Why did Susan love this book?
Graham Norton, the popular talk-show host, is witty and a bit OTT. I expected that any book by him would be equally funny and silly. And I felt like a light, amusing read. What a surprise! I found myself reading about troubled, lonely characters. Norton demonstrates a deep understanding of them and love for them.
The very overweight police Sergeant, for instance, isn’t treated as a joke, as overweight characters so often are, but portrayed as a sweet, loving, hurt man. All the characters have similar depth. There is a humorous observation of Irish village life, but nevertheless, the story is pervaded by sadness.
You do get a happy ending, though—a beautifully written book. I shall be reading more by Graham Norton. I already have another lined up on my tablet.
1 author picked Holding as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
'A considerable achievement ... one of the more authentic debuts I've read in recent years ... in such an understated manner, eschewing linguistic eccentricity ... in favour of genuine characters and tender feeling...this is a fine novel.' John Boyne, Irish Times
'Poised and perceptive' the Sunday Times
'It's funny and wonderfully perceptive' Wendy Holden
'It is beautiful and yet devastatingly sad' Daily Express
'Deeply accomplished...brilliantly observed' Good Housekeeping
'An undercurrent of black comedy accompanies the ripples that ensue - but with a pathos that makes this deftly plotted story as moving as it is compelling.' Sunday Mirror
'Strenuously charming...surprisingly tender'…