Outside, the Sky is Blue - The story of a family told with searing honesty, humour and love

''A bracing, heart-lifting read. Patterson is a superb writer'' Observer

OUTSIDE, THE SKY IS BLUE is a heart-breaking yet also truly joyful and wise memoir of growing up, of dealing with mental health and illness, and of what it means to be part of a family that, despite everything, is able to laugh and to love.

''A memoir about the loss of faith and hope. A memoir about the loss of faith and hope. The book journeys to dark places but it''s too honest and well written to be dispiriting. She perseveres in her quest to understand'' Guardian

When Christina Patterson''s brother Tom died suddenly, she faced the harrowing task of clearing out his house. Tom had always been the one who held on to the family treasures and memories, but now Christina had to sift through boxes of letters, photos and belongings, not just of Tom''s, but of their parents and their older sister, Caroline.

The contents of those boxes te