Reviews

A Spot of Bother by Mark Haddon

imtinabeana's review against another edition

3.0

I wish I could give half stars! It would be a 2.5. Very different than Haddon's last novel.

eringardens's review against another edition

5.0

I finally finished the September book club read. This was the only book that everyone liked. I may have given it 5 stars because I'm excited that I finally finished it or because I need to start dishing out more 5 star ratings but it has an interesting story line, interesting character development and interactions. Interesting perspectives. The characters are flawed but likable and relatable. One of the things I didn't get (and was brought up in book club) was why everybody disliked Ray. He seemed like the only person who was level-headed and kind but apparently nobody liked him. So maybe this should get 4.5 stars for not showing why everyone disliked him. I also like books that show how people think and rationalize crazy behavior. George has anxiety about giving a speech and before you know it, he's being found hiding in a ditch on his daughter's wedding day. A little crazy, but I totally get it. So it took me a while to get through, but I really enjoyed this book. 5 stars.

shedoestherobot's review against another edition

4.0

I absolutely loved this novel. It is novels like this that encourages me to pursue England.

catriona176's review against another edition

funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

gretagrimm's review against another edition

5.0

You want a happy ending (for once lately seems like). Make your way through life here -- I won't call it dysfunction. It's just life. And come out on the other side. Such a good ride.

greengecko29's review against another edition

4.0

Genuine, funny and heart breaking look at a family dealing with a variety of problems including depression / anxiety. Ultimately uplifting.

breellelizabeth's review against another edition

3.0

I liked the tone of this book - I liked how Haddon switched the POV and I was able to see each of the characters in turn. I did think it was a little anti-climactic, but I enjoyed it all the same.

tangiblebooks's review against another edition

3.0

I’m honestly not quite sure what I think about this book. I can’t say I typically feel that way; I either like a book or I don’t. This one, I just don’t know.

I’m confused on my feelings. It was readable. I found it frustrating. The more it went on, the more I just wanted to reach in the book and help George. Then it just got sad. And ended so mediocre.

I just don’t know what to say about it.

runnerjules's review against another edition

5.0

Loved it. The third Haddon book I've read this year and the third one in which he absolutely charms me. A spot of bother describes the everyday and less everyday situations of a British family. Mother Jean has an affair with an ex-colleague of her husband George, who, himself, is losing his mind over a lesion he discovered on his body because he truly does believe it's cancer and he's dying. The fact that his doctor tells him it's eczema doesn't seem to comfort him, and when he finds his wife in bed with his ex-colleague he just loses it. in the mean time, there's son Jaime who's gay - to the disgrace of his parents and who has trouble committing himself to his true love Tony. To make everything complete, daughter Katie announces she's going to marry Ray, to the absolute horror of her parents who can think of at least one million better people to have as son-in-law. Yet, all these people have to live together and find their ways. Everyday situations, some quite familiar, others not, written in such a way it's both hilariously funny and sad. For example, about the death of Susan's husband: "…and it was going to be hard on Susan and the boys, even if Susan blossomed now that she was able to finish her own sentences" :-). Without actually very specific events, the story manages to be a true page turner. Loved every single page. Nice read!

zofie's review against another edition

Boek is vlot leesbaar en in een stijl dat ik wel graag lees, maar het onderwerp familie(drama) ligt me niet zo. Ik ben tot hoofdstuk 18 geraakt en nu geeft ik het op. Ik word niet in het verhaal meegezogen en met mijn concentratievermogen heb ik dat wel nodig. :)