What is ‘Outline’? Is it a novel, a collection of essays, a piece of philosophy, an account of the physical, mental and emotional wanderings of the gifted author? It is all these things, and more.

Whilst I discovered it was possible to put the book down, it was not feasible to do so without finishing that particular chapter. We are introduced to a number of varied characters who tell their stories in ways that captivate, fascinate and educate the reader. Beneath the surface narrative lie unspoken truths and insights into the nature of the human being.

So many aspects of the story are unstated, left to the reader to determine. Yes, it challenges on several levels but leaves the completed work as a piece that will stay in the mind for a long time and may even affect the way a writing reader approaches their next piece of work. It is odd, idiosyncratic, sometimes a little puzzling, informative, insightful, amusing, stimulating and surprisingly satisfying.

[Any review is a personal opinion. No reviewer can represent the view of anyone else. The best we can manage is an honest reaction to any given book.]