
The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81
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Narrated by:
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Julian Glover
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By:
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J. B. Morrison
About this listen
The story of the pensioner, the milk float, and the miracle worker.
Frank Derrick is 81. And he's just been run over by a milk float. It was tough enough to fill the hours of the day when he was active. But now he's broken his arm and fractured his foot, it looks set to be a very long few weeks ahead. Frank lives with his cat Bill (which made more sense before Ben died) in the typically British town of Fullwind-on-Sea.
The Villages in Bloom competition is the topic of conversation amongst his neighbours but Frank has no interest in that. He watches DVDs, spends his money frivolously at the local charity shop and desperately tries to avoid the cold callers continuously knocking on his door. Emailing his daughter in America on the library computer and visiting his friend Smelly John used to be the highlights of his week. Now he can't even do that.
Then a breath of fresh air comes into his life in the form of Kelly Christmas, home help. With her little blue car and appalling parking, her cheerful resilience and ability to laugh at his jokes, Kelly changes Frank's life. She reminds him that there is a big, wide world beyond the four walls of his flat and that adventures, however small, come to people of all ages.
Frank and Kelly's story is sad and funny, moving, familiar, uplifting. It is a small and perfect look at a life neither remarkable nor disastrous, but completely extraordinary nonetheless. For fans of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry this is a quirky, life-affirming story that has enormous appeal. And it's guaranteed to make you laugh.
©2014 J. B. Morrison (P)2014 Pan Macmillan Publishers LtdWhat made the experience of listening to The Extra Ordinary Life of Frank Derrick, Age 81 the most enjoyable?
I could identify the description of Frank's daily life as similar to my father's in his last years: the cold calls, the begging letters from charities with free pens, and the need to make a project of the smallest things.Any additional comments?
The book was at times 'too' light: it lacked any real sense of drama or any change in the dynamics of the narrative.Light but sometimes insightful
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Simply wonderful
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An excellent book, expertly read here by Julian Glover... definitely worth a credit, can't wait for the sequel out later this year.
Funny, poignant and beautifully written
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I really liked Frank and had many laugh out loud moments and had great empathy with his situation of loneliness and isolation, as I’m in very similar circumstances myself, my husband having died and my children moved away. However, I stopped liking Frank so much when he started stealing from charity shops, unforgivable in my opinion, no matter what your reasons! Unfortunately, this spoiled the book for me otherwise I would have given it five stars.
Excellent Narration
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Wonderful
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JB Morrison's characterisation of Frank is spot on, as is the narration by Julian Glover. Its funny, thought provoking and sensitive, sometimes all at once. We probably know a Frank, we certainly know some of the other characters portrayed. The book deals with the loneliness and banality of being old with a character who feels his time isn't up, but is going through the motions.
Once I started this audiobook I couldn't stop, hence it only lasted about 3 days, it's a much better listen than his last book, purely because the character is likeable.
I would totally recommend this audiobook as its a great story a great listen and a great performance.
Brilliant listen
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Excellent!
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Any additional comments?
frank derrick's life changes when he is knocked down by a milk float. Kelly comes into his lonely life as his carer until he gets better, then his llife feels empty without her.enjoyed the story which is well written and performed by Julian glover.
proud to be 81
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Frank needs a fan club!
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