The Third Bus

by Bobbie Darbyshire

Galvanised by a health scare, Felix Walton's chances of remaking himself by ending his forty-two-year marriage may be slight, but they are otherwise zero, so he ups and runs from London to Norwich in search of a new start. His family's distress has him doubting his decision, and he must unravel the sad truth of his marriage if he is not to give in to remorse and go home. In a chaotic household of waifs and strays run by a warm, erudite earth mother, his fellow lodgers open his eyes to lives unlike his own, help him to make peace with his conscience and find meaning and joy, but the price is unforeseen danger.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2023

About the author

Bobbie's fifth novel, 'The Third Bus' was published in October 2023. Her earlier novels are: 'The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker', 'Oz', 'Love, Revenge & Buttered Scones' and 'Truth Games'.

She won the 2008 fiction prize at the National Academy of Writing and the New Delta Review Creative Nonfiction Prize 2010. She has worked as barmaid, mushroom picker, film extra, maths coach, cabinet minister's private secretary, care assistant and volunteer adult-literacy teacher, as well as in social research and government policy.

Her latest novel is 'The Third Bus': An unappreciated man walks out of his dispiriting 42-year marriage with no destination in mind. At Victoria coach station, on the spur of the moment he boards a coach to Norwich. A late-life coming-of-age story, mixing humour and sorrow, hope and regret.

Bobbie's four earlier novels are:

'The Posthumous Adventures of Harry Whittaker': A world-famous superstar actor – think Laurence Olivier crossed with Jack Nicholson – dies, but to his astonishment finds he’s still here among us. He’s able to watch the effect of his mean-spirited will on those left behind, including his son (cycling along on the cover) and even his cat. If your spirits are in need of a lift, it’s a real feel-good book that will keep you hooked.

'OZ': Mark Jonnson's life is a mess. He fears his marriage is over, but can't bear to leave his boisterous 7-year-old daughter, Matilda. Just when he thinks things can't get worse, his mother is killed in a road accident. Shocked and grieving, he decamps to her house, where he uncovers a secret that turns his life upside-down and sends him and his daughter on a whirlwind search for the truth.

Sarah Rayner, author of 'One Moment, One Morning', says of 'Oz', "What a delight to find a novel that's both a page-turner and a nuanced exploration of characters. The tensions and subtleties of relationships of marriage and parenting across the decades are explored with delicacy, yet the storytelling never falters, as a constantly evolving plot keeps you hooked until the last page."

'Love, Revenge & Buttered Scones': Long-listed for the 2011 International Rubery Book Award. In this comedy of errors, three troubled people dash off to the Scottish Highlands, where their destinies are mysteriously entwined around a reading group in the Inverness public library. Twists & surprises, very funny with also some dark, serious threads, it keeps you guessing throughout.

'Truth Games': In 1970s London, the blazing summers of 75 & 76, a group of friends get out of their depth in infidelity. Thought-provoking, amusing & sexy, a book about how we hurt each other with lies and with truths.

Find Bobbie on Facebook or follow her @bobbiedar

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Not quite your usual man runs away to start a new life story. Bobbie hits the nail on the head with the description of a marriage that has run out of steam and maybe never should have been, thus making both husband and wife miserable. Recommended.

[Ellen MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel: the moving story of Felix who, after leaving his marriage of forty-plus years, catches the titular bus in search of new meaning and adventure. He ends up, somewhat unintentionally, in a home of 'waifs and strays' in Norwich, where he befriends several of the residents. Felix's old life inevitably follows him into his new one, resulting in lots of page-turning drama. This is a perfect read for those who enjoy a combination of the serious and the light - there's plenty of humour (I laughed out loud several times!), yet the novel is also confident and realistic in its handling of darker subject matter. Felix is a loveable yet human protagonist, and you'll root for him from the first page to the last.

[Nina Lindmark Lie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a wonderful and moving book. I fell in love with Felix and all the characters he meets as he boards "the third bus". The story wasn't what I had expected - a, perhaps, tragic story of a failed marriage - instead we're pulled alongside Felix as he tries to make sense of it all with a great deal of warmth and humour. Very poignant at times, and Felix's story will stay with me for a long time.

[Ron McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite being a long way from my usual fare (crime, thrillers), I thoroughly enjoyed Bobbie Darbyshire's latest. From a seemingly mundane set of circumstances she weaves a deft plot, fills out characters with depth and substance that would be the envy of most writers, and quickly gets the reader hooked. Fine work by a fine author.

[Jan Goodyear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book. It seemed believable all the way through and the concept of attempting to make a big change in mid life was fascinating.

[Sadie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it made me think we have one life so live it for yourself not others. It's hard on others but why lie if things are not to your liking.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally absorbing, this was a great read, but I was very disappointed with the abrupt and tragic ending.

[Moz Copestake · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the third (appropriately) Bobbie Darbyshire book I have read so I am becoming used to her style and pace which is relaxed and informal. This is an exploration of the author's thoughts and attitudes woven into a variety of well realised characters. I liked that one of the central characters ordered a Campari & soda, an unfashionable drink now that many won't have heard of, but my Dad used to drink it and I'll often have one in his memory. Frequently introspective, the narrative weaves through the doubts and virtues of leaving a long term relationship and how to deal with the new circumstances this creates. Quite readable but I was disappointed with what I saw as a "cop out" ending. I cannot spoil it by saying more.