Reggie Perrin es un hombre gris, de mediana edad, que lleva una vida si cabe más gris. Hasta que un día decide simular su propio suicidio y comenzar de nuevo como una persona diferente. Tras diversas tribulaciones, incluida la temporada en que nuestro protagonista se ve obligado a cuidar gorrinos en una granja, Reggie abrirá una tienda, «Basura», en la que todo lo que se vende es completa y absolutamente inútil. Para su sorpresa, el proyecto se convierte en un éxito apabullante. Cuando Reggie decide destruir el monstruo que ha creado, se da cuenta de que hay criaturas difícilmente eliminables.

The Return of Reginald Perrin - David Nobbs *****

The brilliant sequel to Nobbs earlier book ‘The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin’. Many people will have seen the TV series which remained fairly consistent with the books

What is it about?

It continues the story of one Reginald Iolanthe Perrin and his ever deepening descent into a midlife crisis. Unhappy with his life he decides to open a shop that sells useless products, but is amazed when it becomes a success. How will he deal with once again being trapped in the repetition of the daily rat race?

What did I like?

Nobbs is a brilliant writer, very rarely do I venture in the comedy shelves but he has totally changed my perception of the genre. The book is filled with warmth, witty anecdotes, memorable catchphrases and characters you actually care about. It is easy to place yourself into any of the characters shoes and recognise your own misgivings and traits. I defy anyone approaching their middle years to read this and not have to chuckle to themselves as they identity thoughts they are currently experiencing. It is not all that often you will find me laugh out loud reading a book, but I am glad to say that on more than a few occasions this happened.

What didn’t I like?

There wasn’t really anything. If I had to be picky I would say that at times it did seem a little dated to our modern world, but you can hardly blame Nobbs for that.

Would I recommend?

Definitely, although not necessarily as a standalone novel, a lot of the storylines are a continuation of the previous book, so read that first. ( )