I enjoyed this until shorty halfway when the novel turned into the disbelievable and convoluted. Unlikeable characters and a stumbling narrative arc - not for me.

I wanted to love this book and it had much going for it with an a unique look at having an aging parent and being an older protagonist but I struggled to connect with either Phoebe or Robert and immerse myself in the story. It was nice to read about older characters and their lives in general fiction.

This book really captures the essence of human nature. Well written and thought out. Looking forward to reading more of her books. Thank you netgalley.

A good read where you can see the intricacies of family life. Even when children are middle aged with families of their own there are still ghosts and family resentments. It wasn't the most exciting book I have read but I finished it and enjoyed it.

At first I didn’t know what to make of ‘The Carer’ by Deborah Moggach. She travels a fine comic line nudging towards simplistic or tasteless stereotypes. But then, as she did in ‘These Foolish Things’, the novel finds its stride. In two parts, Moggach takes her original portrayal of this family, shows it through different eyes, and turns it upside down.
In Part One we meet widower James Wentworth, OBE, 85, retired particle physicist, living downstairs in his home after breaking a hip; and his live-in carer Mandy, 50, from Solihull. ‘Mandy hummed show tunes as the kettle boiled. ‘Blood Brothers’ was her favourite, about two boys separated at birth. She said she had seen it three times and blubbed like a baby.’ Mandy is fat, jolly, is a chatterer, and says it as she finds it.
Part One is told from the alternating viewpoints of James’ children. Unfulfilled artist Phoebe, 60, lives in a Welsh village in the area where she had many happy childhood holidays. Robert, 62, former City trader, is now writing a novel in his garden shed in Wimbledon, while married to a television newsreader. Our first impressions of their father, and of Mandy, are filtered through their middle class worries and prejudices. Both harbour resentments about their father’s absences when they were children when he travelled the world for work; resentments that straight-talker Mandy tells them they should have got over years ago.
Mandy is truly a catalyst of change, not just for James but for Robert and Phoebe too.
The situation is a believable one faced in today’s society as we all live longer. James in his eighties needs full-time care, his children are already retired. A succession of carers has come and gone, each unsatisfactory in one way or another. When Mandy arrives she seems an angel. Initially, Phoebe and Robert put aside the class differences as Mandy cares for their father so well. The daily walk to the nearby donkey sanctuary or trip to Lidl for pots of flavoured mousse, soon become day trips to Bicester Village and eating at Nando’s. Initially thriving under Mandy’s care with daily scratchcards and a chirping kitchen clock, James seems more forgetful so when Robert’s daughter sees the papers from James’ desk upstairs in a mess, they fear the worst. Why is Mandy looking in their father’s private documents. Can she be trusted. And what has prompted James’ sudden mental and physical decline. The twist which comes halfway through is masterful.
Part Two is James’ story, starting from his life as a young father and married to Anna. One day he attends a conference in Cardiff. What happens there affects the rest of his life, but in ways even he cannot have predicted. At the end there is one more twist, unexpected, that once again casts Robert and Phoebe’s understanding of their lives into a whirlwind.
At the heart of this novel is the question, can you ever really know someone. Whether with a stranger or a long-loved family member, don’t we all sub-consciously present different faces to different people. It is easy to assume we know someone because of the public face they present to the world, but the inner thoughts of other people, even our closest relatives - and often their marriages - are always a mystery.
Littered with throwaway quotes from Shakespeare, this is on the surface a quick, contemporary read (only 272 pages) which also casts a light on the prejudices, snobberies and problems of modern society. It is billed as a comic novel but it did not make me laugh. I was left feeling vaguely disappointed.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-reviews-a-z/

I have long been a fan of Deborah Moggach and I grabbed the chance to read her latest novel with great enthusiasm and eagerness. I hungrily devoured all that she wrote except, for some weird reason, her mega best-seller ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’, although I have read 'Tulip Fever'.

Even though The Carer contained very familiar tropes - family, marriage, relationships, old-age, care, sibling rivalry, loss, memory loss, harboured secrets, betrayal, infidelity, jealousy, drama, life, childlessness - to mention some of them, I just knew I would treasure this marvellous tale.

The story is told in three parts, the narrative interestingly structured, but at its hub are two waspish siblings, Robert and Phoebe. They’re both quinquagenarians living somewhat discontented lives. Their widowed father, James, is now demanding more of their attention and at eighty-five, Dad’s starting to find looking after himself too difficult, so they employ a live-in carer, Mandy. She quickly makes herself indispensable, becoming his companion and giving him a soupçon of happiness. Initially, brother and sister are gratified; it eases their loads. But when they discover that James has revisited his will, they start to become suspicious - and so did I.

Part 1 of the novel is set in the present and is told in alternating chapters by Phoebe and Robert. The reader is gradually introduced to most of the other characters and this is where Deborah Moggach really comes into her own and sparkles! We get to meet Robert's wife, Louboutin-wearing, passive aggressive Farida, a breakfast news presenter, and their two children, Jack and Alice. Robert is plagued with anxiety, angst and a never-ending sense of doom. He worked in the city but is now an aspiring novelist. Flaky, flappable, but well-intentioned, Phoebe is an artist living in Knockton, a small town in Wales, and currently involved with Torren. Robert and Phoebe are heavily weighed down by childhood baggage stemming from their desperation to gain their father's attention, who spent much of his time away from home, when they were growing up. Then, of course, there's Mandy the carer with a heart of gold that she wears on her sleeve, direct, abrupt, capable, bossy, and chaotic.

In part 2, the reader is taken back to 1963 and this part of the book is mostly narrated by James who was a particle physicist. There is a complete, though smooth change of focus as the story goes back to view Robert and Phoebe's childhood and their parents lives, showcasing James's earlier life, in particular.

Returning to the here and now in the 3rd part, the reader is back in the hands of Phoebe and Robert, making sense of their discoveries about their father and tying up a shed-load of loose ends.

Deborah Moggach's writing style is second to none and flowed beautifully. The switching of perspectives via alternating chapters really aided the flow of the story and kept me invested, although I needed no help. With no disappointments, The Carer was a very lovely read as the author unassumingly highlighted problems associated with ageing sons and daughters coping with parents living in taxing circumstances. The author didn’t hold back from the nuts and bolts of this, but delivered the whole package with fervour, warmth and humour.

This would make a fantastic book club read, given its multiple layers and its wealth of juicy themes and I will certainly be looking out for more of Deborah Moggach's work in the future.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my request, from Headline via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

I am in charge of our Senior School library and am looking for a diverse array of new books to furnish their shelves with and inspire our young people to read a wider and more diverse range of books as they move through the senior school. It is hard sometimes to find books that will grab the attention of young people as their time is short and we are competing against technology and online entertainments.
This was a thought-provoking and well-written read that will appeal to our readers across the board. It had a really strong voice and a compelling narrative that I think would capture their attention and draw them in. It kept me engrossed and I think that it's so important that the books that we purchase for both our young people and our staff are appealing to as broad a range of readers as possible - as well as providing them with something a little 'different' that they might not have come across in school libraries before.
This was a really enjoyable read and I will definitely be purchasing a copy for school so that our young people can enjoy it for themselves. A satisfying and well-crafted read that I keep thinking about long after closing its final page - and that definitely makes it a must-buy for me! Staff wil absolutely love this one and think it would be perfect for our staff reading group

I’m a big fan of this author’s novels so was thrilled to finally get a copy of The Carer and I’m really happy to say that I loved it. It follows two adult children – Phoebe and Robert – as they deal with their father James’ growing care needs and his relationship with his new carer Mandy. Phoebe seems to bear the brunt of organising their dad’s care and she resents how little Robert does. Robert feels very put upon in life generally and wishes the world would leave him alone so he can write his novel in peace. Mandy is jolly and fun and brings out a lighter side of James which increasingly concerns Phoebe and Robert but they can’t openly complain because this is what Mandy is there for. The family dynamics explored in this novel are so spot on for how life is that I kept smiling, or nodding my head as I recognised people in my own life in the characters at various points in the novel. This is such an engaging read that I keep thinking about ever since I finished reading. I will definitely re-read this book in the future. The Carer is a novel that I’m sure will resonate with a lot of people and I whole-heartedly recommend it!

I normally really enjoy Deborah’s books, so was disappointed that I found this one rather lacklustre.
It was well-written as usual, but the two main characters brother and sister, Robert and Phoebe, were rather unlikable, seemingly acting like spoilt children. Their relationship with their father, James, is changing as he is ageing and requires a full-time carer. Mandy fills the role of carer. James and Mandy have a great time together, which amazes Robert and Phoebe and their snobbery is seen in multitudes.
Although the book does have some great points, real laugh out loud humour at times and some really touching moments, I could not overcome my dislike of Robert and Phoebe to enjoy the book as much as I would want.
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I love Moggach's writing, what can I say. I read the other books and The Carer was not exception.
The characters were so well developed, so well written that they appeared in front of my eyes. The sibling relationship was so realistic. Her sense of humor is just amazing.
I loved the story and how it developed. The end was just perfect, didn't see it coming at all. It's such an entertaining summer read that I'd highly recommend.

Thanks a lot to Netgalley and the publisher for this copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to Headline and NetGalley for the Advance Review Copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this novel. It’s crammed full of witty observations, clever characterisation and a unique kind of wry, black British humour which I absolutely love. When I first started reading it I made a few assumptions and thought I had it all figured out, but the twist took me completely by surprise.

There are a number of different points of view in this novel and I particularly enjoyed the sibling dynamic between Imogen and Robert. I have a complicated, yet close, relationship with my own brother and was able to see a lot of parallels to my own experience which enhanced my enjoyment of the story.

This is one of those books where it’s a bit tricky to write an in depth review of without spoiling some of the elements of the story so excuse the brevity of this review.

There are a number of themes explored in this novel including lost love, grief, family secrets, forgiveness and the enduring bonds of family. It’s a lovely read with some real laugh out loud moments in amongst the more serious threads of the story.

While I struggled to like many if the characters in this novel, I found them to be painfully well drawn, and recognised so much truth in the Moggach's depiction of the brother/sister relationship. There were definite moments of humour, at the expense of these characters, and while not laugh-out-loud funny, this gentle mockery kept me entertained. Lots to think about here and with a twist that I didn't see coming, this is perfect holiday reading.

This book wasn’t for me, it was well written and an interesting enough plot , but I just really didn’t enjoy it. I am guessing lots of others will and it’s just not my cup of tea.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Deborah Moggach showcases her stellar skills in characterisation is 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 tastes, 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.

Unfortunately, this one just wasn't for me. There wasn't anything I could put my finger on - the writing wasn't bad, the plot was a little predictable but not so much that it wasn't interested, the characters were quirky and well-written. I just didn't really connect with it, and found that I spent a fair amount of time skipping through sections to try and get to the big reveal, and then skipping to the ending to see how it finished.

I haven't given it too low of a rating, because even though it wasn't for me, I don't think this means it's a terrible book. I just didn't click with it.

Deborah Moggach has done it again. I loved The Carer - brimming with wonderful characters - realistic, funny, poignant, funny, secretive, sad but always engaging and entertaining. She writes with such sensitivity and tenderness and every single character in this book came to life for me. Phoebe and Robert are siblings who've been through several unsuited carers hired to look after their ageing father - until finally new carer Mandy enters the scene. And what a secret she has! I won't give any further detail as I don't wish to spoil it for others. Suffice it to say - READ THIS BOOK. You won't be disappointed. (Thank you to Tinder and NetGalley for the ARC - my review is my own and an honest one.)

I was a little wary about this book as the subject of caring for elderly relatives can be a difficult one especially if the stories are of abuse or judgment on the families. However, the plot was so much bigger than the caring part of the story which was rather upbeat if slightly glossy.

Robert & Phoebe need to find a full time live in carer for their Father. The last two haven’t been quite up to scratch but it is so difficult. Then Mandy enters their lives. She really isn’t their sort of person at all but she does the job well & their Father seems to love her. So Phoebe & Robert can return to their lives in the knowledge that their Father is well cared for.

Phoebe and Robert are adults with baggage from the past. A childhood where they were desperate for their parents attention, particularly their Father’s. This continued in their adult lives with Robert entering a career and marriage designed to impress rather than make him happy. Phoebe lacks the confidence to be herself. I liked these two characters who were stuck in a spiral of trying to impress others as opposed to living their lives – not unusual. Then there is Mandy who is much more comfortable in her own skin. She is happy with trips to Lidls and the Hedgehog sanctuary. She is great with people and mucks in with village life.

The book is written in three main parts. The first section is primarily from the point of view of Phoebe & Robert telling the story of now. The book then goes back to the past to view their childhood and their parents lives before returning to the here and now in the third part. All the jumps in time & looking at things from different points of view are clearly marked.

I enjoyed this book. It is quite light and easy to read. However there are some more challenging aspects which require more thought including Robert & Phoebe’s attempts to live a life they think their Father wants them to lead. It was well written with good characters. The caring aspect of their Father is slightly rose tinted but the book isn’t actually about that despite the title.

I received a free copy of their book via Netgalley.

Phoebe and her brother, Robert, have been looking for a suitable carer for their frail, widowed father for sometime. After a couple of false starts, the capable Mandy arrives, and with her rubber gloves and orange teapot, she takes charge and frees them to get on with their lives.

Phoebe and Robert are middle-aged now, but are carrying many hang-ups from their childhood. They both feel a sense of abandonment in relation to their father, James, as he was a brilliant particle physicist and frequently absent as they were growing up. They have found it hard to move on and, frankly, they are living pretty miserable lives, as a result.

As Mandy becomes the mainstay of James' existence, he begins to change and becomes more distant from Phoebe and Robert. The brother and sister struggle with the conflicting need for Mandy and their jealousy of her closeness to James, and their suspicion that she is up to something.

However, Phoebe and Robert will discover that they have a connection with Mandy that they never dreamed of, and her influence will help them to change their lives for the better.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book by The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel author, Deborah Moggach, prior to its July release, courtesy of Tinder Press.

This is a surprisingly touching and funny book about coping with aging, sibling rivalry and the need to cast off resentments from the past and grow up.

I loved that Phobe and Robert learn to regain the closeness they had with each other in childhood, eventhough this starts out as a shared envy and mistrust of the capable Mandy.
They are both shocked when Mandy dares to point out that they are both living miserable lives, that they should get over feelings about their childhood at their age, and give their father a break. They both learn that their father has secrets of his own, which will ultimately bring the three of them to an understanding.

This is such a lovely book, which did not go in the direction I thought it would, but has a satisfying, if bitter-sweet ending, that tugs on the heart strings.

I loved this book and would highly recommend it to all. It has a great story line, brilliant main characters and is a real page turner. I couldn't put this book down.

‘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.