A faded seaside town in autumn is the backdrop for this elegiac story of a vulnerable boy and the adult who befriends him. Eight year old Neville, who counts stars and steps and grains of sand, is the first to notice that the red beach hut is occupied again. Abbott is on the run after a disturbing cyber attack. Their fleeting friendship, played out on the margins of sea and shore, brings the honesty and compassion both seek. But others watch, judge and misinterpret what they see while Abbot’s past runs at their heels.
An evocative portrayal of two outsiders who find companionship and solace on a lonely beach. This novel is about the labels we give people who are different and the harm that ensues.
The Red Beach Hut is a compassionate exploration of the complexity of human relationships, a loving ode to the restorative power of friendship and an incisive commentary on the dark desire to label each other and the harm which can result from our misinterpretation.
Disclaimer Magazine, Megan Kenny
We are lucky to have writers like Lynn Michell to remind us that even here, even now, it is possible for the lonely and excluded to connect. It is rare to find such beauty.
Maureen Freely, President of English PEN, novelist, translator and activist.
From the first pages of this novel, Michell sets up an atmosphere of such convincing threat that the reader’s expectations are on red alert.
Jenny Garrod. DURA. Dundee Univeriry Review of the Arts.
‘Lynn Michell writes a beautifully innocent and endearing tale twisted by the tainted gaze of society’s perverse darkness.’
Isabelle Coy-Dibley for The Contemporary Small Press.
A faded seaside town in Autumn is the perfect setting for this elegiac story of a vulnerable boy and the adult who befriends him
Ali Bacon. Between the Lines
‘The prose is achingly beautiful.The boy Neville is exquisitely drawn, a wounded soul who counts stars and steps and grains of sand for security’
Avril Joy, Costa and People’s Prize winning author
A story of hope, the power to transcend intolerance, and of the ability to carve out spaces of safety and sanctuary for those deemed outsiders.
Professor Joyce Goodman, Univerisyt of Winchester
A beautifully written exploration of the relationship between a tormented man and a damaged boy. Michell moves seamlessly between them.I
Kathleen James, writer and poet.
By touching chords of such tenderness and insight, Lynn Michell positions the simple inside truths of these two characters way above the exterior actions of the ‘authorities’.’
Alison Coles, Book Oxygen
A brave and brilliant decision to have a child as one of the central protaganists...Neville is so beautifully drawn.
Ninja Book Box
A parable for our times...an intriguing book about secrets, assumptions, and consequences...the boy is beautifully realised.
.Derek Thompson, Author of Standpoint, Line of Sight, Cause & Effect, Shadow State.
‘A compelling book that examines bigotry, ignorance, redemption and friendship. Beautifully told too.’
Heidi James, author of Wounding.
‘Some of the best writing I’ve seen in a long time. The characterisation of Abbott and Neville is quite simply superb.
Howard Sergeant, Writer and ghost writer.
The innocence and trust of the relationship between Abbott and Neville is beautifully conceived.
Susie Nott-Bower. Author of The Making of Her.
The writing in The Red Beach Hut is enthralling.
The Bibliophile Chronicles
The magnificent part of The Red Beach Hut ... is touching on the ugliness and beauty of human nature - to be alone, an outsider and still seek out human connection...definitely recommend.
SipnSee
Delicately beautiful and gorgeously descriptive
SarahLouise writes
