Exuberance - by Bel Vidal (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Hi, Elena," she says to the mirror. "I have been waiting for you."

As the city of Sydney gears up for the 2000 Olympic games, Angelica Fletcher's life unravels.

It begins when, dissatisfied with her conventional life, she invents a feisty alter ego named Elena. Soon the line between reality and imagination blurs, and the repercussions ripple through those around her.

Her husband Jimmy is thrust into a tumultuous journey as he grapples with Angie's sudden exuberance. Her new friend Sinead finds solace in Angie's vibrant persona, but is unaware of her inner struggles. Norah's delicate stability shatters when her daughter's wild antics resurrect a haunting past.

Angie is making the best of her borrowed life, but how long can this last before she uncovers who Elena really is?

With intelligence and sensitivity, this novel explores the complexities of living with a mental health condition, the transformative power of healing, and the need for balance and authenticity in our lives.

Review Quotes

5 out of 5 - 'A wonderful journey of the power of the human mind'

I loved this book. It is full of real heart and feeling for the trauma of mental illness and how it touches a whole family in their struggle to recalibrate their lives after Angie (the book's heroine) is diagnosed with bi-polar. There is humour and warmth as well as the realistic darkness of the journey for Angie as a wife, daughter and friend. - Amazon customer

5 out of 5 - Uplifting and enthralling

From the first page to the last I loved this book. It's the story of highs and lows, struggles and ultimately triumph. The author takes the reader on a journey of twists and unexpected turns and leaves you feeling nothing but admiration for Angelica's determination in the face of setbacks along the way. I can't recommend this book highly enough; it is a narrative told with energy and sensitivity. - Amazon customer

5 out of 5 - Powerful story that spoke to me personally

I am not a fiction reader at all, but was drawn to this storyline and personally resonated with both the challenges and triumphs of Angie's journey. I love how the author was able to fictionally create a story that highlighted the stigma still surrounding mental health. I honestly feel this is a book that should be readily available for everyone to read, especially in these times. We all need to embrace the Angies of this broken world, as you can learn and grow so much by doing so. - Amazon customer