Graham Norton's novels. Forget Scandi-Noir...try Mammy-Noir

 

Both "Holding" (2016) and "A Keeper" (2018) are both delightful reads.
Graham Norton is known as BBC top TV host, actor (2 episodes of "Father Ted"), The Telegraph's agony aunt, author of two autobiographies and a non-fiction book on 20th century gay icons. I did not expect the complexities of the characters, the poignancy of the situations or the intricately structured plots spanning several decades.
Both books capture Irish village life - numerous visits to the local pub, nattering in the general store and countless cups of tea being offered. Norton's love of West Cork comes through in "A Keeper" as well as his love of dogs. There is a touching bit midway through about a loyal dog's reaction to the death of his owner: "...how Dora the collie had continued to sleep on one of his old jumpers till death claimed her too..."
Love, disappointment, loss, secrets, motherhood and new challenges are recurring themes. Things get pretty dark in both novels and Norton knows how to build a cracking climax.

Things that make me smile .....

• our family dog (Langly) lying on his back like a split chicken, waiting for a tummy scratch
• those Google home page animations/designs, they're informative, too
• getting an unexpected birthday greeting when you open up Google (see above)
• those Ikea commercials
• hearing a kookaburra some mornings
• Graham Norton's "Red Chair" segment
• watching Margaret and David disagree over films in The Movie Show
• hearing the local school bell sound at 9 o'clock when I am still reading in bed (I am a retired primary school teacher)
• using 'in-house' phrases and words that only my wife and daughter understand the context of
• turning left (pointy end) rather than right (cattle class), boarding a plane (unfortunately not often enough)
• hearing the pop of a sparkling wine/champagne bottle being opened
• being woken up by a sloppy lick/kiss from the dog in the morning
• reading advertising signs like: "Sweeney Todd Medical Waste Removal"; a retired doctor's B&B called "Bedside Manor" ....or (for HR Model Holden car parts) "HR Parts and Stuff"           
• going to the fridge and discovering a chilled bottle of wine hiding at the back