Bror Telemann is on holiday in Germany with his wife and children. His wife Nina, loves Germany. He doesn’t. He does like theatre and Nigella Lawson though. Whilst the rest of his family enjoy the sights, he lets his mind wander to thoughts of theatre… and Nigella.

I’m not really sure how to go about writing this review. It’s an odd little book. Odder than Doppler, but still highly enjoyable. I do now think that “thinking about theatre” is a euphemism! Every time Telemann is caught thinking about Nigella, he tells his wife he’s just caught up in the theatre.

It’s very conversational prose. There’s no speech marks and a lot of speech, if that’s something that bothers you. But somehow it added to the realism of a family on holiday and their pointless conversations. Apart from a couple of events, the whole things came across as a believable holiday; one where someone doesn’t really want to be there but is putting up with it. If you’re not enjoying the place, you probably would spend a lot of time in your head.

It’s slightly prophetic too. The original Norwegian text was published in 2009, before this year’s shocking pictures of Saatchi attacking Nigella over a disagreement. Telemann gets it in his head that Saatchi is an abusive husband and in his fantasies he must rescue her. It gives that portion of the book a sad tinge whilst the rest is filled with offbeat humour.

Lazy Days has been translated into English by Don Bartlett and Don Shaw and is published by Head of Zeus in the UK. It’s available to buy now in hardback and ebook editions. Thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy for review.

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Shelve next to: Doppler by Erlend Loe


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book free of charge for review purposes only. Receipt of a book does not guarantee a review or endorsement. My reviews are my honest opinion and are not biased for the purpose of personal gain.