Plot Summary

A Spot of Bother

Mark Haddon
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A Spot of Bother

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Mark Haddon

A Spot of Bother

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • Early 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Mark Haddon's novel A Spot of Bother follows retired 61-year-old George Hall, a hypochondriac obsessed with his health, who discovers a lesion on his hip and mistakenly believes he has cancer. Meanwhile, his family faces their own crises: his wife, Jean, has an affair, his daughter, Katie, plans a wedding George disapproves of, and his son, Jamie, struggles with his relationship.

Humorous

Emotional

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.7

38,623 ratings

52%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Mark Haddon's A Spot of Bother offers a darkly comic take on family dynamics, capturing the protagonist's spiraling hypochondria amidst personal turmoil. Reviews applaud its witty prose and rich characterizations, though some critique its pacing and overly dramatic elements. Overall, it provides an engaging exploration of middle-class anxieties and mental health.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Spot of Bother?

A reader who enjoys darkly humorous, character-driven narratives about family dynamics, akin to Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons, would appreciate Mark Haddon's A Spot of Bother. This novel is ideal for those who relish exploring the complexities of modern life and deeply flawed, wonderfully relatable characters.

3.7

38,623 ratings

52%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

A Spot of Bother was written by Mark Haddon, the same author who gained widespread acclaim with his earlier novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

The book explores themes of family dynamics and personal crises, showcasing Haddon's talent for blending humor with poignant storytelling.

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A Spot of Bother was shortlisted for the 2006 Costa Book Awards, underscoring Mark Haddon's continued success as an author.

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Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • Early 2000s

Theme
Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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