The Monk Upstairs

I just loved the characters in The Monk Upstairs. The writing was spectacular. All of the characters came to life. Thank you Tim Farrington. Iris Segal

Those who have read 'The Monk Downstairs' will be familiar with the key characters in this novel. 'The Monk Upstairs' starts with the marriage of Mike and Rebecca and gently observes and explores many of the relationship challenges faced when people from such diverse backgrounds commence a shared life. Mike has his own struggles with post contemplative life while at the same time bringing wonderful perspectives to the lives of others. The scenes between Mike and Phoebe (Rebecca's mother) are magical. Rebecca is learning to adjust to a slightly different pace of life as well. Her new role as wife joins a role of responsibility for her mother Phoebe and her adaptation to the changed roles of her previous partner Rory. The novel is about life, adaptation, change and acceptance. The novel is also about the changing roles in relationships, and focusses more on the journey than the destination. Tim Farrington's prose is elegant and spare. His insights are both simple and powerful. Highly recommended to all who enjoy well written fiction. I have enjoyed each of the Tim Farrington novels I have read, and this is no exception. Jennifer Cameron-Smith

I just adored this this book. I was a great fan of "The Monk Downstairs," Tim Farrington's previous "monk" book, but I was surprised to find I liked this even more. (Don't worry: you don't have to have read the first to completely enjoy this one.) It restores my faith in publishing that a quiet, yet deeply moving book like this, with real characters living very real lives, can still be published today. There's not a false note in this novel. I highly recommend it. Ken Harvey (author of "if you were with me everything would be all right")

This book is the tender sequel to the The Monk Downstairs (Plus). It picks up the story with the wedding of Rebecca (single mother of one) and Mike (former monk and former fry cook at MacDonalds) and lovingly describes the early days of their marriage and the final days of Rebecca's mother, Phoebe. As in the first book, the characters all have human faces and plenty of warts, kindness and realism abound and tragedy is treated with respect and love. It's a quick read, but a worthwhile one.

I am a passionate fan of "The Monk Downstairs" and devoured this second book about Michael Christopher, a former monk in his 40's who has tremendous wit, patience, sensuality and deep, common-sense spirituality...and his relationship with his world and mostly Rebecca, a single mom and former hippie, whom he marries in the first chapter of this new book. How a monk who retreats for prayers and has so much love and time for people meets or doesn't meet the corporate world, and how he and Rebecca and Rebecca's bright young daughter make a life is the story of this book. He is just the man to be a tender help to Rebecca's sick mother and console the dying homeless, but not quite as good as a competitive breadwinner. It is wonderful to have a protagonist with a real spiritual life. A jewel of a novel! -- from Stephanie Cowell, author of MARRYING MOZART and NICHOLAS COOKE