Booklist Review
After his early retirement from a graphic-design firm and the sudden death of his wife, Tim Gandy decides to make a change. Despite the misgivings of his three grown children, he sets off for the continent with no fixed plans except to undertake a Grand Tour modeled after the one made by essayist Joseph Addison in the eighteenth century. In addition to seeing the sights, and despite his normal reserve, he finds himself getting involved in the lives of other people. In Paris, it's Francine, an attractive art gallery owner facing financial difficulties. In Monte Carlo, it's luxury-yacht salesman Archie, who provides an opportunity for Tim to foil a robbery attempt and also introduces him to his Aunt Rosamund, a ninety-something romance novelist. Along the way, Tim confronts some truths about his soul-crushing marriage, gets reacquainted with his artistic and extrovert sides, and gains a new appreciation of fatherhood. British celebrity gardener and TV personality Titchmarsh (Bring Me Home, 2014) has crafted a fun read for armchair travelers and those who enjoy lighthearted tales of self-discovery.--Quinn, Mary Ellen Copyright 2018 Booklist
Library Journal Review
We meet Mr. Gandy at a crossroads. In his mid-50s, his position as a graphics designer has been made redundant, so he has to decide how to handle forced retirement. Just then his wife has a fatal heart attack. What to do? With his three grown children (one of whom he actually likes) on their own, Timothy Gandy is as free as a British middle-class householder can be. Why not a grand tour of the type popular in the 18th century? Armed with dusty accounts of European tours, memories of reading E.M. Forster's A Room with a View, and, to show his practical side, a current guide book, he sets off for parts undetermined. Paris certainly, and Italy. After that, who knows? It's sure to be either an ugly midlife disaster or an opportunity for growth. VERDICT Jovial BBC gardening program presenter and novelist Titchmarsh (Bring Me Home) delivers a thoroughly engaging fairy tale for adults about second acts and new beginnings. At a time when events on both sides of the pond can lead to vigorous head shaking followed by a profound lie-down, this welcome bit of escapism is perfect for whiling away an afternoon in the garden, followed by a bracing gin and tonic.-Bob Lunn, Kansas City, MO © Copyright 2018. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
