A Spot of Bother (Vintage)
by Mark Haddon
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Book Reviews of A Spot of Bother (Vintage)
Book Review: Read this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
I was amazed at how short a time period the novel covered. After I accepted that the book was going to be about the day-to-day inner workings of each family member, I settled into it. Always I felt that George was the center of the novel, though the whole family is featured with each chapter shifting point of view. The story moves toward the inevitable wedding of George's daughter while watching the breakdown George is having. The book is not predictable (as the New Yorker said)--it is a genuinely affecting view of people in crisis. It's outstanding, that amid the chaos of family life that Haddon brings in so much humor. I laughed aloud many times, sometimes at the most macabre things. This is a completely engaging book, and I highly recommend it.Book Review: Trying to go insane politely
Summary: 5 Stars
What an articulate, funny, heart breaking book. I bought Haddon's novel in an airport, and spent the next five hours on the plane fighting back laughter and the approach of tears. I deliberately will not comment on the plot or characters, as part of why I enjoyed this story so much was the complete surprise.
I enjoyed the "Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." This second novel has a different tone, voice, and pace. Haddon is so gifted that I was compelled to go to his website and share what a joy this novel is. On his site, he informs us that he won't be answering emails as he is busy working on another book.
I will be among the first to buy it.
Book Review: A great story about unfortunate facts of getting older
Summary: 4 Stars
I got this book after I thoroughly enjoyed "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." At first I was disappointed because it was very different, almost like it was written by a different author. But then I was impressed with Haddon's versatility. Though a different feel, this was equally as good a book about real people in the real world and the real unpleasantnesses that come along with it. This one features an aging man whose life just starts to mean nothing, and worsens every day. Who doesn't feel that way at some point in their life, at any age? This a great read that will make you feel like you're not the only screwed up human out there.Book Review: Hilarious and stomach-churning, witty realism.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is both laugh-out-loud funny, and wincingly disturbing at times, thanks to Haddon's dry, ascerbic wit (which I love). What I most appreciate is Haddon's ability to capture moments of very real life, and shine a light on them: - the sort of moments most of us choose to forget (such as vomiting, panic attacks, embarrassing, scary skin rashes, etc). But through all the disturbing stuff, what I love is the humanity of the characters, their vulnerability, their hopes, their courage, their efforts in the face of despair, and, despite their many flaws, each character is redeemable, even lovable. This story will stay with me for a long time.Book Review: humorous look at a dysfunctional British family
Summary: 5 Stars
In this humorous look at a dysfunctional British family, Haddon takes a different tack from his bestseller The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Recently retired George Hall slowly and quietly begins to unravel, convinced that his eczema is cancer, troubled by his daughter Katie's upcoming second marriage, his distant relationship with son Jamie, and his wife's affair with his former business partner. As each of the Halls' lives spiral out of control, the beleaguered family rediscovers the love and healing that holds them together.