Review of A Subtle Thing, by Judith Miller
Last week Dr. Judith Miller, associate professor of English language and literature at Renison University College posted a review to her entire mailing list regarding Alicia Hendley’s novel, A Subtle Thing. With Dr. Miller’s permission, we reprint that review here.
Alicia Hendley’s novel, A Subtle Thing, is a wonderful thing. Well-written, compelling, a good read. What more could a person ask for?
Alicia Hendley’s novel, A Subtle Thing, is a wonderful thing. Well-written, compelling, a good read. What more could a person ask for? In addition, reading this novel is a learning experience. We spend time in classes here teaching one another about depression, about its characteristics, about possible treatments or interventions. To read Hendley’s novel is to experience depression, the shadows that lie in wait,that can rise up to take over Beth’s life.
In this book full of suspense, Hendley takes us through her main character’s life and struggles. She shows us what it’s like to experience the varied responses to depression. Some family members are offended by it and avoid Beth. Some people deny it. Others think she should just buck up and get on with life.
Mercifully, there are also friends like Adam, Patrick and Sarah to stand by Beth–often at considerable cost to themselves. There is professional expertise to provide much-needed help. Reading this novel is another way to learn about depression, as well as a way to meet some engaging characters.
A Subtle Thing is available through online booksellers globally in both print and digital editions, as well as through the following stores:
- Words Worth Books, Waterloo, Ontario
- Chapters, King Street, Waterloo. Alicia appears here Saturday, January 29.
- Chapters, Meadowland Regional Centre, Ancaster, Ontario. Alicia appears here Saturday, February 26.
- Chapters, Stone Road Mall, Guelph, Ontario. Alicia appears here Saturday, March 26.