The Ha-Ha (Faber Editions) by Jennifer Dawson

Set against the backdrop of an Oxford college and a mental institution, The Ha-Ha delves into the fragile mind of Josephine, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother and the bewildering rules of social existence. Her perception of the world is distorted, filled with surreal visions of animals and grotesque transformations, culminating in a breakdown that leads to her institutionalization. The novel captures the subtle nuances of her psychological state and her tentative steps toward recovery. Within the psychiatric hospital, Josephine finds a strange relief and connection, especially through her friendship with a fellow patient, Alasdair. Their interactions and her gradual preparation for reentry into the outside world highlight the challenges of mental health and societal acceptance. Winner of the 1961 James Tait Black Prize, the book offers a compassionate and insightful portrayal of mental illness and the quest for belonging.

Reviews

kobo.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20

intriguing 4.50

The book is a psychogeography exploration of Lawrence's world, blending music memoir with a unique perspective on eccentric British artists. It's a readable and truthful account of Lawrence's life and career, highlighting his uniqueness and the challenges he faces.

Will Hodgkinson's book is less a traditional music memoir and more a work of psychogeography, focusing on Lawrence's life and career. The narrative follows Lawrence, former lead singer of Felt and now Mozart Estate, through walks around London's suburbs, revealing how he transitioned from a pretentious indie band to creating music that, while initially dismissed, proved to be uniquely captivating. The book delves into Lawrence's eccentricities and the ways he has sabotaged his own career, painting a picture of a true original whose life is as fascinating as it is challenging. Hodgkinson's writing is truthful and engaging, making the book a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of music, art, and personal struggle.

Quick quotes

Less a music memoir, more a work of psychogeography, Will Hodgkinson’s latest book explores the world of Lawrence, former lead singer of Felt and now Mozart Estate.

I had listened to the latest Mozart Estate album when it came out, and I was pretty sure it was the worst album I had ever heard — music for the world’s most annoying kids’ TV show.

This is a very readable book — writing truthfully about anyone who is alive is a difficult feat, but Will manages that task admirably.

netgalley.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20

engaging 4.00

The book offers a deep insight into the psyche of Lawrence, the eccentric frontman of Felt, Denim, and Go-Kart Mozart/Mozart Estate. It captures his persistent pursuit of a breakthrough hit and his reflections on a career filled with challenges and setbacks.

Street Level Superstar, A Year With Lawrence provides a fascinating look into the life and mind of Lawrence, a cult figure in the music scene. The book chronicles a year spent walking the streets of London with Lawrence, who seeks inspiration for his lyrics. These walks serve as a backdrop for Lawrence to open up about his career, which has been marked by a relentless pursuit of success despite numerous setbacks. The narrative is a mix of his observations about the world around him and a chronological journey through his musical endeavors. It's clear that Lawrence's persistence is both admirable and, at times, self-destructive, as it has cost him relationships, money, and health. The book effectively captures the essence of Lawrence's character and his enduring passion for music.

Quick quotes

Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.

It is an effective way of getting Lawrence to open up and the book is an engaging mixture of his comments on what they see around them on their walks and a chronological wander through the back alleys and cul-de-sacs of Lawrence’s career.

As they walk, Hodgkinson teases out Lawrence’s story

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-20

emotional 4.00

The Ha-Ha is a poignant exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative's emotional depth and character development are praised, though some find the pacing uneven.

The Ha-Ha delves deeply into the intricacies of family bonds and personal struggles, offering a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships. Readers appreciate the author's ability to capture the nuances of human interaction and the raw, unfiltered emotions of the characters. However, the pacing can feel uneven at times, which might detract from the overall flow of the story. The book's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and the challenges that come with them. While some might find the plot thin in certain sections, the emotional resonance and character development make it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

The author's portrayal of family dynamics is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

The characters feel incredibly real, with their flaws and strengths beautifully depicted.

The pacing can be uneven, but the emotional depth makes up for it.

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