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The Return of the Hippy: A classic British comedy and a story of hope
Tony Ryan is bemused. He thought he understood the way the world worked, but now, as a sacrificial lamb of the credit crunch he finds himself drifting... drifting into the clutches of the ever resourceful Pete who could find the angle in a Fairy Liquid bubble... and into the arms of the enigmatic hippy girl, Astrid, who’s about to introduce Tony to rabbits, magic caves and the joys of mushrooms.
eBook of the Month Club describes ‘The Return of the Hippy’ as “The funniest and most heart warming novel of the year.”
eBook of the Month Club describes ‘The Return of the Hippy’ as “The funniest and most heart warming novel of the year.”
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2010
31 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 12, 2020
Another from Mr Luddington and another wonderful tale. I grew up near where most of these books are set and the gentle exploits of generally well-intentioned hippies (myself included) are wonderfully familiar as well as beautifully observed.
I can’t get enough of these. If you’re looking for some gentle and well meaning English humour, please try these, you’ll love them as much as I have.
I can’t get enough of these. If you’re looking for some gentle and well meaning English humour, please try these, you’ll love them as much as I have.
July 2, 2018
the story is basically the change in a guy from city slicker stockbroker to hippy beach bum
its the people he meets and the adventures he has that are so funny
a good read
its the people he meets and the adventures he has that are so funny
a good read
March 27, 2018
A laugh out loud story.
This was a very funny "Reginald Perrin" style of writing. From stockbroker to lobster fisherman, via a period of deranged, mind bending adventures with a bunch of hippies. Very, very funny and highly recommended.
This was a very funny "Reginald Perrin" style of writing. From stockbroker to lobster fisherman, via a period of deranged, mind bending adventures with a bunch of hippies. Very, very funny and highly recommended.
June 12, 2014
Boring and unfunny!
October 1, 2020
I have now finished all of the books David Luddington has written to date. The ‘The Return of the Hippy’ was the last of these, fortunately. I really enjoyed all the previous books, I found them humorous, light to read, with some lovely characters and twists, using some unusual locations. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy the ‘The Return of the Hippy’ to the same degree.
I found many of the characters annoying and so over the top in slapstick situations. I did have problems whether to continue reading the book or call it a day. Something I rarely consider.
All his other books were great with at least some credibility. I am not sure, without checking dates, whether this book was his first, which could explain the change in his characters. I know his other books have quirky, and unusual, funny characters, which are very much part of his writing, but they were never too over the top and so annoying as they are in this book. The author has given me a lot of pleasure and entertainment in all his other books, but I am sorry this one just did not reach the heights of his others for me.
I found many of the characters annoying and so over the top in slapstick situations. I did have problems whether to continue reading the book or call it a day. Something I rarely consider.
All his other books were great with at least some credibility. I am not sure, without checking dates, whether this book was his first, which could explain the change in his characters. I know his other books have quirky, and unusual, funny characters, which are very much part of his writing, but they were never too over the top and so annoying as they are in this book. The author has given me a lot of pleasure and entertainment in all his other books, but I am sorry this one just did not reach the heights of his others for me.
February 20, 2021
Another thoroughly funny book by David Luddington; perfect escapism set in the South West of England. What is it about reading books set near where you live that makes them instantly more engaging? I love that David Luddington’s character’s escapades take place in places I know and have been to, I guess it lends a certain varsity and depth to the narrative, for me anyway.
While Tony’s antics are wildly funny and silly, the book does deal with some pertinent issues of today’s society. I might not be able to escape the rat race in the same way as David Luccington’s Tony but I like the idea of that possibility, and the escape reading this book has provided me is invaluable.
Great fun, give it a go.
While Tony’s antics are wildly funny and silly, the book does deal with some pertinent issues of today’s society. I might not be able to escape the rat race in the same way as David Luccington’s Tony but I like the idea of that possibility, and the escape reading this book has provided me is invaluable.
Great fun, give it a go.
January 24, 2021
Any book that makes you laugh out loud in 2021 has to be a BESTSELLER
Every single one of David Luddington's books makes me laugh out loud at several points. And in 2021, that is HUGE.
I think it's because all of his characters are hugely relatable that makes these books so funny and enjoyable. Although there's still an occasional serious side in there at times too.
Perhaps there is something in these characters that we would all like to experience that also helps these books flow so easily.
Please don't stop writing.
Every single one of David Luddington's books makes me laugh out loud at several points. And in 2021, that is HUGE.
I think it's because all of his characters are hugely relatable that makes these books so funny and enjoyable. Although there's still an occasional serious side in there at times too.
Perhaps there is something in these characters that we would all like to experience that also helps these books flow so easily.
Please don't stop writing.
February 19, 2024
A story of a 40+ year old man who has a breakdown. He is disillusioned with his job and after getting into it with his boss he is fired and loses the cottage he lives in. As a young man he was a hippy for just a short time. He says he left that life style at the urging of is wife. Wen he loses everything he meets us with a young women who introduces him to her friends. He gives up the life he was expected to want, work, work, and get more assets. He learns to be happy with a lot of controversy along the way.
August 25, 2020
Very funny for a good while into the book,also peppered with alarming ,sad and melancholy moments too
This was enjoyable and although funny ,it also has alarming sad and melancholy moments too.I think it spoke to my inner hippy too ,I miss her hmm.. . .
This was enjoyable and although funny ,it also has alarming sad and melancholy moments too.I think it spoke to my inner hippy too ,I miss her hmm.. . .
September 9, 2020
Fun,fun,fun!!
I was worried that this book would not match David's 'Camp Scoundrel'. But I have thoroughly enjoyed another massive helping of fun and mischief!! Can't wait to savour the next course!! Wish I could meet some of David's characters in person!!
I was worried that this book would not match David's 'Camp Scoundrel'. But I have thoroughly enjoyed another massive helping of fun and mischief!! Can't wait to savour the next course!! Wish I could meet some of David's characters in person!!
May 22, 2022
Excellent yarn
Funniest take on giving it all up that I've seen in a good while but with a serious sub-plot.
Nicely observed characters too - think I've met them but I do live in Glastonbury!
Funniest take on giving it all up that I've seen in a good while but with a serious sub-plot.
Nicely observed characters too - think I've met them but I do live in Glastonbury!
March 11, 2025
I enjoy David Luddington's writing. His humour unpredictable and very funny. I this one Tony goes from being a stockbroker in a dull life to an amazing chain of events that will turn everthing upside down. He meets unusual people in hilarious circumstances. Definitely a fun good read.
November 2, 2025
A VERY ENJOYABLE REAÐ
Another exceptional book by David, which keeps you engrossed by the excellent character & plot development and the use of gentle humour, that so many British authors are famed for.
Another exceptional book by David, which keeps you engrossed by the excellent character & plot development and the use of gentle humour, that so many British authors are famed for.
April 2, 2021
A fun read
Amusing entertaining read from start to finish. One answer to what life is all about without preaching or lecturing but making you smile, or wince, throughout
Amusing entertaining read from start to finish. One answer to what life is all about without preaching or lecturing but making you smile, or wince, throughout
October 25, 2022
Classic comedy of errors
I think I've read all of David Luddingtons books now. Just the antidote to cheer you up in these troubled times. Would make a great film.
I think I've read all of David Luddingtons books now. Just the antidote to cheer you up in these troubled times. Would make a great film.
July 27, 2023
People In Motion...
Not so much a midlife crisis, rather a benign journey to self-fulfilment. Laugh out loud belly laughs in gentle British satire.
Not so much a midlife crisis, rather a benign journey to self-fulfilment. Laugh out loud belly laughs in gentle British satire.
December 22, 2023
This is a crackin' read, sure to make you smile.
September 17, 2020
A mid life crisis goes farcicly awry in this enjoyably humourous tale of life liberating our hero from his middle class chains.
May 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. The regression from stockbroker to hippy was entertaining and believable, and I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I will definitely read more from this author.
December 19, 2016
Back in the '70s, I wasn't exactly a hippy but not far off it. Hippy sympathiser, let's call it. Now I'm middle aged and I've been through burnout and come out on the other side. Add to that, I was in the mood for light reading, being in a pretty good mood right now. So I really thought I'd be the perfect audience for this novel.
It was awful. First, it is totally unbelievable, and not in a good way. The early scene where the guy gets stoned and punches his boss... Well, I don't claim to be an expert in the effects of marijuana, but I thought it was more likely to lead to being laid back and tolerant, not lashing out violently. You can take the man out of stockbroking, but you can't... etc. And it just got more and more irritatingly ridiculous from that point.
Totally, totally unfunny, boring and annoying. Maybe it gets better but I gave up half way through.
It was awful. First, it is totally unbelievable, and not in a good way. The early scene where the guy gets stoned and punches his boss... Well, I don't claim to be an expert in the effects of marijuana, but I thought it was more likely to lead to being laid back and tolerant, not lashing out violently. You can take the man out of stockbroking, but you can't... etc. And it just got more and more irritatingly ridiculous from that point.
Totally, totally unfunny, boring and annoying. Maybe it gets better but I gave up half way through.
May 21, 2012
This story concerns a one-time high flying stock broker who is burned out in the Credit Crunch. He finds himself drawn into the world of a group of ageing hippies in Cornwall. Leaving behind the material world he has grown to hate he rediscovers his lost youth and gets a chance to start over. This is a wonderful comedy novel for everybody who has ever faced a midlife crisis and wondered if they should have taken a different path. The comic scenes are really funny and I found myself laughing aloud on the train! If you want cheering up, this is the book!
January 9, 2015
A great tale, loved it! A disillusioned city worker abandons his job and takes to the road, something most of us have dreamt of at some time I'm sure. The story builds slowly in the early stages, but be patient: the outcome is well worth waiting for. One of those books you regret reading because you can't have cake and eat it - if you get my drift. It could do with proofing because there are a few mistakes, but they didn't affect my enjoyment in any way. Brilliant David, keep 'em coming!
May 30, 2016
Initially I wasn't too keen, very lightly sketched characters and not a lot of credibility BUT, I think that was because of the book I "came from" and provided you accept this is simple comedy then it is OK. It hasn't got the most lovable characters and is a somewhat typical mid-life crisis tale but it is quite amusing, not "laugh out loud" for me but as a quick holiday read fulfilled the brief.
January 30, 2016
Oh no! Funny!
Leaping from being stifled by the 9-5 to the delights of hippydom, our hero survives a plethora of amazing disasters. Laugh out loud stuff :-)
Leaping from being stifled by the 9-5 to the delights of hippydom, our hero survives a plethora of amazing disasters. Laugh out loud stuff :-)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews