Leisure

by Kevin Sampson

For Hilary Scanlon a holiday to the Med is the last throw of the dice. She's done everything for her husband Sean since his accident, but he only seems to grow more reclusive. Timmy Williams is one of the Three Amigos - the other two, Beer and Jethro, know what they want from their drink, women, and song. Timmy is more interested in the polite woman doing t'ai chi by the pool. While Hilary does her exercises, Sean curses the thoughtless vacationers who crash around at five in the morning in the room above. He wants retribution. Lindy MacLaren is a holiday rep who tries to stop naive British girls from falling prey to the local gigolos. When Lindy sees Sean Scanlon spreading jam on his neighbours' balcony to attract insects, she thinks she's found a soulmate. For anyone who has experienced the brash vulgarity, the rampant xenophobia and the effusive humanity of a package trip, this hilarious, touching and beautifully observed book is a must.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Kevin Sampson is the author of seven novels - Awaydays, Powder, Leisure, Outlaws, Clubland, Freshers and most recently, Stars are Stars - and a work of non-fiction, Extra Time. He lives and works in Liverpool.

Reviews

[Keen Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read Sampson a couple of times before in “Awaydays” and “Clubland”, but the last time would have been around ten years ago. I enjoyed both novels but I have to say this seems a step up from those books, there is a maturity and conviction about this that gives a bit more oomph.

I really enjoyed this it was one of those summer reads, which put me in mind of similar sultry, holiday fiction by the likes of Helen Walsh, Herman Koch and so many more authors, which are set in and around Mediterranean resorts.

This is a fun and entertaining novel with some really nice phrases and description smuggled in here and there. Also I really enjoyed the way this book was packaged, along the lines of a retro holiday brochure for the destination in question, which added a nice little touch.

[J.T. McAndrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

i liked this book by Kevin he's a very good writer, i only gave it three star becouse it's not his best but still a very good story, holliday romances and breakups, girls would probibly like this more than the lads.

[Ceri · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars.

[Fortune Essien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ending seemed more real than most books paint. Progress isn't always success.

[Ian Mapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book of his that I have read and I have no come to the conclusion that the name is just a front for different authors to have a go at getting a book produced.

More in common with freshers than outlaws, this is marketed as a sun sea sex and drugs laughathon but is deeper and more serious than that.

[Carrie | Boston Book Fanatic]

4/01

[John Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Childish pish. Avoid.