In "The Escalator" by Andrew Budden, the tangled threads of a brilliant yet tormented mind are expertly woven into a compelling tapestry of love, loss, and the intricate dance between reality and illusion. This literary novel is a poignant exploration of the human condition, where the boundaries between truth and fantasy blur with tragi-comic finesse.

At the heart of the narrative is William, a character whose life has spiraled into chaos, leaving him homeless and engulfed by delusions. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of William's mental turmoil. Budden skillfully guides readers through the labyrinthine corridors of William's mind, unveiling his thoughts, memories, and fantasies in a way that is both unsettling and enlightening.

The story grapples with profound themes such as love, isolation, and the fragility of the human psyche. As William's mental decline accelerates, his experiences as a Concorde pilot, a Pope, and a scriptwriter for a beloved television show blur the lines between fact and fiction. Through the distorted lens of his delusions, these fabricated memories become eerily plausible, highlighting the fragile nature of perception.

Amid the chaos of William's mind, his wife stands as a poignant counterpoint. Her humor and sarcasm become a lifeline for both the reader and William himself. Her emotional imprisonment, while different from his, paints a picture of human connection strained by the complexities of mental illness.

Budden's prose is a powerful instrument, guiding readers through William's fractured reality with a mix of compassion and raw honesty. The narrative captures the essence of the human experience, where freedom and focus, imagination and reality, collide in a symphony of emotions.

While "The Escalator" can be challenging to read at times due to its unflinching portrayal of mental decline and different timelines, the effort is unquestionably worth it. The book's ability to immerse readers in William's world, seamlessly blending their perspectives with his, is a testament to Budden's narrative prowess. The gaps in William's recollections only serve to deepen the sense of empathy and understanding, drawing readers into his labyrinthine thoughts.

The book reminded me of Ruan Kemp's Gedeeltelik bewolk. (Translated to Partly cloudy)

"The Escalator" is a haunting and thought-provoking journey into the heart and mind of a man battling his mental decline. Andrew Budden's ability to craft a narrative that's simultaneously unsettling and enlightening is a testament to his literary skill. For those willing to engage with its complex themes and delve into the depths of human consciousness, this novel is a remarkable exploration of the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

Thank you Netgalley for the arc copy.

The Escalator is a sad novel that takes a few chapters for readers to understand they are walking along with a ill man named William who is experiencing delusions that include imagining he is the pope, among other notable people. Once the reader is clued into William's mindset is is easy to become sympathetic to him and his endless wanderings.

An interesting story of William’s thoughts and his mental illness.
Many thanks to Editstream Press and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

"The Escalator" by Andrew Budden is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story follows protagonist Tom, a successful businessman who seems to have it all. However, when he begins to experience strange and disturbing events on the escalator in his office building, he quickly realizes that his perfect life is not what it seems.

The book is skillfully written, with well-crafted characters and a cleverly constructed plot that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. The author does an excellent job of building suspense and creating a sense of unease throughout the book. The pacing is just right, with enough action and intrigue to keep the reader engaged, but also enough quiet moments to allow the characters to develop.

One of the strengths of this book is the way the author explores themes of identity, perception, and the nature of reality. As Tom's experiences become more and more bizarre, the reader is left wondering whether what he is experiencing is real or a product of his own imagination. This ambiguity adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a simple thriller.

Overall, "The Escalator" is a well-written, engaging, and thought-provoking novel that is sure to appeal to fans of the psychological thriller genre. The characters are believable, the plot is intriguing, and the writing is excellent. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling and thought-provoking read.

Pretty good. This is nicely done overall. It doesn't have the polish of a more experienced author, but the talent is there.

I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!

There's clearly a lot of passion and learning gone into this debut - almost every page bursts with thoughts, philosophies and ideas. A great start to what will hopefully be a long and successful writing career. 3.5 stars.

I really liked this book and I’ve tried to think how I would review this but I can’t find the right words. William experiences mental decline as he ages and talks of his jobs as a scriptwriter for Brookside, a Concorde pilot and being the Pope, yet even though we know it’s all in his head, it is almost believable. He is intelligent and knowledgeable about World affairs, he is sentimental and caring. We don’t know when he took to the streets, or how he managed that, but he seemed to be content in his own little bubble. Though there are chunks ‘missing’, you don’t notice. You’re in William’s head too. #netgalleyarc