The Essence of the Thing: Text Classics,

I had read an earlier book by the author called "The Women in Black," about shop girls in Australia. I was a bit disap-pointed in that novel and surprised to learn that this later book, "The Essence of the Thing," made the short list fora major literary prize...I had to buy it asap....I found the new book a fabulous read and intimate portrayal of a manwho could not express his love, and the loving woman who kept hoping he would....The author has written a novel full of universal truths that break into your heart. It is like a rare gem that radiates into one's being. I prized this novel and believe you will too. Laurie Wynn Golden

I agree with a previous reviewer that this novel relies heavily on dialogue, but, contrary to what that reviewer thought, I didn't feel that this detracted from it in any way. I also thought that it relied pretty heavily on emotions, and some of them are depicted so well it's scary. I know the feeling - the sheer horror - of trying to imagine life, a long life full of long days, without the person you love. Nicola's utter despair was completely recognizable for me - she is a character I could empathise with. Granted, it may not be a very deep-probing novel, the characters may not be drawn in too much detail, but it is a novel that manages to convey certain awful feelings, and portray some dreary situations, in a compassionate and realistic way. And that is no minor achievement.

I love this book and admire the writing. Those who complain about too much dialogue and no plot are missing the point. No, there are no car chases, burning buildings, no shots in the dark, no blackmail or murder, but the book does have a very subtle, realistic story about the beginning and ending of love. St. John manages in a very brief and succinct narrative to capture every shading of trust betrayed, all the sadness, bewilderment, fury and regret, the steadfast friends who see you through, the parents who can't quite get their heads around it. It's all there and brilliant. The break-up of a relationship may not be a typical subject for Booker Prize novels, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't be.

A thoroughly good read. Our book group very much enjoyed it. The mixture of analysis of her pain and growth was wonderfully offset by the humour in the dialogue of others. Good account of her growth after the separation.

A very enchanting book--with the author's succinct sense of humour trickling through the real life issuesrolling through this every day life story.

An exquisite portrayal of the breakdown of a relationship and the making of a woman. Internal worlds are poignantly laid out in a wonderful flow of thought and dialogue.

Enjoyed the story - unexplained why Jonathon can't commit. Perhaps a psychological break down?

The Essence of the Thing. A banal story, but well told, saved by the fact that it was refracted through the prism of friends and family.

Much as I enjoyed the previous book, this is even better. Written to a large extent in dialogue, almost like Ivy Compton Burnett, it creates vividly rounded characters and a wonderfully accurate and affectionate picture of London society and the intimacy of twentieth century marriages. Would have been a worthy winner of the Booker

I am fascinated by the fluency of the writing. It is satisfactory that the unpleasant deserting lover gets his come-uppance. Comforting if you have experienced desertion and a compulsive read

This books helped me through a dark time in my life. I had gone through a similar scenario and I found it surpisingly comforting in a way.

Madeleine St John is a joy to read; she writes so beautifully. Her simple story, much like Women in Black (though totally different) is elegantly crafted, her characters people you know and with none of the contrived coincidences that so many novelists inflict on us poor readers.It is neither too long, nor too short and finished so poignantly. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed turning the pages of this book wanting to find out what happened to the lovely Nicola and I wasn't disappointed. I am a slow reader but got through this in 2 days I just couldn't put it down.