‘ A writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit’ Observer
What happens when ‘doing good’ is no longer enough?
‘A convincing, moving account of man’s struggle with faith, marriage and morality’ Sunday Times
On a clear, crisp summer’s day in Cornwall, a young man carefully prepares to take his own life, and asks family friend, Barnaby Johnson, to pray with him. Barnaby – priest, husband and father – has always tried to do good, though life hasn’t always been rosy. Lenny’s request poses problems, not just for Barnaby, but for his wife and family, and the wider community, as the secrets of the past push themselves forcefully into the present for all to see.
‘Beautifully written’ Times
What readers love about A PERFECTLY GOOD MAN:
‘A most engaging novel, keenly observed, often witty, and beautifully written’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘A wonderful poetic, perceptive and very realistic insight into a very varied group of characters’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘I loved this book – one of the best novels I have read for a long time. Brilliant characterisation, an interesting setting in a small Cornish community, and a very good plot’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘Patrick Gale knows, not just the accurate externals of parish life, but the inner realities of human thinking’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What happens when ‘doing good’ is no longer enough?
‘A convincing, moving account of man’s struggle with faith, marriage and morality’ Sunday Times
On a clear, crisp summer’s day in Cornwall, a young man carefully prepares to take his own life, and asks family friend, Barnaby Johnson, to pray with him. Barnaby – priest, husband and father – has always tried to do good, though life hasn’t always been rosy. Lenny’s request poses problems, not just for Barnaby, but for his wife and family, and the wider community, as the secrets of the past push themselves forcefully into the present for all to see.
‘Beautifully written’ Times
What readers love about A PERFECTLY GOOD MAN:
‘A most engaging novel, keenly observed, often witty, and beautifully written’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘A wonderful poetic, perceptive and very realistic insight into a very varied group of characters’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘I loved this book – one of the best novels I have read for a long time. Brilliant characterisation, an interesting setting in a small Cornish community, and a very good plot’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
‘Patrick Gale knows, not just the accurate externals of parish life, but the inner realities of human thinking’ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Newsletter Signup
By clicking ‘Sign Up,’ I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Group’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
Reviews
A writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit, one whose company you relish and trust
This being Gale there's a compelling tale to be told . . . a convincing, moving account of man's struggle with faith, marriage and morality
A thoughtful and moving novel about love, morality and faith. Marvellous
A heartfelt, cleverly constructed read
Beautifully written
A writer with heart, soul, and a dark and naughty wit, one whose company you relish and trust
This being Gale there's a compelling tale to be told . . . a convincing, moving account of man's struggle with faith, marriage and morality
A thoughtful and moving novel about love, morality and faith. Marvellous
A heartfelt, cleverly constructed read
Beautifully written