spot_of_bother
2008 Nominated

A Spot of Bother

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

At fifty-seven, George is settling down to a comfortable retirement, building a shed in his garden, reading historical novels, listening to a bit of light jazz. Then Katie, his tempestuous daughter, announces that she is getting remarried, to Ray. Her family is not pleased – as her brother Jamie observes, Ray has ‘strangler’s hands’. Katie can’t decide if she loves Ray, or loves the wonderful way he has with her son Jacob, and her mother Jean is a bit put out by all the planning and arguing the wedding has occasioned, which get in the way of her quite fulfilling late-life affair with one of her husband’s former colleagues. And the tidy and pleasant life Jamie has created crumbles when he fails to invite his lover, Tony, to the dreaded nuptials.

Unnoticed in the uproar, George discovers a sinister lesion on his hip, and quietly begins to lose his mind.

The way these damaged people fall apart – and come together – as a family is the true subject of Mark Haddon’s disturbing yet very funny portrait of a dignified man trying to go insane politely.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Mark
Haddon

Mark Haddon is a British author born on September 26, 1962, in Northampton, England. He initially gained success writing children’s literature, with a focus on humor and empathy in his character development. Haddon’s early career included various jobs, including caregiving, which influenced his understanding of people with disabilities, evident in his most notable work, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” This novel features Christopher Boone, a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome, and explores themes of communication and family dynamics, ultimately earning Haddon several prestigious awards.

In addition to children’s books, Haddon has written adult fiction, including “A Spot of Bother,” which presents a comedic yet poignant look at family crises. His work often reflects ordinary people’s struggles, akin to the novels of Jane Austen. Haddon has also ventured into television and poetry, showcasing his versatile writing skills. Despite facing health challenges that affected his writing in recent years, he continues to be celebrated for his unique voice and the depth of his characters.

Mark Haddon is a British author born on September 26, 1962, in Northampton, England. He initially gained success writing children’s literature, with a focus on humor and empathy in his character development. Haddon’s early career included various jobs, including caregiving, which influenced his understanding of people with disabilities, evident in his most notable work, “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” This novel features Christopher Boone, a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome, and explores themes of communication and family dynamics, ultimately earning Haddon several prestigious awards.

In addition to children’s books, Haddon has written adult fiction, including “A Spot of Bother,” which presents a comedic yet poignant look at family crises. His work often reflects ordinary people’s struggles, akin to the novels of Jane Austen. Haddon has also ventured into television and poetry, showcasing his versatile writing skills. Despite facing health challenges that affected his writing in recent years, he continues to be celebrated for his unique voice and the depth of his characters.

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NOMINATING LIBRARY COMMENTS

A Spot of Bother is a disturbing yet funny portrait of a family. The book gives a beautifully observed insight into to the world of mental breakdown.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United Kingdom
Original Language
English
Author
Publisher
Jonathan Cape

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