Paediatrician Natalie Francis and I had a great time discussing Jo Browning-Wroe's wonderful novel A Terrible Kindness. We talk about stigma, PTSD, defence mechanisms, love, jealousy, homophobia and so much more. Find Natalie on twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/natalie_francis
This novel starts with the story of a young embalmer who travels to Aberfan, following the call to attend to assist with the rescue and preparation of the bodies of children after the disaster. Jo Browning-Wroe's article in the Nw Statesman here https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2016/10/unsung-heroes-aberfan is an introduction and background to the work they did and what William may have experienced.
This is a sensational debut novel but one which did have me weeping in places