The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker by Bobbie Darbyshire @BobbieDar @sandstonepress #BookReview

The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker by Bobbie Darbyshire

When Harry Whittaker, much loved star of stage and screen, dies suddenly of a heart attack, he finds himself still in this world. Trapped in a bizarre afterlife, he struggles to free himself. Meanwhile, his estranged son Richard is also trying to escape – from his failing café, his dotty mother and the wrong girlfriend. Perhaps what they all need is a guardian angel.

Review by Kelly Lacey

Firstly the cover design is everything, the bright orange and blue compliment each other and captures the essence of the story perfectly. We join Harry Whittaker at the end of his life after a very successful acting career. In my head through the book I had Ian McKellan in my head (who is very much alive, thank goodness) but for character clarity that’s who my brain picked. However, Harry’s journey is just not quite over. Then we meet Richard who is struggling in life with what feels to him is the weight of the world on his shoulders. His little cafe is drowning with lack of customers and he feels deflated. Can life be better by running away? Then gentle Lily is last by not least in our key characters. A lady who is literally comfortable in her own skin, a little different from others it may be but it’s all her.

I thought the book was going to be similar in nature to A Wonderful Life, however, no bell rings and the angels are wingless. It is totally different and in a great way, the premise is so fresh and I haven’t read anything like it.

I loved the character growth throughout the book. I have to say I absolutely detested Richard for about three-quarters of the book. I don’t mind not liking a character at all. It is a bit like a baddie on a reality show that you really don’t like but they are good viewing pleasure. Same with a book character that gets truly under your skin, which is what Richard did. He had me so cross at times and I wanted to shake him and tell him to get a grip.

Bobbie Darbyshire created a whole host of strong characters in The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker. After reading the book it really makes you think about what and who you have around you. A perfect read for this Christmas season to remind us to let the folks we love feel it and to embrace and enjoy what you have.

An engaging read with an important message, love BIG.

Thanks to the team at Sandstone Press for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

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