Chris Ruta

Baxter’s Requiem is the first Matthew Crow novel I have read - it won’t be the last. The book is beautifully crafted, (p150: Thomas had not wanted to cause his beloved pain. He simply wanted time to take in the moment; to feel the sun on his skin, and absorb the words like minerals, feeling nourished by their sincerity.’) with care and detail that can be easily recognised. The characters are all individual, realistic and very normal. Displaying kindness and acerbic humour in equal measure. Although it is a story about love, relationships, and loss, it also gives hope, understanding and wisdom to those suffering in today’s modern world due to intolerance and our battles with emotions, anxiety, self worth and confidence. The book can be summed up by Baxter as he asserts to Greg: ‘’The world is not out to defeat you, you know. Life is to be enjoyed.’ No doubt we will see this dramatised soon and shared with a wider audience. A superb read.