good humoured.

Maxwells book is a beautiful reminder of the powers of the mind. Her account shows how much she loves her husband, without shying away of admitting that the was sometimes short-tempered and overwhelmed. She is wonderfully honest, with a great sense of humor.
I am really delighted, that Edwyn will be back for a concert in Vienna this fall.

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magnificent. Tragic. Empowering. Extraordinary.

Falling & Laughing is an evocative and passionate book, written by a wife and manager. Grace Maxwell happens to be the wife and manager of Edwyn Collins. Suffering two catastrophic strokes in 2005, the former member of Orange Juice and powerful singer and songwriter was removed of his voice, movements and memory.

This book tracks his passage back to writing, singing and remembering. The scale of the 'recovery' from those who organized, watched and orchestrated it was devasting.

It is common to describe books such as this as inspirational. That's weak. But as a statement about life and its value - when you have to fight for every breath of it - it is a testament to music and indeed to love.

A joy and pleasure to read and experience.

[Nigeyb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I come to this book as a confirmed Edwyn Collins fan. So far as I know, I own everything he has ever released, from the proto-indie soul of the Postcard years, through to the funk & eclecticism of Orange Juice's final flourish, and then onwards and upwards into the solo years, including the unexpected return to the upper echelons of the charts with `A Girl Like You'.

In December 2010 I witnessed a wonderful set from Edwyn at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival that was very emotional for me. I was smiling, singing, dancing and cheering, all with tears in my eyes. To cap it all, on that day Teenage Fanclub were Edwyn's backing band. Needless to say, I have meant to read this book for some time.

This book provides fascinating insights into the UK National Health Service (the stuff the NHS does well and not so well); how Edwyn recovered from his stroke; Edwyn's post-stroke therapy; the love of a wife and mother for her family; and, ultimately, the joy of being alive and Edwyn's determination to bounce back from a devastating illness.

Grace Maxwell is very eloquent, and I come away from this book feeling that I know more about her, in particular her formidable and engaging personality. What is very clear is just how much she loves Edwyn and how she was, and continues to be, totally committed to their life together. Edwyn and Grace are also surrounded by an amazing group of friends and family who enrich this book.

I do wonder how much I would have enjoyed what is, in essence, a detailed and honest account of the effects of a serious illness on the patient and his loved ones, if that patient were not Edwyn Collins. My sense is that I would still have found it interesting, moving and worth reading. That said, as an Edwyn fan, I would also have liked more about life before Edwyn's stroke. There are a few chapters that cover this area but I would love to read more. This is a bit unfair as it is not the purpose of this particular book; still perhaps Grace Maxwell might consider another book that covered the pre-stroke years in more detail?

I am so pleased that this book has such an uplifting ending. Edwyn and his family endured a dreadful ordeal and "The Restoration Of Edwyn Collins" is nothing short of miraculous. Through a combination of Edwyn's determination, the support of his family, especially Grace, and the help of countless specialists, Edwyn is back performing, writing, drawing and working. I recommend this book for fans and non-fans alike, and hope one day to be reviewing a second biography that covers the pre-stroke years. What do you say Grace?

[Robert Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the 1980's, when I was mumblefish years old, I loved this record called 'Rip It Up' by Orange Juice, and over the years I've sung it over and over again, always trying to imitate the unique voice of Edwyn Collins - for 'tis he who was the lead singer.

Decades later, I'm perusing the books in the sale in York Library and I come across this book and I think to myself - I wonder what Edwyn's been doing all this time?

Well now I know.

According to his partner (not that I have any reason to doubt her) he has been making music, apart from this one spell where he had a stroke and nearly died.

eek!

It was great reading about Edwyn's time with Orange Juice and about his personality and interests back then. It was lovely getting to know what he did and how he did it.

The one ironic thing, considering that it was one of the few things I knew Edwyn for, was that 'Rip It Up' never got a mention in the book. Perhaps there's a story here that Grace didn't want to think or talk about. Who knows? Well, probably Edwyn does - but that's another thing.

In fact, that's the only thing missing from this book - Edwyn's voice. He hardly gets a word in, considering this is a book about him. In that sense it feels like an unauthorised biography.

I've got a lot of time for people that fight their way back from something like this. In fact, sometimes I catch myself thinking how jealous I am that I don't have something to fight my way back from. But then I clap my (mental) hand over my thoughts, just in case someone up there is listening and decides to make my 'dream' come true, and I remind myself that I have a shy and retiring personality, and that that's enough to fight against all by itself.

So, the book is entertaining, because it's about someone I admire, it's interesting because I like reading about people who fight against the odds, and it's nice because it brings back so many memories - some good, some bad; and memories are friendly things.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a going to be more of a music biog with reference to Edwyn's health but in actual fact its an emotional transcript from the wife of a stroke victim watching helplessly as her husband tries to re-create his life. I loved it. Grace Maxwell is a fantastic writer - funny, charming and honest - and I hope she realises that her husband isn't the only talent worth celebrating in her family. Highly recommended but if its a history of Scottish indie pop you are looking for then go elsewhere.

[Beth (bibliobeth) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this three and a half stars if I could. I enjoyed this account of edwyn collins, the scottish musician/songwriter who after suffering a near fatal stroke has to learn how to talk, walk and read all over again. Powerful and emotional, I recommend it to anyone interested in the mysterious workings of the brain.

[Sarah Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book - telling the story of Edwyn Collins' massive stroke and the pain and sheer determination to get him home, and to get him making music again. It made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me angry when his wife had to constantly be checking that nurses had given him teh antibiotics he needed (most of the time they hadn't). Thank god that they had the buffer of money coming in from his career, so she could spend all her time with him and fighting for him

[Tilly Gosling · Rating 3 out of 5]

An heartfelt and interesting recount, testament to the human will. This book taught me a lot about aphasia in understanding Edwyns experience and those around him. It reads a little bit like a dairy at times, with quite rambly writing! I laughed a surprising amount, and would recommend it to the right friend. A Girl Like You has made it onto my Spotify playlist!

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really didn't enjoy this. It's a heartwarming story and it's great where Edwyn has got too in his recovery. The author though is definitely not the type of person I would like to spend any time with. I was ready to stop reading this a few times in frustration. I've never not finished a book before so wasn't going to let this defeat me. Glad to be finished now though.

[Duncan Ellis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, moving, pungent record of one of my favourite musicians slow but inspiring recovery from a near fatal stroke, as written by his wife. Honest - she doesn't hesitate to put the boot in to various NHS characters when found wanting, for example, and all the better for it

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant, sad and hopeful book. Simply and beautifully written. So glad I read it.

[Kieran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard not to be inspired by this. Its life at its most tough but the relationship of the Collins family is just truly inspiring. The possibilities are endless.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say I'm the most hardcore Edwyn Collins/Orange Juice fan. I had just begun some kind of personal, pre-pubescent musical taste development when 'A Girl Like You' was charting in the early 90's. Then there was the vague awareness/appreciation of his contribution to an Austin Powers soundtrack. Then a leap to the tail end of my post-high school faffing about when I decided on a whim to see him live in Stockholm in May 2004. Odd venue, fantastic concert. When I finally swanned off to my first round of uni that autumn, out of the blue I developed an eBay habit. Or, more specifically, buying-an-odd-assortment-of-7"-vinyl eBay habit. I branched out gradually, acquiring a Best of Orange Juice CD, and finally began to hear some of their work properly. A few short months later, reading the news of his stroke came as quite a shock.

This book is an incredibly personal account from Grace Maxwell's side of the story. In her own admission, she has never been the classically creative half of their partnership. Much of the language is close to how one may imagine her from stories recounted: blunt, to the point, largely unsentimental; adjectives that might give the expectation of cold, dry reading. But this matter-of-factness is probably warmer than a more flowery rendition would have been, just by pure virtue of being such a direct voice. Love, steeled reserve, frustration, triumph, interspersed with biographical anecdotes.

'The possibilities are endless'. An inspiring read.

[Virginprune · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a perfect book, but that's fine.
It's not a rock hagiography and it's not ghost-written (I hope!), which means that what you're getting is a personal story, a real personal story, which has not been massaged into the clichéd formats which predominate. (By that, I don't mean that this marks some radical new writing style - I just mean that what is written is what happened, and periods of drudgery are NOT suspenseful build-ups to a crisis - there are really just periods of life going on as it does.)

So, I was an Orange Juice fan back in the day (way back, indeed) - but I lost touch with what Edwyn Collins was doing quite some time ago. I missed the news of his stroke, and I missed his come-back. I only found out a month or so ago when I heard he was playing in town. The first person I stumbled into at the gig was Grace herself - wonderful, chatty, charming, warm-hearted - and so, of course, I bought the book. And read it ASAP.

So, although inevitably there's some behind-the-scenes description of the musician, his music, the rock star life etc., this is really about people and how they handled a traumatic event. (And a run-through of the very mixed medical experience they had.)

It's written from the heart, and although there are many more perfect books out there, it touched me, and so I rate it 5. And I would highly recommend Edwyn's current album (as well as his back catalogue.)

[M. Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling & Laughing is the true, harrowing and ultimately uplifting story of the profound effect a major stroke had on Edwyn, his family and friends and most importantly, his wife, Grace.

Edwyn Collins was famous for his music career in the band Orange Juice and his world-wide solo hit 'Girl Like You'. He suffered a near-fatal stroke which lead to him losing his mobility and his concept of language. His life was over, or so it would seem.

His wife begins a crusade to bring back the man she loves and Edwyn's own determination kicks in and so begins an arduous journey back to a functional life.

Falling & Laughing was in turns a difficult and inspirational read. Many of my own experiences following my diagnosis of MS mirrored Edwyn's own. The sometime indifferent treatment at the hands of over-worked nurses, the anger and depression of being incarcerated in a rehab unit and the reliance on the therapists who tirelessly worked on a seemingly ungrateful patient.

Grace Maxwell is not an author. What she is, is a wife, a mother and an extremely passionate person. Her love of Edwyn practically drips from every page and despite her lacking of technique, her message is clear and emotionally affecting and she brought me to tears more than one time. The end of the book, Edwyn's restoration, would have you rolling your eyes if it was a movie but every word is true.

[Michelle Durnsford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of edwyn Collins music. I picked this up last year after my dad had a massive brain haemorrhage and was trying to find out what to expect if he survived it (unfortunately his was related to liver cancer which was too far advanced when it was finally discovered and I lost him last October). For anyone who finds a loved one in a similar situation this is a hopeful book because he made it. It was also really good hearing the story from the point of view of his family as they suffered just as much (in some ways more), and it made me feel less alone. Brain injuries are very scary for loved ones as the person you know is almost wiped clean and you don't know if they will come back, and if they do how much of that person will be there. It also showed the difficulties of dealing with the health system. Some departments are amazing but others you have to fight tooth and nail to get any results. Because it was so close to home, it was a difficult read, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it is generally a positive story. Whilst no two people are the same and treatment is different for everyone, this book was a great insight. I wouldn't have read it normally, but if you are in a similar situation and want to see some of what might be in store then definately check it out.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable book giving an account of how Edwyn survived two brain haemorrhages which could have killed him. Despite being written off by a doctor, he has managed to recover and even perfom on stage again. The book shows how the medical profession can be arrogant & aloof. It also shows how little they really know about the brain.

The devotion to Edwyn from Grace, his family & friends is extraordinary and this, without doubt, has greatly assisted in his rehabilitation. Fortunately, these people are articulate, talented and comparatively well-off and prepared to give so much to Edwyn. I fear for those suffering from strokes, brain haemorrhages & acccidents who do not have such a support network. Much of Edwyn's therapy had to be paid for by himself and the family. What would happen to those who cannot afford this? Surely, this should be available on the NHS?

Nevertheless, I don't want to end on a negative note, as the strength & fortitude of Edwyn and his family & friends is inspirational. The book offers an insight into the nature of brain injury and its effects on the individual and his/her circle of family & friends.

[Irenelazia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do 10 stelle al protagonista di questa biografia, Edwyn Collins, per la grandissima forza d'animo che ha saputo tirar fuori dopo essere stato colpito da un ictus quasi fatale, che gli ha tolto molte facoltà fisiche e di cui porterà con sè le conseguenze per sempre.
Do altrettante stelle alla moglie, Grace Maxwell, autrice di questa biografia, per il coraggio, la testardaggine, e la combattività con cui ha affrontato la malattia del marito e con cui l'ha sostenuto e incoraggiato.

Dal punto di vista del testo però... non ci siamo. Si tratta della cronistoria degli avvenimenti accaduti da poco prima dell'ictus in poi, a volte sotto forma di racconto, a volte sotto forma di diario, spesso telegrafico, inframmezzato da polemiche nei confronti del personale medico che seguiva il marito, da testi di canzoni, da vicende passate e presenti inanellate talvolta con salti temporali piuttosto fastidiosi. Insomma, un testo poco strutturato, solamente abbozzato e probabilmente mai revisionato da un editor.

[James Kinsley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lent this by a dear friend, I have to say it is hard not to be moved by a family fighting through this kind of hardship, and the story of their resilience and eventual, ongoing victory, or series of victories, is a story with telling, and worth hearing. And Maxwell writes with an easy style (although it could have benefited from a more linear chronology), so it's a breeze to get through.

Only three stars, then? Well yes. It's a personal story, and on a personal level, I just couldn't warm to Maxwell. I just came away with the overwhelming impression that I wouldn't like her as a person. That, in some ways shouldn't detract from the narrative, and certainly in no way detracts from EC's, and her, achievements, bravery, perseverance etc. Which is why I won't elaborate on that score (except to say, as someone who's been on antidepressants, I did find her sniffy dismissal of them unnecessarily superior in tone). But if I'm going to rate this on personal enjoyment, I can't say it didn't affect my reaction to the book. However, that's a personal thing, so why not judge for yourself.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

First time author Grace Maxwell - as well as co-star, manager, and wife of musician Edwyn Collins, the book's main subject - has written an entirely compelling book about Edwyn's 2005 stroke, and the journey their family was forced to take as a result. Her description of the initial part of the ordeal reads like a fast suspense movie. I couldn't put it down even though I knew the ending. Following that, her story of how they came to grips with what had happened, and what they had to do to reclaim any sort of normal life is inspirational without being maudlin. Now I'm more than an Edwyn Collins fan...I'm a Collins family fan. Great book!

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible account of life before, during and after a brain injury. Grace Maxwell is a master storyteller and more than that, she is an incredibly likeable person.

I watched the documentary of Collins as he rebuilt his life and career and it was so beautiful it made me cry big fat tears. What a lovely couple. What an amazing story. So inspirational, but nobody is trying to be any sort of poster child. This is a real, warts-and-all story that only makes the triumph of a recovered art and music career more poignant.

Also, I just absolutely adored Grace. What a lovely person! I think we would be good friends if we ever met. A well earned five stars from me :-)

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've seen Edwyn twice - once in his Orange Juice days and then again, post stroke, I was at his emotionally charged gig in Edinburgh with Ryan Jarman. I left that gig with a tremendous feeling that I had participated in something really special.

Edwyn is an inspiration to everyone. My mum had a stroke and has made an almost full recovery, although her eyesight has been affected. She accepts her lot with good grace and doesn't let it stand in her way. She's 73.

Keep on keeping on Edwyn. I hope you live forever too!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first OJ records was a Postcard 7" of Poor Old Soul that came with a lovely postcard of some cats, can't recall what they were doing as my record collection from the late 70's early 80's is sadly diminished. This heartbreaking but ultimately positive account of Edwyn's stroke and his recovery, returning to writing and performing is wonderfully written by his wife Grace Maxwell and has some great ornithological drawings done by Edwyn. A definite one to place on your music bookshelf, maybe next to Simon Reynolds' "Rip It Up".

[Steve Gozdecki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully told tale of the former Orange Juice singer (best known for his mid-90s solo hit, "A Girl Like You") and his recovery from a 2005 stroke, which left him unable to play guitar again due to the loss of functionality in his right hand and struggling to speak, sing and write again due to aphasia. As part of his recovery he has recorded two new albums and returned to light touring and is once more on top of his game.

[Jane Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan, so I had to read this. But if I'd never heard of Edwyn Collins it would have made no difference: this is a great account of illness and slow recovery. I would recommend this to any medical student too. The telling of the story of one man and his family's fight against the aftermath of a stroke is exhaustive and exhausting and tells us much about the way medics at all levels deal with patients and their loved ones.

[Richard Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable, moving story which provides insight and understanding to a truly terrifying situation. Watching Collins slowly recover himself under the loving care of his extraordinary wife is inspiring and a little humbling.

It also manages that rare feat of being a book about serious illness which is never maudlin or prurient - Grace Maxwell simply tells the story as it happened and lets us come to our own conclusions. Wonderful, and highly recommended.

[Keith Astbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling & Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins by Edwyn's good lady Grace Maxwell is an excellent read, as Grace writes about the effects of the brain hemorrhage that Edwyn suffered in 2005 leaving him initially unable to speak, read, write, walk, sit up, or feed himself. By the time the book finishes he isn't just doing these things again, he is back singing in public. A moving and humbling read x

[The Bookish Wombat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book covering musician Edwyn Collins's recovery from a severe stroke. Written by his wife, Grace Maxwell, it movingly deals with the progression of his illness, including his loss of speech and movement, the vagaries of the National Health Service, and the fantastic support of his family.

Wonderfully written and very moving - so much so that it had me crying on a crowded train.

[Adrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a wonderful book in understanding the short and long-term impacts of brain injury and stroke recovery. This is also a story of Grace and Edwyn's marriage and family, despite overwhelming medical circumstances, managed to maintain a sense of community among extended family members, friends, musicians, and healthcare professionals while avoiding media/public scrutiny.