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Conditions
When Charles and Tony's mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another. has cast one aside.
Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.
The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another. has cast one aside.
Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.
217 pages, Paperback
First published October 15, 2014
27 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Christoph Fischer
48 books470 followersChristoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.
Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.
Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
September 22, 2014
The Human Condition
Author Christoph Fischer has done it again with his latest book, Conditions. As the reader has come to expect from him, the story is excellent, the dialogue snappy, cast of characters wholly believable, the pages turning at a rate of knots.
What Christoph Fischer also does so well is to not shy away from writing of difficult subjects, and delving into humanity. For this, he is to be applauded, for handing such subjects with amazing gentleness and insight doubly so. Conditions is just as well done, and tugs at the heart strings just as much as the beautiful tale, Time To Let Go.
Conditions follows two estranged brothers, Tony and Charles, who are brought into each others orbits again after the death of their mother. Fear, resentment, prejudice and a money-grabbing wife make for a gripping, intriguing tale, never mind the fact that Charles struggles with mental health issues and is generally not believed.
Charles’ friends are equally well written, their conversations throwing light on things that he says have happened, all the while reacting to his changes in mood.
I found Conditions extremely touching, and without wishing to let cats out of various bags, I loved how the author gave Charles his dignity.
Another fabulous tale from Christoph Fischer, in fact I really hope there might be a sequel having been offered such a tantalising glimpse into Tony and Charles’ lives.
Author Christoph Fischer has done it again with his latest book, Conditions. As the reader has come to expect from him, the story is excellent, the dialogue snappy, cast of characters wholly believable, the pages turning at a rate of knots.
What Christoph Fischer also does so well is to not shy away from writing of difficult subjects, and delving into humanity. For this, he is to be applauded, for handing such subjects with amazing gentleness and insight doubly so. Conditions is just as well done, and tugs at the heart strings just as much as the beautiful tale, Time To Let Go.
Conditions follows two estranged brothers, Tony and Charles, who are brought into each others orbits again after the death of their mother. Fear, resentment, prejudice and a money-grabbing wife make for a gripping, intriguing tale, never mind the fact that Charles struggles with mental health issues and is generally not believed.
Charles’ friends are equally well written, their conversations throwing light on things that he says have happened, all the while reacting to his changes in mood.
I found Conditions extremely touching, and without wishing to let cats out of various bags, I loved how the author gave Charles his dignity.
Another fabulous tale from Christoph Fischer, in fact I really hope there might be a sequel having been offered such a tantalising glimpse into Tony and Charles’ lives.
October 23, 2015
This is the third book by Christoph Fischer that I have read. The Healer and more recently The Gamblers were both works of such quality that I had to go back to the well for more. There is one very special thing about all of his books and that is his very unique voice. Here is a writer who knows who he is and I have to say I am a big fan. There is style and flair in even the simplest of passages. In extensive passages of dialogue, he maintains the quality and texture of real conversation without missing a beat. His narrative is direct, unhindered by useless distraction bringing you straight to the heart of the matter always. This is a difficult subject to write about. Mental illness is something that effects so many people and the delicate nondescript way in which he skirts around the actual illness in question is in itself a masterstroke. Despite the great differences in plot and story line with all three of the books I have read by this author, there is a commonality not just in the voice as I mentioned already but in theme. The title of this book 'Conditions' is relevant to me in this sense, that while it relates to this particular story, it has a relevance in that The Healer and The Gamblers also deal with 'conditions.' Christoph Fisher writes so wonderfully on the human condition despite my dislike for the term, it best describes him for me. I have now read three great books form one of my favourite authors. Absolutely five stars
January 18, 2015
Christopher Fischer creates a cast of emotionally charged quirky characters to pull us into a very well-crafted and complex tale on accepting the human condition.
Brothers Tony and Charles have never been close. At best they have been distant housemates. Tony, the oldest son, as a teen is a well-rounded, gifted athlete, who has dreams of becoming a professional football (soccer) player. His parents focus their time and funds helping their other child, Charles. He has a condition. He's bi-polar.
Caught up in a world of blaming, as time passes, Tony perceives Charles as the cause for all that goes wrong in his life.
Eventually, with the death of their mother (their father long since dead) the brothers must deal with her funeral. What would normally be an emotionally fraught experience becomes highly charged, when illusions disintegrate and truths must be faced.
Charles is supported by friends who have their own conditions, whether it be fear of letting the past go, fear of loss of control, fear of being hurt again. Tony is supported by his wife and friends, who see Charles through the lens he has painted.
A remarkably brilliant book! Beyond a compelling and consuming tale, Mr. Fischer's writing flows beautifully. Writers would be wise to study his sentence structure. One of a handful of books that I've read recently where I see and feel what is happening, versus being told what is occurring.
(A personal nod to Mr. Fischer for having Charles be a gifted landscape designer. As a Landscape Architect, I have an added passion for books that bring design into them.)
Brothers Tony and Charles have never been close. At best they have been distant housemates. Tony, the oldest son, as a teen is a well-rounded, gifted athlete, who has dreams of becoming a professional football (soccer) player. His parents focus their time and funds helping their other child, Charles. He has a condition. He's bi-polar.
Caught up in a world of blaming, as time passes, Tony perceives Charles as the cause for all that goes wrong in his life.
Eventually, with the death of their mother (their father long since dead) the brothers must deal with her funeral. What would normally be an emotionally fraught experience becomes highly charged, when illusions disintegrate and truths must be faced.
Charles is supported by friends who have their own conditions, whether it be fear of letting the past go, fear of loss of control, fear of being hurt again. Tony is supported by his wife and friends, who see Charles through the lens he has painted.
A remarkably brilliant book! Beyond a compelling and consuming tale, Mr. Fischer's writing flows beautifully. Writers would be wise to study his sentence structure. One of a handful of books that I've read recently where I see and feel what is happening, versus being told what is occurring.
(A personal nod to Mr. Fischer for having Charles be a gifted landscape designer. As a Landscape Architect, I have an added passion for books that bring design into them.)
October 21, 2014
We try, as humans, living in an information society, to organize our lives via thought processes, norms, culture and physical parameters. It just doesn't always happen. Our world, society and even family are diverse entities that guarantee tough sailing at varying points in our lives. At the blink of an eye, things change and meaning and bond of family is challenged. Conditions is the story of Tony and Charles, two very differently wired brothers who are experiencing life after the death of their mother. In Christoph Fischer's newest novel, "Conditions" it becomes quite clear that things are never going to be the same. Per his usual style, the author pulls us in with masterful description of emerging change, trauma and chaos while continuing to challenge us with the "what if" and "maybe" of the evolving story. Fischer's style is reflective, pensive, and gripping. The characters are well drawn, visual and salient. The research is intact and well done and the author superbly highlights the uniqueness of man, family, and life. An amazing read, am always looking forward to this writer's books.
October 3, 2014
What a remarkable story. The mental condition of one family member has an effect on all family members. I love the way the author uses meeting people through social media to introduce the fact that we all have "conditions". Though some are given names and so put people in a special class, others are just as real. Charles has found friends by realizing everyone has issues and does not let them interfere with his opinions about them. His brother Tony has lived his life resentful of Charles and the way his mother doted on him. A death and all is brought into the open. Well written and lovingly offered to us.
September 9, 2016
If someone asked me to write a book like this, honestly, I’d go running for the hills. It’s one of the hardest things to do. No special effects. No big explosions. No fast-paced action and chapters ending with our hero a hair’s breadth from death. Though you might think I’m talking about the movies, formula fiction novels too rely on an A-story that’s fast moving and knuckle biting with a B-story romance that honestly is just there so the reader can catch his breath before returning to the excitement. Let’s not forget playing for the hugest possible stakes—the world in the balance! I can’t tell you why it works, or rather why it continues to work, as the formulas are as old as storytelling and you’d think people would just get tired of them.
So take away all of that and what have you? Usually the term “literary” comes to mind. That’s what we call books that don’t really fit any categories, any genres, to which it’s just hard to put a label of any kind on. If there’s still genius buried in them there pages we might throw a Pulitzer at it in hopes we can still talk someone into reading it, because, after all, genius is a terrible thing to waste. Often times these books are a tedious chore to read; they feel like homework, as some way of cleansing the soul, or paying for the sins of that high fat diet loaded with chocolates and rich deserts that constitutes our traditional reading fare. Every once in a while we have to choke down a “healthy” salad. Maybe the reason I don’t write these things is I can barely stand to read them.
But… every once in a while someone comes along to challenge all my notions about literature. That, for one, maybe it can be literary. Christoph Fischer is one of those people. In Conditions, he puts a bunch of people together who haven’t seen each other in ages—and for good reason—they didn’t really get along when they did. That set up alone reminded me of The Big Chill, one of my favorite movies (in this class) with William Hurt and Jeff Goldblum. Even there, the director didn’t have the courage to do a film like this without a whole lot of humor to take the edge off. Christoph has the braveness of heart to stick with straight drama, as opposed to comedy drama. Though there’s no denying the comic appeal of these characters and how they play off of one another, they certainly don’t intend to be funny.
With little more than sharp, poignant characters that leap off the page and dialogue every bit as punchy, the author manages to keep your attention riveted and keep you turning the pages. (Not that there isn’t a solid plot here; there is, it’s just not what’s driving the story; the characters are.) Christoph brings the drama of life into sharp focus in ways that everyday life just can’t; surrounded by the same people day in and day out, after a while those relationships lose their sheen and we fail to see not only the humor and wonder in life, but just fail to really see one another at all. It’s like we’re seeing our own lives through a fish bowl. Writers in this class help us to really engage with life again; they help us to snap out of the trance we’ve slipped into that’s rather like driving through thick fog with the high beams on, scattering the light even more and reducing near-zero visibility to absolute zero. That distance Conditions gives us on ourselves, simultaneously gives us a renewed connection with our life purpose, with what we’re really about, and with those around us that has needed renewing for a long time.
Even after the family has gathered together for the funeral, the author continues to weave an intricate web of time around the present moment as he takes us in and out of each of their lives at pivotal moments to show how things really come together as they do. The crises forced on them is of course created by the characters themselves and their inability to escape their own natures, to gain the kind of perspective that might drive higher consciousness, and spiritual renewal in the absence of crisis. And even with several crises pending at once, you wonder if even that is enough to awaken these people so they can see at once how insufferable and how beautiful they are.
If you’re a student of psychology and of the human condition, and you’re looking for real literary magic, as opposed to Hollywood razzmatazz magic that is more smoke and mirrors and illusions than the real thing, give Conditions a read. You won’t regret it. I began this one the way I begin most literary affairs, with a silent prayer of, “please don’t hurt me;” followed by “please don’t waste my time; I have so little of it.” I was delighted when my silent prayers were answered.
So take away all of that and what have you? Usually the term “literary” comes to mind. That’s what we call books that don’t really fit any categories, any genres, to which it’s just hard to put a label of any kind on. If there’s still genius buried in them there pages we might throw a Pulitzer at it in hopes we can still talk someone into reading it, because, after all, genius is a terrible thing to waste. Often times these books are a tedious chore to read; they feel like homework, as some way of cleansing the soul, or paying for the sins of that high fat diet loaded with chocolates and rich deserts that constitutes our traditional reading fare. Every once in a while we have to choke down a “healthy” salad. Maybe the reason I don’t write these things is I can barely stand to read them.
But… every once in a while someone comes along to challenge all my notions about literature. That, for one, maybe it can be literary. Christoph Fischer is one of those people. In Conditions, he puts a bunch of people together who haven’t seen each other in ages—and for good reason—they didn’t really get along when they did. That set up alone reminded me of The Big Chill, one of my favorite movies (in this class) with William Hurt and Jeff Goldblum. Even there, the director didn’t have the courage to do a film like this without a whole lot of humor to take the edge off. Christoph has the braveness of heart to stick with straight drama, as opposed to comedy drama. Though there’s no denying the comic appeal of these characters and how they play off of one another, they certainly don’t intend to be funny.
With little more than sharp, poignant characters that leap off the page and dialogue every bit as punchy, the author manages to keep your attention riveted and keep you turning the pages. (Not that there isn’t a solid plot here; there is, it’s just not what’s driving the story; the characters are.) Christoph brings the drama of life into sharp focus in ways that everyday life just can’t; surrounded by the same people day in and day out, after a while those relationships lose their sheen and we fail to see not only the humor and wonder in life, but just fail to really see one another at all. It’s like we’re seeing our own lives through a fish bowl. Writers in this class help us to really engage with life again; they help us to snap out of the trance we’ve slipped into that’s rather like driving through thick fog with the high beams on, scattering the light even more and reducing near-zero visibility to absolute zero. That distance Conditions gives us on ourselves, simultaneously gives us a renewed connection with our life purpose, with what we’re really about, and with those around us that has needed renewing for a long time.
Even after the family has gathered together for the funeral, the author continues to weave an intricate web of time around the present moment as he takes us in and out of each of their lives at pivotal moments to show how things really come together as they do. The crises forced on them is of course created by the characters themselves and their inability to escape their own natures, to gain the kind of perspective that might drive higher consciousness, and spiritual renewal in the absence of crisis. And even with several crises pending at once, you wonder if even that is enough to awaken these people so they can see at once how insufferable and how beautiful they are.
If you’re a student of psychology and of the human condition, and you’re looking for real literary magic, as opposed to Hollywood razzmatazz magic that is more smoke and mirrors and illusions than the real thing, give Conditions a read. You won’t regret it. I began this one the way I begin most literary affairs, with a silent prayer of, “please don’t hurt me;” followed by “please don’t waste my time; I have so little of it.” I was delighted when my silent prayers were answered.
March 18, 2015
Very well written and detailed. Fischer doesn't come across as promoting awareness of mental health (that's what I thought it was going to be) but he does show, through his characters, the uphill struggle of a sufferer and other people's prejudices.
My first impression was that Charles and Tony reminded me of Rainman. However, I changed this view as the story progressed.
He handles the complexity of his characters beautifully. We all, as humans, have flaws and Fischer makes us realise this. If anyone who reads this has a 'judgemental' trait I hope it teaches them compassion.
I'm also pretty sure that anyone who reads Conditions will be able to empathise with one of the characters.
My first impression was that Charles and Tony reminded me of Rainman. However, I changed this view as the story progressed.
He handles the complexity of his characters beautifully. We all, as humans, have flaws and Fischer makes us realise this. If anyone who reads this has a 'judgemental' trait I hope it teaches them compassion.
I'm also pretty sure that anyone who reads Conditions will be able to empathise with one of the characters.
October 6, 2014
**************** Spoiler alert*****************
Lets start at the very beginning. I hate spoilers. I truly do. So if like me you think spoilers are evil please take my * rating as an indicator and STOP reading now!
We have two brothers. Tony who is blessed with a steady income his wife and two boys. Charles has a condition. A mental condition that makes it very hard for him to fit in anywhere. Tony and Charles does not see eye to eye and upon the death of their mother this situation much like the Titanic seems destined to go down with the funeral being the ice berg.
And although Charles is the person with the mental disability he is also the brother who does not judge and therefor has built up a circle of friends lie Simon. Simon is in part the character I identified with the most personally. Elaine, the wise motherly hippie figure who steers the course. Martha whom has her own issues. Sarah, Edgar etc.
Amazingly these friends of Simon know each other exclusively at times by word of mouth via Charles. When circumstances and human decency puts them all at Casa Blanca looking after Charles an amazing thing starts to happen. They form bonds of their own. Allowing for differences and often very vocally disagreeing these people come together as a band of friends almost encircling Charles in an effort to help him.
All that is said about Charles is however not so clear. Yes he is an amazing man allowing everybody around him the space to grow, loving them warts and all while they, though amazingly caring and selfless stands to not so much judge Charles as to add more than a simple pinch of salt to his words and his recollection of his past.
As the funeral plays of with a sense of menace that was almost palatable emotions run high.
How the funeral progress, what happens next...you'll have to read the book. But be prepared. This book is 99% character driven and the characters are as human and as fallible as any of us. You might not like them all, you will probably mot agree with the actions of some. You might even use the witch with a b instead of a w word for some...but beware of judgement for that is where things will go wrong for you as a reader..that is the human condition.
WaAr
Lets start at the very beginning. I hate spoilers. I truly do. So if like me you think spoilers are evil please take my * rating as an indicator and STOP reading now!
We have two brothers. Tony who is blessed with a steady income his wife and two boys. Charles has a condition. A mental condition that makes it very hard for him to fit in anywhere. Tony and Charles does not see eye to eye and upon the death of their mother this situation much like the Titanic seems destined to go down with the funeral being the ice berg.
And although Charles is the person with the mental disability he is also the brother who does not judge and therefor has built up a circle of friends lie Simon. Simon is in part the character I identified with the most personally. Elaine, the wise motherly hippie figure who steers the course. Martha whom has her own issues. Sarah, Edgar etc.
Amazingly these friends of Simon know each other exclusively at times by word of mouth via Charles. When circumstances and human decency puts them all at Casa Blanca looking after Charles an amazing thing starts to happen. They form bonds of their own. Allowing for differences and often very vocally disagreeing these people come together as a band of friends almost encircling Charles in an effort to help him.
All that is said about Charles is however not so clear. Yes he is an amazing man allowing everybody around him the space to grow, loving them warts and all while they, though amazingly caring and selfless stands to not so much judge Charles as to add more than a simple pinch of salt to his words and his recollection of his past.
As the funeral plays of with a sense of menace that was almost palatable emotions run high.
How the funeral progress, what happens next...you'll have to read the book. But be prepared. This book is 99% character driven and the characters are as human and as fallible as any of us. You might not like them all, you will probably mot agree with the actions of some. You might even use the witch with a b instead of a w word for some...but beware of judgement for that is where things will go wrong for you as a reader..that is the human condition.
WaAr
October 23, 2014
Delves into the Fragility of the Human Spirit
This is the kind of book that one reads in two or three sittings at most, it flows with ease and as a reader I wanted to hold the hand of the characters, help them and see what happened.
The choice of title is very clever as the book deals with Charles and his Illness or Condition. The author is very clever and uses in his storyline every form of condition except for weather conditions, anyone could imagine.
I had fun looking up synonyms of the word because I really enjoyed how the title of the book could be applied to so much in the storyline, here are a few so I don’t ruin the story for would be readers.
Circumstances; those conditions are used in exploring each character and the circumstances of their life, how they became who they are, this is done with clever descriptions, actions and the help of a psychic character.
Situations; the author explores through setting and environment a wide variety of situations, by giving the protagonist Charles an array of very unique and disconnected friends, all of whom are linked simply by their relationship to Charles.
Stipulations; the conditions in a will or contract through the storyline affect the relationship between different characters.
I found the writing captivating as Christoph Fischer gave a storyline with stormy relationships, exploring the fragility of the human spirit from such different angles by giving the characters their own set of shortcomings.
Every character in their own way tugged at my heartstrings, I really enjoyed this read. And I wish I had more than FIVE STARS TO GIVE!
This is the kind of book that one reads in two or three sittings at most, it flows with ease and as a reader I wanted to hold the hand of the characters, help them and see what happened.
The choice of title is very clever as the book deals with Charles and his Illness or Condition. The author is very clever and uses in his storyline every form of condition except for weather conditions, anyone could imagine.
I had fun looking up synonyms of the word because I really enjoyed how the title of the book could be applied to so much in the storyline, here are a few so I don’t ruin the story for would be readers.
Circumstances; those conditions are used in exploring each character and the circumstances of their life, how they became who they are, this is done with clever descriptions, actions and the help of a psychic character.
Situations; the author explores through setting and environment a wide variety of situations, by giving the protagonist Charles an array of very unique and disconnected friends, all of whom are linked simply by their relationship to Charles.
Stipulations; the conditions in a will or contract through the storyline affect the relationship between different characters.
I found the writing captivating as Christoph Fischer gave a storyline with stormy relationships, exploring the fragility of the human spirit from such different angles by giving the characters their own set of shortcomings.
Every character in their own way tugged at my heartstrings, I really enjoyed this read. And I wish I had more than FIVE STARS TO GIVE!
December 2, 2014
Christoph Fischer has become one of my favorite authors. I was first attracted to his Three Nations Trilogy because of the subject matter - it deals with war and Central European families, which is something I have an affinity for. But his last two books - A Time To Let Go and now Conditions are a bit of a departure for him and I'm happy to say that I enjoy his contemporary dramas as much as his historical ones. This author writes about families in a lucid and complex manner. He doesn't over-sentimentalize, and as a result I find my own emotions coming to the surface. Sometimes in ways that surprise me. In Conditions, CF takes on mental illness - among other "conditions." I found myself being more charitable to Charles, who suffers bipolar disorder, than I have been with people in my own life who are afflicted with various "conditions." I attribute that to the talent of this author. Highly, highly recommended.
October 16, 2014
Things aren’t always as they seem...
We humans seem to love to name things, sort and tuck them neatly into categories. I get it. It’s a way for a busy, crowded brain to sift through and assimilate massive amounts of information in a reasonable amount of time. Can you imagine a world where every situation or event is taken on the face of it as a completely new and original one? It’s a kind of shorthand we use, an important and very basic capacity that lays the foundation for language and history and science and just getting through the day.
When it comes to people, we like to do the same thing. Despite that admonition not to judge a book by its cover, we often do just that. Peg people based on a superficial or incomplete understanding of who they are. For humans, labels, at best, convey something narrow and delimited about a particular aspect of an individual’s nature or status. That ‘shorthand’ strategy may not serve us quite so well.
All of this is a bit of a windup in order to place Christoph Fischer’s latest book, Conditions, in context. It’s an unassuming book that takes a thoughtful and intimate look at some very weighty subjects. One of those ‘slice of life’ stories, it captures interactions among a group of family and friends brought together by a key life event. In this case the death of the mother to Charles and Tony. The two brothers, struggling toward middle age, are central figures in the book. They couldn’t be more different, on the face of it. Tony is the successful responsible older brother, with a job, a mortgage, a wife and children. Charles, on the other hand, is a single man with a serious and persistent mental illness who, at times, is unable to even care for himself. Fischer’s book asks us to beware, however, of pigeon-holing these two brothers and tagging one as ‘normal’ and successful and the other as, well, less.
If labels are less than ideal when it comes to dealing with people, they’re even trickier when using them as a way to make sense out of the life and experience of persons with mental health conditions. Fischer doesn’t go there in his book. He sets aside the matter of naming Charles’ disorder, leaves it open-ended. I think that makes the man’s condition a far more interesting—less a mental patient and more a human being facing his own limitations and trying to understand those of others. Like his brother. One of the big hurdles someone with a severe mental illness faces is the social distance created by difference. By avoiding the use of labels, Fischer closes the social distance between the two brothers, especially when some of Tony’s life struggles are revealed. On some level he and his brother are the same—two men looking for ways to deal with the problems of living.
The book provides glimpses into the challenges placed upon a person with a mental illness—challenges that impinge on friends and family, too. The helpless feeling those around Charles experience, at times, is all too familiar to anyone with a friend or family member like Charles. The brief descriptions of Charles’ encounters with the mental health system speak for themselves. After thirty years in the social and behavioral sciences, it’s a disappointment to me that we know so little, and fail to use what we do know, to support individuals with mental illness. Charles, for all the challenges of his condition, is a lucky man. In most any big city, or big city jail, it’s not hard to find with those like Charles who are less fortunate.
Bravo to Christoph Fischer for writing this gently provocative book. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy family sagas and stories about humans trying to do their best to figure it all out.
We humans seem to love to name things, sort and tuck them neatly into categories. I get it. It’s a way for a busy, crowded brain to sift through and assimilate massive amounts of information in a reasonable amount of time. Can you imagine a world where every situation or event is taken on the face of it as a completely new and original one? It’s a kind of shorthand we use, an important and very basic capacity that lays the foundation for language and history and science and just getting through the day.
When it comes to people, we like to do the same thing. Despite that admonition not to judge a book by its cover, we often do just that. Peg people based on a superficial or incomplete understanding of who they are. For humans, labels, at best, convey something narrow and delimited about a particular aspect of an individual’s nature or status. That ‘shorthand’ strategy may not serve us quite so well.
All of this is a bit of a windup in order to place Christoph Fischer’s latest book, Conditions, in context. It’s an unassuming book that takes a thoughtful and intimate look at some very weighty subjects. One of those ‘slice of life’ stories, it captures interactions among a group of family and friends brought together by a key life event. In this case the death of the mother to Charles and Tony. The two brothers, struggling toward middle age, are central figures in the book. They couldn’t be more different, on the face of it. Tony is the successful responsible older brother, with a job, a mortgage, a wife and children. Charles, on the other hand, is a single man with a serious and persistent mental illness who, at times, is unable to even care for himself. Fischer’s book asks us to beware, however, of pigeon-holing these two brothers and tagging one as ‘normal’ and successful and the other as, well, less.
If labels are less than ideal when it comes to dealing with people, they’re even trickier when using them as a way to make sense out of the life and experience of persons with mental health conditions. Fischer doesn’t go there in his book. He sets aside the matter of naming Charles’ disorder, leaves it open-ended. I think that makes the man’s condition a far more interesting—less a mental patient and more a human being facing his own limitations and trying to understand those of others. Like his brother. One of the big hurdles someone with a severe mental illness faces is the social distance created by difference. By avoiding the use of labels, Fischer closes the social distance between the two brothers, especially when some of Tony’s life struggles are revealed. On some level he and his brother are the same—two men looking for ways to deal with the problems of living.
The book provides glimpses into the challenges placed upon a person with a mental illness—challenges that impinge on friends and family, too. The helpless feeling those around Charles experience, at times, is all too familiar to anyone with a friend or family member like Charles. The brief descriptions of Charles’ encounters with the mental health system speak for themselves. After thirty years in the social and behavioral sciences, it’s a disappointment to me that we know so little, and fail to use what we do know, to support individuals with mental illness. Charles, for all the challenges of his condition, is a lucky man. In most any big city, or big city jail, it’s not hard to find with those like Charles who are less fortunate.
Bravo to Christoph Fischer for writing this gently provocative book. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy family sagas and stories about humans trying to do their best to figure it all out.
December 17, 2014
This story grabbed my interest from the start. There is an excellent cast of mostly well portrayed characters, and good pacing kept me guessing about them. I was persuaded to think deeply about these people and about our own tendency towards pigeon-holing, often based on misconceptions and prejudice. We are all guilty of it to some extent and it is good to be reminded in a non-judgmental way that we should care more for each other, whatever our faults.
I mentally removed a half star from the rating for several reasons. The book is about two brothers but we spend relatively little time with Tony so don’t really get to know him before he starts seeing Charles in a different light. Tony’s wife, Clare, is very one dimensional, which could have been avoided if we’d spent more time with the couple. I also felt the story was incomplete as the two brothers did not actually make the promised reconciliation, or even start on that process. It would perhaps benefit from another chapter in which they sit down together and start getting to know each other properly. Throughout the book I felt this lack of balance between the two brothers’ stories; whilst I realise the whole situation is generated by Charles’ problems, it reaches this point because of Tony’s abiding feelings of anger and rejection that he has carried since childhood. Overall, though, I had to round the rating up rather than down. Charles is a fascinating character, both difficult and rewarding to have as a friend. This story gives a good insight into what it means to have this kind of mental health issue. It was lovely to see him gradually revealed as someone with a strong moral compass.
That said, why did it lose a star from my rating? It seems that the days of a publishing house taking pride in what they publish are over. It used to be the case that a publisher would assign editors and proof readers to assist the author with producing a polished final copy. This version is marred by a multitude of typos and small grammatical errors scattered over every single page. There is even an invented word: ‘irresponsive’ [unresponsive]. There were two editors and the publisher involved, never mind the author himself; is it too much to expect at least one of them to notice this final draft needs its pre-publication polish? A run through with a spelling and grammar checker would have found most of the errors so there is no excuse for such irritating sloppiness.
I mentally removed a half star from the rating for several reasons. The book is about two brothers but we spend relatively little time with Tony so don’t really get to know him before he starts seeing Charles in a different light. Tony’s wife, Clare, is very one dimensional, which could have been avoided if we’d spent more time with the couple. I also felt the story was incomplete as the two brothers did not actually make the promised reconciliation, or even start on that process. It would perhaps benefit from another chapter in which they sit down together and start getting to know each other properly. Throughout the book I felt this lack of balance between the two brothers’ stories; whilst I realise the whole situation is generated by Charles’ problems, it reaches this point because of Tony’s abiding feelings of anger and rejection that he has carried since childhood. Overall, though, I had to round the rating up rather than down. Charles is a fascinating character, both difficult and rewarding to have as a friend. This story gives a good insight into what it means to have this kind of mental health issue. It was lovely to see him gradually revealed as someone with a strong moral compass.
That said, why did it lose a star from my rating? It seems that the days of a publishing house taking pride in what they publish are over. It used to be the case that a publisher would assign editors and proof readers to assist the author with producing a polished final copy. This version is marred by a multitude of typos and small grammatical errors scattered over every single page. There is even an invented word: ‘irresponsive’ [unresponsive]. There were two editors and the publisher involved, never mind the author himself; is it too much to expect at least one of them to notice this final draft needs its pre-publication polish? A run through with a spelling and grammar checker would have found most of the errors so there is no excuse for such irritating sloppiness.
November 30, 2014
I have read several of Christoph Fischer’s novels now, and one of the things that I love them most, is that I can trust him to portray the reality of life. I used to not be a fan on contemporary fiction, until I met this author. He has single handily changed my perception of it. He’s able to take slivers of life, and portray them with the richness and rawness of reality. Often the bitter reality or ugly truths of situations are glossed over… not with him. He portrays every aspect, every character flaw, and every truth that we are too afraid to admit to anyone. There’s an honesty in his stories that’s lacking from others.
Conditions is a wonderful example of this. This novel takes a look at a family, and struggles that come between brothers. Each struggles with their own “conditions,” each has their own paths, complications, and challenges to overcome. This story brings these two together in the most awkward of situations, the death of their mother. In a time that emotions are already pulled tight, you can imagine what happens when two estranged brothers come together, facing each other, their past, and their future.
When I first read this story, my first impression was that this had the same feeling as The Breakfast Club. This book highlights a diverse group of people coming together, some to support, some to divide over the death of a mother. Through the interactions, we learn more about each character, follow them as moments of growth shine through, and ache for the inevitable struggles of others. This book is one of those that sticks with you, giving you more than a lesson or two to think about when the book ends.
I highly recommend this book and this author! 5 Stars... must read.
Conditions is a wonderful example of this. This novel takes a look at a family, and struggles that come between brothers. Each struggles with their own “conditions,” each has their own paths, complications, and challenges to overcome. This story brings these two together in the most awkward of situations, the death of their mother. In a time that emotions are already pulled tight, you can imagine what happens when two estranged brothers come together, facing each other, their past, and their future.
When I first read this story, my first impression was that this had the same feeling as The Breakfast Club. This book highlights a diverse group of people coming together, some to support, some to divide over the death of a mother. Through the interactions, we learn more about each character, follow them as moments of growth shine through, and ache for the inevitable struggles of others. This book is one of those that sticks with you, giving you more than a lesson or two to think about when the book ends.
I highly recommend this book and this author! 5 Stars... must read.
October 13, 2014
Like a lighthouse beacon on a treacherous coast, Christoph Fischer’s novel illuminates the darkness of man living with a mental disorder.
Charles has a noticeably atypical mind, perhaps mild autism and most certainly bipolar disorder. Since childhood, he has struggled to exist in a world created by and for “normal”, or what some call neuro-typical people, a world he cannot always understand and which most people take for granted.
The strain on his family has left its mark; his own brother doubts that Charles truly has a legitimate illness, and bitterly resents him for having taken up too much of their mother’s attention and resources while they were growing up. As the story begins, Tony has long been estranged from Charles, and the situation seems intractable.
Even in 2014, mental illness is still highly misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. Often, there seems to be two main reactions to those suffering mental illness—either withdraw in fear and disgust, or challenge the notion that sufferers of psychiatric disorders are legitimately ill, and rather blame them for their problems. At the basis of these misconceptions is ignorance, shrouded in fear.
I heartily applaud Fischer’s contribution towards enlightening people without preaching; in helping us take an in-depth look at mental illness and its toll on sufferers, as well as their families. Even more importantly, he has put a lovable face on a stigmatized group, and left us feeling hopeful that with love, understanding, and proper medical care, mentally ill and autistic people can not only lead a full life, but enrich our world with their creative gifts.
Charles has a noticeably atypical mind, perhaps mild autism and most certainly bipolar disorder. Since childhood, he has struggled to exist in a world created by and for “normal”, or what some call neuro-typical people, a world he cannot always understand and which most people take for granted.
The strain on his family has left its mark; his own brother doubts that Charles truly has a legitimate illness, and bitterly resents him for having taken up too much of their mother’s attention and resources while they were growing up. As the story begins, Tony has long been estranged from Charles, and the situation seems intractable.
Even in 2014, mental illness is still highly misunderstood and heavily stigmatized. Often, there seems to be two main reactions to those suffering mental illness—either withdraw in fear and disgust, or challenge the notion that sufferers of psychiatric disorders are legitimately ill, and rather blame them for their problems. At the basis of these misconceptions is ignorance, shrouded in fear.
I heartily applaud Fischer’s contribution towards enlightening people without preaching; in helping us take an in-depth look at mental illness and its toll on sufferers, as well as their families. Even more importantly, he has put a lovable face on a stigmatized group, and left us feeling hopeful that with love, understanding, and proper medical care, mentally ill and autistic people can not only lead a full life, but enrich our world with their creative gifts.
March 7, 2015
Let me declare at the outset, that after gobbling up Christoph Fischer's 'Three Nations Trilogy', I am a fan.
'Conditions' is another worthy addition to the collection. As in his other books, Fischer's deceptively simple prose conceals layers of meaning, and the title can be understood in a number of ways: psychiatric conditions, or the conditions we negotiate as part of our interactions with others.
At the heart of the narrative is a feud between two brothers, one of whom suffers from psychiatric problems, while the other carries a grudge that life has dealt him some unfair cards. Other characters dance around the central conflict, themselves suffering from various forms of mental and physical abuse and lack of purpose. But at the quiet centre of the tale lies the potential for redemption - from whatever ills trouble us.
Highly recommended for lovers of slow-burning and thoughtful literary fiction.
'Conditions' is another worthy addition to the collection. As in his other books, Fischer's deceptively simple prose conceals layers of meaning, and the title can be understood in a number of ways: psychiatric conditions, or the conditions we negotiate as part of our interactions with others.
At the heart of the narrative is a feud between two brothers, one of whom suffers from psychiatric problems, while the other carries a grudge that life has dealt him some unfair cards. Other characters dance around the central conflict, themselves suffering from various forms of mental and physical abuse and lack of purpose. But at the quiet centre of the tale lies the potential for redemption - from whatever ills trouble us.
Highly recommended for lovers of slow-burning and thoughtful literary fiction.
August 13, 2015
Loved this read and have to say the blurb above does not do the book sufficient justice. I found this a remarkable piece of contemporary drama. It is a book where little happens on the surface but underneath massive shifts of understanding are taking place. The "action" takes place around Rose's funeral, mother to two sons who have not spoken for years.
Many reviewers have commented on the contribution this book makes to understanding mental health which indeed it does. Instead of repeating those comments I will add the author has got right to the heart of family relations that have gone wrong, the grudges that fester for years and the assumptions people make to prove their prejudiced position.
The conversations and attitudes between Charles' house guests reflect so much about real friendships and cover a vast range of relationship issues and attitudes.
Great writing, dialogue and characterisation make this a fabulous book with universal appeal.
Many reviewers have commented on the contribution this book makes to understanding mental health which indeed it does. Instead of repeating those comments I will add the author has got right to the heart of family relations that have gone wrong, the grudges that fester for years and the assumptions people make to prove their prejudiced position.
The conversations and attitudes between Charles' house guests reflect so much about real friendships and cover a vast range of relationship issues and attitudes.
Great writing, dialogue and characterisation make this a fabulous book with universal appeal.
September 29, 2014
Christoph Fischer has written another wonderful, heartfelt story. This time, he explores the effects of bipolar disorder through the eyes of a family. Charles and his illness is painful to read. You can just imagine how difficult his life is, but he somehow pushes forward through his mother's death and funeral.
Charles' brother Tony, however, chooses to think Charles is lazy because of the way their mother treated the both of them growing up. Sadly, this comes to a head with his wife being obsessed with finances.
Charles' group of friends are very interesting, but out of them all, I really want to know what makes Simon tick.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in mental illness, wonderful stories, and a love for literature.
Charles' brother Tony, however, chooses to think Charles is lazy because of the way their mother treated the both of them growing up. Sadly, this comes to a head with his wife being obsessed with finances.
Charles' group of friends are very interesting, but out of them all, I really want to know what makes Simon tick.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in mental illness, wonderful stories, and a love for literature.
October 22, 2014
In this story we learn about a man who has some form of mental condition (imbalance/disease). We follow him through a very sad time in his life and are shown how quickly imbalances occur. If you know anyone who is bipolar/manic you will be able to relate to this. The author did an amazing job of showing you the highs and lows and how drastically they can change. I hope there is more to the story since it ends rather quickly. Friends and family can be a major tool in battling depression if you are able to reach out. There is more to a person that meets the eye and the author did a great job show casing the many sides each person has.
January 2, 2015
Conditions is about the interaction of people who meet in the setting of a mother's funeral. The dialogue flows like a good glass of wine that you want to savor as you get to meet Fischer's cast of characters: people in AA, gays,a tarot card reader and the dynamics of distanced family members. Fischer's novel illustrates the complications of love, why people stay in unhealthy relationships, what makes and breaks a friendship and how funerals bring out greed. I gave the novel a 4 stars because i felt that part 1 was a bit too drawn out. But all in all this is an interesting romantic drama that will get you questioning your own relationships.
October 10, 2017
This book goes where others too rarely go in this day of rampant genre fiction. It looks at mental illness, family and brotherhood in an oh so British context. I enjoyed the story, Fischer nails the setting and makes this definitely worth a look for anyone who likes dramatic fiction, family stories and perspectives on mental health.
December 6, 2017
Pointless.
June 10, 2019
Ok
Was a “hard” book for me to get interested in and took a while to read, ending seems left hanging, unfinished
Was a “hard” book for me to get interested in and took a while to read, ending seems left hanging, unfinished
November 27, 2014
Never afraid to explore the most difficult of challenges facing mere mortals, Christoph Fischer is a reader's writer.
This book, like all of his books immediately draws you into the lives of Charles and Tony--two brothers seemingly irreparably split apart by past grudges, Charles' "condition", and present resentments about inheritances due to their mother's death.
The story Fischer weaves is rife with colorful characters with their own "conditions" making the reader question "What is 'normal' anyway?" The best and the worst of human qualities are displayed as the story moves from the mother's death to her funeral, then finally to the aftermath of reading the will.
The dialogue is what carries the story forward and makes each character come to life. Fischer is brilliant with dialogue!
Because he writes using multiple points of view, the reader is able to get inside the head of each character. I felt I had an intimate relationship with everyone from Elaine (Charles' somewhat psychic 50-something friend) to Tony's shrewish wife.
This book covered a great deal of human territory: mental illness, domestic abuse, homosexuality, marital discord, the paranormal, greed, gossip, guilt, jealousy, gambling addiction...I'm sure I missed other issues. The point is that Charles' condition is what everyone talked about just as having a diagnosed mental illness is socially stigmatizing. But what about those of us who are not labeled with a mental illness but still have social ills in need of attention? This question is at the heart of what this fine novel explores.
If you are curious about the human condition, then "Conditions" is for you!
This book, like all of his books immediately draws you into the lives of Charles and Tony--two brothers seemingly irreparably split apart by past grudges, Charles' "condition", and present resentments about inheritances due to their mother's death.
The story Fischer weaves is rife with colorful characters with their own "conditions" making the reader question "What is 'normal' anyway?" The best and the worst of human qualities are displayed as the story moves from the mother's death to her funeral, then finally to the aftermath of reading the will.
The dialogue is what carries the story forward and makes each character come to life. Fischer is brilliant with dialogue!
Because he writes using multiple points of view, the reader is able to get inside the head of each character. I felt I had an intimate relationship with everyone from Elaine (Charles' somewhat psychic 50-something friend) to Tony's shrewish wife.
This book covered a great deal of human territory: mental illness, domestic abuse, homosexuality, marital discord, the paranormal, greed, gossip, guilt, jealousy, gambling addiction...I'm sure I missed other issues. The point is that Charles' condition is what everyone talked about just as having a diagnosed mental illness is socially stigmatizing. But what about those of us who are not labeled with a mental illness but still have social ills in need of attention? This question is at the heart of what this fine novel explores.
If you are curious about the human condition, then "Conditions" is for you!
June 5, 2015
The wonderful privilege we have as readers is to step into any kind of world of our choosing. There are no boundaries, as in the real world; we can go backward or forward in time, be amongst aliens or zombies. We can be in war or on a desert island or in a world of high finance.
Then there are stories like 'Conditions'. This book is simply about family in all its diversity and how the death of a mother brings together people bound by birth and family ties but burdened by prejudgment and misunderstanding.
The story centres around Charles and his brother Tony as they come together for their mother's funeral. Tony is full of bitterness and resentment at what he perceives as his unfair 'lot' growing up in a household where one child was 'normal' and the other suffered from mental illness. I could empathise with that, parents must go through this dilemma all the time when one child has special needs be it physical or mental.
But times move on and Tony is still burdened by his perceptions whilst Charles has found some kind of freedom in his condition.
I have personal experience of mental illness with a family member and it can be hard not to feel resentment and a weariness at the sacrifices inevitably made. I could not condone Tony's attitudes but I could understand them.
Into the story the author introduces a smattering of interesting peripheral characters (family members and friends) all with their own opinions and flaws. Even with the boundaries of time and space set by the author it made for a very diverse and ultimately satisfying read.
Then there are stories like 'Conditions'. This book is simply about family in all its diversity and how the death of a mother brings together people bound by birth and family ties but burdened by prejudgment and misunderstanding.
The story centres around Charles and his brother Tony as they come together for their mother's funeral. Tony is full of bitterness and resentment at what he perceives as his unfair 'lot' growing up in a household where one child was 'normal' and the other suffered from mental illness. I could empathise with that, parents must go through this dilemma all the time when one child has special needs be it physical or mental.
But times move on and Tony is still burdened by his perceptions whilst Charles has found some kind of freedom in his condition.
I have personal experience of mental illness with a family member and it can be hard not to feel resentment and a weariness at the sacrifices inevitably made. I could not condone Tony's attitudes but I could understand them.
Into the story the author introduces a smattering of interesting peripheral characters (family members and friends) all with their own opinions and flaws. Even with the boundaries of time and space set by the author it made for a very diverse and ultimately satisfying read.
April 19, 2015
While Charles does have a mental condition in this story, the story itself is more about the human condition. So true to life Conditions is an intricately woven tale that shows how we often see the opposite of what is true, and how whole lives can be destroyed by believing only what we see on the surface of things. I love Christoph Fischer’s warm and easy style – he brings to my mind Joanna Trollope whose tales of real life issues and the things people do to each other without meaning to are favourites of mine.
Mothers are behind much of what goes wrong in the lives of brothers Tony and Charles. One wanting to be at her daughter’s wedding more than wanting for her daughter to have what she wants, and the other concealing a shameful truth. From the first page I was instantly immersed and invested in the lives of the characters in the story. Every one of them have enormous and distinctive ways. I loved sweet Charles all the way, and I pretty much hated Tony and Claire for most of the way – which definitely points at my own very human condition. From blindly hating on behalf of friendship to blindly loving a hateful man, this book explores the ways people see, and react to what they think is true.
Every incident in this book was great – they were all real to me. A beautifully crafted work of literary fiction, that I can find not a single fault with. I loved it, and I’m looking forward to reading all of Christoph Fischer’s other books. He has prodigious talent and a warm heart that shines from every page.
Mothers are behind much of what goes wrong in the lives of brothers Tony and Charles. One wanting to be at her daughter’s wedding more than wanting for her daughter to have what she wants, and the other concealing a shameful truth. From the first page I was instantly immersed and invested in the lives of the characters in the story. Every one of them have enormous and distinctive ways. I loved sweet Charles all the way, and I pretty much hated Tony and Claire for most of the way – which definitely points at my own very human condition. From blindly hating on behalf of friendship to blindly loving a hateful man, this book explores the ways people see, and react to what they think is true.
Every incident in this book was great – they were all real to me. A beautifully crafted work of literary fiction, that I can find not a single fault with. I loved it, and I’m looking forward to reading all of Christoph Fischer’s other books. He has prodigious talent and a warm heart that shines from every page.
December 21, 2014
Brilliant!! I am a huge fan of this so talented and so gifted author. "Conditions" is about two estranged brothers Tony and Charles who are the main characters of the story. The death of their mother brings the two middle age men back in each other's life. Though brothers they are quite different. Tony is married with responsibilities, children and a good job. Charles on the other hand is single man that struggles with a serious mental illness.Christoph Fischer Is brilliant and once again he deals with a very sensitive subject in a way that keeps the reader glued to the story from the first page to the last. His characters are wonderful and very believable. The mixture of emotions is absolutely stunning. Sadness, envy, resentment, ignorance, fear, prejudice and so many more.The story brings you into the family circle and you feel like you are part of the plot. Some of the time I wanted to scream and shake some sense into one of the characters (the wife) and then I was left utterly stunned.I am not sure I can find a single word or a single sentence that I did not love in this book. I will take the book with me on the plane and read it again while going out west for Christmas. I am a true fan of Christoph Fischer and love all of his books. I would highly recommend this book to every person I know and to every person that would like to spend time with a great book and a story they will never forget.Bri
October 20, 2014
I've been a fan of Mr. Fischer since stumbling on his historical fiction, so I was eager to grab this one when I heard it was available. As usual, this book drew me in with the profound depth of emotion experienced by the characters. They are honest and relatable, and their situations are true to life. Anyone who hasn't grown up an only child will understand full well the frustrations of sibling rivalry, and the feeling that your brother or sisters always got treated better than you did.
Brothers Tony and Charles are quite different. Charles suffers from a mental illness and is unable to take charge of his own life. Tony is the responsible one, the guy who can take care of himself. From the outside looking in, it's easy to think that Tony is selfish. His brother is ill and can't help it, but Tony is thinking about himself (and focusing his venom on his brother). His mother gave all her attention to Charles, leaving Tony feeling left out and less important than his brother. This book allows us to experience the situation firsthand, and it gives us a true look inside their world. Tony is a very real character and reacts in a way that many of us would.
Not afraid to shy away from a difficult subject, Mr. Fischer presents us with mental illness and how it affects a family. This book gives us a fascinating glimpse into a world that few of us will experience, but many of us are curious about.
Brothers Tony and Charles are quite different. Charles suffers from a mental illness and is unable to take charge of his own life. Tony is the responsible one, the guy who can take care of himself. From the outside looking in, it's easy to think that Tony is selfish. His brother is ill and can't help it, but Tony is thinking about himself (and focusing his venom on his brother). His mother gave all her attention to Charles, leaving Tony feeling left out and less important than his brother. This book allows us to experience the situation firsthand, and it gives us a true look inside their world. Tony is a very real character and reacts in a way that many of us would.
Not afraid to shy away from a difficult subject, Mr. Fischer presents us with mental illness and how it affects a family. This book gives us a fascinating glimpse into a world that few of us will experience, but many of us are curious about.
August 4, 2015
Empathy. Would I have it in me?
Only too often, readers seem to insist on a neat package to put a book to rest. Give them murder, car chases, gun fights, and sickly-sweet endings. Then they can forget the name of the author, forget the title…they’re done. Next!
Luckily, there are writers who won’t let us off the hook so easily. I have followed Christoph Fischer’s writing for some time now, so I am already a fan. But with Conditions, he truly challenged me. It wasn’t a question of IF I would like it, but what did it bring out in me.
Granted, not much seems to happen on the surface. The fascination with the story are the subtleties about the interactions between Charles’s diverse friends, all with their own quirks, their own problems, but most importantly their own support of a friend who tries as best he can with a “condition.”
The writing, while subtle, brings out intense conflicts among them. The book, like life itself, doesn’t end in a neat package. Instead, to me, it made me wrangle with the one overwhelming condition that wove Charles’s friends together: Empathy.
It made me wonder: Would I have it in me to be such a supportive friend to someone with a “condition”? I am ashamed to admit: I am not sure. The question haunts me. Christoph Fischer achieved his goal; he made me think real hard about “Conditions.”
Only too often, readers seem to insist on a neat package to put a book to rest. Give them murder, car chases, gun fights, and sickly-sweet endings. Then they can forget the name of the author, forget the title…they’re done. Next!
Luckily, there are writers who won’t let us off the hook so easily. I have followed Christoph Fischer’s writing for some time now, so I am already a fan. But with Conditions, he truly challenged me. It wasn’t a question of IF I would like it, but what did it bring out in me.
Granted, not much seems to happen on the surface. The fascination with the story are the subtleties about the interactions between Charles’s diverse friends, all with their own quirks, their own problems, but most importantly their own support of a friend who tries as best he can with a “condition.”
The writing, while subtle, brings out intense conflicts among them. The book, like life itself, doesn’t end in a neat package. Instead, to me, it made me wrangle with the one overwhelming condition that wove Charles’s friends together: Empathy.
It made me wonder: Would I have it in me to be such a supportive friend to someone with a “condition”? I am ashamed to admit: I am not sure. The question haunts me. Christoph Fischer achieved his goal; he made me think real hard about “Conditions.”
December 11, 2015
A Spellbinding Story
A funeral is the centrepiece of this family drama. It is a very human story about a family and their close friends dealing with a funeral and its disturbing aftermath. It begins with Tony, the central character, being faced with the death of his mother and the consequences for him and the family, and with the animosity between him and his brother, Charles. Later, after the funeral, a letter will change everything for him and his clan.
The author leads the reader through a plethora of family trials and tribulations in the run up to the funeral. Soon the intermingling of individual family interests and envies, jealousies and squabbling, ambition, success and failure, allegations and confessions, emotions and animosities all come together to produce a riveting tale.
This is a nicely written and compelling read. The story is told with deep feeling, and the personality of the figures is well drawn and developed and their lives are exposed in depth – right down to the sympathetic traits and irritating habits, the cattiness and the bitching. The story is so true to life that you will be able to identify with the pains and feelings, the emotions and the sadness. But good guys or bad you will soon finds yourself taking sides.
If you are into family dramas this is a book not to miss. It will keep you spellbound right to the last page.
A funeral is the centrepiece of this family drama. It is a very human story about a family and their close friends dealing with a funeral and its disturbing aftermath. It begins with Tony, the central character, being faced with the death of his mother and the consequences for him and the family, and with the animosity between him and his brother, Charles. Later, after the funeral, a letter will change everything for him and his clan.
The author leads the reader through a plethora of family trials and tribulations in the run up to the funeral. Soon the intermingling of individual family interests and envies, jealousies and squabbling, ambition, success and failure, allegations and confessions, emotions and animosities all come together to produce a riveting tale.
This is a nicely written and compelling read. The story is told with deep feeling, and the personality of the figures is well drawn and developed and their lives are exposed in depth – right down to the sympathetic traits and irritating habits, the cattiness and the bitching. The story is so true to life that you will be able to identify with the pains and feelings, the emotions and the sadness. But good guys or bad you will soon finds yourself taking sides.
If you are into family dramas this is a book not to miss. It will keep you spellbound right to the last page.
January 25, 2015
Conditions By Christoph Fischer is a powerful family drama full of strong emotions ripped apart by misunderstandings. This reader immediately empathised with the characters in this superb novel as he has ben through much the same. Funerals and weddings bring out the worst in family quarrels.
When Charles and Tony's mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over issues of greed. Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles his bitter brother Tony, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath. And stirring the pot with her wooden spoon s Tony's hateful wife Clare.
This wonderful inspirational stuff is a must read for those who prefer a gentle, quiet read with a wholesome message.
Hats off to Christoph for succeeding with this very highly recommended family drama.
When Charles and Tony's mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over issues of greed. Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles his bitter brother Tony, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath. And stirring the pot with her wooden spoon s Tony's hateful wife Clare.
This wonderful inspirational stuff is a must read for those who prefer a gentle, quiet read with a wholesome message.
Hats off to Christoph for succeeding with this very highly recommended family drama.
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