A Spot of Bother in The Dusty Bookshelf

Jul 11, 2015 Carol rated it it was amazing

I enjoyed this book - I love British humor (yes somewhat dark) and a painfully dysfunctional family. I suppose I picked it up at the perfect time, too, it was just what I needed. It wasn't just the amusing bits, either.

Take one gentleman, very proper, newly retired, recently reminded of human mortality. He finds a suspicious lump on his hip and knows it has to be bad. Cancer. Of course death terrifies him. Add a daughter, divorced, mother of a very busy inquisitive 3 year old, co-habitating wit I enjoyed this book - I love British humor (yes somewhat dark) and a painfully dysfunctional family. I suppose I picked it up at the perfect time, too, it was just what I needed. It wasn't just the amusing bits, either.

Take one gentleman, very proper, newly retired, recently reminded of human mortality. He finds a suspicious lump on his hip and knows it has to be bad. Cancer. Of course death terrifies him. Add a daughter, divorced, mother of a very busy inquisitive 3 year old, co-habitating with (heavy sigh) that man. Her ex had been bad enough. Naturally she would pick NOW with this unfortunate getting-married announcement. He knew the father of the bride gave a little speech. He was terrified of that duty. There's his son. Equally disdainful of soon to be brother-in-law. Busy keeping his own life tidy, sorted out, comfortable home, decent job, great boyfriend, uncomplicated relationship. As long as there was no outward hint of his son's homosexuality he supposed, well - he just didn't have to consider it at all. Anchoring them all (she wishes) - his wife. Making the best of this coming marriage (at least he has money and is good with her grandson). Doing what she can to care for everyone (when they allow it). Plan and organize the wedding (what will she do if her son brings his friend the family doesn't know), And there is her husband. He is always so THERE since he retired. She is so thankful it hasn't completely interfered with seeing the man who truly makes her feel like a woman (will she walk away from everything for a chance at a new life with him). Then things start happening with the wedding maybe called off (no one is surprised), the boyfriend saying goodbye (he won't accept/return calls & how could anyone leave that big of a hole behind) and toss in a reserved man watching himself go crazy. and dying of cancer. wanting to not concern his family........

There is so much to this story. the choices made and the reasons behind them. inevitability of death. Accepting oneself, liking oneself, giving oneself permission to live. To love. It explains family, too. in a million little ways.

It did take me a little while to get into this book. I wasn't sure but kept on reading. All of a sudden I was nearing the halfway point and could not put it down. If you need light and airy, this may not be your book. ...more

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