Named one of 2019âs most anticipated reads by Entertainment Weekly, âa hilarious and witty joy of a novel about a familyâs insanely dramatic summer at their new island homeâ (Cosmopolitan) in the Pacific Northwest.
The inimitableâsome might say incorrigibleâFrank Widdicombe is suffering from a deep depression. Or so his wife, Carol, believes. But Carol is convinced that their new island homeâWillowbrook Manor on the Puget Soundâis just the thing to cheer him up. And so begins a whirlwind summer as their house becomes the epicenter of multiple social dramas involving the family, their friends, and a host of new acquaintances.
The Widdicombesâ son, Christopher, is mourning a heartbreak after a year abroad in Italy. Their personal assistant, Michelle, begins a romance with preppy screenwriter Bradford, who also happens to be Frankâs tennis partner. Meanwhile, a local named Marvelous Matthews is hired to create a garden at the manorâand is elated to find Gracie Sloane, bewitching self-help author, in residence as well. When this alternately bumbling and clever cast of characters comes together, they turn âas frothy and bitter as a pot of freshly brewed dark-roast coffee, the kind thatâs always available on the Widdicombeâs sideboard. And the dialogue, oh how it singes and searsâ (The Washington Post).
A âgleefully over-the-top satiric debutâ (Kirkus Reviews), Cheer Up, Mr. Widdicombe is perfect for fans of Maria Sempleâs Whereâd You Go, Bernadette?, Andrew Sean Greerâs Less, and Jess Walterâs Beautiful Ruins.