The Art of the Body

This isn’t an easy read, but it is raw and powerful … An uncompromising look at what it means to be ‘able’ in life * Image *Beyond describing in vivid detail Sean’s disability, Allison uses it to pave new literary ground, making use of unusual figures of speech that allow the reader access to another way of looking at the world … The Art of the Body offers the reader a multi-layered exploration of the able and disabled body. Through the experiences of Janet, who shares with us her enthusiasm and disappointment, love and loss, care for others and self-loathing, we discover the possibilities a disabled body offers, which is far from incomplete or needing to be fixed. Allison’s talent transforms it all into a tale worth reading * The Northern Review *[A ] bold, unflinching debut … Finely written and thoughtfully devised, this is also a disquieting and unsettling read about the balance of power, cruelty and compassion … Allison writes unobtrusively, setting up illuminating parallels and gently guiding the reader to unexpected understanding * Guardian *What a brilliant book! I tore through it. Brutal, tender, philosophical, visceral, complex and so well written. A deft exploration of two entwined lives that is deeply moving without ever being sentimental. The character of Janet is incredible. I have never encountered anyone like her, and yet she was utterly believable. This is one of those books that sneaks under your skin and expands you. Sheer brilliance – Emma Jane Unsworth

Alex Allison (b. 1991) lives and works in London. Alex is a graduate of the Centre for New Writing MA at University of Manchester. His debut novel, The Art of the Body, was published in 2019. It won a Somerset Maugham Award and was longlisted for the Desmond Elliot Prize. Alex is a fan and co-owner of AFC Wimbledon.