Skallagrigg by William Horwood – A Life Changing Book
I suppose most people have read books which have influenced their life in some form or another. My own journey into middle-age has been accompanied by a few unforgettable stories along the way. Probably the most life-changing book for me was Skallagrigg by William Horwood. I read this novel over fifteen years ago and by then it had been already in print for over a decade.
Skallagrigg and a Reluctant Reader
At the time this book entered my life things hadn’t been going well for me. I was twenty-five and living in an alcohol recovery unit in London. The book was recommended to me by one of the addiction counsellors. I still am not quite sure why she believed I would benefit from this book, but it certainly worked out that way. I am certain my life would be on a much different path without her wise suggestion. Isn’t it amazing how even a book suggestion can make such a huge difference to a person’s life?
I still remember my first impression when given this gift of a story; I wasn’t impressed. The picture on the front did little to indicate what lay within the covers. A quick glimpse at the back of the novel did little to pique my interest either. After all, what did a story about people with severe learning difficulties have to do with my life? I wanted to please the counsellor though, because it was up to her to decide how well my life was going. She also got to determine when I would be fit to return to the real world. I agreed to give the book a go, and this turned out to be one of the better decisions in my life up until that time.
In Search of Skallagrigg
Skallagrigg is a tale about a young boy who has cerebral palsy. It starts off in a grim English institution where people with profound disability were once housed. The story is given from the point of view of Arthur as he chronicles the abuse and everyday humilities of growing up in such a place. Along the way even his name was lost, but nobody cared. The story involves the arrival of two other characters in Arthur’s life as they set off to find the mythical Skallagrigg. The book has a fantastic twist at the end which would likely touch even the toughest of souls. I am not ashamed to say that this book left me in tears.
Horwood’s novel opened my eyes to a world that I hadn’t known existed until then. My life was far from perfect at the time, but it became obvious that, compared to some, I had it easy. At around this same time the same counsellor who had asked me to read the book also arranged for me to begin some voluntary work helping people with learning difficulties. Between the book and the work experience it was enough to convince me to enter the world of nursing.
The story of Skallagrigg is a powerful one. It shows both the good and bad qualities that exist in all of us. I think that it reads just as well today as it did when it was first released. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys hearing how the human spirit can overcome almost any obstacle.
Buy Skallagrigg
Buy Skallagrigg
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I think your counselor was wise to not only give you a book about people with “bigger” problems than you but also have you help them out. When we feel the lowest it is often because we feel our lives have no purpose. I’ll remember this book the next time I’m perusing around used book stores.
I am repeatedly amazed by how much the right book at the right time can change how you see the world. Between you and Megan I might have to share my own list of books that have altered me. Thanks!
Hi Lani, I do hope you produce this list soon and I’ll look forward to it. I can tell from the way you write that you must of had some interesting influences along the way – unless of course you are blessed with all natural talent.
Aww. Thanks!
Hey Paul, is that an old book? If so is it still in print? And why didn’t you even just give us a hint as to it’s ending?
I must admit whoever designed the cover gave no thought to it’s marketing value, to me from here it just looks like an old rock.
Hi Mark, the ending is a good one so I don’t want to spoil it. It was also turned into a BBC drama.
Yeah Paul, I just googled it and got some info from wikipedia. Published in 1987. Hey you wanna see if the beeb are interested in making a play out of your book.
You never know mate, after witnessing some of the programs that are on in the UK TV these guys are sure in need fresh new ideas.
Thanks Mark, I always saw myself as more of a Channel 4 type of guy 🙂
Paul, I’m always on the lookout for books to read, so thanks for this. I checked amazon and one commenter said “Easily makes my top five”. Impressive. But I’ll have to wait to read it as it’s not on Kindle. Pity.
As the book will take awhile to reach me I looked around. YouTube has the entire movie in 9 parts – just do a search for Skallagrigg. As mentioned, it’s a sad story (and they left one bit unanswered).
Thanks Catherine, I will look out for the movie. It will be interesting to see how the story transfers to screen.
Paul, thanks for the hat tip to this book. I’ll put it on my “to read” list (though the fact of the matter is this list is now so long the likelihood of me getting around to everything on it is minimal!).
Anyway, I like what you mentioned about “My life was far from perfect at the time, but it became obvious that, compared to some, I had it easy”. Its so easy to wallow in ones’ own despair and misery, and forget how fortunate we might really be. Keeping things in the right perspective can be a healthy way to maintain a positive mindset, which is in my opinion, an important part of combating alcoholism and addictions.
Hi Tan, my reading list is out of control as well.
Getting things in perspective was a great help; just the fact of considering how other people had problems was hugely beneficial. People who fall into addition tend to be very self-centred- that would have certainly described me anyway 🙂
Excellently written short article….clear……and a human empathic element filtrates through your entire story. You are developing a wonderful personal style. I enjoy reading these articles especially,….seeing the persona into your heart’s mind.
Thanks Eul, sometimes I can feel a bit disheartened about things, but then a comment like your one comes along just when I need it.
Read this years ago. It remains one of the books that one never forgets. I think it has influenced my understanding and how I perceive the world.
It is a wonderful book. I’m grateful for the person who talked me into reading it.
I’m glad the book has helped you. I think it has a big impact on most who read it. The quote about life usually being a self-made maze is one that I have taken as my own motto, including out in the web. I think more people should read it, it’s one of William Horwood’s forgotten masterpieces.
Hi Ken, I agree with you completely. It is such a wonderful book.