What do you think?
Rate this book
The Same Ledge
Behind the postcard imagery of London, the darkest parts of the city house some of the saddest stories. When Michael met Cameron, they were two boys who shared a bond and a ledge, an escape from their turbulent and violent home lives. But when Michael leaves, their lives drift apart into dramatically different directions until the events of the past bring them back together. They are no longer boys, but the ledge remains. Can they save themselves? Can they save one another?This raw debut from Daniel James is a literary fiction that delves into fragile friendships, social inequality and mental health.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 2, 2020
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 20, 2020
Michael and Cameron are friends. They are both dealing with some tough issues in their home and personal lives, and this draws them closer to each other. They have an understanding, they see something in each other that no-one else can acknowledge.
"They would push through the fire-exit door that opened out to the gravelled roof and sit with their legs dangling over the ledge, looking down at the street below that ran along the back of the estate. It was always quiet; the black roofs of the terraced houses looking up at them with their collection of skylights and chimneys. The occasional car would pass by gently rumbling in the quiet of the back streets and they would fall silent, letting it pass"
It was only when they were alone and on this ledge that they would open up about the realities facing them each day. We are told the story from Michael and Cameron's point of view. It's raw, it's heart wrenching and it's hard to digest. But, what we have to remember there are people who have lives like this. People who are going through the same issues that Michael and Cameron are dealing with.
"The thing ’bout you and me, bruv, is we’re always on the same ledge. No matter what ’appens, I’ll keep you from falling. Don’t worry ’bout that"
It was tough to read this story. Both Michael and Cameron seemed to spiral deeper and deeper into despair. And, when there was a glimmer of hope they would seem to ruin it for themselves. From their stories the debate of "nature versus nurture" truly transpires. We see how the impact of their family life has the knock on effect to their decisions in later life. What they have witnessed or experienced becomes the norm for them and this has a negative impact.
The relationship between the two boys is very touching, the way they look after each other shows there is empathy deep within them to care for others. But, will it be strong enough to save them?
The Same Ledge is Daniel James's debut novel. It highlights the effects of social inequality and mental health. It is a tough read, but it's well written and emotionally driven that you become so invested in these boys lives.
"They would push through the fire-exit door that opened out to the gravelled roof and sit with their legs dangling over the ledge, looking down at the street below that ran along the back of the estate. It was always quiet; the black roofs of the terraced houses looking up at them with their collection of skylights and chimneys. The occasional car would pass by gently rumbling in the quiet of the back streets and they would fall silent, letting it pass"
It was only when they were alone and on this ledge that they would open up about the realities facing them each day. We are told the story from Michael and Cameron's point of view. It's raw, it's heart wrenching and it's hard to digest. But, what we have to remember there are people who have lives like this. People who are going through the same issues that Michael and Cameron are dealing with.
"The thing ’bout you and me, bruv, is we’re always on the same ledge. No matter what ’appens, I’ll keep you from falling. Don’t worry ’bout that"
It was tough to read this story. Both Michael and Cameron seemed to spiral deeper and deeper into despair. And, when there was a glimmer of hope they would seem to ruin it for themselves. From their stories the debate of "nature versus nurture" truly transpires. We see how the impact of their family life has the knock on effect to their decisions in later life. What they have witnessed or experienced becomes the norm for them and this has a negative impact.
The relationship between the two boys is very touching, the way they look after each other shows there is empathy deep within them to care for others. But, will it be strong enough to save them?
The Same Ledge is Daniel James's debut novel. It highlights the effects of social inequality and mental health. It is a tough read, but it's well written and emotionally driven that you become so invested in these boys lives.
November 9, 2020
After reading the synopsis of this book I was very intrigued to see how Cameron and Michael's life would play out. Starting thus book I was very intrigued and with the very easy and compelling writing I very quickly read through this story.
Cameron and Michael have grown up in a low socioeconomic part of London and have had a very tough life from abuse at home, bullying, being surrounded by drug dealers due to the area and so much more. We follow both Cameron and Michael's perspectives as we follow them through their lives. This story is very bleak, grim and has an air of helplessness to it that was very suffocating.
As we follow both these boys turning into men we see how they both have taken two different paths in life but ultimately almost end at exactly the same place at the end. On the ledge. As I was reading this story I felt helpless, like there was no hope and sometimes I did have to put this book down due to those reasons but I can only praise the author for being able to portray those feelings so seamlessly into this story.
The Same Ledge really explores themes such as poverty, abuse, nurture vs nature, social inequality and mental health.
This is a heavy read with a lot of triggering content so please do be aware going into this story.
Cameron and Michael have grown up in a low socioeconomic part of London and have had a very tough life from abuse at home, bullying, being surrounded by drug dealers due to the area and so much more. We follow both Cameron and Michael's perspectives as we follow them through their lives. This story is very bleak, grim and has an air of helplessness to it that was very suffocating.
As we follow both these boys turning into men we see how they both have taken two different paths in life but ultimately almost end at exactly the same place at the end. On the ledge. As I was reading this story I felt helpless, like there was no hope and sometimes I did have to put this book down due to those reasons but I can only praise the author for being able to portray those feelings so seamlessly into this story.
The Same Ledge really explores themes such as poverty, abuse, nurture vs nature, social inequality and mental health.
This is a heavy read with a lot of triggering content so please do be aware going into this story.
November 25, 2022
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/ther...
October 4, 2020
I was contacted by the author himself to read his book in exchange for my honest review. After reading the synopsis I was keen to see what would happen to Michael and Cameron and where they would end up.
I loved the whole concept of this story and the background to Michael and Cameron. Both were from working class backgrounds whose families were struggling and each child suffered abuse in one form or another. Each of them started in the same place and I was interested to see which path each would take.
Michael was hardworking and desperate to be more than what most had planned for him. He strived to achieve as much as possible and created what was a good life for himself. I found myself getting angry with him towards the end as some of his choices risked him losing it all and after he had come so far it was a little disappointing. I hated seeing what the relationship between him and Cameron turned into but I do think it was a realistic representation of their friendship. The only issue I had with Michael’s story was the added character of Steven at the start. I don’t feel like his story was entirely necessary but that is just my opinion.
I had the most sympathy for Cameron. Whilst he had his issues and made questionable choices ultimately he fell into the trap that a lot do. Drink, drugs, violence were all a huge part of his life but I could tell that he wanted to be so much more, he was just stuck in a rut. At the beginning of the story I felt that Michael was clinging to Cameron and saw him as his protector but as the story progressed I realised it was Cameron who needed Michael. He wanted to cling to that friendship and protect him but he paid the ultimate price.
Emotional, honest, raw and beautiful. Daniel James has written a great story with characters that make your heartbreak.
I loved the whole concept of this story and the background to Michael and Cameron. Both were from working class backgrounds whose families were struggling and each child suffered abuse in one form or another. Each of them started in the same place and I was interested to see which path each would take.
Michael was hardworking and desperate to be more than what most had planned for him. He strived to achieve as much as possible and created what was a good life for himself. I found myself getting angry with him towards the end as some of his choices risked him losing it all and after he had come so far it was a little disappointing. I hated seeing what the relationship between him and Cameron turned into but I do think it was a realistic representation of their friendship. The only issue I had with Michael’s story was the added character of Steven at the start. I don’t feel like his story was entirely necessary but that is just my opinion.
I had the most sympathy for Cameron. Whilst he had his issues and made questionable choices ultimately he fell into the trap that a lot do. Drink, drugs, violence were all a huge part of his life but I could tell that he wanted to be so much more, he was just stuck in a rut. At the beginning of the story I felt that Michael was clinging to Cameron and saw him as his protector but as the story progressed I realised it was Cameron who needed Michael. He wanted to cling to that friendship and protect him but he paid the ultimate price.
Emotional, honest, raw and beautiful. Daniel James has written a great story with characters that make your heartbreak.
October 17, 2020
The Same Ledge is incredibly vivid and heart-wrenching. With its unflinching depictions of violence and suicide and portrayal of broken lives where nothing ever goes right, it’s not going to be for everyone, but I found it fascinating and realistic.
Daniel James provides such detailed descriptions of ordinary places - homes, neighbourhoods, schools and pubs - that I could imagine them really well. Equally, I could picture main characters Michael and Cameron (as well as Michael’s childhood friend, Steven) very clearly in my head. I did find the more peripheral characters harder to get a grip on, but I think that’s because we see the world through Michael and Cameron’s eyes, and as they’re both deeply depressed, they look inwards rather than outwards.
Actually, James gets into the head of Cameron - a violent, racist woman-beater - so well that it was a bit scary sometimes! Luckily, Michael’s more sympathetic viewpoint shows that the author doesn’t actually share Cameron’s view of women as whiny toys to be thrown about. As a young straight guy, Michael does notice when women are attractive, but unlike Cameron, his descriptions of them don’t wholly centre around how sexy and/or annoying he finds them.
Even though Cameron is a nasty character who keeps making things worse for himself, I still found myself sympathising with his abusive upbringing and hoping he would stop making bad decisions and become a better person. While Cameron’s adult life is a shambles, Michael - who also grew up in an abusive household - goes to university and gets a job in the City. On the outside he’s a success, but on the inside he feels guilty about doing well when his old friends aren’t, helpless against the sea of negative and invasive thoughts he experiences, and like an imposter who is going to be found out any minute. These were all feelings I could relate to.
Michael’s story not only shows that you can appear to be doing well but feel awful on the inside, but also the difference in how drug users are viewed depending on their place in society. While Cameron’s use of cocaine turns him into an unemployable wreck and he commits violent crimes while under the influence, for Michael, it’s part of the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture of the City and a way to bond with his colleagues. Even when he ends up overdoing it, he receives far more sympathetic and forgiving treatment from those around him than Cameron does.
The Same Ledge is a vivid, unflinching and heart-wrenching novel.
Daniel James provides such detailed descriptions of ordinary places - homes, neighbourhoods, schools and pubs - that I could imagine them really well. Equally, I could picture main characters Michael and Cameron (as well as Michael’s childhood friend, Steven) very clearly in my head. I did find the more peripheral characters harder to get a grip on, but I think that’s because we see the world through Michael and Cameron’s eyes, and as they’re both deeply depressed, they look inwards rather than outwards.
Actually, James gets into the head of Cameron - a violent, racist woman-beater - so well that it was a bit scary sometimes! Luckily, Michael’s more sympathetic viewpoint shows that the author doesn’t actually share Cameron’s view of women as whiny toys to be thrown about. As a young straight guy, Michael does notice when women are attractive, but unlike Cameron, his descriptions of them don’t wholly centre around how sexy and/or annoying he finds them.
Even though Cameron is a nasty character who keeps making things worse for himself, I still found myself sympathising with his abusive upbringing and hoping he would stop making bad decisions and become a better person. While Cameron’s adult life is a shambles, Michael - who also grew up in an abusive household - goes to university and gets a job in the City. On the outside he’s a success, but on the inside he feels guilty about doing well when his old friends aren’t, helpless against the sea of negative and invasive thoughts he experiences, and like an imposter who is going to be found out any minute. These were all feelings I could relate to.
Michael’s story not only shows that you can appear to be doing well but feel awful on the inside, but also the difference in how drug users are viewed depending on their place in society. While Cameron’s use of cocaine turns him into an unemployable wreck and he commits violent crimes while under the influence, for Michael, it’s part of the ‘work hard, play hard’ culture of the City and a way to bond with his colleagues. Even when he ends up overdoing it, he receives far more sympathetic and forgiving treatment from those around him than Cameron does.
The Same Ledge is a vivid, unflinching and heart-wrenching novel.
October 23, 2020
Michael and Cameron are best friends who bond over a shared life of violence at home in a crap neighborhood. One is the protector of his siblings, and the other is the protected. Unfortunately, they both wind up on destructive paths. One does it through education and money, while the other sticks to the neighborhood and spirals into oblivion.
This novel was difficult for me to read. Violence and all the mental health issues that stem from it are a dangerous road for me to go down. My mental health is at risk. I read and read, waiting for a happy ending, but there was none. I loved these boys. I didn’t love what they had become and became sickened at some points. But the deep love I felt for them while on their separate paths was hard. I wanted more than anything to save them.
But, the hard parts are why you need to read this book. The material is ugly and often gruesome, but these boys’ lives matter. I know that the novel is a work of fiction. But for me, Michael and Cameron were real people in my life for the short time they were with me.
I award The Same Ledge 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason for marking down a star is because there is a tiny plot hole that I couldn’t reconcile. Though it is so small that others will likely not even notice. I encourage everyone to read this book. Your life will never be the same once these characters become your family.
Many thanks to Emma from Damppebbles Blog Tours and Daniel James for gifting me a free copy of The Same Ledge in exchange for an honest review.
This novel was difficult for me to read. Violence and all the mental health issues that stem from it are a dangerous road for me to go down. My mental health is at risk. I read and read, waiting for a happy ending, but there was none. I loved these boys. I didn’t love what they had become and became sickened at some points. But the deep love I felt for them while on their separate paths was hard. I wanted more than anything to save them.
But, the hard parts are why you need to read this book. The material is ugly and often gruesome, but these boys’ lives matter. I know that the novel is a work of fiction. But for me, Michael and Cameron were real people in my life for the short time they were with me.
I award The Same Ledge 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason for marking down a star is because there is a tiny plot hole that I couldn’t reconcile. Though it is so small that others will likely not even notice. I encourage everyone to read this book. Your life will never be the same once these characters become your family.
Many thanks to Emma from Damppebbles Blog Tours and Daniel James for gifting me a free copy of The Same Ledge in exchange for an honest review.
October 28, 2020
5/5 I may never read it again but I can't give it less stars because it is so well written.
This one had me feeling everything. There was hatred and love, happiness and deep sorrow. In parts I was numb as I really disagreed with the actions of the characters (mainly Cameron) but there was always a feeling of heartache for them too. This really is a rollercoaster of a read when it comes to the emotions experienced.
I find this to be an odd one; I don't know whether I love it or dislike it. It's so well written and gripping that I can't describe it as a bad book. Quite the opposite, it's exciting and full of everyday life that isn't always discussed. I connected with the characters as I know those lives; the ones that made it from nothing and the ones that got left behind. But some parts were very difficult to read.
Despite feeling uncomfortable at times, I had to get to the end of the book and that's down to the writing. Personally, I think it takes a damn good author to take this subject matter and turn it into a gripping book. Written in the third person, the story is split between the 2 main characters. Thankfully the sections of each character contain a couple of chapters so it never becomes too confusing by jumping around often.
This one had me feeling everything. There was hatred and love, happiness and deep sorrow. In parts I was numb as I really disagreed with the actions of the characters (mainly Cameron) but there was always a feeling of heartache for them too. This really is a rollercoaster of a read when it comes to the emotions experienced.
I find this to be an odd one; I don't know whether I love it or dislike it. It's so well written and gripping that I can't describe it as a bad book. Quite the opposite, it's exciting and full of everyday life that isn't always discussed. I connected with the characters as I know those lives; the ones that made it from nothing and the ones that got left behind. But some parts were very difficult to read.
Despite feeling uncomfortable at times, I had to get to the end of the book and that's down to the writing. Personally, I think it takes a damn good author to take this subject matter and turn it into a gripping book. Written in the third person, the story is split between the 2 main characters. Thankfully the sections of each character contain a couple of chapters so it never becomes too confusing by jumping around often.
September 23, 2020
This story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. There were moments that had me feeling angry towards the characters at the decisions they had made but empathy towards them as well due to how they had ended up in different situations.
It was beautifully written, I liked how the chapters were quite short and how the author had sectioned out the book between the two characters: Cameron and Michael. Both of their stories were incredibly sad involving abuse, alcohol, drugs, gangs etc. Chapter 59 I found the most upsetting. And then the events for Michael after that. It was incredibly moving. I feel it’s important to add that no matter how tough life gets, if you feel you are at rock bottom, there is always help out there. It may not seem like it at times, but it’s there. Only you can make that change. A truly fantastic read, would certainly read another book by Daniel James
It was beautifully written, I liked how the chapters were quite short and how the author had sectioned out the book between the two characters: Cameron and Michael. Both of their stories were incredibly sad involving abuse, alcohol, drugs, gangs etc. Chapter 59 I found the most upsetting. And then the events for Michael after that. It was incredibly moving. I feel it’s important to add that no matter how tough life gets, if you feel you are at rock bottom, there is always help out there. It may not seem like it at times, but it’s there. Only you can make that change. A truly fantastic read, would certainly read another book by Daniel James
October 21, 2020
One of the most powerful, thought-provoking and heartbreaking books I’ve ever read. Why do I always seem to read books that require at least one week of recovery time?!
This book perfectly portrays two characters with a connection, a connection which brings a lifetime of pain and destruction unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The creation of these two characters was extraordinary and I found it incredibly difficult not to become attached to them. The author has developed a story which unleashes every emotion for the reader and creates such an unforgettable experience that it’ll take me a while to recover from. I think the author has absolutely nailed this story and left me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat! An amazing experience!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
This book perfectly portrays two characters with a connection, a connection which brings a lifetime of pain and destruction unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. The creation of these two characters was extraordinary and I found it incredibly difficult not to become attached to them. The author has developed a story which unleashes every emotion for the reader and creates such an unforgettable experience that it’ll take me a while to recover from. I think the author has absolutely nailed this story and left me with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat! An amazing experience!
You can read my full review over on my blog: https://aquintillionwords.com/2020/10...
June 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this fast paced story. You don't miss a beat during the action, character development and very surprisingly setting the fast pace premise of each location. I found this to be enjoyable as each description adds to the imagination without wasting time on unnecessary information.
An absolute pleasure to read.
An absolute pleasure to read.
September 28, 2020
This book wasn't for me. The themes and subjects were of interest but I found that I didn't connect with any of the characters. Nothing wrong with the writing at all, I liked how raw and emotive it was and I think its a great idea for a first novel.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews