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Bench: A Novel
A solitary wooden structure sits bathed in the shade of a tree. The small, inconspicuous neighborhood park bench seemingly has the power to summon a select few who need a brief respite from life. Matthew Leigh, a headstrong college student, just wants a peaceful break from the musty university library. As he sits on the bench to eat his lunch, he forges an unlikely friendship with a six-year-old boy that eventually forces him to rethink his entire philosophy on life. Derrick Weston has just faced rejection from the woman he wants to marry. As he seeks solace on the bench, he has no idea he is about to learn that his girlfriend has a secret that will dramatically impact both their lives. Joe Cooke and his friends just want to feel free. As they meet at the bench illuminated by moonlight, they all soon learn that actions have consequences and that blood is not always thicker than water. Septuagenarian Graham Hanson sits there with the love of his life, and learns the true meaning of marriage, companionship, and the phrase, "Till death do us part" In this compelling tale, several ordinary people forced to confront complex issues are connected by one common denominator-an old, neglected bench in the middle of a grassy square.
440 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 3, 2016
This Bench reminded me of one near my home, but the Bench in this story is special.
What normal piece of furniture encounters so many issues in its life? Teen pregnancy, abortion, religion, atheism, attempted murder, the loss of one's life partner, epilepsy, vocation, bisexuality...It's a very human story, centred around an inanimate object. It kind of reminds me of the film, Love Actually, in how the stories weave together, despite all their differences.
Like in Trippers, I suspected I knew how some of the storylines would end. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised, particularly with Derrick's story, which I'd thought was the most predictable!
My personal pique was that some of the characters (Graham and Geri, particularly) agonised a little more than I felt was necessary over their personal issues, but it was Graham's and Geri's stories that I connected with the most.
Bench lacked the classic one liners from the author's earlier book, Trippers, but with a touching story like this one, perhaps it didn't need them.
I enjoyed this book and I'm pleased I bought it, so I can read it again.
What normal piece of furniture encounters so many issues in its life? Teen pregnancy, abortion, religion, atheism, attempted murder, the loss of one's life partner, epilepsy, vocation, bisexuality...It's a very human story, centred around an inanimate object. It kind of reminds me of the film, Love Actually, in how the stories weave together, despite all their differences.
Like in Trippers, I suspected I knew how some of the storylines would end. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised, particularly with Derrick's story, which I'd thought was the most predictable!
My personal pique was that some of the characters (Graham and Geri, particularly) agonised a little more than I felt was necessary over their personal issues, but it was Graham's and Geri's stories that I connected with the most.
Bench lacked the classic one liners from the author's earlier book, Trippers, but with a touching story like this one, perhaps it didn't need them.
I enjoyed this book and I'm pleased I bought it, so I can read it again.
Displaying 1 of 1 review