Book Review - A-Z of Normal

A-Z of Normal is a first novel by Helen Barbour. Her book is about Clare, a young woman who suffers from OCD which she has kept from her family, in fact everyone, including her boyfriend Tom. Now she has accepted his marriage proposal and the nightmare scenario hits - how will she manage to live in the same house as him? Tom has never been to Clare's flat where everything has its place and items are lined up forming patterns which make Clare feel secure and calm. Now he is coming to stay!

The book is both poignant and humorous as Clare tries self-help and a support group in order to rid herself of her compulsions. However, complications set in - her sister doesn't seem as altogether as Clare thought she was and Clare begins to doubt her relationship with Tom. Can Clare take control of her OCD and sort her life out?  Will Tom still be in it? The book looks at compulsions, and we all have them to a certain degree, how we cope with them and whether, and how far, they impact on others.

I enjoyed reading this. Enlightening, funny and serious at the same time.