Driving Short Distances

by Joff Winterhart

Sam is 27 and needs to get a job. Keith, who claims to be a second cousin of his (absent) father, offers him one. On Keith’s card it says he does ‘distribution and delivery’, which seems to consist of ‘a lot of driving around, getting out of the car for a few minutes and then getting back in’, Sam tells his mother. And so the days go by, Keith driving to a trading estate, ducking into a portakabin, all the while telling Sam stories about his first boss, Geoff Crozier, his mentor in distribution and delivery. As the weeks pass, Sam gets to know Keith’s friends, flirty Hazel-Claire from whom they buy two pasties every day at lunchtime, a variety of receptionists, and a few tantalising secrets from Keith’s past…

As in Days of the Bagnold Summer, Joff Winterhart is a master at depicting ordinary life in all its utterly poignant and funny mundanity.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fiction, Bande Dessinée, Graphic Novels Comics, British Literature

128 pages, Hardcover

Published August 24, 2017

About the author

Joff Winterhart is an illustrator, film-maker and plays drums in his band, Bucky. He lives in Bristol, where he walks his greyhound, Peep-Peep. He is the author of Days of the Bagnold Summer, which was shortlisted for the 2012 Costa Award for Best Novel.

Reviews

[Harvey Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece. The depth of the characters, the careful observation of the finest details, the understated humour and the willingness to look into the absurd; all work together in this beautiful book. The illustration, lettering and colouring all give you the sense that you're in limbo. It's all so real and so dreamlike. No other work I know has thought so carefully about nostril hair or about the peculiar relationships you can find yourself in at work.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5, rounded down.

Perhaps it was reading it back to back with Winterharts' first book, Days of the Bagnold Summer, or the fact it was 1/3 longer, and perhaps overstayed its welcome, but this just didn't quite enchant me as much as the earlier tome. Whereas Bagnold has a finely wrought melancholic tone to it, this veers more into a depressed/depressing mode. Still well worth reading, and has its moments, but a mite disappointing in comparison.

[Sofia Balderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable multi-level story! It manages to fit in so many complex plots, stories and emotions for a graphic novel. I could really related to Sam - it reminded me of my first full time job. The story is very British and brought a sense of nostalgia as I used to work in a business park too. I found Keith’s character quite adorable, with his quirks and all. I think it’s because I’ve met a lot of men like this. Even though he’s a bit of a conservative man, set in his ways, often patronising and even sexist, living in his own little world - it’s the accuracy that’s attractive and funny if you may, not the qualities. He doesn’t quite want to admit that the world changed and his whole business and Sam’s employment seems like a bit of a sham. Keith is not unkind though - he’s got his values (mostly) in the right place. In a way he’s like a rescuer for Sam, as Sam “comes to life” after working with Keith for a while. Almost like a guardian Angel. And they both seem to be better for it. Really recommended for an immersive story!

[Gerbrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time for me to read a graphic novel. A fun read I have to say. Interesting plot. A wonderful combination of text and images, especially the end is fantastic!

Sam, 28 years old, is employed by Keith. Who is basically driving around in his Audi A4 from industrial estate to industrial estate. Something to do with distribution and delivery. The cover of the book speaks for itself. Sam sits next to Keith in the car listening to Keith' stories. Classic dialogues. It is not a spoiler when I say that this job will not last a long time...

[Imogen Lamb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A seeminly simple book with a unique and specific drawing style I enjoyed. I felt on edge something awful was going to happen which I think helped add suspense to an otherwise mundane plot. The characters were complex and relatable and I think Winterhart has an excellent understanding of the human complex.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first experience of a graphic novel: a coming-of-age tale of someone who should have come-of-age years ago. With a cast of beautifully crafted characters and an original artistic style, Driving Short Distances has moments of laugh-out-loud humour and melancholy in equal measure. A wonderful book, blending the mundane aspects of everyday life (from meaty pasties to trading estates) with the universal human dilemma of finding your place in the world.

[Will · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is wonderful.

[Hilâl Aydın La Spisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Büyük" işlerde çuvallasa da hayatın çoğu kişi tarafından fark edilmeyen küçük detaylarını yakalamakta son derece başarılı olan genç bir adamın kendi yolunu bulma hikâyesi.

[Michele Brooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normal, everyday life in all is mundanity. Nothing much happens on the surface but there's a lot simmering away underneath in the lives of these completely likeable characters.

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

[Joe Decie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's set mostly on small town trading estates. I really like small town trading estates.

The beauty of this book is the quiet little story told through believable, well observed characters, with wonderful dialogue. It's a very rare thing in comics, but Joff does it impecably.

If you want fast paced action, this comic is not for you. If you'd rather a gentile suburban tale, one with nuance and substance, buy this book.

[Leanne Wain · Rating 5 out of 5]

edit: I'm bumping this up to 5 stars because it's been 4 days and I'm still thinking about the Reception Area Bingo spread and laughing.

I read this in about an hour and thoroughly enjoyed the sort of tragicomedy mundanity.

The artwork is a sketchy, watercoloury mixture of plain white spaces, browns and blues, with a whimsical eye for detail and the absurd. There was one spread of Reception Area bingo that had me belly laughing.

Sam is a 27 year old former art student, back home at his mum’s after several failed attempts at higher education and something of a breakdown. An introverted, stretchy, somewhat mournful character, he struggles to commit to anything, leaving a series of unfinished projects and shelved ideas in his wake. Out of the blue, he has been offered a job with his absent father’s alleged second cousin, who approached his mum unprompted in a carpark and made an offer. An unspecific role, it seems, that involves a lot of sitting around in the car, listening to stories of the good old days and visiting a lot of industrial estates. Distribution. Clipboards. Filters. Just the sort of mindless, uninteresting occupation that Sam needs to ground him to reality right now.

Enter Keith Nutt, a character so recognisable and so absurdly tragic. Round of belly and hairy of nostril, Keith sees himself as a pillar of the local small business community. Filled with wisdom and advice, he pours his stories into the silent Sam, mildly boastful tales of his old boss and mentor, his bi-monthly carvery dinners with the boys, his spaniel, his influence in the town. Sam soaks them all up. Not a great deal happens. There are some amazing supporting characters, like Hazel-Claire in the bakery and the town ‘character’.

Sam and Keith seem to become fond of one another in their silent, closed-off ways. Keith gets someone to pass on his perceived legacy to, Sam gets a quiet, reflective space to rebuild his sense of self. Is it a story of the generation gap? Of older men struggling to maintain their places in society? Or about the younger generation failing to live up to the promises made through their academic careers? Is it about men, and the way they do (and do not) communicate? Sam describes his humdrum town as “A town of fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles, councillors, garage-owners, newsagents, estate agents, possible freemasons, key janglers and coinshakers, tyre kickers, military memorabiliasts, card carriers and wearer of very strong aftershave”.

I loved the slowburn of this novel, its commitment to the quiet desperation of its characters, the way they slowly altered throughout. It’s a strange transaction that takes place between these very different men. One is socially awkward and thoroughly self-conscious- the other filled with a misplaced confidence and a cast iron moral code. Their time together seems short and on the surface, unsuccessful. But both characters seem to be in better places by the end of the book, so is it a happy story? I don’t know.

It’s shrewdly observed, funny and touching and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s a quiet work of genius, a portrait of an odd couple from a boring old town that hints at all the ridiculous, small ways we manage to become absolutely ridiculous specimens of humanity. A possible masterpiece of contradictory, recognisable brilliance.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love graphic novels but don't buy then because I can finish them in an hour. I do enjoy finding one I would like to read in the library, though.

This is a story about men, how they talk to each other, what they talk about and how being different is difficult, even if that difference is a rather stout tummy or very long thin legs, not both on the same person. Sam is 27, left a university course three times and returned home to live with his mother, all of his belongings in a jiffy envelope and very depressed. I really wanted to know what he had in that envelope. Keith is a short, rotund man with very hairy nostrils and full of stories on repeat that demand to be listened to, which is all Sam really wants to do. It means he doesn't have to think. Keith offers him a job although what the work is no one is ever quite sure.

Time passes, habitual - pasties for lunch every day - until Sam is allowed into the offices of the portakabins and starts to talk to the reception staff. And then circumstances dictate that Sam drives and things seem to go downhill but in reality, Sam is slowly, slowly starting to feel better. Through everything we have men talking at each other, laughing about each other behind their backs but no one ever having a proper conversation (or is that a woman's persepctive about what aproper conversation should look like?) especially at the bi-monthly carvery where they all meet up. In fact, when Sam spots Keith standing on his own, tipping his pint into the garden, it seems to be turning point where Sam asks more questions about Keith and his life which Keith does not like to answer.

Eventually, Sam is offered a job in the arts, something that he loves, and he leaves home once again to take on the challenge, well enough to do so. The book is a very melancholic look at men and how they communicate, heightened by the blue and white drawings that have a little brown as colour to accentuate elements. The King Charles Cavalier that Keith owns is beautifully depicted in brown and white with a cross face, just her normal expression, and an indifference to Sam. The page with the items commonly seen in reception areas was so true to life. I think the tyre place we go to has them all; box files, spider plant, charity sweets, painting of pebbles and more. Wonderful.

This is a quiet book, a slow, lovingly told rendition of living with and getting better from depression and the way in which each man has a story that he is not talking about. One of the sadnesses is that Keith's job no longer exists, that it is all done by computer now, but he continues to visit all of the businesses because otherwise what would he do? For a contemplation on men today and some of the challenges they face, this book is a wonderful, gentle reflection on so many missed opportunities.

[Keen Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars!

“A town of fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, uncles, councillors, garage-owners, newsagents, estate agents, possible freemasons, key janglers and coinshakers, tyre kickers, military memorabiliasts, card carriers and wearer of very strong aftershave…They’ve almost become celebrities to me.”

After a series of personal failures and setbacks and a recent stay in hospital, Sam has to retreat and revert back to a life of simplicity and baby steps, by living back at home with his mother. He soon takes a job with a distant relative, a surly and precious old curmudgeon by the name of Keith. It’s here he finds a quiet and secure enough space where he can slowly rebuild his confidence and regain his strength by driving short distances to various places around his local town.

We soon discover that appearances can be deceiving and not everything or everyone is what they seem. Possibly my favourite scene in this book is the one regarding a sign for Mender & Sons, where our protagonist notices the aged detail on it, the old paintwork, sunlight, rust and lichen. It is nicely done and really captures the essence of it.

This is a book about taking pleasure and joy from the simple and everyday things, the little things, often unexpected things, which slowly but surely begin to add up and shave the edges from Sam’s anxiety and depression. This is dark at times, but there is brightness at its core that outshines everything else, and it is actually quite an uplifting and feel good piece of graphic fiction that was nicely told.

[Mohamed-Ali Kaab · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read in a while and it was a smooth, funny and very heartfelt at times.
Most of the book is set either in the car or in the offices that Sam and Keith frequent but the author is still able to explore so many different topics in this limited space.
I love the recurring characters (weird old dude that Sam loves and the two ladies working at the pastry shop) and how they weave in and out of Sam's story.
We learn many things about these characters; not through the characters themselves but through Sam's eyes as he's always (basically) loitering in the same places and notices all these little details that then unveil something greater about that character.
I love how accurately the author depicts real life, where people don't fully realise change happening in the present as every day bleeds into the next until you look back at your past self a couple months later and see how much has actually changed.
I also like how minor day to day activities that Sam sees as irrelevant/pointless are highlighted & given the importance they truly deserve in the bigger picture.
The ending was not expected and left much open to our interpretation which I thought was very fitting.
I give this book a solid 4.5/5

[Ari Chand · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this weird little story. It is great at capturing the lovely mundane rhythms of everyday life and the complexity of intergenerational relationships. Rather than relying on dramatic plot turns, Winterhart builds his story out of routine, conversation, and the subtle shifts in daily behaviour that occur when two people spend long stretches of time together. The artwork mirrors the book’s emotional tone with blue inks. Winterhart’s loose, sketchy line work and subdued colour palette may seem deceptively simple, but they are finely tuned to the story’s mood and relish in objects of the everyday. Panels linger on empty roads, car interiors, and nondescript buildings, reinforcing the sense of limbo that defines Sam’s life.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very unusual book; a graphic novel about Sam and Keith, and about man’s identity in today’s world. Beautifully drawn, it charts the work relationship of the two characters, portraying their dreams, fears and vulnerabilities. The exchanges between the principal characters and the bit players are beautifully narrated, capturing the real essence buried in ordinary conversation. The background is full of men in a variety of roles: father, boss, grandfather, co-worker, shop assistant, all portraying the varying nuances of male identify. I found it an extremely enjoyable and ultimately satisfying read.

[Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good little graphic novel that my sister recommended. The feeling of working as a sales rep on small-town industrial estates is perfectly captured and the emotions of the characters are expertly conveyed in the subtle touches of the artwork.

Through the things he says (or often, doesn't say), we end up with an excellent understanding of Keith as a character and get a very real sense that there are people like Keith up and down the country, desperately looking for a glimmer of hope in the dull lives they've ended up living. At the same time, while Sam is clearly capable of greater things, Keith seems to be exactly where he belongs.

Well worth a read!

[Mikey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you ever read a book and think "this is good for somebody but that somebody is not me"? That's what Driving Short Distances was. The art is kind of ugly, the conversations are banal, the dialogue filled with awkward pauses, confusion, and inanity. No offense to anyone reading but this is very much a white person's dream, since they really like to read about the awkward foibles of people (see Chris Ware). I really just don't get into it. I'll give it a star above what I would rate it for myself simply because I think it is well crafted for people who do like it. If you enjoy this type of story then I think it is up your alley.

[Sian D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this short graphic novel about Sam, a 27 year old man who's dropped out of uni 3 times and fails at any job he enjoys. After an acute mental breakdown, he moves back in with his mum and picks up a job with Keith, a man who claims to be the second cousin of his absent father.
The story is set over a few months and follows Sam and Keith in a car, reception waiting rooms, and the bi-weekly carvery. The characters are well rounded and I found myself very drawn to them (particularly Sam, who notices small details like Keith's nose hair, and an old hand-painted sign).

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a compelling yet simple story, I’m ngl I do think some of the themes and messaging went over my head. But it was so enjoyable, the characters are compelling and very real you can definitely imagine they are real people. Found the art style to be super unique it’s not what I traditionally like but definitely reflects Sam’s view of the world especially the colouring. Overall an enjoyable read will definitely have to re read at a later date.

[Koen Claeys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following his excellent debut 'Days of the Bagnold Summer' Winterhart once again proves to be a master in making sequential art about life-as-it-sometimes-unfortunately-is. With a smile and a tear he zooms in on an intimate gray reality and conquers his reader in a penetrating way with his striking observations.

[Brian Mulhall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book about failure and taking small steps to appreciate the small pocket of life we all originate back from. I loved this. The drawings are wonderfully detailed, the dialogue and thought process of our main character and his relationship with his boss is touching. The colours are often muted but come to life when they need to be.

Will read it again very soon!

[Manda Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this story. It’s been my comfort-read over the past few days of stressful working. Again Joff Winterhart has given us characters we recognise and woven around them stories of pathos, humour, recovery and realisation. I want to stay in Winterhart World, dog-eared and scuffed familiarity providing the perfect antidote to a fast and complex world with competing realities.

[M Pereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

this feels very very much like the story of my post uni life. I feel a special warmth about how utterly boring this book is. boring and mundane in a most beautiful and realistic way this text captures life and masculinity with great accuracy

[Mateen Mahboubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow better than Winterhart's Days of Bagnold Summer which I loved. Not much happens over the course of the volume but at the same time you leave knowing the main characters so well. A joy of a book.

[Rafaela Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

C'est une très jolie histoire qui parle d'une jeune qui a dépression et qui a besoin de renouer des liens. Qui grandit en revenant en arrière dans sa vie. J'ai été très touchée par le personnage principal, car je comprends la phase dans laquelle il se retrouve dans sa vie.

[Kayley Hartley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book where really good, really enjoyed all the drawings, the storyline was ok but it could have been more gripping and it was a bit slow. Would recommend for the drawings alone

[Chris Lilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite story about nothing very much, but incredibly important nothing-very-muches. Touching, acutely observed, and really rather brilliant. Geoff Crozier would approve. Possibly.