On the HahaFiction shelf
A Spot of Bother
by Mark Haddon
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“At sixty-one, George Hall is settling down to a comfortable retirement.”Read the full description at Vintage publisher description
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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.
More funny family comedy
Sources & further reading
- Trade review
Review
- Opening chapters
Reading sample
- Publisher
Publisher
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