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Tilly Lake's Road Trip
As a child, Tilly dreamt that Prince Charming would drive her around Britain in a pink car. At nineteen she married John Lake. When she was fifty-eight, John was found dead in a hotel room wearing nothing but a condom. Using the life insurance money, Tilly buys an American car (black, not pink), hires a twenty-five year old Welshman (who is short, dark and handsome), and sets off to fulfil her childhood dream.
640 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
May 31, 2013
I read Flying Lessons and loved it so I thought I'd try Tilly.
To be honest it was a bit of a shock, what with all the boobs and kissing. Tilly seemed very naive and far too understanding of her faithless husband's betrayal, there were no recriminations or tearing out of hair. I persevered, muttering to myself. I suppose I began to get into it about half-way through, but still wanted the characters to be a bit nastier. People aren't really that nice, are they? It wasn't until I'd nearly got to the end that it occurred to me that Francis Potts had written another book that had altered my view of the world. Maybe Tilly and her friends are idealised, but the message I came away with was a strong one: that life is better without limits (or preconceptions). The ending was perfect - but not sentimental. It's not a sentimental book, it's optimistic and uplifting. It's about being happy. Highly recommended (especially for grumbling old cynics like me). Five stars for Tilly and three for me!
To be honest it was a bit of a shock, what with all the boobs and kissing. Tilly seemed very naive and far too understanding of her faithless husband's betrayal, there were no recriminations or tearing out of hair. I persevered, muttering to myself. I suppose I began to get into it about half-way through, but still wanted the characters to be a bit nastier. People aren't really that nice, are they? It wasn't until I'd nearly got to the end that it occurred to me that Francis Potts had written another book that had altered my view of the world. Maybe Tilly and her friends are idealised, but the message I came away with was a strong one: that life is better without limits (or preconceptions). The ending was perfect - but not sentimental. It's not a sentimental book, it's optimistic and uplifting. It's about being happy. Highly recommended (especially for grumbling old cynics like me). Five stars for Tilly and three for me!
June 1, 2013
This is a fun, entertaining read! Tilly Lake experiences a whirlwind life change in such a short amount of time and it's instantly impossible to not love her. She epitomizes women of her generation whom have placed themselves second throughout an entire marriage in order to prioritize the role of "wife." When that role abruptly ends for Tilly, she moves on. And, my, how she moves on! If "conservative" is a term you relate to yourself, Tilly will undoubtedly shock you. If you have more of an open mind, you will recognize Tilly's adventures as her later-in-life attempt to know herself and allow herself to experience friendships and life without any reservations.
August 9, 2013
First let me say, the writing is superb and I thought the plot was incredibly original and intriguing. So many areas of the book had me laughing out loud and saying, "What the...?" I also really thought that Tilly was going to turn into a full blown switch hitter - she may yet I suppose. All in all, this was a fun and fresh story that I enjoyed very much.
Why only three stars, you ask? Allow me to explain.
Where the story grabbed me was with the characters. I love them. They are so fresh and unexpected. The humor was very good and the writing was amazing. Also, the plot was unlike anything I have ever read - the overall plot that is. I love the idea of turning the worst time in your life, into the best time of your life, in such an unexpected way. Tilly's naivety was also quite endearing for most of the story.
Where the story really lost me was the idea that every single woman that Tilly comes across has secret dreams of taking topless photos, fondling/showering/making out with other women and demanding to have topless photos of themselves on stranger's phones. It made it seem like it was more of some old man's fantasy than a novel that's supposed to be heartfelt and funny.
I was also quite irritated and bored with the constant repetitiveness. I was at the point where I wanted to skip over the phone calls between Tilly and Anka because it was the same conversation over and over and over and over - literally. It was always Anka asking Tilly if she was going to sleep with Johnny, and that it would make her happy if she did - all in broken English. It was funny the first few times but after that, it became annoying as it seemed to happen at least two or three times a chapter.
The other major repeat offender was Johnny telling Tilly she was a bad woman and Tilly telling Johnny that he was a bad man and demanding kisses from each other. I mean Jesus - if you want to kiss, just kiss. It was charming at first because they were working through the awkwardness of wanting to do it, but after a while, it seemed like they were saying it every few pages through the entire book. It definitely lost that charm.
Another point that I found irritating was that I was forced to read the entire play-by-play of a foreign film that they were watching in the story. Was that truly necessary? It went on and on to the point where I finally just started skimming through it until I could get past that part. There was no reason to do it, it had no relevance later. A quick synopsis would have been just fine.
While these things took away some of the enjoyment of the story for me, it's definitely worth the read. I don't want deter anyone from reading this book, I truly liked it and am happy that I read it. I just didn't love it - though I could with some minor editing. The characters are so enjoyable and fun, they make me want to run out and find a Welshman, a Russian and some English women to pal around with - sans lesbian fantasy picture-taking sessions and make-out fests. Potts should truly feel proud of this accomplishment. It was a pleasure.
Why only three stars, you ask? Allow me to explain.
Where the story grabbed me was with the characters. I love them. They are so fresh and unexpected. The humor was very good and the writing was amazing. Also, the plot was unlike anything I have ever read - the overall plot that is. I love the idea of turning the worst time in your life, into the best time of your life, in such an unexpected way. Tilly's naivety was also quite endearing for most of the story.
Where the story really lost me was the idea that every single woman that Tilly comes across has secret dreams of taking topless photos, fondling/showering/making out with other women and demanding to have topless photos of themselves on stranger's phones. It made it seem like it was more of some old man's fantasy than a novel that's supposed to be heartfelt and funny.
I was also quite irritated and bored with the constant repetitiveness. I was at the point where I wanted to skip over the phone calls between Tilly and Anka because it was the same conversation over and over and over and over - literally. It was always Anka asking Tilly if she was going to sleep with Johnny, and that it would make her happy if she did - all in broken English. It was funny the first few times but after that, it became annoying as it seemed to happen at least two or three times a chapter.
The other major repeat offender was Johnny telling Tilly she was a bad woman and Tilly telling Johnny that he was a bad man and demanding kisses from each other. I mean Jesus - if you want to kiss, just kiss. It was charming at first because they were working through the awkwardness of wanting to do it, but after a while, it seemed like they were saying it every few pages through the entire book. It definitely lost that charm.
Another point that I found irritating was that I was forced to read the entire play-by-play of a foreign film that they were watching in the story. Was that truly necessary? It went on and on to the point where I finally just started skimming through it until I could get past that part. There was no reason to do it, it had no relevance later. A quick synopsis would have been just fine.
While these things took away some of the enjoyment of the story for me, it's definitely worth the read. I don't want deter anyone from reading this book, I truly liked it and am happy that I read it. I just didn't love it - though I could with some minor editing. The characters are so enjoyable and fun, they make me want to run out and find a Welshman, a Russian and some English women to pal around with - sans lesbian fantasy picture-taking sessions and make-out fests. Potts should truly feel proud of this accomplishment. It was a pleasure.
August 20, 2013
There is something very endearing about this book. It's not exactly true to life, the people in it are far too open and kind to each other, but in this case I don't think that matters.
I have to warn you, it is slightly erotic but in a very mild way. There are no rampant bed scenes, more a slight whisper of suggestion, but there is a fixation on the female chest area which you could compare to looking at an oil painting of a few hundred years ago.
Tilly, the main character, is at work when she learns of her husband's death. They had been married for decades and reached the stage of comfortable companionship and deep love. She learns he died in the arms of another woman but takes this news exceptionally well and with curiosity more than anything else as she knew he had the odd liaison and was happy he was content. This is about the stage in the novel where I would imagine most women, including myself, would look at Tilly and raise an eyebrow at her apparent lack of self worth but there is more to this story than what is right or wrong, it is purely about what is.
Tilly finds herself comfortably off financially and decides to go on a road trip. She buys a large classic car, hires a driver from outside the local job centre, leaves the house in the care of her husband's mistress, (Anka, a homeless immigrant from Russia) and embarks on the road trip she dreamt of as a child with her handsome Prince Charming who is more than happy to wear her pink pyjamas. They travel together around Britain, meeting people along the way who could be likened to the flower children of the 1970's for their openness and welcoming nature. However, it isn't drug use which makes the people they meet so open minded, it is love.
Francis Pott's has stripped away reserve and replaced it with a total acceptance and need for physical human contact. He has taken a woman who didn't enjoy sexual contact with her husband, her only lover, and has given her the ultimate comfort, a physical journey of healing where touch and kisses from people she meets are as acceptable as a sympathy card on the mantelpiece.
Tilly rescues everyone who needs it. Even her husband's mistress. She went from a woman I wanted to shake to a woman I began to understand. This story is almost feminist in the telling but written by a man. Interesting.
Well written, emotional, heart warming yet slightly dreamlike and, if you can see past the first layer to what's underneath, rather like a beautiful oil painting.
I have to warn you, it is slightly erotic but in a very mild way. There are no rampant bed scenes, more a slight whisper of suggestion, but there is a fixation on the female chest area which you could compare to looking at an oil painting of a few hundred years ago.
Tilly, the main character, is at work when she learns of her husband's death. They had been married for decades and reached the stage of comfortable companionship and deep love. She learns he died in the arms of another woman but takes this news exceptionally well and with curiosity more than anything else as she knew he had the odd liaison and was happy he was content. This is about the stage in the novel where I would imagine most women, including myself, would look at Tilly and raise an eyebrow at her apparent lack of self worth but there is more to this story than what is right or wrong, it is purely about what is.
Tilly finds herself comfortably off financially and decides to go on a road trip. She buys a large classic car, hires a driver from outside the local job centre, leaves the house in the care of her husband's mistress, (Anka, a homeless immigrant from Russia) and embarks on the road trip she dreamt of as a child with her handsome Prince Charming who is more than happy to wear her pink pyjamas. They travel together around Britain, meeting people along the way who could be likened to the flower children of the 1970's for their openness and welcoming nature. However, it isn't drug use which makes the people they meet so open minded, it is love.
Francis Pott's has stripped away reserve and replaced it with a total acceptance and need for physical human contact. He has taken a woman who didn't enjoy sexual contact with her husband, her only lover, and has given her the ultimate comfort, a physical journey of healing where touch and kisses from people she meets are as acceptable as a sympathy card on the mantelpiece.
Tilly rescues everyone who needs it. Even her husband's mistress. She went from a woman I wanted to shake to a woman I began to understand. This story is almost feminist in the telling but written by a man. Interesting.
Well written, emotional, heart warming yet slightly dreamlike and, if you can see past the first layer to what's underneath, rather like a beautiful oil painting.
August 28, 2013
Tilly’s husband dies in unusual circumstances. Finding herself financially secure, she decides to hire small, dark and handsome Johnny to drive her around England in her newly purchased Firebird. Their road trip is full of wonderful, bizarre encounters, a lot of kissing and a lot of laughs.
Tilly is naïve, generous and warm, with a healthy and open attitude to trying new experiences. Her developing relationship with the much younger Johnny is a delight, and her acceptance of her husband’s lover, Anke, into her life is quite poignant. There is tenderness and joy in the way that Tilly touches the lives of all the people she meets. This sense of innocence alongside some playful naughtiness brings each character to life.
I love Francis Potts’ ability to describe the reality of life, the everyday and the mundane, and the imaginative twist he adds with a dream-like feel and a mischievous nod to the eccentric.
Anke’s poor but endearing grasp of English; Tilly and Johnny’s refrain of ‘You’re a bad man/woman’; and Tilly’s slightly risqué collections are great running gags. Initially I loved being in on the joke and looked forward to these moments. However, after a point I found the repetition made the story sag in places.
That said, Tilly’s trip left me feeling uplifted, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to join her on her journey.
Tilly is naïve, generous and warm, with a healthy and open attitude to trying new experiences. Her developing relationship with the much younger Johnny is a delight, and her acceptance of her husband’s lover, Anke, into her life is quite poignant. There is tenderness and joy in the way that Tilly touches the lives of all the people she meets. This sense of innocence alongside some playful naughtiness brings each character to life.
I love Francis Potts’ ability to describe the reality of life, the everyday and the mundane, and the imaginative twist he adds with a dream-like feel and a mischievous nod to the eccentric.
Anke’s poor but endearing grasp of English; Tilly and Johnny’s refrain of ‘You’re a bad man/woman’; and Tilly’s slightly risqué collections are great running gags. Initially I loved being in on the joke and looked forward to these moments. However, after a point I found the repetition made the story sag in places.
That said, Tilly’s trip left me feeling uplifted, and I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to join her on her journey.
October 6, 2013
The book is well written and well edited and the premise is interesting. Tilly's husband dies in not-so-favorable circumstances and that leads her to reach for a new life and new experiences. While I understood the premise, I didn't really understand the trip to the end of the book. The situations were more fantasy than fiction; I've never met anyone close to the women in this book - all at the same time. The road trip seemed a bit long and the repetitive 'cute' byplay between characters should have been edited. The books premise actually reminded me of Lady Fortescue Steps Out by Marion Chesney where the unrelated characters, who are driven to poverty and shunned by family, band together and create a family of their own.
August 4, 2013
A fun and enjoyable read with extremely likeable characters. They are all a little too kind and generous to be true which gives it a dream like quality. Tilly herself is slightly implausible for someone of her age, but it doesn't really matter. She's great and you learn to love her innocence and generosity Unfortunately for me, much of the trip was a bit 'samey' and repetitive and there wasn't really enough tension to keep me hooked, so I found it a bit hard to get to the end. I did though, and I think overall it was very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews