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The Carer
From the bestselling author of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Tulip Fever, a deliciously funny, poignant and wry novel, full of surprising twists and turns.
James is getting on a bit and needs full-time help. So Phoebe and Robert, his middle-aged offspring, employ Mandy, who seems willing to take him off their hands. But as James regales his family with tales of Mandy's virtues, their shopping trips, and the shared pleasure of their journeys to garden centres, Phoebe and Robert sense something is amiss. Is this really their father, the distant figure who never once turned up for a sports day, now happily chortling over cuckoo clocks and television soaps?
Then something happens that throws everything into new relief, and Phoebe and Robert discover that life most definitely does not stop for the elderly. It just moves onto a very different plane - changing all the stories they thought they knew so well.
204 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2019
662 people are currently reading
1758 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Moggach
48 books573 followersDeborah Moggach is a British writer, born Deborah Hough on 28 June 1948. She has written fifteen novels to date, including The Ex-Wives, Tulip Fever, and, most recently, These Foolish Things. She has adapted many of her novels as TV dramas and has also written several film scripts, including the BAFTA-nominated screenplay for Pride & Prejudice. She has also written two collections of short stories and a stage play. In February 2005, Moggach was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by her Alma Mater, the University of Bristol . She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a former Chair of the Society of Authors, and is on the executive committee of PEN.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
June 21, 2019
Deborah Moggach showcases her stellar skills in characterisation in this poignant and shrewdly observed insights into family dynamics, the painful aspects of getting older and the disintegration of the physical body, imperfect marriages, and emotionally blighted childhoods. Robert and Phoebe are middle aged siblings are at their wit's ends after employing carers for their elderly father, James, that left a lot to be desired. However, the answer to all their prayers comes in the shape of Mandy, who lifts the burden off their shoulders as she proves to be more than competent as she takes complete charge of James's care with gusto and an enviable cheerfulness. So her political opinions of the Daily Mail variety and low brow cultural tastes are not to their liberal sensibilities, but their father responds to Mandy in a way that he never has with his own children.
Robert worked in the city but is now a aspiring novelist, is married to the passive aggressive Farida, a well known breakfast news presenter, and has two children. Robert is plagued with free floating anxiety, existential angst and a bottomless sense of failure. Phoebe is a struggling artist, briefly married to a alcoholic, and with a string of unsatisfactory relationships under her belt. She lives in Knockton, a small town in Wales, and currently involved with Torren. Robert and Phoebe are heavily weighed down by childhood baggage with their desperation to gain their father's attention, a particle physicist who spent much time away from home, casualties of their parents utter devotion. and all encompassing love for each other. As they observe James having a hoot with Mandy, and see a closeness between them that has never been on offer to them, they are understandably feeling the odd pangs of jealousy as their father appears to have entirely changed personality in his twilight years. However, their suspicions of Mandy are aroused over strange incidents, the rapid decline of James and his visit to Oxford.
Robert and Phoebe are to discover that not all is as it seems, that their perceptions of their parents bear little relationship to reality, and that Mandy is to have an irrevocable impact on their lives, as they become closer to each other as a result. Moggach shines a light on class distinctions, flawed families, where open warfare is reserved for your nearest and dearest, your family, and where memories of the past are not always reliable. This is a touchingly profound family drama, wryly amusing, and never less than compulsive, and where the highlight for me was the authentically realised characters, warts and all. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
Robert worked in the city but is now a aspiring novelist, is married to the passive aggressive Farida, a well known breakfast news presenter, and has two children. Robert is plagued with free floating anxiety, existential angst and a bottomless sense of failure. Phoebe is a struggling artist, briefly married to a alcoholic, and with a string of unsatisfactory relationships under her belt. She lives in Knockton, a small town in Wales, and currently involved with Torren. Robert and Phoebe are heavily weighed down by childhood baggage with their desperation to gain their father's attention, a particle physicist who spent much time away from home, casualties of their parents utter devotion. and all encompassing love for each other. As they observe James having a hoot with Mandy, and see a closeness between them that has never been on offer to them, they are understandably feeling the odd pangs of jealousy as their father appears to have entirely changed personality in his twilight years. However, their suspicions of Mandy are aroused over strange incidents, the rapid decline of James and his visit to Oxford.
Robert and Phoebe are to discover that not all is as it seems, that their perceptions of their parents bear little relationship to reality, and that Mandy is to have an irrevocable impact on their lives, as they become closer to each other as a result. Moggach shines a light on class distinctions, flawed families, where open warfare is reserved for your nearest and dearest, your family, and where memories of the past are not always reliable. This is a touchingly profound family drama, wryly amusing, and never less than compulsive, and where the highlight for me was the authentically realised characters, warts and all. Many thanks to Headline for an ARC.
July 3, 2019
This one turns out to be a bit of an unexpected treat! It begins as another family drama with an elderly father needing care and two middle aged siblings who find themselves unable to give it. Along comes a carer who settles in well - maybe a bit too well - and the situation starts to spark. Just as you think you know where the story is going it turns right round and takes a different tack altogether. Very clever!
The author has a talent for writing sympathetic characters and for seeing two sides to every situation. No one in this book is really right or wrong, they are just being normal people leading their everyday lives. Maybe it is all a little bit too easy, a little bit idealised, but it makes for an enjoyable and entertaining read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys reading about family issues without too much drama and angst.
The author has a talent for writing sympathetic characters and for seeing two sides to every situation. No one in this book is really right or wrong, they are just being normal people leading their everyday lives. Maybe it is all a little bit too easy, a little bit idealised, but it makes for an enjoyable and entertaining read. Recommended to anyone who enjoys reading about family issues without too much drama and angst.
March 30, 2020
In the immortal words of Bette Davis ‘old age ain’t for sissies’ and the Wentworth family would probably agree. Robert and Phoebe are in their early 60’s and are in a kind of sibling carer competition as their father ages. Professor James Wentworth, an Oxford physicist before he and his late wife Anna retire to The Cotswolds to enjoy a gentler life. Following a fall and some start/stop carers in sweeps colourfully dumpy Mandy who brings her father back to life, introducing him to Pointless and Game of Thrones, custard creams and days out to hedgehog sanctuaries. So what’s the problem? It all sounds good but what kind of angel is straight talking Mandy? This lovely novel is principally told from the perspectives of Phoebe and Robert but Part Two tells James’ back story.
This entertaining novel has so many elements to it. There’s humour, ranging from a smile to laugh out loud. There’s soul searching for several characters, some jealousy and deception with the siblings receiving several shocks about their parents and their past. The lively and engaging writing conveys sibling rivalry and family dynamics and the uneasy truths that Mandy brings with her. The characters are excellent. Robert is a lost soul following job redundancy and his marriage to successful news reader Farida suffers under her rather scathing scrutiny as he attempts to write an opus. Phoebe is single and a wannabe artist. James is a delight and in some ways reminds me of my late father especially his ineptitude at anything practical around the home. What of Mandy? Doughy of fact, lack of grace, loose of lip, wide of hip, deliverer of home truths and is way more perceptive than they give her credit for. Robert and Phoebe ultimately have a lot to thank her for and are happier because of it.
Overall, this is an incisive look at family, at marriage, at what makes us happy and accepting that doesn’t necessarily mean a high flying career or conforming. It is funny, touching and a pleasure to read.
This entertaining novel has so many elements to it. There’s humour, ranging from a smile to laugh out loud. There’s soul searching for several characters, some jealousy and deception with the siblings receiving several shocks about their parents and their past. The lively and engaging writing conveys sibling rivalry and family dynamics and the uneasy truths that Mandy brings with her. The characters are excellent. Robert is a lost soul following job redundancy and his marriage to successful news reader Farida suffers under her rather scathing scrutiny as he attempts to write an opus. Phoebe is single and a wannabe artist. James is a delight and in some ways reminds me of my late father especially his ineptitude at anything practical around the home. What of Mandy? Doughy of fact, lack of grace, loose of lip, wide of hip, deliverer of home truths and is way more perceptive than they give her credit for. Robert and Phoebe ultimately have a lot to thank her for and are happier because of it.
Overall, this is an incisive look at family, at marriage, at what makes us happy and accepting that doesn’t necessarily mean a high flying career or conforming. It is funny, touching and a pleasure to read.
May 19, 2021
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I really enjoyed this story.
His kids are older, got lives of their own.
They’re dad is getting older, he needs someone to care for him
Neither can do this with they’re commitments etc so they need a Carer. A paid Carer.
Mandy is employed to look after their Father.
I loved the unexpected twist in this, I was definitely thinking a different route so loved the surprise it gave me.
Part one is the NOW.
Part TWO
We go back in time in life of the parents.
It was fascinating how this was developed.
I need to look more into this authors work.
It’s been over a year I’ve had this on my shelf. Saw it on audio on BorrowBox so downloaded it. I listened to it whilst moving around and on times of sitting I followed it with my book.
The narrator was very good. Easy to listen to.
Goodreads |
Blog |
Instagram |
I really enjoyed this story.
His kids are older, got lives of their own.
They’re dad is getting older, he needs someone to care for him
Neither can do this with they’re commitments etc so they need a Carer. A paid Carer.
Mandy is employed to look after their Father.
I loved the unexpected twist in this, I was definitely thinking a different route so loved the surprise it gave me.
Part one is the NOW.
Part TWO
We go back in time in life of the parents.
It was fascinating how this was developed.
I need to look more into this authors work.
It’s been over a year I’ve had this on my shelf. Saw it on audio on BorrowBox so downloaded it. I listened to it whilst moving around and on times of sitting I followed it with my book.
The narrator was very good. Easy to listen to.
April 30, 2019
'V. S. Pritchett said there’s no such thing as plot, only characters. Once they’ve become living, breathing human beings, you see, you leave it up to them. You don’t have to be frightened that you haven’t got a story because they are the story.’ He paused. ‘If they’re interesting enough.’ ‘And yours are interesting?’ ‘God, yes.’
... The challenge was to get some of this into his book. Cross-currents, resentments, inadequacies, parental guilt, naked terror – in other words, normal family life.
What a breathtaking imagination this author has! I have read most of her novels and am always impressed by her versatility in inventing realistic lives. I don't just read her novels, I inhabit them - and it's always a wrench for me to leave them behind.
In the excerpt above, Deborah Moggach aptly sums up what makes her such a good novelist – i.e. her mastery of characterisation – and in this respect I think she is our British answer to Anne Tyler.
Her wrily humorous stories may stray into situation comedy but they are always peopled with an utterly convincing cast and dialogue – which is what makes sitcoms work, after all. In this story Moggach deftly skewers the snobbery, virtually-signalling and middle-class pretensions in modern day British society and I defy anyone to remain unmoved by the bitter-sweet ending.
With thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley
... The challenge was to get some of this into his book. Cross-currents, resentments, inadequacies, parental guilt, naked terror – in other words, normal family life.
What a breathtaking imagination this author has! I have read most of her novels and am always impressed by her versatility in inventing realistic lives. I don't just read her novels, I inhabit them - and it's always a wrench for me to leave them behind.
In the excerpt above, Deborah Moggach aptly sums up what makes her such a good novelist – i.e. her mastery of characterisation – and in this respect I think she is our British answer to Anne Tyler.
Her wrily humorous stories may stray into situation comedy but they are always peopled with an utterly convincing cast and dialogue – which is what makes sitcoms work, after all. In this story Moggach deftly skewers the snobbery, virtually-signalling and middle-class pretensions in modern day British society and I defy anyone to remain unmoved by the bitter-sweet ending.
With thanks to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley
April 26, 2019
James is getting older and his children think that he needs looking after. They hire a Carer called Mandy to look after him.
At first things are fine but as Mandy and James become closer his children begin to feel jealous and start to look for signs that Mandy is up to no good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
At first things are fine but as Mandy and James become closer his children begin to feel jealous and start to look for signs that Mandy is up to no good.
Thank you to NetGalley and Headline for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2020
A character driven, bittersweet family drama that completely pulled me in!
Told from multiple points of view at different times it is a little bit disjointed but this only feeds into the way it exposes uncomfortable situations and makes you confront them. It can make you cringe, laugh and cry...possibly all at the same time!
There are character traits explored here that are all too real but not things you would want to acknowledge or admit. Getting old is not pretty and family dynamics are never straight forward!
Lots to think about amongst the snapshots of these quirky characters living their lives.
Told from multiple points of view at different times it is a little bit disjointed but this only feeds into the way it exposes uncomfortable situations and makes you confront them. It can make you cringe, laugh and cry...possibly all at the same time!
There are character traits explored here that are all too real but not things you would want to acknowledge or admit. Getting old is not pretty and family dynamics are never straight forward!
Lots to think about amongst the snapshots of these quirky characters living their lives.
September 19, 2019
85 year old widower James needs help and not wishing to put him into a home, nor wishing to disrupt their own lives, his children Phoebe and Robert engage a full time carer. So Mandy from Solihull arrives in her Fiat Panda. 50 years old, wearing stripey tights and a bobble hat and rather to their surprise and if they are honest, disappointment, James seems to thrive under her care. Before retirement he was a distinguished professor of particle physics and desperately missed his intellectual conversations with his late wife Anna. However with Mandy around, he has surprisingly become interested in neighbourhood gossip, daytime TV and visits to shopping malls and Lidl. Mandy calls their father ‘Jimmy’ and ‘love’ and has arranged antimacassars on the furniture. Their father was becoming a completely different person.
This is very much a story of the complexity of family relationships. Robert and Phoebe are both in their sixties but still harbour some resentment towards their father for not being around much when they were children and for the broken promises made during their childhood and for just being absent and distant both emotionally and physically. Although they have comfortable lifestyles, neither of their lives has turned out to be quite the success they had hoped for and contrasted with Mandy, who despite her forthright manner is a much jollier person altogether and less encumbered by such niggles, they come across as rather spoilt and entitled, when really they should be old enough to put such petty disappointments behind them.
At first they are pleased that Mandy has relieved them of the day to day care of James so that they can continue with their own lives feeling a little less guilty about the lack of visits. They might be a little jealous that he seems to prefer her company to theirs but when they live so far away, that’s a small price to pay. However little things about Mandy start to worry and then they suspect her of snooping through James’ personal effects. Is Mandy the treasure that she appears to be or does she have her own agenda.
There was much about this story that resonated with me on a personal level and I think that many people with ageing parents may find some familiar ground here. Robert and Phoebe’s dilemma concerning James’ care was certainly one that I could identify with and whilst they weren’t always the most likeable of people, there were times when I felt some sympathy for them.
It has been a long while since I last read a Deborah Moggach book and I had forgotten how expertly she describes family dynamics with wry observations that had me nodding my head in agreement. The story completely took me by surprise because it didn’t follow the path I had predicted but suddenly veered off into a direction that I wasn’t expecting – one which actually showed just how complicated this family was.
I really enjoyed this, it’s not a fast paced read but the alternating perspectives move the story along very nicely and I was glued to it from page 1. Moggach has a way with her writing and character observations that just draws you in – it’s simplistic and to the point but written with warmth and wit and I now remember why I enjoyed her books so much in the past.
This is very much a story of the complexity of family relationships. Robert and Phoebe are both in their sixties but still harbour some resentment towards their father for not being around much when they were children and for the broken promises made during their childhood and for just being absent and distant both emotionally and physically. Although they have comfortable lifestyles, neither of their lives has turned out to be quite the success they had hoped for and contrasted with Mandy, who despite her forthright manner is a much jollier person altogether and less encumbered by such niggles, they come across as rather spoilt and entitled, when really they should be old enough to put such petty disappointments behind them.
At first they are pleased that Mandy has relieved them of the day to day care of James so that they can continue with their own lives feeling a little less guilty about the lack of visits. They might be a little jealous that he seems to prefer her company to theirs but when they live so far away, that’s a small price to pay. However little things about Mandy start to worry and then they suspect her of snooping through James’ personal effects. Is Mandy the treasure that she appears to be or does she have her own agenda.
There was much about this story that resonated with me on a personal level and I think that many people with ageing parents may find some familiar ground here. Robert and Phoebe’s dilemma concerning James’ care was certainly one that I could identify with and whilst they weren’t always the most likeable of people, there were times when I felt some sympathy for them.
It has been a long while since I last read a Deborah Moggach book and I had forgotten how expertly she describes family dynamics with wry observations that had me nodding my head in agreement. The story completely took me by surprise because it didn’t follow the path I had predicted but suddenly veered off into a direction that I wasn’t expecting – one which actually showed just how complicated this family was.
I really enjoyed this, it’s not a fast paced read but the alternating perspectives move the story along very nicely and I was glued to it from page 1. Moggach has a way with her writing and character observations that just draws you in – it’s simplistic and to the point but written with warmth and wit and I now remember why I enjoyed her books so much in the past.
September 27, 2021
James is retired and after the death of his wife and developing ailments needs social care and support and so enlists the help from Mandy. However, Phoebe and Robert, his adult children, begin to get suspicious when the relationship with Mandy seems too close, and the change in their father too great. Seemingly resigned to old age and lacking any real interest, he is now a spritely pensioner who is filling his days with visits to garden centres and places of interest, shopping, and dining out. Anxiety is further heightened when James changes his will.
Alongside this story, we learn James led a double life, although he loved their mother, and now Phoebe and Robert have to learn about their father all over again changing all the perceptions they once had of him.
This book was described as a “crackling social comedy”, unfortunately that it was not. It lacked any real story and I rushed to finish, speed reading at a new level. The ending was incredibly predictable. Sorry not for me.
Alongside this story, we learn James led a double life, although he loved their mother, and now Phoebe and Robert have to learn about their father all over again changing all the perceptions they once had of him.
This book was described as a “crackling social comedy”, unfortunately that it was not. It lacked any real story and I rushed to finish, speed reading at a new level. The ending was incredibly predictable. Sorry not for me.
September 17, 2021
A delightful easy read using a sensitive subject. How do we care for our elderly parents as they need ever greater help.
In this situation they finally get a carer who can Phoebe and Roberts' father. And do 'things' emerge.
Superb. Unputdownable.
In this situation they finally get a carer who can Phoebe and Roberts' father. And do 'things' emerge.
Superb. Unputdownable.
June 10, 2021
The Carer is trademark Moggach; she takes four lead characters and paints them so incredibly well that they begin to take over, I found myself pondering them, even when doing something else and their voices called me back to the story constantly.
James is elderly, he was married to many years, is a retired Professor and lives alone. His two middle-aged children: Phoebe and Robert are delighted when they recruit carer Mandy to look after James. Neither of them are particularly loving people, although they are both fond of their father.
Robert was made redundant from a high-powered City job, and spends his days in a garden shed, writing a novel, whilst his glamorous TV news reader wife Farida continues to keep them in the luxury that they've got used to.
Phoebe is single, an artist, and lives in the Wales countryside. She's unfulfilled, with a string of failed relationships behind her and currently involved with an ageing hippy called Torren who lives in a hut in a nearby forest.
Mandy is unlike anyone that moves in their circles. Overweight, wearing silver leggings and speaking as she sees on a regular basis, she's something of an enigma, but James seems to really like her and if Robert and Phoebe don't have to worry about wiping his bum and ensuring that he eats, they are happy for Mandy to stay.
However, it's not long before both of them become suspicious of Mandy. James seems frailer, and confused. He's wearing tracksuit bottoms and enjoying trips to a hedgehog sanctuary. What happened to their aloof, intelligent, rarely seen (if they are being honest) father?
As James changes, so do Robert and Phoebe and what this author does so very well is dissect characters and relationships and break them down into the tiniest pieces. The reader can then put them back together again to reveal the real characters, not the person that they show to the world.
The Carer is full of wry humour and stark honesty. It's an absolute joy to read and I was utterly entranced by the characters and the ever evolving plot. Deborah Moggach is so wonderfully observant; the reader will pause to reflect on just how real and authentic her characters are; we may even recognise ourselves at times.
Hugely entertaining and so tenderly written. Highly recommended by me.
James is elderly, he was married to many years, is a retired Professor and lives alone. His two middle-aged children: Phoebe and Robert are delighted when they recruit carer Mandy to look after James. Neither of them are particularly loving people, although they are both fond of their father.
Robert was made redundant from a high-powered City job, and spends his days in a garden shed, writing a novel, whilst his glamorous TV news reader wife Farida continues to keep them in the luxury that they've got used to.
Phoebe is single, an artist, and lives in the Wales countryside. She's unfulfilled, with a string of failed relationships behind her and currently involved with an ageing hippy called Torren who lives in a hut in a nearby forest.
Mandy is unlike anyone that moves in their circles. Overweight, wearing silver leggings and speaking as she sees on a regular basis, she's something of an enigma, but James seems to really like her and if Robert and Phoebe don't have to worry about wiping his bum and ensuring that he eats, they are happy for Mandy to stay.
However, it's not long before both of them become suspicious of Mandy. James seems frailer, and confused. He's wearing tracksuit bottoms and enjoying trips to a hedgehog sanctuary. What happened to their aloof, intelligent, rarely seen (if they are being honest) father?
As James changes, so do Robert and Phoebe and what this author does so very well is dissect characters and relationships and break them down into the tiniest pieces. The reader can then put them back together again to reveal the real characters, not the person that they show to the world.
The Carer is full of wry humour and stark honesty. It's an absolute joy to read and I was utterly entranced by the characters and the ever evolving plot. Deborah Moggach is so wonderfully observant; the reader will pause to reflect on just how real and authentic her characters are; we may even recognise ourselves at times.
Hugely entertaining and so tenderly written. Highly recommended by me.
February 20, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A beautiful story told in three parts from multiple perspectives.
A beautiful story told in three parts from multiple perspectives.
July 29, 2019
A bittersweet family tale of two siblings, an elderly father who is no longer able to care for himself and Mandy, the somewhat down-to-earth carer who's hired to look after him. I enjoyed this book and I found the characters interesting, especially straight talking Mandy - "I tried to be a lesbian once but it just didn't gel. Give me a man any day. I like the smell of their armpits.". I liked her earthiness in comparison to the privileged, self absorbed Robert and half arsed hippy Phoebe. Mostly it was a light read and I wasn't really surprised by the denouement but the last third of the book went a bit deeper than expected and I found it quite poignant. A gentle, easy read.
April 22, 2019
This is just the kind of feel-good domestic drama I would expect from Deborah Moggach, driven by realistic and engaging characters and her astute observation of British class consciousness and behaviour. There is a visual quality to her writing, I could picture the characters in my mind’s eye easily and the dialogue is vivid and entertaining. A screenplay in the making, perhaps - I’d like to hope so. With a little bit of mystery and the odd plot twist added in, it made perfect reading for a sunny Bank Holiday.
With thanks to Headline, Tinder Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
With thanks to Headline, Tinder Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.
August 20, 2023
I was drawn to this book because the author wrote The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I really loved that movie so was looking forward to this new release. Big disappointment for me really. Themes of Aged Care, Family secrets, Family disputes etc. The lightweight story was little more than a description of family unhappiness. Basically, a brother and sister hire a carer for their aged father. The carer, Mandy, turns out to be more than they would have imagined. Well, i'm sure some will love this.
February 2, 2020
Moggach is very good at describing aging, as evidenced by the Hotel Marigold films. This one is good for that too, but none of the people are especially likeable and the story seems too contrived, with a rather banal plot, to merit it a higher rating.
October 8, 2019
There was a time when I consumed all UK writer Deborah Moggach could produce – lapped her up back last century, I did. But, for some reason I stopped – stopped before her mega-hits ‘Tulip Fever’ and ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’. Then, when I saw her latest severely discounted at K-Mart recently I snapped it up, forking out just a few bucks for. I’d been burnt before going back to favoured authors from past decades, but with the price of ‘The Carer’ it didn’t really matter if it was rubbish. I was also hoping that it would provide some lighter fare after the few heavier tomes that I’d been reading of late; ones that proved, ultimately, somewhat disappointing.
And yes, the novel certainly did that. As a bonus, it also wasn’t half bad. In fact I relished getting back to it and had it read in a few sittings. She hadn’t lost the touch that so appealed to me way back when.
The narrative is interestingly structured, but at its core are two tetchy siblings, Phoebe and Robert. They’re approaching sixty, living lives not totally to their satisfaction. Their widowed father is now demanding more of their attention - something they give, but with some reluctance. At 85 Dad’s starting to cease being capable of looking after himself, so they employ a live-in carer, Mandy. She quickly makes herself indispensable, becoming his companion and giving the old fellow a modicum of happiness. Initially the brother and sister are thankful; it eases the pressure. When they discover, though, that James has revisited his will, suspicions start to arise – and we start to think we know where this is going. After all, we hear all the time of oldies being duped out of the wealth, by unscrupulous minders, that would otherwise have gone to family.
Moggach has other ideas though. We’re introduced to the first of several surprises as we start to become privy to some back stories later in the tale. Apart from one, they are hardly shocking, just unexpected. With the exception the author perhaps over-eggs it all a tad; it being the only quibble I have with ‘The Carer’.
In all it’s a lovely, lovely read as the author quietly illuminates problems associated with ageing sons and daughters coping with one or more parents living in challenging circumstances. She doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty involved with this, but delivers with warmth and humour. Ms Moggach has won me back.
And yes, the novel certainly did that. As a bonus, it also wasn’t half bad. In fact I relished getting back to it and had it read in a few sittings. She hadn’t lost the touch that so appealed to me way back when.
The narrative is interestingly structured, but at its core are two tetchy siblings, Phoebe and Robert. They’re approaching sixty, living lives not totally to their satisfaction. Their widowed father is now demanding more of their attention - something they give, but with some reluctance. At 85 Dad’s starting to cease being capable of looking after himself, so they employ a live-in carer, Mandy. She quickly makes herself indispensable, becoming his companion and giving the old fellow a modicum of happiness. Initially the brother and sister are thankful; it eases the pressure. When they discover, though, that James has revisited his will, suspicions start to arise – and we start to think we know where this is going. After all, we hear all the time of oldies being duped out of the wealth, by unscrupulous minders, that would otherwise have gone to family.
Moggach has other ideas though. We’re introduced to the first of several surprises as we start to become privy to some back stories later in the tale. Apart from one, they are hardly shocking, just unexpected. With the exception the author perhaps over-eggs it all a tad; it being the only quibble I have with ‘The Carer’.
In all it’s a lovely, lovely read as the author quietly illuminates problems associated with ageing sons and daughters coping with one or more parents living in challenging circumstances. She doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty involved with this, but delivers with warmth and humour. Ms Moggach has won me back.
August 19, 2019
James, a once eminent professor, needs full time help. So Phoebe and Robert, his distracted middle-aged offspring, employ Mandy, a veritable treasure who seems happy to relieve them of their responsibilities.
‘Our marriage was one long conversation that was only interrupted by her death’.
The Carer connected with me on a very personal level. A story I initially thought to be predictable, turned out to be a very powerful and surprising book, with numerous unexpected twists.
I continually nodded my head throughout reading, raising my eyebrows on numerous occasions and thinking gosh, I totally get this.
This is a cracking read, and it’s reinforced the fact that as you get older, life just gets more and more complicated. Fortunately, we do become wiser, so dealing with complex matters of the heart can be taken with a pinch or ten of salt.
I think readers of a certain age would take a lot from this, particularly if they have/had elderly parents and middle aged siblings.
I haven’t read anything before by Deborah Moggach, and unbeknown to me, she wrote The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and have added the book to my shelf. Her writing style is simple, yet magical. She designs her stories in a way that hooks gently.
A solid 5 star read. It was faultless.
‘Our marriage was one long conversation that was only interrupted by her death’.
The Carer connected with me on a very personal level. A story I initially thought to be predictable, turned out to be a very powerful and surprising book, with numerous unexpected twists.
I continually nodded my head throughout reading, raising my eyebrows on numerous occasions and thinking gosh, I totally get this.
This is a cracking read, and it’s reinforced the fact that as you get older, life just gets more and more complicated. Fortunately, we do become wiser, so dealing with complex matters of the heart can be taken with a pinch or ten of salt.
I think readers of a certain age would take a lot from this, particularly if they have/had elderly parents and middle aged siblings.
I haven’t read anything before by Deborah Moggach, and unbeknown to me, she wrote The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and have added the book to my shelf. Her writing style is simple, yet magical. She designs her stories in a way that hooks gently.
A solid 5 star read. It was faultless.
August 2, 2020
A pleasant, easy to read, little story about relationships between people that appear to be one thing and are actually something completely different whilst also demonstrating that life it's very self often goes swiftly and completely full circle, thereby catching people totally unaware.
Well-to do Robert and Phoebe require a carer for James, their ageing father, so they employ down-to earth Mandy who thankfully appears to hit it off wonderfully with their father from the outset. The family are delighted with this new state of affairs but what exactly has happened for their father to react so positively to this unknown stranger? One thing is for certain though - James is now just like a completely new man. Godsend or curse?
Very well written and intelligently constructed with a storyline that, although still fascinating, still seems a little obvious, conservative and safe. To improve the story and reading experience even further then perhaps it could have been 'beefed-up' with a few more thrills and spills along the journey whilst also adding that touch of individual brilliance in the narrative that would add the extra magical sparkle that is so desired to simply blow the avid and engrossed reader completely away. Rating: 4.0 stars.
Well-to do Robert and Phoebe require a carer for James, their ageing father, so they employ down-to earth Mandy who thankfully appears to hit it off wonderfully with their father from the outset. The family are delighted with this new state of affairs but what exactly has happened for their father to react so positively to this unknown stranger? One thing is for certain though - James is now just like a completely new man. Godsend or curse?
Very well written and intelligently constructed with a storyline that, although still fascinating, still seems a little obvious, conservative and safe. To improve the story and reading experience even further then perhaps it could have been 'beefed-up' with a few more thrills and spills along the journey whilst also adding that touch of individual brilliance in the narrative that would add the extra magical sparkle that is so desired to simply blow the avid and engrossed reader completely away. Rating: 4.0 stars.
May 5, 2020
The Carer is a tale of life, of siblings dealing with the stresses of caring for an elderly, infirm parent. Phoebe is single and childless with a hippy, off grid ‘boyfriend’, Torren. Richard is married to Farida, a TV news reader, he’s jobless and working on a novel in the shed.
Both feel the other sibling doesn’t understand the stresses of worrying about their dad, James, they feel the other doesn’t spend enough time or effort with him. But then along comes Mandy, a live in carer. She’s brash, her politics are at odds with theirs and she’s not ‘like’ them at all. But she’s perfect, James loves her company and they have a hoot.
Then Phoebe and Richard begin to suspect Mandy is not all she appears to be and they have suspicions she is after James’ money.
Oh my, I love this book, it’s poignant, full of humour and honesty. From the stress of looking after an elderly, infirm parent to the sibling bickering, the general messiness of life and coming to terms with the fact that parents are just human after all.
It really touched a nerve with me as I cared for my mother for several years (she’s now in a care home due to dementia) and my brother and I have very similar arguments as Phoebe and Richard. It’s so true to life.
It also deals with grief and there are some surprises along the way. A truly emotional and engaging read. One that will stay with me.
Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for an eARC of The Carer. This is my honest and unbiased review.
Both feel the other sibling doesn’t understand the stresses of worrying about their dad, James, they feel the other doesn’t spend enough time or effort with him. But then along comes Mandy, a live in carer. She’s brash, her politics are at odds with theirs and she’s not ‘like’ them at all. But she’s perfect, James loves her company and they have a hoot.
Then Phoebe and Richard begin to suspect Mandy is not all she appears to be and they have suspicions she is after James’ money.
Oh my, I love this book, it’s poignant, full of humour and honesty. From the stress of looking after an elderly, infirm parent to the sibling bickering, the general messiness of life and coming to terms with the fact that parents are just human after all.
It really touched a nerve with me as I cared for my mother for several years (she’s now in a care home due to dementia) and my brother and I have very similar arguments as Phoebe and Richard. It’s so true to life.
It also deals with grief and there are some surprises along the way. A truly emotional and engaging read. One that will stay with me.
Thank you to the publishers, the author and NetGalley for an eARC of The Carer. This is my honest and unbiased review.
February 6, 2020
As a fan of 'Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' I was rapt to see this new title hoping or knowing I could escape into good storytelling once again.
Yes, indeed. All the warmth and depth of characters was there again. As were the little gems of plot twists and surprises. I'm talking a few jaw-dropping moments. Yet all believable, incredibly human and very, very intimate.
What a pleasure, when someone can take you into a modern, quasi-disfunctional family of mature adults and turn it into such satisfying romp & circumstance. Lean yet fulsome narrative. Well done.
Yes, indeed. All the warmth and depth of characters was there again. As were the little gems of plot twists and surprises. I'm talking a few jaw-dropping moments. Yet all believable, incredibly human and very, very intimate.
What a pleasure, when someone can take you into a modern, quasi-disfunctional family of mature adults and turn it into such satisfying romp & circumstance. Lean yet fulsome narrative. Well done.
January 17, 2025
This was recommended by someone whose opinion on literature I trust implicitly. Maybe not so much now... For the first third of the book I was skeptically entertained, while asking questions like "how did that happen?" and "why did she..." between painful bouts of eye-rolling and brow-furrowing. After that I skimmed a great deal until I got to the "who" and "when" sections and probably missed a great deal of how, logically, this all happened. By the last section I felt I had a handle on the characters but lost the plot after falling into several major plot holes and collapsed on the shores of "what the heck" and "good grief, who cares." At best this was chatty, unfunny chic-lit and I don't feel the need to read any more of this author. 2 1/2 stars
March 26, 2023
Funny in parts yet touching, I loved the characters (warts and all) in this fabulous book. Definitely a page turner with plenty of surprises right up until the very last page. Would recommend. 41/2 ⭐️rounded up to 5.
November 7, 2020
I enjoyed this family saga type novel, covering such topics as aging parents, unhappy relationships and the trials and tribulations of growing older. Whose responsibility is it when a parent requires more care than the adult children are willing to give ? The role of carers is an important one in this day and age, and this explores in a light hearted yet serious way what can happen. There are a couple of twists in the story which others say are easy to spot... I didn’t! :-)
May 3, 2020
This book is a character study of a family unit and how age can change the dynamics of that. Phoebe and Robert hire a Carer to look after their aging farther and so sets of a chain of events leading to secrets of the past being exposed.
I suppose you could say this book is written backwards, the further we go along more of the past is unravelled and the secrets come to the forefront.
The author cleverly makes you think a certain way and then switches things up, always keeping you guessing.
There are some trigger warning for grief, and sexual assault so just be mindful of that.
Overall an enjoyable read, albeit one that I felt I needed to be later in life to appreciate fully.
I suppose you could say this book is written backwards, the further we go along more of the past is unravelled and the secrets come to the forefront.
The author cleverly makes you think a certain way and then switches things up, always keeping you guessing.
There are some trigger warning for grief, and sexual assault so just be mindful of that.
Overall an enjoyable read, albeit one that I felt I needed to be later in life to appreciate fully.
November 17, 2019
I enjoyed this nice easy light read, although didn't take to the two main characters Robert and Phoebe, as the carer said what a pair of moaning Minnie's and needed to grow up.
November 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! A humorous study of family relationships, with a few surprises on the way. Not what I expected - so much better!
February 17, 2020
Nach dem Tod seiner Frau lebt der 85-jährige James Wentworth in dem kleinen Ort Chipping Norton in den Cotswolds. Der frühere Physikprofessor ist pflegebedürftig und benötigt eine Haushaltshilfe. Nach zwei Fehlbesetzungen kommt Mandy, eine 50-Jährige, in sein Haus. Die ledige Frau wirkt ein wenig schrill mit ihrer unvorteilhaften Kleidung und ihrer lauten, sehr direkten Art. Obwohl sie so anders als der Senior ist, verstehen sich die beiden prächtig. Zunächst sind James‘ Tochter Phoebe, eine 60-jährige Künstlerin, und sein 62-jähriger Sohn Robert erleichtert. Die Kinder wohnen nicht in der Gegend und sind froh, sich nicht um ihren Vater kümmern zu müssen. Doch dann werden sie misstrauisch, als sie herausfinden, dass sich Mandy eigenartig verhält…
„Die Liebe einer Tochter“ ist ein Roman von Deborah Moggach.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus drei Teilen. Zuerst wird im Wechsel aus der Sicht von Phoebe und der von Robert erzählt. Dabei geht es um die gegenwärtigen Geschehnisse. Im zweiten Teil richtet sich der Blick auf die Vergangenheit und es werden verschiedene weitere Blickwinkel eingenommen. Zum Schluss gibt es wieder einen Zeitsprung und es wird erneut aus der Sicht von Phoebe und Robert erzählt.
Der Schreibstil ist anschaulich, lebhaft und gut verständlich. Der Einstieg fiel mir nicht schwer. Gestört hat mich allerdings, dass sich einige Dinge immer wieder wiederholen.
Ein Manko des Romans sind für mich die Charaktere. Weder mit Phoebe noch mit Robert wurde ich richtig warm. Sie sind versnobt und wenig empathisch. Sie verhalten sich egoistisch und zeigen wenig Interesse für den kranken Vater. Auch die übrigen Personen sind keine Sympathieträger. James nimmt erst im letzten Drittel des Romans Kontur an. Zwar wirken die Figuren durchaus realitätsnah und machen eine positive Entwicklung durch. Dennoch fühlte ich mich von denen meisten von ihnen eher genervt.
Sehr gut gefallen hat mir, dass der Roman facettenreich und tiefgründig ist. Es geht unter anderem um Themen wie das Alter, Tod, Demenz und Einsamkeit, aber auch um vieles mehr. Dadurch regt die Geschichte zum Nachdenken an.
Der erste Teil des Romans wird zunehmend spannend. Die Frage, was es mit Mandy auf sich hat, animiert zum Weiterlesen. Die Auflösung am Ende des ersten Teils wirkt zwar ziemlich konstruiert, aber größtenteils schlüssig. Im zweiten und dritten Teil war für mich dann leider die Luft raus, denn der Leser erfährt auch durch die zusätzlichen Perspektiven nur noch wenig Spannendes. Die letzten Seiten ziehen sich. Der Schluss des Romans kommt mir zudem ein wenig überzogen vor.
Das Cover, das sich erfreulicherweise am Original orientiert, ist sehr hübsch gestaltet. Der deutsche Titel ist dagegen ungünstig formuliert, unnötig kitschig und weniger treffend als die englische Version („The carer“).
Mein Fazit:
„Die Liebe einer Tochter“ von Deborah Moggach ist ein Roman mit mehreren Stärken, aber auch einigen Schwächen. Leider schöpft die Geschichte nicht ihr volles Potenzial aus.
„Die Liebe einer Tochter“ ist ein Roman von Deborah Moggach.
Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus drei Teilen. Zuerst wird im Wechsel aus der Sicht von Phoebe und der von Robert erzählt. Dabei geht es um die gegenwärtigen Geschehnisse. Im zweiten Teil richtet sich der Blick auf die Vergangenheit und es werden verschiedene weitere Blickwinkel eingenommen. Zum Schluss gibt es wieder einen Zeitsprung und es wird erneut aus der Sicht von Phoebe und Robert erzählt.
Der Schreibstil ist anschaulich, lebhaft und gut verständlich. Der Einstieg fiel mir nicht schwer. Gestört hat mich allerdings, dass sich einige Dinge immer wieder wiederholen.
Ein Manko des Romans sind für mich die Charaktere. Weder mit Phoebe noch mit Robert wurde ich richtig warm. Sie sind versnobt und wenig empathisch. Sie verhalten sich egoistisch und zeigen wenig Interesse für den kranken Vater. Auch die übrigen Personen sind keine Sympathieträger. James nimmt erst im letzten Drittel des Romans Kontur an. Zwar wirken die Figuren durchaus realitätsnah und machen eine positive Entwicklung durch. Dennoch fühlte ich mich von denen meisten von ihnen eher genervt.
Sehr gut gefallen hat mir, dass der Roman facettenreich und tiefgründig ist. Es geht unter anderem um Themen wie das Alter, Tod, Demenz und Einsamkeit, aber auch um vieles mehr. Dadurch regt die Geschichte zum Nachdenken an.
Der erste Teil des Romans wird zunehmend spannend. Die Frage, was es mit Mandy auf sich hat, animiert zum Weiterlesen. Die Auflösung am Ende des ersten Teils wirkt zwar ziemlich konstruiert, aber größtenteils schlüssig. Im zweiten und dritten Teil war für mich dann leider die Luft raus, denn der Leser erfährt auch durch die zusätzlichen Perspektiven nur noch wenig Spannendes. Die letzten Seiten ziehen sich. Der Schluss des Romans kommt mir zudem ein wenig überzogen vor.
Das Cover, das sich erfreulicherweise am Original orientiert, ist sehr hübsch gestaltet. Der deutsche Titel ist dagegen ungünstig formuliert, unnötig kitschig und weniger treffend als die englische Version („The carer“).
Mein Fazit:
„Die Liebe einer Tochter“ von Deborah Moggach ist ein Roman mit mehreren Stärken, aber auch einigen Schwächen. Leider schöpft die Geschichte nicht ihr volles Potenzial aus.
July 2, 2019
Time taken to read - 1 day
Pages - 272
Publisher - Tinder Press
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
James is getting on a bit and needs full-time help. So Phoebe and Robert, his middle-aged offspring, employ Mandy, who seems willing to take him off their hands. But as James regales his family with tales of Mandy's virtues, their shopping trips, and the shared pleasure of their journeys to garden centres, Phoebe and Robert sense something is amiss. Is this really their father, the distant figure who never once turned up for a sports day, now happily chortling over cuckoo clocks and television soaps?
Then something happens that throws everything into new relief, and Phoebe and Robert discover that life most definitely does not stop for the elderly. It just moves onto a very different plane - changing all the stories they thought they knew so well.
My Review
Phoebe & Robert hire Mandy to help look after their aging father, they always had a difficult relationship growing up and now Mandy is there to lighten who should be visiting & helping. As Mandy starts to settle in her relationship with their father starts to bother them but can they challenge her as they may need her more than she needs them.
The book is split into three parts, part one we have alternate chapters between Phoebe & Robert, seeing everything from their perspective. Part two is through their dad James, a throw back in years and part three brings us back to present day.
The book very much revolves around relationships, Phoebe and Robert as people, their personal lives and their attitudes towards their father and their relationship with them. Mandy is a bit of a job and some of her prejudices and comments are offensive and shocking. It was interesting seeing their father change because of someone like Mandy in his life, she is a bit of a live wire, a gob!
The main theme to me was relationships, interactions and how things change as we go through our own journeys in life. Despite it being family focused there was one or two surprised along the way. I would also say the first part of the book and second half could have been two separate stories and I took a wee bit to get into the swift change of pace and story focus. I did really enjoy the first half that centered on James (the father), his healthcare, his health and how his older children dealt with Mandy and changing attitude of her. 3.5 for me, a good introduction for me to this authors work and I will check out some of her other books!
Pages - 272
Publisher - Tinder Press
Source - Review Copy
Blurb from Goodreads
James is getting on a bit and needs full-time help. So Phoebe and Robert, his middle-aged offspring, employ Mandy, who seems willing to take him off their hands. But as James regales his family with tales of Mandy's virtues, their shopping trips, and the shared pleasure of their journeys to garden centres, Phoebe and Robert sense something is amiss. Is this really their father, the distant figure who never once turned up for a sports day, now happily chortling over cuckoo clocks and television soaps?
Then something happens that throws everything into new relief, and Phoebe and Robert discover that life most definitely does not stop for the elderly. It just moves onto a very different plane - changing all the stories they thought they knew so well.
My Review
Phoebe & Robert hire Mandy to help look after their aging father, they always had a difficult relationship growing up and now Mandy is there to lighten who should be visiting & helping. As Mandy starts to settle in her relationship with their father starts to bother them but can they challenge her as they may need her more than she needs them.
The book is split into three parts, part one we have alternate chapters between Phoebe & Robert, seeing everything from their perspective. Part two is through their dad James, a throw back in years and part three brings us back to present day.
The book very much revolves around relationships, Phoebe and Robert as people, their personal lives and their attitudes towards their father and their relationship with them. Mandy is a bit of a job and some of her prejudices and comments are offensive and shocking. It was interesting seeing their father change because of someone like Mandy in his life, she is a bit of a live wire, a gob!
The main theme to me was relationships, interactions and how things change as we go through our own journeys in life. Despite it being family focused there was one or two surprised along the way. I would also say the first part of the book and second half could have been two separate stories and I took a wee bit to get into the swift change of pace and story focus. I did really enjoy the first half that centered on James (the father), his healthcare, his health and how his older children dealt with Mandy and changing attitude of her. 3.5 for me, a good introduction for me to this authors work and I will check out some of her other books!
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