Bobby Dazzler - Hardcover

Collins, Philip

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0007126166 ISBN 13: 9780007126163

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2003

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Second novel from the author of The Men from the Boys.

Philip Collins had an impressive debut with the bestselling The Men from the Boys. Now with Bobby Dazzler he looks at what we make of our lives.

The market stall and the Amateur Dramatic Society are the twin poles of Georgie Lees' working existence. She is the organiser of the market and the star of the local theatre. Her son, her mother, and sometimes her ex-husband, are the cornerstones of her life.

Mary, her mother, one-time publican, popular neighbourhood performer and brilliant needlework designer, is beginning to show early signs of erratic behaviour; her son is struggling at school and, at ten, is too old to be cuddled for comfort but too young to talk to; and his father, the local funeral director, seems to spend more time talking to the plants in his allotment than to any of them.

Georgie is offered what she had always wanted: the chance to perform professionally. But should she – could she – take the opportunity when her family seem to be in such need?

It is the growing difficulties of her mother that bring a new player into her life, the comical but efficient, dramatic but stoic Brian. And it is death that irrevocably changes their lives and asks the question lying behind all their choices – how should those with no religious faith find meaning in life?

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Review:

Praise for Philip Collins and The Men from the Boys:

'Collins' writing is sparse and vivid.' Time Out

'Collins' confident debut novel has a particular fascination and charm in a tradition that stretches back to the matchless Alan Sillitoe.' Daily Mail

'This is an endearing and enthralling novel, whose author has something to say from a unique perspective. The boy done good.' The Spectator

Synopsis:

Second novel from the author of The Men from the Boys. The brilliant second novel from the author of The Men from the Boys, In The Black has a strong cast of characters whose link is their local amateur dramatics society. Their off-stage dramas far exceed those that are played out on the small stage at the local hall. The main players include the local funeral director, trying to make room for the living as well as the dead; and the vibrant Georgie, whose devastating loss has led her back home to her mother.

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