In a Thousand Different Ways

An insightful and thought-provoking read.

Whilst it’s impossible to fully understand the emotional, psychological and, at times, physical impact of being constantly aware of other people’s emotions through the colourful auras which surround them, I think that Cecelia Aherne’s depictions of the struggles Alice faced throughout her life as a result of her synaesthesia enabled me to gain some insight into how stressful this ‘gift’ can be. It’s hard to imagine how difficult it must have been for Alice, from such an early age, to not only be able to ‘read’ what other people were truly feeling, whatever persona they were choosing to present to the world, but also to feel the need to isolate herself to some extent in order to protect herself from being overwhelmed by the power of other people’s emotions.... Read Full Review

Linda Hepworth

A captivating page turner.

This author is new to me and I am pleasantly surprised. I was immediately drawn into the story, into the troubled life of Alice Kelly who has the curse/gift of synaesthesia.
Alice is highly sensitive and is able to recognise people’s moods and emotions, seeing the emotions as colourful auras surrounding each individual. This is not always a pleasant experience.
Her “gift” made an appearance when Alice was eight years old and as a child she was often overwhelmed by this constant barrage of emotions. In order to cope she shut herself off from interaction with others and occasionally lashed out with bad behaviour. She was classed as a "difficult child". Her home life was miserable and her family dysfunctional.... Read Full Review

Astrid Dutton