Homeward Bound

"'Do I have to stop loving music because I'm old and decrepit? I didn't stop loving music when the sixties ended. The decade, or mine. Nothing's new. Things get changed, sometimes improved.' He paused before adding ruefully, ‘But not often.' He sighed.” Homeward Bound is the first novel by British author, Richard Smith. Newly widowed at seventy-nine, George Turnbull represents a problem for his son-in-law, Toby Waller. The solution is, of course to sell George's London house and put him in a care home. George's daughter Bridget is unenthusiastic about this idea, while George refuses point blank to consider it. After all, no care home would accommodate his piano or his extensive record collection. His eighteen-year-old granddaughter, Tara is heading off to uni in London and needs a place to live, but she is hesitant about sharing with her boyfriend, Mark. Is it the ideal solution? Would a uni student doing her course and having a social life be available to keep a subtle eye on her grandfather, who is getting frailer, even if he doesn't like to admit it? Might they muddle through together? George loves nothing better than to sit in his special music room, surrounded by his vinyl, revelling in the sleeve notes and the sound. Playing his piano, too, is important: he is working on a song inspired by his wife. "Missing Evelyn” could be the hit song he never had in his career as support act for more famous groups. Now sustained by composing production music, a hit at his age would certainly wipe the smirk off his sneering son-in-law's face. Tara introduces Mark, whose idea of good music is his own: "Old-lampin, ghetto-grittin', steelo dealo pimped-out mamma-jamma scratch”. When George hears it: "It was not ‘music' by any definition George was familiar with. He instinctively put his hands over his ears and imagined inmates of Guantanamo Bay facing similar barrages of torturous noise”. But when Mark sees George's music room, he is very interested in George's collection, although apparently only for the resale value. And then Robin turns up. Had been referred to as Robbin'. Bridget definitely isn't ready to forgive and forget, although Toby doesn't seem to share her ire. Is this untrustworthy in-law there to target an old man's most fervent desire? What a wonderful tale Richard Smith gives the reader. His characters are endearing for all their flaws and foibles, and if the plot seems to be heading in a predictable direction, there are some heart-warming surprises on the way too. As well as touching on the dilemma of aged care, the story explores the balance between family obligation and following one's dream. Included are some interesting musical tidbits and a generous dose of musical nostalgia that can be indulged with the Spotify playlist that the author provides. Yes, the title does refer to the song by Paul Simon, and there are surely many things worse than a Simon and Garfunkel earworm, if that's the result. This is a brilliant debut novel, moving and uplifting, and Smith's next work will be eagerly awaited.

I first thought that it was so cute that a 79-year-old man had wanted a second chance as a rockstar. This novel takes us to the home of George, and his granddaughter that has taken refuge from her always arguing parents. Tara and George didn't have the best interactions at the beginning, however, they began to bond and share their love of music. It was all so cute. I highly recommend this book to those who love sweet, platonic relationships and amazing writing.

George is nearly 80, his daughter wants him to move to an old folks home, but he believes he's too young, he can cope, and he has his music. He has been a musician all his life, but never made it to the big time. A solution is reached whereby his granddaughter Tara moves in with him while she is at university. Thus the stage is set for a lovely tale of family, generational differences, deceit, and lots and lots of music. The ending is perhaps a little trite, but it is a lovely story, which sweeps the reader in to George's world. The reader becomes frustrated as it is clear not everyone is behaving honourably, and you can't wait to read what will happen next. Well written, entertaining and very enjoyable.

The story centres about 79 year old George Turnbull, who we meet as he is being brought around (reluctantly...) an old folks home by his daughter and son in law. After just having lost his wife suddenly and lamenting a lost career in music, this is the last place he wants to be. George and his granddaughter Tara strike a deal, he doesn't want to live with his awful son in law and Tara needs a place to stay in London, so Tara moves in to her grandfather's house, doddery old dog and all. The relationships between the characters are so pure and realistic. Smith writes a glorious character, you root for them, you feel sad for them, you want them to get what's coming. I felt so apart of the family, I felt like I was living in George's house! The music that is woven through is also a great touch, for anyone that enjoys music you will LOVE this book. I particularly liked the juxtaposition between George and Tara's boyfriend, Mark. George was a musician (and still is...) and has been there and done that, worn the t-shirt, while Mark is starting out in his music career and specialises in 'psychedelic rap' which George does not get! However, they come to a mutual appreciation and it's gorgeous. I had tears brimming in my eyes for the last 20% of the book - it was so real and emotive. I loved George and Tara's character. Their relationship was beautiful and I felt unbridled joy through a lot of the book, it was just so sweet. I can't begin to tell you how much this book made me feel, it really is a special one.

I fell in love with George and his family and really felt engrossed while following his story in the present and hearing his stories from the past. This book primarily follows George, an elderly man whose wide has recently past away. After a few months of living with his daughter, Bridget, she finally lets George return to his own residence in London where his granddaughter, Tara, lives with him while she studies at university. While reading, you learn lots about George's love and passion for music. Tara, on the other hand, is studying history and is very much living in the modern day. Her boyfriend, Mark, is also into music, however, his style is a lot more modern and not quite to George's taste. I really loved reading this, mostly because I felt so connected and involved in all the situations the family got into. I really felt like I was going on George's journey with him, as well as Tara and Bridget along the way. I wish I could play the piano just like George can and this book has inspired me to start playing again. This books is brilliant and is well worth the journey.