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Ellipsis
Ellipsis is a disturbing thriller stemming from what is left unsaid, what bounces around in the mind and evaporates when trying to remember. Can there be a conclusion when no-one seems to know the truth? "Right on time," Daniel Mansen mouths to Alice as she pushes him to his death. Haunted by these words, Alice becomes obsessed with discovering how a man she didn't know could predict her actions. On the day of the funeral, Daniel's cousin, Thom, finds a piece of paper in Daniel's room detailing the exact time and place of his death. As Thom and Alice both search for answers, they become knotted together in a story of obsession, hidden truths and the gaps in everyday life that can destroy or save a person.
248 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2010
198 people want to read
About the author
Nikki Dudley
20 books39 followersNikki grew up in London. She has also lived in Madrid and loves to travel.
Her novel, Ellipsis, is published by Sparkling Books. Her novel, Volta, won the Virginia Prize for Fiction 2020 and was published in 2021 by Aurora Metro Books. She has poetry out with Knives, Forks and Spoons Press, Hem Press, Sídhe Press and Broken Sleep Books.
She is Managing Editor of streetcake magazine and works for charities by day.
Her novel, Ellipsis, is published by Sparkling Books. Her novel, Volta, won the Virginia Prize for Fiction 2020 and was published in 2021 by Aurora Metro Books. She has poetry out with Knives, Forks and Spoons Press, Hem Press, Sídhe Press and Broken Sleep Books.
She is Managing Editor of streetcake magazine and works for charities by day.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 14, 2010
Well, how could I resist a novel that shares its name with the punctuation mark I overuse the most?
At 15.32 precisely, Daniel Mansen is pushed into the path of an oncoming train by Alice, the young woman who has been following him covertly for several weeks. As he falls from the platform, Daniel says one thing: ‘Right on time’ – as though he were expecting it. After the funeral, Thom Mansen begins to find out more about the cousin he never really knew, and uncovers evidence suggesting that Daniel somehow knew in advance that he was going to die. Alice enters Thom’s life under an assumed name, searching for answers of her own; by novel’s end, both will uncover truths that they might wish had stayed hidden.
Ellipsis is an interesting debut from Nikki Dudley that (happily) never quite settles into the shape you might expect. It has its flaws: for example, and particularly towards the beginning, the prose is can be weighed down with so many metaphors and similes that the impact of the imagery is diluted. But, once the novel hits its stride, we discover not only how fragile is Alice’s state of mind (her first-person voice is marvellously disconcerting), but also that Thom’s character isn’t as straightforward as it appears to be at first (I’d say that this becomes apparent a little too slowly, leading to a couple of moments where one thinks, ‘Why did he do that?’ – but that’s a minor problem).
Dudley also makes some neat observations about character; for example, here’s Thom reflecting on his choice of job (working in a call centre for an insurance firm), and his difficulty in talking about his parents’ death: ‘Perhaps that is why he has a job where he always knows what to say because there is a handbook.’ (27)
What’s particularly striking about the central mystery is less the actual events of the plot than the way Dudley plays with the reader’s perception; one is led to conceptualise the story in a particular way, then finds that it’s not the right way – but it’s hard to shake off the original interpretation, so strongly has it been established. And the ending produces a further twist that leaves us on shifting sands once again.
As its title suggests, Ellipsis revolves around gaps in knowledge – in the reader’s knowledge of what happens, and in the characters’ knowledge of events, people, and even of themselves. And those gaps add up to an intriguing, satisfying read.
At 15.32 precisely, Daniel Mansen is pushed into the path of an oncoming train by Alice, the young woman who has been following him covertly for several weeks. As he falls from the platform, Daniel says one thing: ‘Right on time’ – as though he were expecting it. After the funeral, Thom Mansen begins to find out more about the cousin he never really knew, and uncovers evidence suggesting that Daniel somehow knew in advance that he was going to die. Alice enters Thom’s life under an assumed name, searching for answers of her own; by novel’s end, both will uncover truths that they might wish had stayed hidden.
Ellipsis is an interesting debut from Nikki Dudley that (happily) never quite settles into the shape you might expect. It has its flaws: for example, and particularly towards the beginning, the prose is can be weighed down with so many metaphors and similes that the impact of the imagery is diluted. But, once the novel hits its stride, we discover not only how fragile is Alice’s state of mind (her first-person voice is marvellously disconcerting), but also that Thom’s character isn’t as straightforward as it appears to be at first (I’d say that this becomes apparent a little too slowly, leading to a couple of moments where one thinks, ‘Why did he do that?’ – but that’s a minor problem).
Dudley also makes some neat observations about character; for example, here’s Thom reflecting on his choice of job (working in a call centre for an insurance firm), and his difficulty in talking about his parents’ death: ‘Perhaps that is why he has a job where he always knows what to say because there is a handbook.’ (27)
What’s particularly striking about the central mystery is less the actual events of the plot than the way Dudley plays with the reader’s perception; one is led to conceptualise the story in a particular way, then finds that it’s not the right way – but it’s hard to shake off the original interpretation, so strongly has it been established. And the ending produces a further twist that leaves us on shifting sands once again.
As its title suggests, Ellipsis revolves around gaps in knowledge – in the reader’s knowledge of what happens, and in the characters’ knowledge of events, people, and even of themselves. And those gaps add up to an intriguing, satisfying read.
January 20, 2015
What right do we have to really know all of someone, every nuance of their being, every little dirty secret they may have? Does the bond of a blood relative or wife or husband afford us the right to know them completely? To know that there are no unknowns between us?
To me this book is about grief. Grief for losing a loved one obviously, but also the feelings of guilt when one realises that they may not have known their loved one as well as they thought. It also highlights the lies we tell to protect our loved ones, and the deep secrets we keep because once exposed the grief they will surely cause is too much to bear.
Each of the characters has a secret, and it is through the revealing of these that we see the very fabric of their world fall apart. With each revelation a black hole is exposed, waiting to suck them into it's infinite blackness. This for me was the most mesmerising part of the novel. To see with each new piece of information about Daniels death, Thom's reality and sanity start to slip away from him was so well done, and to see “Sarah” coming back to her own self and sanity was such a great contrast.
Through all of this though, we get to see little snippets of who Daniel really was, and I still have questions about his motives.
The pacing is excellent, the characters fragile, flawed and consumed with grief and guilt. I could not recommend this book enough.
5 stars
To me this book is about grief. Grief for losing a loved one obviously, but also the feelings of guilt when one realises that they may not have known their loved one as well as they thought. It also highlights the lies we tell to protect our loved ones, and the deep secrets we keep because once exposed the grief they will surely cause is too much to bear.
Each of the characters has a secret, and it is through the revealing of these that we see the very fabric of their world fall apart. With each revelation a black hole is exposed, waiting to suck them into it's infinite blackness. This for me was the most mesmerising part of the novel. To see with each new piece of information about Daniels death, Thom's reality and sanity start to slip away from him was so well done, and to see “Sarah” coming back to her own self and sanity was such a great contrast.
Through all of this though, we get to see little snippets of who Daniel really was, and I still have questions about his motives.
The pacing is excellent, the characters fragile, flawed and consumed with grief and guilt. I could not recommend this book enough.
5 stars
April 20, 2011
Goodreads winner book.
When I read the blurb it sounded exciting and dangerous I am now on chapter 9 and just can not get into the book. However, I will not give up as I have been given this book to complete.
So far the story seems to be about some girl named Alice who is murdering people and finally comes across this guy(Daniel), who she follows. She's killed before and no one ever finds out. When she killed this boy he whispered to her telling her she was right on time. This freaked her out she goes to the family funeral to find that no one really knew Daniel.
As all this is happening the boys cousin (Thom) tries to find out what happened for his cousin to commit suicide? Or get pushed of the train railway.
I have now gotten further into the book and it has finally caught my interest! It has much more detail and is developed better. The story line has become really interesting as Alice has now met up with Thom. Thom has invited Alice into his house after finding her asleep on his bench. They both do not understand they're connection that they have to each other.
The book was very different to the books o usually read but this held a mystery and crime love and hate story loved it it's a great book!!
Hope there's a second book :)
When I read the blurb it sounded exciting and dangerous I am now on chapter 9 and just can not get into the book. However, I will not give up as I have been given this book to complete.
So far the story seems to be about some girl named Alice who is murdering people and finally comes across this guy(Daniel), who she follows. She's killed before and no one ever finds out. When she killed this boy he whispered to her telling her she was right on time. This freaked her out she goes to the family funeral to find that no one really knew Daniel.
As all this is happening the boys cousin (Thom) tries to find out what happened for his cousin to commit suicide? Or get pushed of the train railway.
I have now gotten further into the book and it has finally caught my interest! It has much more detail and is developed better. The story line has become really interesting as Alice has now met up with Thom. Thom has invited Alice into his house after finding her asleep on his bench. They both do not understand they're connection that they have to each other.
The book was very different to the books o usually read but this held a mystery and crime love and hate story loved it it's a great book!!
Hope there's a second book :)
December 3, 2010
As Alice pushes a stranger to his death, she hears him utter the words `Right on time'. This opens the mystery that is Ellipsis. The book, which follows two main characters through their personal obsessions and psychological journeys, is in turn disquieting and evocative. While Alice shadows her victim's family, his cousin, Thom, struggles to come to terms with another puzzle. And just as we feel we're coming to grips with the story, author Nikki Dudley tightens the screws a little more. A beautifully written work that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page. Ellipsis is potent stuff.
March 17, 2017
One of my favourite book of 2010. Punchy, poetic and gripping. I can't recommend this book enough.
November 17, 2016
Strange
Trips into and out if insanity. Very strange storytelling point of view from the minds of people recovering from and falling into insanity.
Trips into and out if insanity. Very strange storytelling point of view from the minds of people recovering from and falling into insanity.
July 10, 2020
This psychological mystery is a story of two people whose minds are damaged by tragedy and what happens when they meet.
April 22, 2025
Didn't like the writing style at all. All the characters are crazy and act irrationally. Painful to read. Everybody is in anguish. Lots of typos, too.
March 17, 2017
Gripping from page one through the very last sentence, I could not put this book down.
Dudley manages to maintain the ideal level of suspense, revealing character traits and plot twists steadily throughout.
Though not my normal genre, I found this a thrilling read and would highly recommend this book (and Dudley as an author).
Dudley manages to maintain the ideal level of suspense, revealing character traits and plot twists steadily throughout.
Though not my normal genre, I found this a thrilling read and would highly recommend this book (and Dudley as an author).
November 16, 2010
I would've given this book 3 stars if it wasn't for the end. It was a cliffhanger to say the least.
The author is very descriptive almost to a fault with analogies and similiarities to describe character's feelings and actions. To me this tends to take away from storyline, which I thought was a very good plot.
So to my first point. Since the story is so descriptive and thought provoking I felt like I knew exactly how these characters felt about each other. Then to end it the way it is doesn't make sense. Alice was like..."eh ok". Unless I'm missing something it could've ended a couple pages before.
Thanks for the read though!
The author is very descriptive almost to a fault with analogies and similiarities to describe character's feelings and actions. To me this tends to take away from storyline, which I thought was a very good plot.
So to my first point. Since the story is so descriptive and thought provoking I felt like I knew exactly how these characters felt about each other. Then to end it the way it is doesn't make sense. Alice was like..."eh ok". Unless I'm missing something it could've ended a couple pages before.
Thanks for the read though!
February 23, 2011
This novel completely lived up to my initial favorable impression. The shocking and intriguing first chapter set up certain expectations that the author effortlessly carried right through to the end. The characters are complex and well drawn, the plot keeps the reader guessing, and the prose flows easily. The viewpoint switches between first and third person, a sometimes risky literary ploy. Yet Nikki Dudley handles this with consummate ease, proving her worth as an author of note.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ellipsis as a brilliant read.
Cas Peace, author of
King's Envoy and
For the Love of Daisy.
I have no hesitation in recommending Ellipsis as a brilliant read.
Cas Peace, author of
King's Envoy and
For the Love of Daisy.
December 9, 2010
Started off really well but seemed to get lost along the way, the book was interesting but didn't really go anywhere and the ending was quite disappointing and things left unanswered.
June 13, 2014
Weird, complex, odd
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews