The Squirrel that Dreamt of Madness by Craig Stone – Reviewed by Guy Portman
The author Craig Stone is becoming increasingly disillusioned with the predictability and banality of his everyday existence. Deciding that it is better to live dreaming than to dream of living, the decision is made to become homeless and live in a park. Without further ado he leaves the security of his home and job and he’s off with a few possessions to the park. The Squirrel that Dreamt of Madness is the story that Craig wrote whilst he was living in the park.
This unique literary experience allows the reader the opportunity to delve into the inner workings of a highly intelligent and original mind, as the author attempts to adapt to a new world. Though freed from the rigid structure of his former existence, he is now beset by a whole host of new logistical issues, ranging from sleeping and washing arrangements to where to store his possessions. Matters that we home dwellers probably never contemplate.
As the author struggles to maintain his sanity he weaves a story involving a myriad of bizarre and sometimes sinister characters that either reside or spend considerable time in the park. There is Moonface, a strange man, who spends the majority of his time in trees, the sinister Squirrel and a pint-sized park keeper with an enormous head and anger management issues.
This book is delightful and innovative, the writing distinctive, refreshing and unique, the subject matter always humorous and often bizarre. The Squirrel that Dreamt of Madness is the first book by Craig Stone. He has since written another, Life Knocks; which has been has been shortlisted for the prestigious Dundee Book Prize.
Craig Stone can be followed on Twitter at @craigstone
Amazon UK — The Squirrel that Dreamt of Madness
[…] on the road. Recently in print for the first time, blogger Craig Stone’s bizarrely titled debut, The Squirrel That Dreamt of Madness, was written while he lived in a north London park. He’d quit his job in the City and, unable to […]