Robert, a widower, is waiting at home for the arrival of his family and friends to celebrate his 80th birthday. Both protagonists are prone to lengthy internal monologues, and the novel can feel a little uneven. That said, Norris, whose debut novel, Five Rivers Met on a Wooded Plain, received widespread praise, handles his themes – loneliness, regret, reconciliation – with great sensitivity. • Turning for Home by Barney Norris is published by Doubleday (£14.99). Phone orders min p&p of £1.99

Source: The Guardian January 07, 2018 09:56 UTC