The News Where You Are

Title: The News Where You Are  
Author: Catherine O’Flynn
Number of pages: 309
Started: 21 July 2012
Finished: 26 July 2012  

Opening words:

He gave up any pretence of jogging now and walked slowly along the lane, following in the wake of an empty crisp packet blown along the tarmac. Without its example he wasn't sure he'd have the will to move forward.  

Plot summary:

Set in Birmingham, The News Where You Are tells the funny, touching story of Frank, a local TV news presenter. Beneath his awkwardly corny screen persona, Frank is haunted by disappearances: the mysterious hit and run that killed his predecessor Phil Smethway; the demolition of his father's post-war brutalist architecture; and the unmarked passing of those who die alone in the city. Frank struggles to make sense of these absences while having to report endless local news stories of holes opening up in people's gardens and trying to cope with his resolutely miserable mother.

What I thought:

I really enjoyed Catherine O’Flynn’s previous novel, and so had high expectations of this book. On the whole I thought it was an enjoyable read, a reflection on people, and aging and the value we place on things. I found it a touch contrived, but ultimately the book held together well and was a good and satisfying read.