Beats me why Jacob M Appel is not better known. He certainly should be, in my opinion. All his writerly skills are in evidence in this original, unusual and extremely well-written novel. I found it a real pleasure to read from beginning to end, a gem of a novel – pitch-perfect in voice and tone, cleverly paced and expertly crafted. It’s the story of Granny Flamingo, the most unexpected amateur detective you are ever likely to come across. Granny Flamingo, or Henrietta Brigander as she was once known, scion of a once wealthy family, now reduced to living on the streets when not incarcerated in mental institutions. On one of her stays a fellow patient is murdered and Granny Flamingo is more than a tad suspicious about the circumstances. She determines to uncover the truth and we accompany her on her quest. Sharp, witty, observant and above all astute in regards to mental illness and the so-called experts who sit in judgement on sufferers, this is a book that amuses whilst it provokes thought. We root for Granny Flamingo throughout, and if superficially the book is funny and entertaining, there are nevertheless serious issues addressed here, subtly and with nuance, and it’s a book and an author I wholeheartedly recommend.

This book was unlike any book I’ve read. The way the author lives in the head of someone with schizophrenia and can explain it to the reader is fantastic! The book fascinated me. Thank you for the advanced copy!

The blurb of the book was intriguing. But the writing style was so messy, that the story itself drowned in the sea of inconsequential details and made the experience annoying. I tried to finish it, but simply couldn’t take it anymore! Sorry.

The idea is great, the execution is poor. 1/5.

Why do I relate with the main character? She's witty, humourous and very observant. Henrietta was a loveable character and as the story progresses, she became one of my favourite characters. Because the description did mention quite a heavy topic, which was schizophrenia, I was compelled to reading more and wasn't disappointed. Would definitely recommend this to my friends.

This book kinda heavy reading. You really need to focus on the story. I love the main character. Henrietta, carving out a niche for herself as "Granny Flamingo. She having a sharp eyes. Someone that really observed for everything and with the mission to the justice

I am usually unlikely to try a novel not published by a major house but I liked the description of this one so I gave it a go, What a delight this character was to journey through bedlam with. Very impressive.

Shaving with Occam was a book I found myself liking more and more as it went on, and the more I sat with it. Appel explores the world of Granny Flamingo and her once lavish Bret Easton Ellis Less Than Zero-esque life that deteriorates following a schizophrenic breakdown. It is smart and witty, the voice of Granny Flamingo consistent and making the story flow well as we meet a cast of characters (see schizophrenic break) while she attempts to solve a presumed murder. The glossary and family tree were a nice touch at the end, as I believe they alluded more to the fact that Henrietta was struggling mentally than the fact that we would need to learn about each thing on the extensive list. The cover and title pull you in, and the story accents it perfectly.

I really liked this book. Granny Flamingo is quite a character. There were some laugh out loud moments. Characters were well developed, and the plot kept an easy flow.