The word that sums up this book is "weird". It is undoubtedly good. But also very weird. There were many instances where I was reminded of the oddness of "The 100 Year-old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared".
I love music from the 80s and 90s, and the references in this book were really spot on. There were several instances that made me laugh because I could totally picture it thanks to my love of the same music. I also really enjoyed the jibes about the traveler's life. As someone who has traveled all over, sometimes with money and sometimes without, there were some real déjà vu moments for me and the bed bugs issue (not to mention DJ thinking it might be something else) had me laughing so hard. From the title it is clear this book is tongue in cheek and intended to be humorous, and it definitely delivers. Nothing is safe from JM Davis' sense of humour.
Although DJ isn't a fully sympathetic character, I did enjoy joining him for this short journey of his experiences in London visiting his grandfather... or at least, that's what he was told it would be when he got on the plane. Being the uninitiated tool of a family plan, DJ gets into more trouble than he bargains for and does not come out the other side unscathed. This is an enjoyable coming of age novel that focuses on our human experiences overcoming grief as well as finding our feet in an ever-changing world. Additionally, Davis looks at life at the intersect between cultures, ethnic identity and religious traditions.
If you enjoy books that are a little surreal, poke fun at life and have some great nuggets of wisdom, you'll probably really enjoy this book!
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