French Exit by Patrick Dewitt

French Exit is the story of a widow. And her dippy, wet behind the ears son. And their cat, Small Frank, inside whom the dead husband of widow Frances lives. The money has run out (which is mostly Frances' doing,) and the trio are off to France to live in slightly reduced circumstances. But mostly it is a brutal and savage look at human nature. A reviewer from Mail on Sunday branded it 'Pure joy', as per the front cover. Personally, I think that depends on the ability of the reader to find joy in dull and despicable people who are not living their best lives.

While parts of French Exit were entertaining, most of it felt as though as I was reading some kind of inside joke that those in the know would find hilarious while I was left completely clueless. I feel that somehow, somewhere I missed the point or perhaps I am just not smart or cultured enough to put it all together. 

Not recommended. 

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