It's a long while since I did Tai Chi and read the Dao Of Pooh. I was reminded of this when I opened Leonard And Hungry Paul in that it was clear I was in for a change of pace, being used to reading and writing pulse-raising stories in the main.
Leonard And Hungry Paul is a charming book that continues to gently glow from the first page to the last.
The pair might well be described as misfits, but the friendship is stronger than most, meaning Leonard has been all but adopted into Hungry Paul's family. They are creatures of habit, enjoying board games and moments of togetherness within a life of routine and security.
But things change (oddly Things Change is a film that sticks in my memory and is also brought to mind by this novel). Hungry Paul's sister is getting married, Leonard's mum has recently died and he has finally met someone who might consider starting a relationship with him. The ripples of the alterations to life are gentle, yet contain power. The nature of what is to come is uncertain, yet Hungry Paul is unperturbed. He's a Winnie the Pooh type character, centred and wise, carrying within the ability to impact upon the world and those around him with minimal effort, desire or even intention.
The stories within flow like a bubbling stream. Though it has the required tension to create a narrative drive, the pleasure of the read lies elsewhere: in the thoughtful observations, the light touches, warming humour, solid relationships and laugh-out-loud moments.
Spending time with Leonard, Hungry Paul and the cast of surrounding characters is a real treat. It's a book to be savoured, to share and to keep on the shelves never to be sent on to the charity shop.
I believe it will soon be released as a TV series and I, for one, can't wait to see it.
No comments:
Post a Comment