A Note of Madness (Definitions) [Paperback]

Tabitha Suzuma (Author)

Book Description

Series: Definitions | Publication Date: March 2007

Life as a student is good for Flynn. As one of the top pianists at the Royal College of Music, he has been put forward for an important concert, the opportunity of a lifetime. But beneath the surface, things are changing. On a good day, he feels full of energy and life, but on a bad day being alive is worse than being dead. Sometimes he wants to compose and practise all night, at other times he can't get out of bed. His flatmate Harry tries to understand but is increasingly confused by Flynn's erratic mood swings. His friend Jennah tries to help, but Flynn finds it difficult to be around her as he struggles to control his feelings and behaviour. With the pressure of the forthcoming concert and the growing concern of his family and friends, emotions come to a head. Sometimes things can only get worse before they get better.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Tabitha Suzuma was born in 1975 and lives in London. She has always loved writing and would regularly get into trouble at the French Lycee for writing stories instead of listening in class. She used to work as a primary school teacher and now divides her time between writing and tutoring. A Note of Madness is her first novel. The story was inspired by her sixteen-year-old brother Shin, a fantastic pianist (and talented beatboxer), and her sister Thalia who has suffered from depression. She has just started on her third novel and is planning to write many more.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Definitions (March 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0099487535
• ISBN-13: 978-0099487531
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.8 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,195,293 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compulsive, very moving and ultimately positive story, February 18, 2011

By 

Benjamin (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: A Note of Madness (Definitions) (Paperback)

Flynn, Harry are Jennah are in their first year at the Royal College of Music, from different parts they have been friends for about seven years. Flynn, originally from Finland, is a high flying student of the piano, his tutor has high hopes for him, but Flynn has a problem. He fluctuates between periods of hyperactivity and depression, and frequently doubts his abilities. Harry, with whom Flynn shares a flat, and Jennah do their best to encourage and help Flynn, but things start getting beyond their control with Flynn's worry over a forthcoming concert. When Flynn attempts a dangerous act of desperation it is time for Harry to seek help from elsewhere for his friend.

Added to Flynn's worries over his music he has to contend with his feelings of a lack of self-esteem and lack of confidence, made even more apparent when he compares himself to Harry and his natural confidence with other people. All this leads to misunderstandings between Flynn and Jennah, compounding Flynn's problems.

A Note of Madness is a compelling story, wrought with anguish but tempered by the the loyal friendship shown by Harry and Jennah. Suffering with similar, although not quite the same, problems as Flynn, I found some parts especially difficult to read, but at the same time strangely reassuring; which perhaps gives some indication as to the extent Tabitha Suzuma succeeds in capturing Flynn's plight. I found this a compulsive, very moving and ultimately positive story.