Falling & Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins Paperback – May 1, 2010

I'd really liked "A Girl Like You" when it first hit the airwaves over here in the US, and when I'd heard that Edwyn Collins had suffered at least one massive stroke (the sort that is often referred to by medical professionals as "a widow-maker"), and had made something of a comeback, I just had to get the book. While I had kept putting it off, I finally broke down and bought a copy and it's truly written "from the heart" by Grace Maxwell, his wife and partner of many years. A great read - particular from the standpoint to knowing what's in store for people who go through such terrible ordeals as strokes and the like. Stories like this tend to remind me that while sometimes I might think I've "got problems" - try putting yourself in the shoes of Edwyn Collins - or his wife Grace, and having to cope with such massive "ups and downs" of the recovery process, which often takes months and months! Truly an inspiring story!

It was a story of marriage, family, medicine, and rock music brought together when Scottish singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins underwent a stroke which left him paralyzed on the right side of his body. Grace Maxwell, goes into detail over her husband's medical diagnosis and progress, as she managed to build a community of friends, extended family members, supportive healthcare professionals, and fellow musicians in helping to adjust to a post-stroke life.

I picked this book up, like most I suppose, because I have been a fan of Edwyn Collins' since the Orange Juice days. I had heard he had a stroke in 2005 and learned that his wife, Grace Maxwell, had since written a book about the experience. "Falling & Laughing: The Restoration of Edwyn Collins" is an affecting record of one family's struggle back to a semblance of normalcy and a testament to the power of love that persists through better and worse. Though Edwyn Collins is something of a celebrity, the fact is almost beside the point. Grace reveals him to be mortal, to be human. That makes the courage he demonstrates in the face of his difficulties all the more inspiring. Of course, those who have suffered a stroke or who have cared for a loved one who has will find the book especially meaningful and encouraging.But apart from all that, the book was simply a pleasure to read. Though Ms. Maxwell details one of the most difficult experiences a spouse can face, she retains and reveals a charming sense of humor. I laughed out loud at many passages and couldn't resist reading them to my wife. "Falling & Laughing" turns out to be quite an apt title for the book, in spite of the seriousness of the challenge this couple faces together. I was touched by Ms. Maxwell's devotion to Mr. Collins and to the family and the life they have built together. The story of Edwyn Collins' restoration is remarkable and worth celebrating. Ms. Maxwell is a gifted writer and a remarkable woman.

I don't think that you need to be a fan of Edwyn Collins' music to appreciate this story. I cried and laughed alongside Grace Maxwell. This is the amazing story of Edwyn Collins who suffered a debilitating stroke and a brain hemorrhage that wiped out his ability to speak and sing and the long journey back. It's a story of immense fight, determination, and love. Do yourselves a favor and read this book, then watch the BBC special on YouTube that chronicled this journey, and finish it off with the documentary, The Possibilities are Endless.

As a huge Orange Juice fan, since the beginning, I was devastated to hear of Edwyn's brain haemorrhages in 2005.This wonderfully talented, warm, humorous individual, who I had the pleasure of meeting back in 1981 and sharing a drink with, was in a critical condition and it seemed we were to be prematurely starved of his fabulous songs, though our main concern was, obviously, for Edwyn's recovery.With the devotion of his beautiful wife, Grace and his doting son, William, Edwyn's story is inspirational.Against the odds, he has fought through to produce more songs of sheer class and is out performing them again with immense courage, determination and his unique wit and charm.This book " Falling & Laughing ", the title of an Orange Juice song from 1980, is perfectly named for an outstanding account by Grace of human endeavour.It is a testament to the fact that L.O.V.E really can overcome everything.A book for everyone, not just Edwyn Collins / Orange Juice fans.

Inspirational is a much overused cliche but this book actually deserves that description. I heard Grace and Edwyn talking about Edwyn's illness on Radio 4 and decided to buy the book. I'm delighted I did as this is one of the best books I have ever read. Grace's honesty and her down to earth style makes the book a very enjoyable read.She tell the story of her husband, the recording artist Edwyn Collins' fight back from two devastating strokes which almost ended his life. Against all expectation he has made a amazing recovery and is back giving live perfomances and writing and recording his music. Grace takes us through the long painful recovery process and her terror at leaving him in such a vulnerable state in the 'care' of some very uncaring hospital staff.Their experiences in the hands of the NHS was sometimes second to none but more often than not,downright negligent and even dangerous!I would highly recommend the book to everyone but not if you're going into hospital in the near future....best wait until you come back home!It's not a 'woe is me' gloomy book as there are many laugh out loud moments to be enjoyed also.An awesome book written by an awesome lady about a truly awesome guy!!

I bought this just after my mother experienced a massive brain haemorrhage that the doctors did not think she would survive, along with a couple of other books on the subject, and found this to be the most honest and accurate account of what it's like to watch a loved one recover, baby step by baby step, with the overhanging fear that it may stop at any point. From the anxious studying of the monitors to the joy of witnessing the first attempts at communication, I could relate to it keenly and it provided comfort to me that I wasn't experiencing it on my own.Learning of Collins' dogged, no-nonsense determination to do things his way makes me admire this couple all the more and helps me to spur my mother on with her own therapy. (Happily, it also led me to dig out Gorgeous George all over again which was the soundtrack to a beautiful, carefree summer of my youth.)

My husband had a stroke 9 weeks ago and cannot walk or communicate properly. I was looking for a book about someone with severe aphasia so I could compare notes and perhaps get some hope for the future. I found it in this book. The descriptions of aphasia and other cognitive problems experienced by Edwyn made me feel that we are not alone and that things can, with a bit of determination , get better. Thank you Grace for showing me how , in a year or two this could be us.

I read this book expecting to cry and rage at the sheer unfairness of it all. That Edwyn Collins should suffer a stroke always seemed such an unkind blow.Reading this book I was surprised to find myself laughing. The sheer tenacity with which each obstacle is overcome left me full of wonder and awe.Grace is a wonderful, honest writer. Warm, funny and inspirational.To see Edwyn writing, recording and performing again, knowing all he has had to endure, is a joy to behold.A book that leaves you full of hope.Here's to many more years of music and laughter.