Paperback by Canongate, £8.99
I have to admit that it was the fact that someone tried to ban this book that made me want to pick it up and read it.
What could this book be like if someone was so against it reaching the shelves? I later discovered that it was in fact the author’s – renowned classical pianist James Rhodes – ex-wife who wanted the book banned.
She believed some of the events it covers would have a distressing impact on the couple’s 12-year-old son. But having now read the book, I think the supreme court was right to overturn the temporary injunction that was imposed.
For what Rhodes does with this book is talk about an utterly horrific event that had not only a psychological impact on him but also physical, and the effect it had on him in later life in a refreshingly honest and no-holds-barred way.
He keeps the details of his rape as a child by a gym teacher at his school to a minimum but the impact it had on the rest of his life – and future relationships – is explored fully. It is an angry book but most surprising is that most of Rhodes’s anger is aimed at himself.
He doesn’t make excuses for his behaviour and explores even the most personal and painful elements – including a unsuccessful suicide attempt – to the limits. Most surprisingly of all, he manages to do it while injecting humour.
Also weaved into the book is Rhodes’s belief that music has the potential to transform people’s lives and each chapter begins with an interesting vignette about some of his favourite pieces of work.
If you are looking for something to read that will really blow you away, this is it.
