Reviews

"If you're into sharp modern fiction, this is the perfect book. There's a lightness of touch in the writing style here which makes a refreshing change from the usual second-rate Martin Amis-imitators out there. I look forward to reading more by this author."

"After sharing Paul's experiences with his new (experimental) bipolar medication, you can't help but warm to this crazily enthusiastic narrator... by turns boyish, bloke-ish and tortured soul, he embraces and savours every bizarre scenario with a curiosity that's infectious even if, sometimes, you might have preferred to look away. Then things are turned on their head as he cowers away from the flashbacks from his past - the background reality the reader DOES want to know about. The mood is more Trainspotting than Kafka, I'd say - though unlike Trainspotting (the film - not read the book), I could bear to go through My Name Is Paul Belardo again. The central character's lively intelligence, humanity and optimism (maybe an odd choice of word!) carried me along, and at the end I felt far more enriched than revolted. Despite that unforgettable comic/ grotesque verbal self-portrait and the character's decidedly dubious attitude to women, if I met Paul I would want to give him a hug. He's an endearingly intelligent, funny guy... and he's been through a lot."

"It is hard to describe, although maybe Kafka-esque nightmare and Gothic irony mixed in a Burroughs cut-up stream of consciousness gives clues to the format of this book.Written from the viewpoint and world perception of a bipolar person driven by their pain to be a willing participant in trials for a new chemical so-called treatment for his condition. It's an acerbic view of the human condition, and our relationship with our urban existence. Sometimes moving, sometimes funny, maybe not for the faint-hearted. Portraying an honest journey through the mental corridors of life! A promising start for a raw new talent, I await his next book with anticipation."

"Mr.Samson owes me a nights sleep!
Wow, bit of a headf##k and decidedly uncomfortable at times, but could'nt put the damn thing down till I finished it.
Loved it and was dragged along for the ride kicking and screaming after page 90.
Syd Barrett never wrote an autobiography, but if he did............"

"This is how this novella hits you...square in the face! It's dark, rude, extremely funny in places but also poignent. The sub-plot intrigues without distracting from the main event. The characters leap out from the page and embrace you and take you on a darkly comic journey through a bi-polar life. Paul Belardo becomes a friend whom you want to hug and yet shake by the shoulders at the same time! I can't wait to read what happens next!"