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Book Review of Bed: A Novel

Bed: A Novel
Bed: A Novel
Author: David Whitehouse
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
reviewed on + 379 more book reviews


This is a disturbing look into the life of a dysfunctional English family as told by the younger of two sons. Malcolm, the older brother, whose bizzare behavior escalates with age, chooses at the age of 25 for no apparent reason, to stay in bed. He remains there for 20 years, attaining a staggering weight of 100 stones (1400 lbs.) and the title of the fattest man in the world with, unbelievably, a fan base. His mother happily serves him endless high-calorie meals and snacks, his father retreats to the attic and the younger brother remains hopelessly in love with Malcolm's former girlfriend. The descriptions of the sponge baths given by his doting mother evoke a mental image that is difficult to erase. This book is better than any appetite suppressant ever made.