Edward St Aubyn: Parallel Lines
The author of the Patrick Melrose novels speaks to Alex Clark about his new book, a story of connection, love and the cascading consequences of our choices.
It is summer, and Sebastian is in treatment following a breakdown that has left him grappling, again, with his fragile grip on reality and his persistent hunger to connect with the mother who abandoned him as a child.
His therapist, Martin, is also facing challenges, including his adopted daughter’s tenuous relationship with her biological mother – a predicament that makes Sebastian’s struggle feel uncannily close to her own.
Olivia is producing a radio series on natural disasters, which itself seems to be running parallel to the events unfolding in her personal life, as her best friend Lucy faces a grave diagnosis, and her husband, Francis, pursues his mission of rewilding the world.
Over the course of the next year, their fates collide in outrageous and poignant ways, as each of their destinies is revealed in a marvellous new light.
Written with St Aubyn’s trademark wit and inimitable style, Parallel Lines is a thrilling, wondrous novel from one of our most gifted writers, whose novel Mother’s Milk was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. His acclaimed Patrick Melrose novels were also turned into the hit TV series starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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