The Empathy Problem

Extence keeps the twists and turns coming, full of mordant wit, until the bitter end. Daily Mail A gripping look at an unlikeable character. Psychologies A very personal, compassionate and intimate read. Gavin Extence is fast becoming one of my favourite authors, he constantly surprises, challenges and stimulates with his barbed, so beautifully readable books. I sat up reading for most of the night, and even when I had turned the last page, I didn't want to put it down. Lovereading.co.uk Emotional porn for lefties ... You can't put it down ... precise and propulsive ... a real page-turner -- Janice Forsyth show BBC Radio Scotland It's funny, well observed and heartfelt without being sentimental... a lovely, engaging read that'll leave you resolving to change your own life for the better. Winq magazine Praise for Gavin Extence's previous novels - [Extence] captures how the illness feels from the inside with sensitivity and sparkling humour. In Abby he has created a warm, funny and relatable heroine Daily Express Insightful and sensitive, Extence describes with the lightest of touches what it's like to live with bipolar Sunday Express Extence really brings Abby to life in this honest, uequivocal narrative...There is something curiously cathartic about this book, as well as having the bravery, touching honesty and memorable protagonist that Extence is making his trademark Heat Warm and funny and tragic and uplifting all in one. Extence should be on everyone's radar -- Jasper Fforde One of the funniest and most heartbreaking double acts in ages ... an exceptionally good debut novel 5* Heat This is a genuinely hilarious read, but also a deeply moving story about childhood, neurology and mortality Daily Telegraph [Extence] takes what could potentially be a difficult subject (autism, depression, terminal illness) and addresses it with fantasy, with humour and also with compassion and intelligence so that the reader is left having enjoyed the story but also feeling they have gained an insight into another's experience. -- http://www.catherinelarner.com/ The Empathy Problem is delightful, written in a warm, engaging voice and composed of short chapters that rattle along... An accessible read but one that prompts you to think about what it means to live a moral life. It's so good it 'll leave you wanting to change your own life, to be a better person. Independent Extence's quick wit and smart use of dialogue, deployed throughout an eventful plot with a varied cast of distinct characters, add a degree of levity you'd find more often in a Hollywood screenplay... a healthy dose of Dickens. Extence piles on delight after delight... The Empathy Problem finds a way to make us smile through our tears. Bookanista This book is never sentimental and Extence doesn't make the mistake of having Gabriel suddenly becoming perfect but by the end he is someone you'd have as a friend. Along the way we learn the value of honesty, love, music and loyalty. As well as the joy of perfectly aimed revenge... Jane & Bex Blog A book of love, friendship and redemption, Gavin has created a sensitive book. Varietat blog Another stand-out book from this outstanding author -- Book of the Week The Sun Currently number one in downloaded extracts on LoveReading LoveReading.co.uk Extence's novel is an absolute triumph, once again reiterating his skill for characterisation and voice. Nudge books Witty, insightful and tender, The Empathy Problem is a triumph. I loved it. Random things Through my Letterbox blog I absolutely loved this story... Extence has such a dry, witty style of writing. Marie Claire A brilliant book about second chances in life by Gavin Extence. I am looking forward to what he is coming up with next! Ela's Book Corner Witty and sincere Huffington Post