Book full of twists and turns

The latest novel by Newark-born author Matt Haig must surely rate as one of this year’s must-read books.

The Radleys is targeted at adult and young adult readers and so has been produced with two covers to appeal to each market. My 20-year-old daughter and I shared the book. It was so compelling that each time one of us put it down the other would pick it up.

The story revolves around the Radley family — Peter, Helen and their teenage children Rowan and Clara. On the surface they appear to be a normal family, living in a nice leafy village with the father earning a decent living as a GP.

But everything is not as it seems. From the outset readers are told that despite their very best efforts the Radleys are anything but normal.

Rowan in particular finds himself struggling with life. He can’t sleep at night; has to wear high protection against the sun and is continually picked on by school bullies who call him a freak.

His younger sister finds life a little easier but finds herself becoming increasingly weak when she decides to change her diet and become a vegetarian.

All becomes clear when their parents’ secret is revealed after an incident at a party involving Clara and they call on Peter’s brother Will for help.

He is a colourful character who arrives in his camper van and turns the family’s life upside down. Initially you love him for his flamboyant ways but as the story progresses things change and his character develops into a more sinister one.

In the background is a former police officer who knows the Radleys’ secret and is determined to get justice for his late wife. But in so doing puts his own daughter in danger.

The book has some unexpected twists and turns and takes an interesting look at what happens when a person struggles to deny what they are.

It is certainly worthy of a place on my bookshelf. It is the first title in a unique collaboration between Canongate and Walker Books. It is available at a cost of £10 — LAM.