As a former resident of Aberdeen, it’s always nice to read a novel set in the city I once regarded as home and particularly nice to re-connect with Doric once more.
The author modestly says he’s been lucky to have books published before, using different pen names, and mostly children’s books.
This time he’s written one for the grown ups, a comedy set in Aberdeen, which he describes as a cross between Still Game and Mrs Brown’s Boys.
One thing that connects both these TV series is a sense of being able to identify with the characters and that is certainly true of “Grumphy” – granda of bride-to-be Kylie Buchan, aka The Whiny Quinie, and undisputed patriarch of the family.
A lifelong Dons fan he’s quick-witted and funny, and is as passionate about taking the long route home via several well-known watering holes on match day, as he is about keeping his family on their toes.
Kylie’s never known her dad, but as the wedding day approaches, her fiance Dod, a farming loon fae Echt, starts thinking about some way of getting them together. Meanwhile, Pat, Kylie’s errant father, is tricked into visiting Aberdeen by a pal who is also in on the big secret.
It’s nice being able to read a book full of familiar locations and there’s plenty of characters that reminded me of the quick, Aberdonian wit I like so much.
Several chapters had me laughing out loud and without ruining the surprise, all I’ll say is that you’ll never look at a snowman again the same way, while other chapters I felt lacked a little pace, although that didn’t stop me from enjoying them.
Fitever is the first in an ongoing series with future outings, Wise Up! and Canna Winna Dinna, set to be published.
Published by Fitever Publishing
