Through a series of monologues by Doris’s husband, Harold, we come to know their lives—which are generally quiet and small, yet filled with much joy and drama. The impetus is Doris goal of wanting to do well in a garden safari competition, and the subsequent chapters nicely dovetail from the ending of that into the next obstacle, as Doris tries to essentially be very well regarded by the women’s institute.

You won’t believe the places it goes nor how funny and full of verve this is! I couldn’t help but picture Maggie Smith’s character in Downton Abbey, only middle class and with a much smaller family. The personality is similar; she is full of interesting contradictions, making her a capital C character.

And, interestingly, it’s all the while from Harold’s perspective, so there are things the reader will likely know before our simple man, who just wants to eat food ideal for his dentures and watch some specific television shows, or else nip off to the pub with the lads. He has some insight into Doris, don’t get me wrong, and it’s very much a generational marriage. Sometimes it’s antagonistic but it’s always adoring, too. You’ll be with them through all manner of trials and tribulations, and all of them make sense for who they are and their age, while not being ageist about it one bit. I dare say it even breaths some humanity into the more conservative aspects to Doris, who is not even remotely a saint. But if she were, she wouldn’t be a Character.

If you’re looking for a character with instant recognizability but is against type, has a very cozy vibe, wholesome humour, and easy flow, stemming from a conversational authorial voice—this one is probably for you!