As a fan of this authors previous books this one was a disappointment. While Lodge is a gifted writer his usual humorous style is missing from this book (with the exception of some amusing lines that are more predominant earlier in the book). This book reads as mostly an account of happenings from the authors life that he worked into a fictional character. His description of losing his hearing is likely to be helpful to anyone surrounded by someone in this position but both that and the description of the character's father's decline make very depressing reading. As a former linguistics student with an interest in D/deaf culture and identity, I found myself a bit more connected to Desmond than I otherwise would've felt towards this sort of character: a stuffy retired professor in his sixties. Much of the narration is a meditation on ag(e)ing and the deterioration of one's health, which many readers might find bleak, yet everyone will eventually face these conundrums in some capacity. Lodge covers some of the most sensitive material (e.g. assisted suicide) in an understated and empathetic way. Although the plot is a bit far-fetched in places, namely the Alex storyline and its resolution, it's quite refreshing overall, with just the right amount of dark comedy to lighten the atmosphere and keep you reading.
A great read. Every retired academic would enjoy it, and see something of him/herself in it.
—KayJay
Made me laugh out loud at times. Poignant, witty, precise and universal all at the same time.
—juls
I just couldn't engage with the main character at all. I didn't finish it.
—TeeTee
I love his accurate grammar.
—Erin
fantastic
—foxxiforlyf
