Three-Three, Two-Two, Five-Six

Reviews / Votes

South Wales writer Ann Drysdale's moving account of her partner's hospitalisation after being diagnosed with bowel cancer is already being hailed as a 'literary masterpiece', 'striking a perfect balance between the metaphysical, physical, emotional and institutional aspects of serious illness'. Moving from prose to poetry, incorporating sketches from her partner, drawn in hospital and with a glowing foreword by Professor Raymond Tallis, three-three, two-two, five-six is poignant, moving, surprising, sometimes harrowing and yet compassionately humorous. -- Publisher: Cinnamon Press Ann Drysdale has produced a collection of poetry and prose based on her husband's admission to hospital in 1998 with cancer. The title of the book is his patient number. She brings to the reader the intricacies of the system which is there to support them in the NHS. The book is dotted throughout with Philip's sketches, produced while he stayed on the hospital ward.

It is evident early on that the 'system', in its complex mixture of human intervention from the extreme to the benign, allows for a series of mistakes to unfold at an alarming rate. Her and Philip's relationship is under the spotlight and she expertly portrays their ability to be adaptable to each other. There is a composure in her works, but an almost erupting panic moves under the surface, as it would. She leaves little to the imagination. It is straight to the point, but each section is an artistic gem.

Power and total helplessness are in equal measure as she cleverly navigates her way through the care structure while experiencing deep frustration every day. Her final decision is to bed down next to Philip (or 'Tom' as he has been mistakenly named by staff, an early name he had changed) on her floor mat: 'I went back home and fetched a sleeping bag./ I will be here tonight and every night/ because I don't believe in Santa Claus.'

Her patience and ability to perceive the whole situation with an open mind increases the intensity and fear. The skilful poem 'Awaiting the Return of the Italian Surgeon' who is on vacation, is one of the many gems that she creates as they endure episodes of waiting. Death looms in her poem 'A Wee Bit Nearer the Door'. There is some respite later, as the dedicated staff who have seen Philip through his ordeal attend their wedding on the ward, and hilarity when one nurse tries to perform an 'umbilical swab' and it is not where it would normally be. 'What should I do?' asked the nurse ? 'Well, sweetheart' said Philip, in Marlowe mode, 'You can't swab what I don't got.'

This is a deeply moving and important book ? a heartfelt insight into the experience of two people, with direct honesty and engagement with a traumatic subject. A real artistic masterpiece. -- Clare Maynard @ www.gwales.com