Home

by Matt Dunn

It’s been eighteen years since Josh Peters left dreary, dying Derton—the seaside town where he grew up—and headed for the bright lights of London. Now his dad is sick and his mum needs him, so he’s back—though he’s promised himself he won’t be staying for long...

Then Josh finds himself unexpectedly detained in Derton, living in his cramped teenage bedroom, with simmering family tensions a little too close for comfort. Back amongst the old friends, old enemies, and old flames he left behind, he’s worried that some things may never change.

But is Derton the same place he couldn’t wait to escape from back then, full of failures and bitter memories, or has it been doing just fine without him? As Josh revisits his past, will he find that the only one who hasn’t moved on is him?

His London life is calling him back—but sometimes there’s no place like home...

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Chick Lit, Comedy, Humor, British Literature

335 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2015

About the author

Matt was born in Margate, but eventually escaped to Spain to write his first novel (in between working as a newspaper columnist, and playing a lot of tennis). Previously he has been a professional lifeguard, fitness equipment salesman, and an IT head hunter, but he prefers writing for a living, so hopes people will keep buying his books.

Matt is the author of four contemporary romantic comedy novels; Best Man, The Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook (which was shortlisted for both the Romantic Novel Of The Year award, as well as the Melissa Nathan Award for Comedy Romance), From Here To Paternity, and Ex-Girlfriends United. He's also written about life, love, and relationships for various publications including The Times, Guardian, Cosmopolitan, Company, Elle, Glamour, and The Sun.

Several of Matt's novels have been translated for various European markets (he's big in the Balkans, apparently), as well as as far afield as Malaysia and Indonesia. He's a regular on the literary festival scene, and rates the recent lecturing stint he did on the Creative Writing degree course at London Metropolitan University as one of the most rewarding things he's ever done - and not only because of the number of ideas he was able to appropriate from his students for his books.

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eighteen years ago Josh couldn’t wait to leave home, a sleepy English seaside resort called Derton in Kent where nothing much happened. No way was he going to take over running his father’s sweet shop, he was off to the bright lights of London. Now, however, with his father being diagnosed with terminal cancer he is back, but for how long?

It is a very bittersweet story that really touched a chord with me as I watched Josh and his parents Phil and Sue reconnecting and feeling their way through dad Phil’s last weeks one day at a time. Nobody knows how they would cope in that situation unless it happens to them, but all three characters here seemed extremely real with their very raw emotions feeling very believable. Josh and his dad have never exactly seen eye to eye, but the question is, can they put all that behind them now and be a real family at last? It is a story that also manages to deal with the practical side of being in this situation, but still remains extremely entertaining. The section that immediately springs to mind is when Sue wants to refresh her driving for “afterwards”. She hasn’t driven for 18 years and realises that she will need to start again and her skills are a little rusty. Just the thought of that really touched me, as I thought about my mum who has never driven and wondered what she would do in that situation. How would she get the shopping or go and visit people?

There is a very dry, black streak of humour running throughout the book. It is not laugh out loud funny, more subtle one liners, but it definitely put a smile on my face every now and then. If you have ever resisted the urge to smirk during a funeral service, then you will know exactly what I mean. In particular, some of the thoughts that go through Josh’s head were really witty and amusing but most importantly felt “real”. I could imagine people having those thoughts, irreverent though they may be, and that, for me, is why the humour works.

There are some very moving moments as well, and it is no spoiler when I say “particularly at the end”. I definitely had a few tears at that point. Both my parents are still alive as well as both my in-laws and it really made me realise that one day I could be in Josh’s situation or my kids could be in that situation with me and my husband) and that is a thought we are all aware of, but don’t really like to dwell on.

In summary, it is a story that is funny, dark, thought provoking, heart warming and incredibly sad. I thoroughly enjoyed every page that I spent living with this family. Many thanks to the publishers via Netgalley for the review copy.

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been on my TBR list for some time and I am now very keen to read more by Matt Dunn.
Josh is in his mid-thirties and leaving London to go home to the small sea-side town of Derton because his father is ill. He is dreading it as he doesn't get along with his Dad and ever since he can remember, all he has wanted to do is escape the drudgery of Derton.
However, once back at home he starts to see Derton and his Dad in a whole new light. Much of the book is Josh doing some soul searching and rediscovering his family, friends and Derton itself. He is also forced to reassess the glory that is London and his relationship with his girlfriend Mikayla.
I really loved the characters in this book, Josh really annoyed me to begin with but grew on me as the story progressed.
Happy to recommend to anyone who likes a nice, funny, sad book about family and what it is to be home (but not in a lockdown kind of way)!

[Siv30 · Rating 4 out of 5]

ג'וש חוזר לעיר הולדתו לאחר שבצעירותו עבר ללונדון הגדולה בתקווה לממש את מה שראה כיעודו - כסופר. עתה בגיל 36, כשהוא מבין שחייו לא התגלגלו כפי שרצה, הוא חוזר לעיר הולדתו ופוגש את אביו החולה שעימו הוא ביחסים רעועים, את אהובת נעוריו ממנה נפרד בצורה מכוערת ביותר ואת המציאות של עיירה קטנה על החוף בה כולם יודעים הכל על כולם.

ללא כסף, עם עבודה שהוא לא אוהב ועם בת זוג שאינה מתאימה לו, ג'וש מנסה להשלים עם מציאות חיו.

הסיפור של ג'וש הוא סיפור מתוק מריר על חלומות שלא התגשמו, על הזדמנויות שניות ועל סגירת מעגלים. הסיפור נכתב מנקודת מבטו של ג'וש והוא רצוף הומור שחור ששובר את האווירה ומכניס חיוך רחב לקריאה. הדמות של ג'וש נעימה, הוא מסוג הבחורים הטובים שלפעמים מפשלים ומאכזבים אחרים בלי כוונה רעה. העלילה מאוד מציאותית וכך גם הדמויות השונות בספר.

אני אוהבת את הכתיבה של מאט דאן. קראתי מספר ספרים שכתב, והכתיבה שלו נעימה ומנוקדת בחוש הומור. אני חושבת שהספר Home הוא הספר הטוב ביותר שלו שקראתי עד כה. יש בו מספר קטעים נוגעים ללב ומרגשים ביחוד בכל מה שקשור לאב, אבל גם לאהובת נעוריו של ג'וש.

[Alyssia Cooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite touching and somewhat bitter sweet, this is certainly quite true to home at points. Yet somehow it was missing something for me and whilst I can’t say I disliked it, it didn’t have a wow factor either. It was all possibly just a little too mundane, I suppose which sounds heartless considering the novel revolves around the death of ones father, which is understandably huge. And yet, so many other irritatingly small things are stage centre and you want to slap the protagonist and tell him to grow the hell up... and hell, I didn’t dislike it but neither will I rush out to buy more from the author...

It’s also worth noting that the author tends to rely on situational humour, almost slapstick on several occasions, to resolve crucial aspects of the novel. When you want to see the characters growing and developing, you instead get the bully stuffing his face with harissa paste. It detracts from the tone of the novel and doesn’t do the characters any favours. The romance was certainly predictable - as indeed was the vast majority of the novel. There were no twists and turns that you didn’t see coming. Matt Dunn doesn’t do subtle either; things that would be better hunted at are shoved down your throat with a battering ram...this goes for life lessons, humour, observations - just about everything. And I think I’ve just talked myself into dropping a star for this novel...

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would,a story about someone's father dying isn't meant to be enjoyable. But it hit the right balance between sadness, reflection and humour.
There was never any doubt in my mind where home would end up being...but it was a nice journey getting there whilst our character discovered.

[Christopher Balf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this book in one sitting, could not put it down. It trapped me with the story. There are parts that will have you crying, laughing out loud and saying just 'tell her'. Dark humor throughout a must read for all fans

[R.G. Phelps · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home is Sweet

Home is a well written nostalgic story about a young man finding the true meaning of how "Home" can be a sweet place to be. Like so many of us, the young man in the story finds how important home really is to him. When we are 18 all of us think we know what is best for us and it takes another 18 years to really understand what is important in life. Matt Dunn does a masterful job bringing out the importance of what the true meaning of "Home Sweet Home" is and how important that knowledge is to us. I'm sure you'll like this storyline and will enjoy how Matt Dunn has put this all together... Enjoy...

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for something light to read and this was just what the doctor ordered. Funny and easy reading with some poignant moments.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heartwarming tale about a man coming home to help out when his father is diagnosed with cancer.
Josh is reluctant to return to the small seaside town where he grew up and couldn’t wait to leave for the bustling city of London when he was old enough.
He is taken on a reawakening and journey of discovery of the home he once had and the people he loved while he was there. Plus getting to spend time with his parents and building on those relationships.
A really good read that may cause happiness and sadness in equal measure.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like books that make me think, and Home did not disappoint. I found myself thinking more and more about both the characters and the situations in this book. I thought about my relationship with both my dad and my step dad, my son's relationship with my husband, my son in law's relationship with his dad, and the relationships my friends have with their dads. I thought about how some people easily transition from a parent and child relationship to a relationship between two related adults. I thought about how the 'public' relationships people have can be so different from the 'private' relationship.

I think this would be a great book discussion selection.

I received an ARC from NetGalley.

[Ivana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Matt Dunn since I was a teenager, but while this book contains some good witty jokes and also some terribly corny ones, his writing style does not seem to have evolved that much since the Ex-Boyfriend's Handbook. Every chapter ends with a short line that is meant to be impactful, but their predictability throws me off a little, and many of them are not as impactful or profound as the author believes. The story, while not gripping, does throw light on various aspects of a person's cancer journey, including how difficult it is for everyone in the family, and would make a nice sympathetic book for other people going through the same. I personally found it a little slow going, and the eventual pairing too predictable.

[Erin Mcnamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read books from a woman's perspectives do I was a little skeptical when I started reading this. However it turned out to be an excellent change to see how men really work through and think about life altering problems and scenarios in life. I thought the author was very sympathetic to a sickness that affects a large population in this world. As a small town girl who couldn't wait to grow up and leave I completely understand how josh felt and could relate. Although mid way through I had no doubt where home would be for him and where he chose to be at the end. Saying that though I do wish there was more insight as to how things worked out with Anna.

[Sammy Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this, a lovely uplifting read about life and family and in the grand scheme of things what's important, I laughed and I maybe even cried a little, I think the usual ladies will love it too

[Steve Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

The premise of the main character heading back home – to what was a fading seaside town when he left – was the initial hook that drew me to the book. I love the history of our coast and its past splendours. I wasn't really prepared for what I ended up reading, though; in a good way.

The story is well-crafted, at once being a tale of loves – and lives – lost and found, and an exploration of what we think of as home, in both the physical and emotional sense. The characters were so likeable and 'normal', and there's probably someone we each know in reality in its cast. The jokes were brilliant; it is filled with actual Dad jokes, and rather than causing groans (except when that's the obvious intention of the author) they made me laugh out loud on several occasions. Some of them are definitely not traditional Dad jokes, but once you've read it you see how they fit with the premise and the real Dad in the book. Some of the best comedy writing I've read in a while. The emotion, too, is palpable. Written with a down-to-earth approach, you feel what this family is going through, particularly if your own has been touched by the illness experienced, but whilst it's incredibly sad, the story is told in such a way that it's not depressing, or morbid. When I'd finished the book I wasn't sad or miserable because of the story I'd just read, more that I felt the loss of the characters, from their reality, and mine.

[Prajakta Pradhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, coming-back-home story

Josh returns home to find that things have changed. As he struggles to be in a place from where he had fled, avoiding people and things, he slowly realises that it's actually not that bad coming home.

What's amazing in this story is that Josh does not go blaming everyone else for how his life has turned out to be. As he returns home and experiences new and old things, he introspects about his life, finally realising that he's changed, and so has his town, for the better.

Dealing with his father's illness, it's an emotional rollercoaster ride. He eventually reconciles with his father and gets the satisfaction of being there for his father and mum.

Without getting over-emotional, this story is the story of each one of us. We all have failed our parents, friends, loved ones at some point. And it takes time, patience, and a new perspective to accept things, and also start enjoying them in a new light.

It's a beautiful book. Thank you a wonderful read!

[Mrs.J.Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home is where the heart is

It is not easy to write a humorous book, especially when it involves someone dying. There is plenty of dark humour in this book. Even when it isn't funny it is always whimsical and at times, very poignant.

The author excels at witty repartee; some of it is laugh out loud funny. He has created a cohort of characters who are the support team for the main protagonist, Josh Peters, who is struggling to find his place in life. Josh has a difficult relationship with his father, who is dying.. He has returned to his childhood home to assist his parents in the lead-up to the inevitable.. Josh's dad is very sardonic and most of the humorous exchanges take place between them.

Josh also has history from his childhood and the return home means he has to face his demons, including a girlfriend he abandoned and his childhood bully who married her.

Some of the situations Josh finds himself in are very funny, some sad, but the story is always interesting.. It is an easy read, so enjoy it as a refresh from the serious stuff.

[Thomas Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

An easy story to read and get on with. But very very basic. You can see everything coming a long way off, and there are no surprised - in story or imagery or anything else.

Two things I found irritating were: the habit of ending almost every chapter with some unnecessary explanation of the subtext, which was entirely obvious anyway, and always about the main characters changing feelings about his home (which was extremely predictable), and also the satirical descriptions of absolutely everything and everyone in the town - several lines following every mention of a place or person, the same kind of thing every time, adding very little. The main character is portrayed as irritatingly hopeless, I've no idea how he is supposed to have survived independently to adulthood. The characters in general lack any depth.

But despite all that it was still quite fun to read, being a warm story with nice sentiments.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Home is the second of Matt Dunn's novels that I have read, and I found it disappointingly similar to the first one, A Day at the Office. The subject matter in Home is much meatier than that of Office, and that is where this one shines: The protagonist is going home again to be with his mother and father because Dad is dying; this could be an awful premise for a sickly sweet, weepy tale of regret and remorse, but instead is an uplifting one that celebrates life for the living and soldiering on through setbacks. The novel does not promote these notions in a preachy way at all, though it suffers from what I have come to see as a typically Matt Dunn affliction: The preponderance of internal monologue in the narration that makes it seems as if characters walk about all the time muttering to themselves. It's not an attractive narrative stance for anyone but Shakespeare, though the story does have just enough actual people doing actual things to keep it balanced - just. The death of the father is handled well, as is the "before" funeral - tricky subjects that are treated with a light matter-of-factness that is another hallmark of Dunn's. His style is "nice", gentle and crystal clear. This a romantic sort-of-comedy from the gent's point of view for a change, with a somewhat new frame around it.

[Kristine Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story caught me by surprise really. I really enjoyed it, and it is the first time I have read anything by Matt Dunn, but have ordered another book based on my impression of "Home". I believe you can read yourself into this book, feeling the emotions of all the characters, and the situation Josh finds himself in. A story of a young man who is trying to find where he belongs, and the journey that he takes after finding his father is terminally ill. Very well written, poignant moments, and some very typical family conversations (or avoidance of family conversations at times).
I guess you could say the story is real, and could be any one of us in the same situation.
Well done Matt - looking forward to the next book I have ordered.

[The Witterings of a Cruise Ship Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s be honest, this is a Lads Chic Flic Book.

It’s a great read and I really resonated with the main character Josh whose dad is trying his best to deal with his terminal cancer. There was so much of this story that reminded me of my relationship with my dad and especially how great we made his last few months with us.

At times this story is very funny at times it is very sad and it brought tears to my eyes for both reasons.

I love Matt Dunn as an author and can highly recommend any of his books if you are a guy (or a gal !) who is looking for a good quick read about matters of the heart from a mans perspective.

[Joe Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going into this one blind and looking at the author who'd been painted as a 'writer of popular romantic comedies' had me a little dubious. However, I was greatly impressed with this hidden gem.

Centering around Josh Peters, a thirty-something lad visiting his parents from London. He's DFL (something that made me laugh) and revisiting past haunts and catching up with old friends.

I won't say anymore to give anything away. All I will say is that it is perfect tonally and I absolutely loved it. A humourous, high in humility, moving and, sometimes heart-wrenching novel. Proof that a coming of age story isn't all 'Catcher in the Rye-y'

[Dee King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not omg gotta tell the world to read this. But at the same time, it's a good book I'd suggest giving a go if looking for something calm and run of the mill to read. Boy from small town dreams of more. Moves to big city and never looks back. Family needs him so he reluctantly returns. 18 years of growth and being away changes his perspective on everything. I enjoyed the realness of the characters and that everything wasn't' wrapped up into a pretty little bow at the end, an unbelievable completion to a plausible storyline. I would read more from this author.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not amazing. Very readable but not unputdownable. For me it was just a little bit too predictable and needed an extra edge to make it special. Each chapter finishes with a little quip which actually felt slightly contrived on occasion. In addition the protagonist is a frustrated writer, a pet irritation of mine, with such a variation of careers to choose it's such a shame authors so often choose to do this. But despite the criticisms I still enjoyed it, it's written well and tackles the difficult subject of terminal illness in a light and humourous way.

[Chris Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often I’d publicly recommend a book to read, but anyone who has ever lived in or knows Margate should read this.
Turns out Matt Dunn is from Margate and although he gives the town a fictional name in the book it is 100% set in Margate and full of references such as: the Cup Cake Cafe, Old Town, the Turner Centre and ‘The Kiss’ sculpture, The Clock Tower, Dreamland, Shell Grotto, Arlington House and of course the beach.

[Kerrie Walder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny,sad and brilliant.

I loved everything about this story.
The dutiful son returning to his boring home town and a dad he doesn't have anything in common with sounds like a cliche.
In actual fact it turned out to be thought provoking and lovely.

Superbly written characters captured my heart,an ending that had me sobbing because you feel the loss.

If you want a book that will make you laugh and possibly feel a bit heartachy by the ending then this is for you.

[Jeff Line · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read with fully realized characters and touching human interactions. I kept fearing a hallmark movie moment but instead was surprised with something real. I’ve read this at an odd time having just lost my father but I feel better for it. The only downside of the book was Josh’s constant self doubt but I suppose others may take something from that as well. Keep living life and look for possibility in everything

[Heather Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, heartfelt read

A great read with a beautiful message at its heart, this is another page-turning romantic comedy from Matt Dunn you don't want to miss. I read this in 2 days, desperate to see where it would lead. Powerfully poignant in places too, I found myself highlighting many passages. Wonderfully entertaining.

[Carol Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read that was thought-provoking.

Enjoyed seeing the characters develop and the storyline helped me to question my own sense of home. Helps with the realisation that we should be grateful with what we have rather than constantly seeking for more in the hope that it is better.

[Shelley Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent easy read

Well written poignant, funny and dealing with huge emotional life events in an entertaining but believable way. Each character was interesting and described in a way that you felt you had met and knew each one. I would thoroughly recommend this clever but easy read.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've avoided this book for a little while because I had it pictured as overly sad or depressing and, even though I did shed a couple of tears, that isn't at all how it is. It's so funny, in that Matt Dunn sort of way, there are puns (man, I love a good pun), its so uplifting and just, nice. I'm really glad I got around to reading it. I dont give 5 stars easily but this one no doubt deserves 5.