Member Review

Cover Image: A Grand Old Time

A Grand Old Time

Pub Date:

Review by

Jemima P, Reviewer

There seems to be a growing rebellion among old people.  First The Hundred Year Old Man who Climbed out of the Window, and now this.  I received an ARC for this wonderfully funny and heart-warming (and heart-panging) book.  Thank you to the publishers and Net-Galley.

Seventy-five year-old Evie starts her escape unsteadily, and finds herself regaining lost confidence.  That is a truth for many people who have been confined in some way, and then get the courage to say 'no'.  One of the many strengths of this book is that Evie has many mishaps, and nearly gets herself into serious trouble.  Fortunately there are usually strangers (however strange) who help.  Having helped, they may be put upon for a while, until Evie finds the wisdom within herself to help them in return. And then she gets all sorts of ideas for further exploration - and since she has the means to do so, she gets going!

A few steps behind is her worried son, and his inconsistent wife.  I say inconsistent, because she wafts from giving up on things (including her husband) to trying for one last time.  She's an interesting character, but not a likeable one. He's a bit of a wimp, but sees it as his duty to bring his mother 'home'.  It's all a great recipe for trials, tribulations, travel problems that are delightfully hilarious when you aren't involved in them, and anger from the reader who by now has sided entirely with his mum.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone within planning distance of care homes, and for those who have had to consign a parent to one, knowing that she or she really cannot look after themselves.  If you have any doubts about that, take care not to let your guilt complex get worse by reading this - although you may find it helps, in a strange sort of way!

A thoroughly enjoyable debut from the author, and I look forward to more from her.
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