A Spot Of Bother, Mark Haddon's latest book, is about George, Jean, Katie and Jamie. Each have their own problems to face, but none of them can go around everyone else's. George suffers from cancer. At least he thinks he suffers from cancer. What he mistakesd for cancer appears to be eczema, which can be cured by simply putting some creme on. However, knowing that doesn't stop George from having panicattacks and a depression. He fears the end is near. Jean is George's wife. Her marriage is not what she wished it was and so one day she finds herself in bed with another man. She cares for George, but it just doesn't do anymore. She wants more and maybe it's time she took it. But what about George? Katie is the feisty daughter, about to marry a man who will take care of her and her kid. Whether she really loves Ray, she isn't really sure. Next to love, there might be other explanations for why she is marrying Ray. Is it because he get's along with Jacob and he can fix anything on the planet or is it because her parents tell her not to? Jamie is Katie's gay brother. He get's dumped by his boyfriend when he is tired of Jamie remaining single in their relationship. That puts Jamie at the start of a struggle. Where will he end up if he doesn't change?
So those are their own problems. On top of that are everyone else's. Both of the children will have to coope when the roles are turned around... a father that is expected to deal with his own problems cries out on their shoulder and they need to tell mum off for having an affair. Both the parents, especially Jean, have to deal with a daughter who is about to marry someone they don't like and probably no one - including Katie- loves and a son that has a "collegue" he's very close with. And all of them have a past together, like every family has.
Mark Haddon is a very gifted author. All the problems in the relationships in and out the family are made so clear in subtles ways. It takes a while before you really get into it, you have to get to know the characters at first, but it's worthwhile. Check the website out for extracts. It might lead to an exciting new read. http://www.randomhouse.co.uk/minisites/aspotofbother/
