The Commune

by Oliver Black

This is a bitter-sweet comedy about a group of old people who decide to live together for company. Things don't go according to plan. The house they live in, The Graylings, belongs to Bernard, who suddenly dies, leaving everything to his daughter Sarah. Sarah is likely to evict the residents, so they decide to conceal the death. This sets off a train of disasters as they resort to increasingly desperate measures to prevent Sarah from discovering the facts. There is blackmail, violence, rage and sexual rivalry. The Mafia get involved. The climax is macabre.

'The Commune' is a brilliant and hilarious exploration of the dark side of growing old, and a cautionary tale for those who, in the process, grow no wiser.

Oliver Black is a professor of philosophy and law and is also a City lawyer. He has previously published fiction under a pseudonym. He lives in London and Dorset with his wife and cat. He had intended to live, when old, in a commune with his friends. Having written this book, he is having second thoughts.

214 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2014

Reviews

[Mark Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Great characters. What a wonderful concept and beautifully written and explored. The intricacies of the people living together and the dynamics between them is superb. Also very funny!