# A Spot of Bother

By Mark Haddon

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/a-spot-of-bother-6124a2da/

George Hall expects retirement to be quiet. Instead, his daughter Katie announces a wedding that divides the family, his wife Jean is having an affair, and a mark on his skin convinces him he has cancer. George's crisis develops while everyone else is occupied with their own relationships.

## What makes it funny?

Shopping for a funeral suit, George privately finds reasons to feel relieved about his friend's death, including the end of their squash games. His own health panic soon leaves him trying to explain himself to shop security while still wearing the store's trousers.

### The comedy at work

Haddon places George's frightening inner thoughts beside his determination to remain courteous. The practical business of apologizing to a store manager keeps intruding on his fear of death.

### Try this if…

Readers who like painful family comedy may appreciate its attention to embarrassment and private fears. The family wedding gives several unhappy relationships a common deadline.

### Good to know

The opening includes severe health anxiety and suicidal thoughts. Infidelity and difficulty accepting a gay family member also shape the story. Kirkus found the journey to the farcical finale slow.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- On the shelf: Family comedy
- Kind of humor: Dark comedy · Dry wit · Farce
- Format: Novel

## Sources & further reading

- Review: [Trade review](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mark-haddon/a-spot-of-bother)
- Reading sample: [Opening chapters](https://www.randomhouse.com/doubleday/spotofbother/excerpt1.html)
- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/73401/a-spot-of-bother-by-mark-haddon)