William's Progress

by Matt Rudd

Remember William Walker? Hapless journalist and ineffectual romantic, who nearly ruined his marriage to the girl of his dreams through no fault of his own? Well, he's back. And this time he's got a baby. William Walker loves his gorgeous wife and new son -- even if he did faint at the birth. What man wouldn't, after two whole days of labour and only one small sip of (medicinal) whiskey to sustain him? But now he's a father, and a proud one at that. It's just a shame that parenthood doesn't stop him doing the wrong thing at precisely the wrong time, with comically catastrophic results for his small -- and increasingly exasperated -- family. This hilarious romantic comedy will have you laughing out loud as William battles everything from floods to the Machiavellian denizens of a sinister Kentish village with more than a few hints of Royston Vasey!

314 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2010

Reviews

[Joel Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable

[Jennsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in the series and loved it. The author is witty and insightful. Although not as good as the predecessor, it was still a pleasure to read

[Colin · Rating 3 out of 5]

William is a character that most men can relate to in some way, as most men (I think) will be a father at some point. There is further encouragement to take his side when we find that he isn’t happy with his work, being in an office where he is quickly becoming the oldest there and having to cope with colleagues that clearly are going to advance further than he ever did, or will. Men will recognise, to a lesser or greater degree, the demotion of men to third place in the relationship or pecking order of him, wife and baby – with the attendant shame of feeling that way and being so selfish. To add to his troubles he agrees, sort of, for two of his friends – or probably more accurately his wife Isobel’s friends and people he just about tolerates, to re fit his bathroom as part of their career aspirations to be TV stars who do up bathrooms. In the background, we hear about his travelling woes, on the train he is intimidated by a woman who takes up two seats, and is afraid to ask to move her bag. There are just some of the circumstances which, when they inevitably get worse, are artfully intertwined and make for an entertaining read . There are some darker bits in the tale, but it is played mainly for laughs. I liked the book, but have read a better version, or versions, of the same theme many years ago in the ‘Wilt’ books by Tom Sharpe. I would recommend reading this first, and then looking in the charity shops for some Tom Sharpe to show how it really should be done.

[Emily Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

'William's Progress' follows on from 'William Walker's First Year of Marriage: A Horror Story', in the same diary-style prose, accounting another year in the life of William Walker.

All the familiar characters are there as well as some eccentric new characters: the ginger midget kick-boxer and her neighbours, and some cats and chickens. This year of William's life starts with the birth of his son, Jacob, and takes you on a roller-coaster of the stupid things the William does and the ridiculous situations his family get in to.

Overall, this is a quick and amusing read, but the scenarios seem to be a little over-the-top and very predictable in places. If you enjoy schadenfreude and silliness, then this will be right up your street.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow up to William Walker's First Year of Marriage and a very enjoyable tale. At the end of the first book William's marriage is saved after the devious Alex and Saskia the Destroyer of Relationships did their best to wreck it, and William has discovered he is about to become a father. This book begins 9 months on, on New Year's Day, when William jnr is born, and follows William through the next twelve months as he learns about fatherhood, village life, work and happiness. Though some of the situations are not exactly realistic, this is a really funny book that will keep you hooked. I only hope that this isn't the last we see of William!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh that was a good, easy, read - top grade chick lit+.
Laugh out loud funny take on relationships and life as a brand new parent. So true and therefore so funny. Not fluff mind, some seriously serious observations and insight.

Well written in an easy style - a pleasure to read.

Entertaining, funny, humane and warm. I'll have to get the first one now but hope there's more to come - I'd like to hear more about William & co.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read. Again, laugh out loud funny.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even more entertaining than 'William Walkers First year of Marriage'. Couldn't put it down!