A Voice in the Distance
by Tabitha Suzuma
I can't remember the last book that made me cry - actually shed a tear - so A Voice in the Distance must have had a very powerful effect on me indeed. It is the sequel to A Note of Madness and continues the story of Flynn, a music student at the Royal College, but the story is strong enough to stand on its own merits and requires no previous knowledge.
Flynn and Jennah are in their last year at the RCM and Flynn, having been relatively stable for a while, is starting to lose control of his bipolar disorder, mainly through refusing to take his medicine. The result is an inevitable (and all the more powerful because of it) descent into bouts of full-blown manic depression, and I found my toes curling of their own accord when Flynn decides to 're-paint' his best friend's room.
I found the character of Jennah somewhat frustrating although I cannot say why; her actions are all too believable as she struggles with her love for Flynn balanced against her wish that he should just be 'normal'. Their relationship was never going to be easy, but the end of the book was handled so beautifully that I couldn't help but be totally convinced. A Voice in the Distance is a real achievement, handled with skill and compassion, and Suzuma's writing is clearly going from strength to strength.