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A Spot of Bother
A Spot of Bother
Author: Mark Haddon
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'....  more »
ISBN-13: 9780099507437
ISBN-10: 0099507439
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 503
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 3

3.7 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Vintage Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

haddad avatar reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 23 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Since I loved Haddon's earlier book (Curious Incident . . . ), I was initially very eager to read this one. But, when I read the discription, I lost interest--it sounds depressing and sort of boring. Well, I was wrong. After this book languished on my TBR pile for some time, I finally picked it up and was very pleasantly surprised. This book is funny and enjoyable. I really recommend it.
reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 81 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This author has a terrific sense of humor. Written from the perspective of each character, I cared about all the characters. I was hesitant about reading this because I liked The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time so much and didn't think a second book could live up to that one. This one did. I enjoyed it immensely and parts of it are laugh-out-loud funny.
candieb avatar reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 239 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book started out so funny. Poor George, but ya know, I think almost anyone can identify with him. "Hey, there's a spot. What if it's poison ivy?" or "Hey, that mole looks a little weird. What if it's cancerous?". Oh, you know you do it too. We all do. We are all crazy, deep down inside.

Having said that, George and Ray are the only characters in this book I really liked. Jamie was okay, but the rest were utterly self-centered or unlikeable.

BUT. The story is funny. The ending is "meh" at best, but getting there is a great ride. It's definitely worth a read, but don't go in thinking it's going to be as deep or wonderful as A Curious Dog in the Nite Time. It's not. It doesn't suck, it's no... err... dog.
reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is a book revolving around two very serious mental illnesses--anxiety and depression so you'd expect it to be well depressing. Instead, I found myself laughing out loud. Haddon draws his characters very sensitively.
reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
HILARIOUS!!! I was so sorry when it ended. If you love British humor, this is your cup of tea.
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DebB avatar reviewed A Spot of Bother on
Fun read! Whimsical and serious all at the same time. My husband and I took turns reading this to each other and couldn't predict or wait until we found out what happened next. You could imagine hearing this story from a friend.
reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 4 more book reviews
I did not expect to like this book but I did. The writer captures middle age angst and the inner workings of a insane mind perfectly. The humor is subtle English humor. The characters fill out well.
reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 12 more book reviews
This is another winner from Mark Haddon. I love his plot lines and characterizations. I will read anything he writes!
MKSbooklady avatar reviewed A Spot of Bother on + 989 more book reviews
One reviewer called this book 'painful and funny'. Probably the best description I could give it without a lot of adjectives that make no sense. Everyone in this family has issues-mental health, breaking up with a boyfriend, not sure if you love the person you're marrying, and just to round it off, Mom is having a raging affair with one of dad's old co-workers. There are some truly funny moments, and it makes you realize that your family is not nearly as crazy (I hope).

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