On the Edge

Written by Nigel Hinton

Narrated by Leighton Pugh

When Dillon's dad turns up unannounced to take him and his brother on a trip, Dillon isn't sure what to do - Mum's at work and they haven't seen Dad in months. Dillon's little brother Robbie is ecstatic to see his father and desperate to go. But why won't Dad let them use their phones? And why are their faces plastered all over the news? What exactly does Dad want with them?

Praise for the author: ‘Compelling reading' GUARDIAN

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Ltd
• Release date: Feb 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781471256738

Reviews for On the Edge

[dbsovereign · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fun comedy of manners that ridicules all the New Age twaddle. St. Aubyn captures the setting (Big Sur) and the ambiance perfectly. Confused characters desperately grope for some kind of semi-perfect happiness in a communal setting. Satire never had it so good. My main complaint: I never had any clear sense of individuality in the characters - some stood out more than others, but none of them was uniquely distinct (maybe that was the point?).

[randymetcalfe · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Everyone, it seems, is seeking a better life, more bliss, greater authenticity, sexual fulfilment, and spiritual enrichment. Or at least all of the characters in On The Edge have these goals. Whatever their reasons or their circuitous paths, they all end up spending a week at the Californian new-age retreat, Esalen, pursuing workshops on rhythmic drumming, or silent mediation, or self-recreation, and culminating, for those couples with staying power, in a weekend of tantric sex. Will they find what they are looking for? And if they don’t, is there really no other option than taking the big leap off the edge? Or is this just a set-piece for Edward St. Aubyn’s comedic stylings, riffs on muddy spiritualism, and opportunities for extensive and extended use of similes?Like a ‘70s mega-disaster movie, the cast of characters in this novel is immense and consequently tends toward stereotype and caricature. St. Aubyn somewhat awkwardly manoeuvres them to Esalen in separate chapters so that by the time we get everyone in place, we are well ready for the main feature to take off. But this isn’t going to be a French farce, which will be either a disappointment or blessing depending on your tastes. Rather, St. Aubyn’s deliciously acerbic wit confines itself to the observational, the satirical, and the deadpan. There are a number of British characters that provide the opening for weak insights into America, and a French philosopher is present toward the beginning of the novel to remind us of Baudrillard’s analysis of simulacra. But the apparent satire of new-age charlatans always verges on awe. Maybe it’s because St. Aubyn finds it difficult to not lend his native eloquence to such characters. Maybe it’s because he is essentially a romantic and wants to think well of his characters regardless of the nonsense they might be spewing. The effect is that the edge we are on does not seem as sharp or as cutting as it could easily have been.The ending confirms the opening in that the meandering beginning spills overs into a meandering ending. Some characters have found a bit of bliss. Others are determined to change their lives. A few minor characters storm off in a huff. It’s a bit like a British romantic comedy or pudding — too sweet and yet insubstantial. St. Aubyn can, has, and will write better than this. You can leave this one on the shelf.

[nivramkoorb · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The Patrick Melrose novels by St.Aubyn were a series of books about Patrick Melrose. They were terrific and universally praised. This book was published in England over 20 years ago and was just released in the US. No doubt to take advantage of interest in the author's work. I enjoyed the book for the trademark wit and cynicism of St. Aubyn. However the "new age" story was all over the place with the number of characters. What also hurt the book was when he would go into 2-3 pages of "New Age" philosophical ramblings. Fewer characters would have helped. For me it was good to see how much better a writer St.Aubyn is then 20 years ago. I do strongly recommend the Patrick Melrose novels(5 in total).