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The Frank Business: The smart and witty new novel of love and other battlefields
'A talented, witty writer with a sharp eye for social observation' Daily MailAfter Frank drops down dead in Heathrow Arrivals on Christmas Eve, his estranged daughter Jem is called in to identify the body. When Jem travels back to Frank's house in France - a house she hasn't been in since she was a child - she realises that Frank had a son too.Frank has died of a congenital heart defect, a defect he may have passed on to his daughter - or on to his son. Jem must warn her brother, but in finding herself a family she risks ripping another apart. Shrewd, witty and poignant, The Frank Business is a vivid tale of love and other battlefields.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 5, 2019
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy for an open and honest review.
this book was a book of discovery, loss betrayal this is a journey where frank dies suddenly and his estranged daughter formally identified the body as the book goes along we learn more about frank from the viewpoint of several people and how the aftermath of franks death effects so many people and the type of person frank really was. liked the part of the book where it looked at fragile family set ups and how the past can catch up with people and still have influences of the future. the character of frank seemed to be a bully and a drunk coward
this book was a book of discovery, loss betrayal this is a journey where frank dies suddenly and his estranged daughter formally identified the body as the book goes along we learn more about frank from the viewpoint of several people and how the aftermath of franks death effects so many people and the type of person frank really was. liked the part of the book where it looked at fragile family set ups and how the past can catch up with people and still have influences of the future. the character of frank seemed to be a bully and a drunk coward
February 19, 2019
When Frank meets an unexpected end, his estranged daughter Jem discovers that she is not, as she thought, his sole surviving relative as she encounters her half- brother Sonny and his family.
The Frank Business is a graceful work, focusing on the consequences years on of an old transgression- more a thoughtless little temporary wander off the beaten track.
The style is cosy, but compensation is provided by some sharp, astute descriptions. But the real strength is in the pace of the reveal and in the development of the characters. As Kathleen’s story is considered in the mid-section, any fleeting sympathy for her treatment by the awful film director is swiftly replaced by horror at her self-absorption. The lesser characters are just as shrewdly observed, from Walter unshaven in his pjs to Lauren’s reaction to the commandeering of her space.
I really enjoyed this clever book.
With thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press
The Frank Business is a graceful work, focusing on the consequences years on of an old transgression- more a thoughtless little temporary wander off the beaten track.
The style is cosy, but compensation is provided by some sharp, astute descriptions. But the real strength is in the pace of the reveal and in the development of the characters. As Kathleen’s story is considered in the mid-section, any fleeting sympathy for her treatment by the awful film director is swiftly replaced by horror at her self-absorption. The lesser characters are just as shrewdly observed, from Walter unshaven in his pjs to Lauren’s reaction to the commandeering of her space.
I really enjoyed this clever book.
With thanks to Netgalley and John Murray Press
February 23, 2019
This was a bit of an odd book. Difficult to fit it into any particular genre. Odd because none of the characters were your normal run of the mill people. Nevertheless I really enjoyed it. It's a compelling read, well I thought so, it certainly kept me interested. Yet I'm really struggling with what to say. That's annoying because I really wanted to do this book justice.
It's a story of family, a story of betrayal, of insecurity and hurt. It's what happens when secrets are kept, when lies are told and when parenting skills fall far short of what they should be.
I enjoyed all the characters in the book. Some weren't that likeable, but this made the book all the more interesting when you'd read and think 'I can't believe you just said that' while shaking your head in disbelief. That makes the book come to life in my opinion.
With the exception of Jem and Lauren - Sonny's sister, most of the characters in the book were quite self absorbed people with their selfishness often being a source of hurt for each other. Frank definitely wasn't likeable being the deeply insecure, manipulative, somewhat obsessive man that he was. A bully, controlling, cold and callous yet it's his influence and existence that has created the situations all the other characters find themselves in. His actions ripple outward leaving sometimes devastating consequences for those around him. One reviewer describes it as a gentle story with no violence. I do beg to differ on that opinion. Frank's behaviour and attitude did verge on misogyny on more than one occasion with an often volatile disposition, especially under the influence of alcohol. Perhaps I should point out to anyone thinking, I thought Frank was dead at the beginning of the book. Yes he is but this book does go back in time to give background into how characters have evolved through to the present and how their contact with Frank back in time has affected them.
I would say it's a story of family dynamics, it is well written, absorbing and well worth a read. It was a little too neatly sewn up at the end perhaps and for such a selfish bunch of people they were incredibly forgiving but then maybe their forgiveness was in the name of self preservation rather than understanding.
It's a story of family, a story of betrayal, of insecurity and hurt. It's what happens when secrets are kept, when lies are told and when parenting skills fall far short of what they should be.
I enjoyed all the characters in the book. Some weren't that likeable, but this made the book all the more interesting when you'd read and think 'I can't believe you just said that' while shaking your head in disbelief. That makes the book come to life in my opinion.
With the exception of Jem and Lauren - Sonny's sister, most of the characters in the book were quite self absorbed people with their selfishness often being a source of hurt for each other. Frank definitely wasn't likeable being the deeply insecure, manipulative, somewhat obsessive man that he was. A bully, controlling, cold and callous yet it's his influence and existence that has created the situations all the other characters find themselves in. His actions ripple outward leaving sometimes devastating consequences for those around him. One reviewer describes it as a gentle story with no violence. I do beg to differ on that opinion. Frank's behaviour and attitude did verge on misogyny on more than one occasion with an often volatile disposition, especially under the influence of alcohol. Perhaps I should point out to anyone thinking, I thought Frank was dead at the beginning of the book. Yes he is but this book does go back in time to give background into how characters have evolved through to the present and how their contact with Frank back in time has affected them.
I would say it's a story of family dynamics, it is well written, absorbing and well worth a read. It was a little too neatly sewn up at the end perhaps and for such a selfish bunch of people they were incredibly forgiving but then maybe their forgiveness was in the name of self preservation rather than understanding.
April 28, 2019
A Brilliant Read - A Modern Classic Thriller:
What an apt title: "The Frank Business". This is an engrossing novel which will keep you reading and guessing on the outcome until the final page. It possesses a timeless message which will reverberate as much in years to come as it does today. Betrayal of those you love can come back to haunt at any point in the future and have unforeseen consequences which we cannot control.
The sudden death of Frank in this novel (not a spoiler as it happens at the very start of the book) seems to mark his departure as a person of relevance to the novel. Far from it. He remains the focal point throughout or rather his personality and character do. This is a novel which encompasses nearly every theme effecting humanity: love, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, vengeance, hatred, domestic violence, to mention just a few.
All this wrapped up in a plot which takes us from the present back to events 25 years earlier. The novel features regular flashbacks to a period when Kathleen, the leading character and actress, was shooting a film in the south of France and was having a terrible ordeal with the Film Director.
Fast forward 25 years and Kathleen, her husband of 40 years Walter, son Sonny(Scott) and daughter Lauren are a settled, reasonably happy but fragile family unit who each face problems of their own. The fragility of their family ties is about to be torn asunder at Christmas when a total stranger turns up at their door with news which will test them all to the limit.
"The Frank Business" is an excellent novel of the modern classic thriller genre containing unexpected twists and turns which affect each of the Griffin family and Jem, the stranger who appears one night. Featuring three-dimensional characters each with their own flawed personality with which we can identify. An un-missable read, this novel deserves to go on every reader's "must read" bundle of novels.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
What an apt title: "The Frank Business". This is an engrossing novel which will keep you reading and guessing on the outcome until the final page. It possesses a timeless message which will reverberate as much in years to come as it does today. Betrayal of those you love can come back to haunt at any point in the future and have unforeseen consequences which we cannot control.
The sudden death of Frank in this novel (not a spoiler as it happens at the very start of the book) seems to mark his departure as a person of relevance to the novel. Far from it. He remains the focal point throughout or rather his personality and character do. This is a novel which encompasses nearly every theme effecting humanity: love, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, vengeance, hatred, domestic violence, to mention just a few.
All this wrapped up in a plot which takes us from the present back to events 25 years earlier. The novel features regular flashbacks to a period when Kathleen, the leading character and actress, was shooting a film in the south of France and was having a terrible ordeal with the Film Director.
Fast forward 25 years and Kathleen, her husband of 40 years Walter, son Sonny(Scott) and daughter Lauren are a settled, reasonably happy but fragile family unit who each face problems of their own. The fragility of their family ties is about to be torn asunder at Christmas when a total stranger turns up at their door with news which will test them all to the limit.
"The Frank Business" is an excellent novel of the modern classic thriller genre containing unexpected twists and turns which affect each of the Griffin family and Jem, the stranger who appears one night. Featuring three-dimensional characters each with their own flawed personality with which we can identify. An un-missable read, this novel deserves to go on every reader's "must read" bundle of novels.
(My review was based on an eBook file provided to me by the publisher. My review is totally independent.)
June 30, 2021
This is a very well-written book, with a compelling idea at its heart.
When Frank drops dead at the airport, on his arrival from his home in France on Christmas Eve, his estranged daughter Jem is called upon to identify his body. She then makes the impulsive decision to travel to France, to the childhood home she hasn’t visited in years.
What she discovers leads her to contact her brother, a brother she didn’t know existed, and this contact will have huge repercussions, for everyone.
Jem is lovely, strong-minded, independent, but with a past that won’t leave her alone. Her brother, Sonny, on the other hand, is spoilt and selfish, as is his mother, Kathleen. Their interactions are sometimes very funny, but sometimes painful to read, as is their treatment of poor Lauren, Sonny’s older sister.
And therein lies an issue for me. Jem is really the only character I liked – unless you count Mike the dog, which of course you should. It was difficult then, to really care about what happened to Sonny and Kathleen or to want a happy outcome for them. I didn’t really understand why Kathleen’s husband, Walter, put up with either of them.
I’m also a bit bored by the amount of books that are middle-class London-centric at the moment.
So I didn’t love this book, but I didn’t hate it either. There’s a lot to recommend and it’s definitely worth a read.
3.5 stars
February 5, 2025
I loved this. Glazebrook writes with precision and empathy, her characters are so finely fleshed out as to almost have a scent. My one quibble (and I considered removing a star for this) was the conclusion, which - although I won’t deny I enjoyed it and found it satisfying - was a degree too ‘sweet’ to suit the rest of a fairly gritty book.
March 9, 2019
I enjoyed The Frank Business by Olivia Glazebook very much. It’s about a rather dysfunctional family in crisis and it begins dramatically - when Frank dropped down dead on Christmas Eve at London Heathrow airport, having travelled from his home in France. His next of kin is his estranged daughter Jem, who hadn’t seen him or had any contact with him since she was a child. Trying to find out why he was at Heathrow, she travelled to Frank’s house and discovers that she was not an only child as she had believed, because Frank had also had a son. She finds his name and address on Frank’s laptop and as Frank had died of a congenital heart defect, she decides that she has to warn her half-brother that he may have inherited the defect. But this results in chaos for his son’s family as secrets from the past come to light.
At first I liked Frank, an illustrator. He had been listening to a performance of Hamlet on the radio and was astonished to find that Kathleen Griffin was playing Gertrude with her son Scott playing the role of Hamlet. He had had a brief affair with Kathleen years earlier and on googling Scott he realises that they look so alike that he must be his son. He decides he must see Kathleen to discover the truth.
It quickly becomes clear that Frank is not the nice man I had first imagined – he’s a violent, cruel man, capable of abusive and despicable behaviour. Just what is the truth? What had happened in the past – why hadn’t Jem, a young woman of 26, not seen Frank since she was a small child and why was she brought up by a guardian, Marian, who had been her mother’s nanny?Scott, known to his family as Sonny, had no idea that Walter was not his biological father and the whole family find it almost impossible to come to terms with their situation.
I’m not going into any more detail about the plot, other than to say that the whole sad story is revealed as Kathleen remembers the past and her affair with Frank. It’s well written and had me gripped right to the end. The characters are all flawed in one way or another and come across as real people. I read it quickly, keen to find out how they sorted out the mess this has made of all their lives and my only criticism is that the ending seems a bit rushed and I think it wraps everything up a bit too neatly.
At first I liked Frank, an illustrator. He had been listening to a performance of Hamlet on the radio and was astonished to find that Kathleen Griffin was playing Gertrude with her son Scott playing the role of Hamlet. He had had a brief affair with Kathleen years earlier and on googling Scott he realises that they look so alike that he must be his son. He decides he must see Kathleen to discover the truth.
It quickly becomes clear that Frank is not the nice man I had first imagined – he’s a violent, cruel man, capable of abusive and despicable behaviour. Just what is the truth? What had happened in the past – why hadn’t Jem, a young woman of 26, not seen Frank since she was a small child and why was she brought up by a guardian, Marian, who had been her mother’s nanny?Scott, known to his family as Sonny, had no idea that Walter was not his biological father and the whole family find it almost impossible to come to terms with their situation.
I’m not going into any more detail about the plot, other than to say that the whole sad story is revealed as Kathleen remembers the past and her affair with Frank. It’s well written and had me gripped right to the end. The characters are all flawed in one way or another and come across as real people. I read it quickly, keen to find out how they sorted out the mess this has made of all their lives and my only criticism is that the ending seems a bit rushed and I think it wraps everything up a bit too neatly.
March 7, 2019
What a delicious read about family dynamics and consequences of keeping secrets!
Frank Martell finds out, quite by accident, that he has a grown-up son and sets off from his home in France to find his mother in London. However, a fatal heart attack in Heathrow airports ends his quest. There is no way Frank could have known the rumpus his discovery causes with both his natural daughter - estranged, and the Griffin family where the boy and his mother are ensconced in family life.
This is an enticing read; the author has a keen eye for the fragility of family relationships and how the ups and downs of everyday life affects this. The Griffins are no ordinary family though - mother Kathleen and son Scott - or Sonny, as he is known - are both actors, whilst father Walter is a war photographer and daughter Lauren is involved in the technical side of films. As their lives become entwined with Jem, the only daughter of Frank, who comes to warn them about the genital heart condition which affected her father, the effects ricochet through each of them. We find out in retrospect what happened in the past to the main characters and what kind of person Frank was.
My attention never wandered from this one .. it is a compelling read and one I enjoyed from first to last. The characters - good or bad - are all true to life; the circumstances they all find themselves in are believable too and the result is an attention grabbing read which made me desperate to find out where it was all heading. I'm delighted that, at the end of the book, everything was neatly finished off and every question raised was satisfactorily answered. A really rewarding read, and another author to watch out for in future. Another 5* read!
Frank Martell finds out, quite by accident, that he has a grown-up son and sets off from his home in France to find his mother in London. However, a fatal heart attack in Heathrow airports ends his quest. There is no way Frank could have known the rumpus his discovery causes with both his natural daughter - estranged, and the Griffin family where the boy and his mother are ensconced in family life.
This is an enticing read; the author has a keen eye for the fragility of family relationships and how the ups and downs of everyday life affects this. The Griffins are no ordinary family though - mother Kathleen and son Scott - or Sonny, as he is known - are both actors, whilst father Walter is a war photographer and daughter Lauren is involved in the technical side of films. As their lives become entwined with Jem, the only daughter of Frank, who comes to warn them about the genital heart condition which affected her father, the effects ricochet through each of them. We find out in retrospect what happened in the past to the main characters and what kind of person Frank was.
My attention never wandered from this one .. it is a compelling read and one I enjoyed from first to last. The characters - good or bad - are all true to life; the circumstances they all find themselves in are believable too and the result is an attention grabbing read which made me desperate to find out where it was all heading. I'm delighted that, at the end of the book, everything was neatly finished off and every question raised was satisfactorily answered. A really rewarding read, and another author to watch out for in future. Another 5* read!
March 14, 2019
When Frank drops dead abruptly at Heathrow, his estranged daughter Jem travels to his home in France to arrange his effects. She learns that Frank has a son she knew nothing about. With no other living relatives, she soon resolves to make contact with the son, throwing his family into chaos.
The Frank Business has just the kind of writing I enjoy, close observation of a small canvas, casting a wry eye over characters who are in conflict with themselves as much as the people around them. The author plays gleefully with our expectations too.
When we see Frank’s last night, he seems an amiable character. He is an artist, living alone in a farmhouse in Provence, listening to Radio 4 on his laptop as he paints a Christmas card for the neighbours who insist on sharing the day with him, a kindness he could do without. For Brits of a certain age and class, this is the dream life, and it seems natural to include Frank in that warm embrace. But as the novel progresses a rather more complicated picture emerges.
Similarly, Frank’s son is part of an outwardly successful and happy family, working in the media and the arts and enjoying a comfortable London life. Even when they bicker they are witty and stylish. Jem’s bombshell forces issues to the surface that might otherwise have been comfortably avoided.
The author has a lovely, arch voice. She deftly combines humour and some very dark and difficult episodes as the characters confront the past and their relationships. Then suddenly it all goes wrong. The ending is rushed, key events take place off camera, and those complex and contrary characters suddenly fall into an implausibly neat ending.
I realise there’s an injustice here. It’s the end that stays with us. If the middle portion of the book had been baggy but she’d pulled it back in the final chapters, all would be forgiven. But for me, she has raised some very interesting questions and then shied away from answering them.
There is so much that’s great about this book, I would still recommend it. For myself, I want to forget how it ended and remember the good times.
*
I received a copy of The Frank Business from the publisher via Netgalley.
Read more of my reviews on my blog https://katevane.com/blog
The Frank Business has just the kind of writing I enjoy, close observation of a small canvas, casting a wry eye over characters who are in conflict with themselves as much as the people around them. The author plays gleefully with our expectations too.
When we see Frank’s last night, he seems an amiable character. He is an artist, living alone in a farmhouse in Provence, listening to Radio 4 on his laptop as he paints a Christmas card for the neighbours who insist on sharing the day with him, a kindness he could do without. For Brits of a certain age and class, this is the dream life, and it seems natural to include Frank in that warm embrace. But as the novel progresses a rather more complicated picture emerges.
Similarly, Frank’s son is part of an outwardly successful and happy family, working in the media and the arts and enjoying a comfortable London life. Even when they bicker they are witty and stylish. Jem’s bombshell forces issues to the surface that might otherwise have been comfortably avoided.
The author has a lovely, arch voice. She deftly combines humour and some very dark and difficult episodes as the characters confront the past and their relationships. Then suddenly it all goes wrong. The ending is rushed, key events take place off camera, and those complex and contrary characters suddenly fall into an implausibly neat ending.
I realise there’s an injustice here. It’s the end that stays with us. If the middle portion of the book had been baggy but she’d pulled it back in the final chapters, all would be forgiven. But for me, she has raised some very interesting questions and then shied away from answering them.
There is so much that’s great about this book, I would still recommend it. For myself, I want to forget how it ended and remember the good times.
*
I received a copy of The Frank Business from the publisher via Netgalley.
Read more of my reviews on my blog https://katevane.com/blog
June 9, 2019
It's Christmas Eve and Frank Martell, having just arrived at Heathrow from France, has dropped dead in the Arrivals hall. His long-estranged daughter Jem is summoned to identify the body and take possession of the few effects, amongst which is a bunch of keys. She is then told that Frank's death was caused by a genetic heart condition which killed him without warning; as his daughter, she too, may have this condition.
On a whim Jem, using her father's credit card, she books an immediate flight to France, picks up his car at the airport, and drives to his house. What was Frank doing in London? He had no luggage, no address in his pocket, but Jem, following clues on his laptop and in his phone book pieces together the reason. She also discovers she has a brother, or half-brother to be precise, and her first thought is that she should warn him about the possibility of the heart condition. The brother is in London, so she heads back there.
The story follows two families, the Griffins in London, and the Martells in France and how they are intertwined, how one's perception of a happy family can be so drastically changed in a flash. Frank, who, when we learn of his solitary life as an illustrator in France, appears to be a thoughtful, gentle soul is the very opposite. Kathleen Griffin, dutiful, even loving, wife of Walter, has been hiding a secret for years, and in a few seconds all that changes.
I really enjoyed this, even if it did flag a little in the middle. The characters are likeable - wuth the exception of Frank - even Mike the dog is a delight. With wry, black humour the author skilfully weaves all the thread together.
There were just one or two little niggles for me - how did Jem know her father's PIN to enable her use of his credit card? The travelling back and forth between France and the UK seems a bit of a stretch, given the few days in which this all happened. And how on earth could the NHS ( wonderful though it is) arrange for Jem to be screened so quickly! An enjoyable read despite these niggles and I will certainly look for this author's earlier books.
My thanks to Amazon for a compimentray copy to review.
On a whim Jem, using her father's credit card, she books an immediate flight to France, picks up his car at the airport, and drives to his house. What was Frank doing in London? He had no luggage, no address in his pocket, but Jem, following clues on his laptop and in his phone book pieces together the reason. She also discovers she has a brother, or half-brother to be precise, and her first thought is that she should warn him about the possibility of the heart condition. The brother is in London, so she heads back there.
The story follows two families, the Griffins in London, and the Martells in France and how they are intertwined, how one's perception of a happy family can be so drastically changed in a flash. Frank, who, when we learn of his solitary life as an illustrator in France, appears to be a thoughtful, gentle soul is the very opposite. Kathleen Griffin, dutiful, even loving, wife of Walter, has been hiding a secret for years, and in a few seconds all that changes.
I really enjoyed this, even if it did flag a little in the middle. The characters are likeable - wuth the exception of Frank - even Mike the dog is a delight. With wry, black humour the author skilfully weaves all the thread together.
There were just one or two little niggles for me - how did Jem know her father's PIN to enable her use of his credit card? The travelling back and forth between France and the UK seems a bit of a stretch, given the few days in which this all happened. And how on earth could the NHS ( wonderful though it is) arrange for Jem to be screened so quickly! An enjoyable read despite these niggles and I will certainly look for this author's earlier books.
My thanks to Amazon for a compimentray copy to review.
February 19, 2019
Frank flies into Heathrow airport away from his home in France. He collapses and dies of heart failure. His estranged daughter, Jem, is notified. Jem travels to France to find some clues as to why her Father had suddenly upped and flown into Heathrow with no luggage on Christmas Eve. The story that unfolds blows lives apart.
I have read this type of book before – not exactly the same but the idea of someone dying with business unfinished & perhaps an estranged or unknown family. However, the thing that I found really fresh in this book is that Frank doesn’t turn out to be that nice a person. It isn’t all roses and there are very clear reasons why Jem is estranged. This bought a new angle to the concept.
I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book & then wondered where it was going to go next. I get the impression that the author thought this too as the story ends in a great rush with some strange actions by the characters which I couldn’t quite understand. It was a bit of a shame really as although this wasn’t a “wow” sort of book the ideas were coming on well.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot or characters as I feel in this story it is important the reader discovers things alongside the characters. However, the various characters weren’t as in depth as I would have liked. The author could have developed their individuality better.
I felt disappointed in this book. It started well with a fresh outlook on a well used plot. However the characters didn’t grow enough and the ending was quite flat & very rushed.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
I have read this type of book before – not exactly the same but the idea of someone dying with business unfinished & perhaps an estranged or unknown family. However, the thing that I found really fresh in this book is that Frank doesn’t turn out to be that nice a person. It isn’t all roses and there are very clear reasons why Jem is estranged. This bought a new angle to the concept.
I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book & then wondered where it was going to go next. I get the impression that the author thought this too as the story ends in a great rush with some strange actions by the characters which I couldn’t quite understand. It was a bit of a shame really as although this wasn’t a “wow” sort of book the ideas were coming on well.
I don’t want to say too much about the plot or characters as I feel in this story it is important the reader discovers things alongside the characters. However, the various characters weren’t as in depth as I would have liked. The author could have developed their individuality better.
I felt disappointed in this book. It started well with a fresh outlook on a well used plot. However the characters didn’t grow enough and the ending was quite flat & very rushed.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.
February 11, 2019
This book is all about relationships, starting with Frank and the repercussions of his dysfunctional life on the lives of his children, wife and mistress. However, I was unable to identify or sympathise much with the characters, even Lauren and Walter. The author tends to take one situation, explore it and then leave it to go and look at another. The transitions are not well handled, and the result is a little confusing. The situations being described are, at times, horrific, but they seem almost to be glossed over with the emphasis solely on their effect on Frank or Kathleen.
Kathleen is an incredibly self-centred woman, only outdone by her indulged and unpleasant son Sonny. Her husband Walter is quite a weak character and I kept hoping he'd show some spine and stand up to her. Lauren is just an odd character, although possibly the most likeable. Jem just didn't become a real person for me, but what I saw I didn't warm to. However, the characters were having to come to terms with some serious changes in their lives, and the book explored their feelings and the impact of finding past deeds catching up with them.
I don't have to like characters to enjoy a book, and certainly this one kept my attention, but I would have liked to empathise just a little with someone. The plot was pacy and overall I enjoyed reading it, but felt a little cheated with the lack of characterisation.
Kathleen is an incredibly self-centred woman, only outdone by her indulged and unpleasant son Sonny. Her husband Walter is quite a weak character and I kept hoping he'd show some spine and stand up to her. Lauren is just an odd character, although possibly the most likeable. Jem just didn't become a real person for me, but what I saw I didn't warm to. However, the characters were having to come to terms with some serious changes in their lives, and the book explored their feelings and the impact of finding past deeds catching up with them.
I don't have to like characters to enjoy a book, and certainly this one kept my attention, but I would have liked to empathise just a little with someone. The plot was pacy and overall I enjoyed reading it, but felt a little cheated with the lack of characterisation.
March 25, 2019
Frank Martell drops dead at Heathrow on Christmas Eve.
All they can find is his passport and wallet on him where he collapses. He has no luggage. His estranged daughter Jem is contacted by the police and asked to make a formal identity in the local morgue. The man she has not seen for years has just appeared back into her life and now has gone. He wasn't on his way to meet her though, and this is the basis for his story.
Jem discovers that he has another child, a son. Because of the medical reason Frank died is hereditary, she feels duty-bound to find her brother to warn him.
His family is in for a shock as his father (or so he thought) knew nothing about Frank's appearance in wife Kathleen's life, let alone leaving her pregnant. It is Christmas time and the news rocks the family, especially Walter and Scott.
Frank seems to be an amiable man, who enjoys living in the South of France, illustrating, listening to Radio 4 and readying himself to see his friends. It is only how he was as a father and husband that we get to see the real Frank.
The author has a keen eye for detail and it is this which gives the characters some lift. I found the middle a little slow, but the end of this story has left me wanting to know more.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
All they can find is his passport and wallet on him where he collapses. He has no luggage. His estranged daughter Jem is contacted by the police and asked to make a formal identity in the local morgue. The man she has not seen for years has just appeared back into her life and now has gone. He wasn't on his way to meet her though, and this is the basis for his story.
Jem discovers that he has another child, a son. Because of the medical reason Frank died is hereditary, she feels duty-bound to find her brother to warn him.
His family is in for a shock as his father (or so he thought) knew nothing about Frank's appearance in wife Kathleen's life, let alone leaving her pregnant. It is Christmas time and the news rocks the family, especially Walter and Scott.
Frank seems to be an amiable man, who enjoys living in the South of France, illustrating, listening to Radio 4 and readying himself to see his friends. It is only how he was as a father and husband that we get to see the real Frank.
The author has a keen eye for detail and it is this which gives the characters some lift. I found the middle a little slow, but the end of this story has left me wanting to know more.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
February 23, 2019
The ‘Frank’ of the title is a deeply unpleasant man who drops dead at Heathrow, on Christmas Eve, after suffering a heart attack. His estranged daughter, Jem, discovers that he had an undiagnosed heart defect which could be inherited. She also finds out she has a half-brother she knew nothing about and realises she needs to tell him about the heart condition.
Set in London and rural France this is the story of relationships and secrets. It moves from the present to the past as it describes how Jem became alienated from her father and how her half-brother came into existence.
None of the characters are particular likeable, with the exception of Mike the dog. Frank’s ex-lover, Kathleen is a self-absorbed actress who has to be the centre of attention. Her son, Sonny, is equally self-absorbed and her daughter, Lauren is a control freak. Her husband, Walter, is one step removed from his family. Jem spends most of her time being aloof and rather cross. Whilst I didn’t warm to the characters they were very well drawn and shrewdly observed.
The novel kept my attention throughout and it is cleverly written. It is an acute observation of how lives can change because of one incident and a past indiscretion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
Set in London and rural France this is the story of relationships and secrets. It moves from the present to the past as it describes how Jem became alienated from her father and how her half-brother came into existence.
None of the characters are particular likeable, with the exception of Mike the dog. Frank’s ex-lover, Kathleen is a self-absorbed actress who has to be the centre of attention. Her son, Sonny, is equally self-absorbed and her daughter, Lauren is a control freak. Her husband, Walter, is one step removed from his family. Jem spends most of her time being aloof and rather cross. Whilst I didn’t warm to the characters they were very well drawn and shrewdly observed.
The novel kept my attention throughout and it is cleverly written. It is an acute observation of how lives can change because of one incident and a past indiscretion.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley and publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
February 24, 2019
I really enjoyed this deftly written tale about a complicated family.
Frank has a sudden realisation that sends him to Heathrow only to die in Arrivals. His estranged daughter Jem visits his house in France to try to work out what he was in England for, only to find out that he'd just discovered a son he'd never met. A son who would be the same age as her...
She immediately sets about finding her half-brother and inadvertently (okay, not that inadvertently) sows chaos into his family life. Sonny doesn't know who he is any more. His mother is forced to re-examine the sort of person she was when she had the affair with Frank. Her husband wonders if he still has a place in her life. Sonny's sister is left picking up the pieces. And Jem is forced to remember her own past, and the last time she saw Frank...
We soon find out that Frank was a violent, horrible man who damaged everyone around him. Yet I grew to enjoy meeting every other character in the book. Even at their most selfish they were interesting and sharp and witty. I believed that they had lives beyond the pages.
It does end reasonably abruptly - the book starts with Jem as an almost lead but by the end she is one among the cast, and I had expected to spend more time with her - but I didn't mind that because I enjoyed the journey.
I'd definitely read more by this author.
Frank has a sudden realisation that sends him to Heathrow only to die in Arrivals. His estranged daughter Jem visits his house in France to try to work out what he was in England for, only to find out that he'd just discovered a son he'd never met. A son who would be the same age as her...
She immediately sets about finding her half-brother and inadvertently (okay, not that inadvertently) sows chaos into his family life. Sonny doesn't know who he is any more. His mother is forced to re-examine the sort of person she was when she had the affair with Frank. Her husband wonders if he still has a place in her life. Sonny's sister is left picking up the pieces. And Jem is forced to remember her own past, and the last time she saw Frank...
We soon find out that Frank was a violent, horrible man who damaged everyone around him. Yet I grew to enjoy meeting every other character in the book. Even at their most selfish they were interesting and sharp and witty. I believed that they had lives beyond the pages.
It does end reasonably abruptly - the book starts with Jem as an almost lead but by the end she is one among the cast, and I had expected to spend more time with her - but I didn't mind that because I enjoyed the journey.
I'd definitely read more by this author.
February 7, 2019
An intriguing story about an girl who discovered that her estranged father had another child... after he died unexpectedly! Opening several cans of worms, Jem meets her half brother Sonny - and this book explores the back story and the implications of each sibling coming to terms with their new found situation.
Set in London and France, this book paints vivid scenes and portrays a very human response from most of its characters. I really enjoyed Jem’s back story and felt both her warmth and angst and strong relationship with Marian her nanny.
Sonny on the other hand has led a more charmed life and the fallout in his family is as expected. Initially His mother is as spoiled as you’d expect, but as the book progresses you have more understanding of her plight. And as for Frank, the least said the better - no spoilers.
3-3.5* An interesting book that rattled along - from an author who’s new to me. Could it have had more depth and emotion - probably, but it was an engaging read nonetheless.
Set in London and France, this book paints vivid scenes and portrays a very human response from most of its characters. I really enjoyed Jem’s back story and felt both her warmth and angst and strong relationship with Marian her nanny.
Sonny on the other hand has led a more charmed life and the fallout in his family is as expected. Initially His mother is as spoiled as you’d expect, but as the book progresses you have more understanding of her plight. And as for Frank, the least said the better - no spoilers.
3-3.5* An interesting book that rattled along - from an author who’s new to me. Could it have had more depth and emotion - probably, but it was an engaging read nonetheless.
March 5, 2019
This book has a great opening, it really catches your attention, and makes you feel sympathy for Frank who dies so painfully and abruptly. What follows reveals Frank as a destructive man who cared for no-one, and whose thoughtless actions had far-reaching effects on those he came into contact with.
The plot is not remarkable, although it is good, it's the characters, the pertinent observations of what motivates people to react in certain ways, and most importantly how families work in a contemporary society that resonates with this story.
All the characters are authentically flawed and most are not particularly likeable, but they are understandable. Even though the family dynamics are magnified, the interactions between mother and son, father and daughter and husband and wife are recognisable.
The pacing suits this type of book and the characters and settings are full of vivid imagery, which makes this an easy but definitely intriguing read.
I received a copy of this book from John Murray Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The plot is not remarkable, although it is good, it's the characters, the pertinent observations of what motivates people to react in certain ways, and most importantly how families work in a contemporary society that resonates with this story.
All the characters are authentically flawed and most are not particularly likeable, but they are understandable. Even though the family dynamics are magnified, the interactions between mother and son, father and daughter and husband and wife are recognisable.
The pacing suits this type of book and the characters and settings are full of vivid imagery, which makes this an easy but definitely intriguing read.
I received a copy of this book from John Murray Press via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
February 18, 2019
After Jem’s Father, who she hasn’t seen for over 15 years, drops dead in Heathrow Airport, she discovers that she has a half-brother, and also that their father may have passed on a heart defect to them both. She decides to meet her brother and tell him, but in doing so, she exposes a 25 year old lie and risks tearing a family apart.
An interesting story, with the action split between the present and 25 years previous. The setting moves between North London and Provence, and both areas were well described. Whilst the characters were also well presented, I found it very hard to feel empathy or a liking for any of them and I wasn’t sure whether I was particularly bothered what happened to any of them at the end of the book. However, the story did show how a seemingly happy family could be left in disarray when deceits are exposed.
An interesting story, with the action split between the present and 25 years previous. The setting moves between North London and Provence, and both areas were well described. Whilst the characters were also well presented, I found it very hard to feel empathy or a liking for any of them and I wasn’t sure whether I was particularly bothered what happened to any of them at the end of the book. However, the story did show how a seemingly happy family could be left in disarray when deceits are exposed.
April 23, 2019
When her estranged father Frank dies Jem discovers that she has a brother she never knew about and she needs to find him to warn him that Frank died of a congenital heart defect. Twenty-five years ago Frank had an affair with Kathleen, a spoilt and selfish actress, that resulted in the birth of Scott. Scott doesn't know that he isn't the son of Walter (Kathleen's husband) but he does know that he's very different to his sister.
There's a clever and interesting book at the the heart of this but it is spoilt by some over the top plot devices. Frank is portrayed as some kind of monster with no reason why. The fact that he has killed twice is glossed over and his stint in prison barely mentioned. Most of the characters are cliches but this does fit in with the tone. I wanted to love it but merely liked it!
There's a clever and interesting book at the the heart of this but it is spoilt by some over the top plot devices. Frank is portrayed as some kind of monster with no reason why. The fact that he has killed twice is glossed over and his stint in prison barely mentioned. Most of the characters are cliches but this does fit in with the tone. I wanted to love it but merely liked it!
February 22, 2019
I thought The Frank Business was a great holiday read. The sins of the father are visited upon the son (and daughter.) Frank is an evil man who lives in France. In the opening chapter of the book we meet Frank. He is illustrating a card, and looking forward to Christmas with friends. He receives a shock that sets him on a plane to London. There, Frank dies.
The rest of the book is how people deal with Frank’s legacy. His blameless daughter Jem is forced to clear up Frank's mess, drawing her into a whole new family at the most stressful of times: Christmas. The story is enjoyably messy. Secrets have been kept for selfish reasons, and it is fun to see a family reforming itself around the new situation. Four stars.
The rest of the book is how people deal with Frank’s legacy. His blameless daughter Jem is forced to clear up Frank's mess, drawing her into a whole new family at the most stressful of times: Christmas. The story is enjoyably messy. Secrets have been kept for selfish reasons, and it is fun to see a family reforming itself around the new situation. Four stars.
March 7, 2019
Frank wasn't a particularly nice man. He had an 'artistic' temperament - which seemed to mean in his case that he was a skilled painter who drank a lot and was cruel to other people - to the death of other people. His wife was lovely - everyone thought so. Kathleen, who became his lover, was a narcissist.
We begin as Frank dies on his way to confront Kathleen, who, he has discovered, had his son after a two week affair. Kathleen is relieved that he didn't manage to do that, but Jem, his daughter needs to talk to Kathleen's son - Jem's half brother - as Frank died of a genetic heart problem and he needs testing for it. It makes for a chaotic Christmas for them all - except Frank.
We begin as Frank dies on his way to confront Kathleen, who, he has discovered, had his son after a two week affair. Kathleen is relieved that he didn't manage to do that, but Jem, his daughter needs to talk to Kathleen's son - Jem's half brother - as Frank died of a genetic heart problem and he needs testing for it. It makes for a chaotic Christmas for them all - except Frank.
March 13, 2019
I very much enjoyed this book ,although it starts quite dramatically with the death of Frank travelling from France to Heathrow ,the pace of the book then draws us into all the secrets from the past that come back to haunt .This book is all about relationships and betrayal and secrets .I found all the characters very self absorbed and not at all likeable except Jem and Walter ,Frank was simply horrible .This all made for a very enjoyable read which was interesting and very well written with a very satisfying conclusion .Many thanks to the Publishers the Author and NetGalley for my review copy in return for an honest review .
June 10, 2019
I loved this book! Initially, you feel sorry for Frank for dropping dead at Heathrow airport and poor Jem, his estranged daughter is left to sort out the ensuing mess. The family dynamic then played out is funny and dark and there's an awful lot of undercurrents at work. I felt sorry for Jem and could have slapped Kathleen for being so prickly and self-obsessed; her son Scott (Sonny) becoming a spoilt replica of her. I liked the character of Walter and could understand his anger. This book draws you into the family dynamics at work when life isn't as straightforward as you think it is. A great read.
February 17, 2019
A chance broadcast heard on the radio leads to the unravelling of the Frank Business, secrets are revealed and family lines shifted in this tale of infidelity. The character of Frank is revealed as angry and unpleasant and the lives of Jem and Sonny are changed forever. The ripples spread out and affect Katherine, Lauren and Walter too. The most unpleasant secret known only by Katherine is not revealed to anybody but the reader and that is as it should be. Thank you to Netgalley and John Murray books for the chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2019
This is a book which explores the way families interact and the ways in which they can fall apart. In theory, it is very intriguing as Jem, whose estranged and abusive father has died, searches for her half brother. Sonny and his family have to deal with the ramifications of his mothers previously admitted affair. For me though, this fell flat. I couldn't find anything redeeming in any of the characters, who all seems just awful. This is probably going to be a book that a lot of people enjoy, but it wasn't for me.
April 10, 2019
As usual in my reviews, I won't go into the plot (plenty of other reviews out there if that's what you're after!).
This is a compelling and somewhat unusual read. In common with many other current novels, it features a number of rather horrid characters - tempered in this case by some rather loveable and sympathetic ones. The plot is excellent, beginning with the death of one of the main characters, and ending on an optimistic note. I would love to know what happens next - a sure sign of a good read!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.
This is a compelling and somewhat unusual read. In common with many other current novels, it features a number of rather horrid characters - tempered in this case by some rather loveable and sympathetic ones. The plot is excellent, beginning with the death of one of the main characters, and ending on an optimistic note. I would love to know what happens next - a sure sign of a good read!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.
April 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this book but am unsure why. Most of the characters are not very pleasant and the story was unsavoury at times but for some reason I wanted to continue ready and read this in two sittings. Frank has a massive heart attack on the way to the airport after finding out that he had a son he never knew about. The story moves backwards and forwards to the families in the past and today. How are they connected and what went on in the past? An interesting read but still insure why I liked it?!
June 2, 2019
This was a heart warming book. It was about a family that have a troubled past, some of which they aren't even aware of. Gem gets news that her father has died and suddenly she has to work out who her family are and what to do. The book is quite light hearted and an easy read, where you can pick it up easily. The author has made good social observations and there are sub threads that keep the book flowing at a steady pace. The story is almost believable. The humour has some dark undertones but all this makes the book more enjoyable.
February 18, 2019
This book shows how the ripples of closely guarded secrets can disrupt a family when they are eventually revealed. When an estranged daughter is pulled back in to the world of her recently deceased father. It’s not only her own past that is brought back to haunt her.
As the story unfolds the past spreads out to take in a famous woman, a proud husband and two grown up siblings. None of them aware what was to arrive on the doorstep over Christmas.
This well written novel is told in a gentle fashion with no violence or swearing, but a few interesting twists along the way…. Not guns and guts story, but a tale of how devastating lies and secrets can be.
Pub 07/03/19 #netgalley #TheFrankbusiness
As the story unfolds the past spreads out to take in a famous woman, a proud husband and two grown up siblings. None of them aware what was to arrive on the doorstep over Christmas.
This well written novel is told in a gentle fashion with no violence or swearing, but a few interesting twists along the way…. Not guns and guts story, but a tale of how devastating lies and secrets can be.
Pub 07/03/19 #netgalley #TheFrankbusiness
July 9, 2019
Brilliant book. Beautifully written, skipping back and forth between the past and the present to interweave the story of three interconnected families. The author portrays family life in a truly honest way - sometimes all members of a family aren't equal, and seeing how that effects the dynamics of the relationships was fascinating. There were some characters I would have loved to know more about and see more of, but overall a fantastic read.
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