The Novel Cure

Brilliant . . . A perfect gift * * Vogue * * Witty, engaging and informative, The Novel Cure is for anyone who loves reading. It's the sort of book you choose for a friend and end up wanting to keep. My advice would be to buy two -- RACHEL JOYCE * * author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry * * Witty, warm and wise, I loved this book within moments of dipping in and know I shall be returning to it for a long time to come. It's a wonderful reminder of the restorative power of fiction and ideal for anyone who has ever wondered what on earth to read next -- SJ WATSON * * author of Before I Go to Sleep * * The Novel Cure is a tonic in itself. It's tempting to become a hypochondriac just to read more -- DAMIAN BARR * * author of Maggie & Me * * An exuberant pageant of literary fiction and a celebration of the possibilities of the novel * * Guardian * * Astute and often amusing . . . a charming addition to any library. Time spent leafing through its pages is inspiring - even therapeutic * * The Economist * * Wonderful . . . A really great gift for anyone who needs a literary pick-me-up * * Mumsnet * * We're hooked * * Psychologies * * This book is a great way to broaden your literary horizons - and an entertaining read in its own right * * The Lady * * [An] amazing book . . . I suspect it is one that many a reader will want to own and keep to hand for every eventuality. Books about books are always a treat, I have a shelf full of them, but The Novel Cure is different, much more than that and I can see how useful it will be * * dovegreyreader.com * * In times of trouble, a good book can soothe any kind of pain. Longtime friends Berthoud and Elderkin take that notion to a new level in their delightful reference guide to 'bibliotherapy' . . . They tackle serious and not-so-serious ailments with equal verve . . . Berthoud and Elderkin's elegant prose and discussions that span the history of 2,000 years of literature will surely make readers seek out these books. Taking two novellas and calling the bibliotherapists in the morning sounds welcome indeed * * Publishers Weekly * * Elderkin and Berthoud handle their varied subject matter deftly. The Novel Cure remains serious without taking itself too seriously, gives advice without preaching and advocates, with warmth and humour, the importance of literature as a therapeutic medium... A note of caution, however, if reading The Novel Cure on public transport: it will make you laugh. Very loudly * * Sydney Morning Herald * * The tone throughout is witty and self-aware, but the authors' advice is sensible too . . . if you're looking for a book full of intriguing recommendations, it's just what the doctor ordered * * Sunday Business Post * * This beautifully bound compendium lists a bewildering array of classic and modern ailments... interspersed with some whimsical Top 10s with which to wile away minutes or hours * * The National * * This book is an absolute treat for bibliophiles, guaranteed to bring a smile to your face * * A Life in Books * * Written with sparkling wit, gentle common sense and plenty of bookish knowledge. The Novel Cure is both self-help and a tempting array of literary treats * * The Simple Things * * Deeply passionate, authoritative and obsessive, The Novel Cure is wonderfully playful and accessible for fans of books that celebrate the joys of reading * * Women Talking * * Ingenious * * Daily Mail * *

Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin met as English Literature students at Cambridge University, where they began giving novels to each other whenever one of them seemed in need of a boost. Ella went on to study fine art and become a painter and art teacher. Susan became a novelist (Sunset Over Chocolate Mountains and The Voices, both Fourth Estate) and in 2003 was listed by Granta as one of the Twenty Best of Young British Novelists. She also teaches creative writing and writes travel pieces and book reviews for various newspapers. In 2008 they set up a bibliotherapy service through The School of Life in London, and since then have been prescribing books either virtually or in person to clients all over the world. The Novel Cure is their first book together. www.thenovelcure.co.uk