In "A Grand Old Time" by Judy Leigh, the story follows septuagenarian Evie who, after feeling washed up in a care home, decides to break free and embark on an adventurous journey through England and France. While Evie rediscovers herself and embraces life, her son Brendan and his wife Maura struggle with their own marital issues and embark on a chaotic rescue mission to bring Evie back. The novel blends humor, heartwarming moments, and themes of rediscovery, all while showcasing the characters' flaws and strengths in a realistic and relatable manner.

Characters:

The characters represent a spectrum of human experiences, with Evie as a resilient, adventurous spirit, and Brendan and Maura reflecting the struggles of marital and familial relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style blends humor, warmth, and moments of sadness, making for an engaging yet occasionally uneven reading experience.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot focuses on Evie's journey of self-discovery as she leaves a nursing home for adventures in France, highlighting themes of independence and familial relationships.

Setting:

The story is set primarily in a nursing home in Dublin and various picturesque locations in France, enhancing the themes of adventure and exploration.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and lively, propelling the narrative through multiple locations and emotional beats.

He stared at his face in the mirror. His hair was still auburn, although faded, the curls flecked here and there with grey, and his blue eyes were crinkled around the corners. He lathered his face wit...

Notes:

Evie is in her mid-70s and feels disrespected in her life after her husband died a decade ago.

She escapes from a nursing home to seek a more adventurous life.

Evie flies solo for the first time, traveling from Dublin to Liverpool, then explores the coast of France in a campervan.

She unexpectedly falls in love with a man she initially dismisses as 'Mr. Grumpy'.

Evie's adventure in France involves helping others and getting involved in a local vineyard business.

The story contrasts Evie's experiences with her son's struggles in his marriage.

Evie sends phone messages to her son, Brendan, in a mix of French and English, keeping him updated on her journey.

The narrative showcases themes of self-discovery, independence, and the importance of living life fully at any age.

The writing includes comedic moments balanced with more serious themes of grief and personal growth.

Readers appreciate Judy Leigh's charm and ability to create relatable characters, although some found parts of the story unrealistic or sad.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance present in A Grand Old Time, as the protagonist develops a romantic relationship during her adventures.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

'Brilliantly funny, emotional and uplifting' Miranda Dickinson

Heartwarming, hilarious and fun - the perfect read for anyone who loved Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, A Man Called Ove, Ruth Jones and JoJo Moyes.

Evie Gallagher is regretting her hasty move into a care home. She may be seventy-five and recently widowed, but she's absolutely not dead yet. And so, one morning, Evie walks out of Sheldon Lodge and sets off on a Great Adventure across Europe.

But not everyone thinks Great Adventures are appropriate for women of Evie's age, least of all her son Brendan and his wife Maura, who follow a trail of puzzling text messages to bring her home.

When they finally catch up with her, there are shocks in store . . . because while Brendan may have given up on life and love, Evie certainly has not.

'Lovely . . . a book that assures that life is far from over at seventy' Cathy Hopkins, bestselling author of The Kicking the Bucket List

'Brimming with warmth, humour and a love of life . . . a wonderful escapade' Fiona Gibson, bestselling author of The Woman Who Upped and Left

'I absolutely loved everything about this book… 5* out of 5*' The Ginger Book Geek

'By its end I'd laughed, cringed, felt really concerned, giggled, cried (rather a lot) and emerged into the rosier future with a heart broken, mended, and singing with joy' Being Anne

'5 stars! I Loved Evie . . . She has a Passion and Zest for life… I want to go travelling with her! . . . If you read one book that is a little different this month let it be A Grand Old Time! You won't regret It!' Dash Fan

April 2018

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384 pages

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A Grand Old Time

Judy Leigh

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