Matchstick Man

Written by Julia Kelly

Narrated by Aoife McMahon

Julia Kelly met charismatic and successful artist, Charlie Whisker, while she was working on her first novel. He was twenty years older than her. Their relationship was passionate and extraordinary; each of them inspired the other. Their friends were writers, artists and rock stars; they lived a glamorous life of exhibitions, parties and concerts. They became parents to a daughter they adored. But Charlie suddenly changed, becoming hopelessly forgetful, angry and confused. This is an unbearably honest, unsentimental and heartbreaking description of a brilliant man's mental disintegration and its effects on his family. Charlie's disturbing behaviour is described in a series of terrible, understated revelations. An unforgettable telling of a story that will be familiar to many thousands of people in the UK and Ireland.

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Ltd
• Release date: Jan 25, 2019
• ISBN: 9781528847391

Julia Kelly

Julia Kelly was born in 1969 and studied English, Sociology and Journalism in Dublin. Her novels include With my Lazy Eye and The Playground. She lives in Dalkey, County Dublin.

[Mary Powell · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

With a heavy heart I'm going 3 stars (I want to put 1).

The book is selfish and plays off a relationship that was never there. The author name drops entertainers that her partner worked with and friended as a result of his work. She writes this under the guise that Charlie (debilitated) wanted the story told. He was 20+ years older than her, and the relationship was father-figure & oh great catch Charlie.

Alzheimer's is the tip of the ice berg. It's the keyword searched for when a person needs comfort and proof they are not alone. The author writes that doctors told her their small child was not safe with her father who at this time had not reached the heights of Alzheimer's. Her reaction frankly pissed me off and I was not at all surprised later the choices she made for herself, leaving Charlie and their young daughter second.

Read with an open-mind. If Alzheimer's had affected your family and you find yourself reading this, try to focus on the little girl. Her reactions, fears, and growth as she helplessly watches her father spiral downward. There are lessons here if you dig.

[Surbhi KitKat · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author wrote this book at the urging of her husband. He felt he needed to defend himself against the judgement of his “friends”. And, perhaps the author did too. The couple were struggling financially and trying to cope with his illness amidst the plenty of his social circle. The author, needing to protect her young child, had to make very difficult decisions. Julia Kelly’s trademark is her fine touch. Despite a difficult subject matter and unflinching honesty, her empathetic treatment adds beauty to grief.

[Donna Larson Christian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Your book has really hit home for me. My husband has the starting signs of this monster you so well describe. Thank you for sharing your story with us. It has helped a LOT.

[Lindsay Roberts · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thought this an incredibly honest and loving book, beautifully narrated.