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Missing Gretyl - You Only Love Twice
SOME SAY GRETYL IS LOUD, HAIRY AND OBNOXIOUS. OTHERS ARE LESS COMPLIMENTARY.
Buckle up for a comedic roller coaster ride, with bad wigs, waxing disasters, holiday scams, a deluded hitman, lust, arson and murder.
Albert Trollop takes refuge at his allotment and the betting office, while his wife, Gretyl, lives for the shopping channels, car boot sales and local gossip.
After fifty years of marriage, she’s thinking of a new life, somewhere hot. He’s thinking of the crematorium. She’s thinking of stuffing herself in a bikini. He's thinking of a taxidermist. The Londoners continue their separate lives until a mysterious letter turns their world upside down.
In Essex, Dave and Sharon Soddall are struggling on benefits and looking for a get-rich-quick solution. With the help of a devious financial advisor, they concoct a plan and ‘Costa Soddall Travel’ is born.
Will the Soddalls pull off the con of a lifetime? Can Gretyl be silenced? Will Albert end up missing Gretyl?
"'Missing Gretyl' is a rare treat - a brilliantly written comedy novel that's genuinely funny." Mark Stibbe, best selling, award-winning writer.
Missing Gretyl is also available as a Kindle eBook through Amazon.
Buckle up for a comedic roller coaster ride, with bad wigs, waxing disasters, holiday scams, a deluded hitman, lust, arson and murder.
Albert Trollop takes refuge at his allotment and the betting office, while his wife, Gretyl, lives for the shopping channels, car boot sales and local gossip.
After fifty years of marriage, she’s thinking of a new life, somewhere hot. He’s thinking of the crematorium. She’s thinking of stuffing herself in a bikini. He's thinking of a taxidermist. The Londoners continue their separate lives until a mysterious letter turns their world upside down.
In Essex, Dave and Sharon Soddall are struggling on benefits and looking for a get-rich-quick solution. With the help of a devious financial advisor, they concoct a plan and ‘Costa Soddall Travel’ is born.
Will the Soddalls pull off the con of a lifetime? Can Gretyl be silenced? Will Albert end up missing Gretyl?
"'Missing Gretyl' is a rare treat - a brilliantly written comedy novel that's genuinely funny." Mark Stibbe, best selling, award-winning writer.
Missing Gretyl is also available as a Kindle eBook through Amazon.
- GenresHumor
286 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2013
2 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Si Page
6 books49 followersSi Page was born in Romford, Essex in 1970 and grew up with a love of football, films, frolicking and females (the priority of the four 'F's reversed during his teenage years).
After attending three different senior schools, Si decided that it was a waste of time turning up for his GCE exams and bunked off to head for the workplace as a carpet fitter where he found the YTS scheme waiting with no more than twenty-something quid a week and a clip round the ear for cutting carpet 'very wonky'.
Si describes the next ten years of his working life in grim fashion: 'I worked as a telesales 'thingy' (ew), vending machine salesman (spit), insurance clerk (snore), debt collector (ouch), recruitment consultant (I liked that one) and a mortgage broker (I worked for sharks and didn't last long).'
Things were soon to change drastically in 1996, when Si decided to become a 'real' student and study for a B.A. Hons. Theology Degree somewhere outside of Essex, in a strange land called 'The North'. Things were reportedly so bad 'oop North', that Si expected to be living among whippet-racing peasants dressed in shell suits, living off a diet of mushy peas. Oh, and statistically, Northerners tend to have a habit of dying much younger.
Si was concerned about something called the North-South divide and mistook it for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, where he believed that pollution due to population density must have been the reason for poor health among Northerners and not just the mushy peas.
After a car journey up the M6 motorway to a grassy dwelling called Cheshire, Si survived three years of student life and the carcass served up in the college canteen. He finished his degree in 1999 and until 2007 he worked as a Reverend in the North West of England - Merseyside and Lancashire. Si planned that among more sophisticated company, he would say that he resided a few miles away from two world class golfing resorts - the first near Royal Birkdale, and the second, a few cosy miles from Royal Lytham.
Simon has since been involved in a number of creative projects, including an Oscar-nominated short film called 'Most'. His first novel was a very successful comedy (with over 161 reviews) called, Missing Gretyl (also a screenplay). His second was a tongue-in-cheek parody and satirical work on David Cameron, called 'The Inside Scoop: The Secret Journal of a Prime Minister,' and his third and most recent is an exciting novel called NO IDEA, released on 1st December 2016.
Si is also working on three other books at present, which include the sequel to Missing Gretyl, a Billy Elliott-type adventure called, The Collar, and more recently, a comedy with the working title: The Holiday.
Si has two lovely boys called Ruben and Freddie and has been married for eighteen years to a beautiful lady called Solana, who prior to meeting Si, enjoyed the full use of her mental faculties.
Totally dedicated to writing these days, Si has taken his classroom humour, workplace banter and on a more serious note, life skills from the pastorate, to write funny, challenging and original drama.
There's plenty more to come... watch this space!
You can also find out more about Si Page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SiPageauthor/ and Twitter http://twitter.com/Siberpasta
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
February 12, 2016
I’m not normally a fan of comedy. Mainly because I don’t find it funny. My husband finds it entertaining how unfunny I find comedy, almost as if I’m immune to it, while he’s laughing his head off. It’s not that I’m a miserable person, quite the opposite, in fact. I just don’t happen to find much comedy funny, except for Jimmy Carr, I do like him. I probably shouldn’t, but I do. Whatever the reason for me not finding comedy very funny, I’m pleased to announce this book temporarily cured me of it, as this story really did tickle me.
Missing Gretyl is a well written, fun British comedy that had me giggling away to myself at times. I couldn’t help picturing Gretyl as a warped version of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced bouquet, of course) from Keeping Up Appearances, being dropped into an episode of Only Fools and Horses.
This is truly funny escapism, with laugh out loud moments. I’m still giggling about dodgy wigs, and will probably think about this book every time I see one in the future. However, there is another more serious side to this story, one of friendship and grief, which at times was emotional.
Gretyl is a somewhat unpleasant character, but she’s one of those quirky characters you love to hate, and possibly eventually hate yourself for loving. I’m still a little undecided what I think of Gretyl, but I thank her for entertaining me with her larger than life character.
I really liked Albert and Sajan, especially as they became friends. I also loved the name Arti Chokes, and must have smiled at that name every time I read it. I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten an artichoke. Not really sure how to cook it, to be honest.
Missing Gretyl is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I hope there will be more of Gretyl in the future …Not too much, mind you, as I’m still trying to get the image of “bosoms that had fallen out with each other and parted company years ago” out of my mind.
Missing Gretyl is a well written, fun British comedy that had me giggling away to myself at times. I couldn’t help picturing Gretyl as a warped version of Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced bouquet, of course) from Keeping Up Appearances, being dropped into an episode of Only Fools and Horses.
This is truly funny escapism, with laugh out loud moments. I’m still giggling about dodgy wigs, and will probably think about this book every time I see one in the future. However, there is another more serious side to this story, one of friendship and grief, which at times was emotional.
Gretyl is a somewhat unpleasant character, but she’s one of those quirky characters you love to hate, and possibly eventually hate yourself for loving. I’m still a little undecided what I think of Gretyl, but I thank her for entertaining me with her larger than life character.
I really liked Albert and Sajan, especially as they became friends. I also loved the name Arti Chokes, and must have smiled at that name every time I read it. I don’t believe I’ve ever eaten an artichoke. Not really sure how to cook it, to be honest.
Missing Gretyl is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more by this author. I hope there will be more of Gretyl in the future …Not too much, mind you, as I’m still trying to get the image of “bosoms that had fallen out with each other and parted company years ago” out of my mind.
March 31, 2016
Well, where to begin?
I must confess that I consider myself to be a comedy snob, and I fully expected to hate this book.
Why?
Because it was recommended to me by my wife who tried to sell it to me as being right up my street because it’s like “Only Fools & Horses” [Magnificent] and “Keeping Up Appearances” [So terrible it should never have been commissioned]. This sales pitch caused me to conclude that it would most likely be vacuous tripe with some “loveable” East End stereotypes who can’t outwardly accept that they don’t live in Kensington and which lazily draws too heavily upon well trodden material.
What I have learned since reading Missing Gretyl:
1) Whilst a book reviewer of some renown my wife’s situation-comedy analogies aren’t necessarily reliable.
2) That Simon Page is an exceptional author.
3). That I shouldn't be so judgemental.
However, in fairness to my old dear some of the protagonists are loveable Essex rogues and one is a truly obnoxious but also oddly lovable snob (Hyacinth Bucket was only ever obnoxious and superficially written).
The striking difference between this book and my preconceptions is that every single character in this book is 3 dimensional, believable and original. Aside from a coincidental geographical-ish similarity the only thing the Soddalls have in common with The Trotters is that the viewer/ reader falls in love with them and that they are deeply, deeply funny (Disclaimer: one East-End-dwelling character happens to be called Albert). Gretyl is what Hyacinth Bucket might have been if Roy Clark had a fraction of the talent for character development or comedy (Last Of The Summer Wine-*Yawn*) that Simon Page does. This is where the similarities end and I would strongly encourage the author to steer clear of ever comparing his creations to those of TV yesteryear. In other news: my wife has been thoroughly reprimanded and has promised never to use poor analogies ever again.
Within only a few pages I was hooked on a book which I expected (intended?) to hate. This book is laugh-out-loud, jaw achingly funny. It is fast paced, has significant plot twists and is not afraid of a splash of pathos at just the right times. I absolutely love this book and recommend it to all and sundry (frequently). I have bought this book as a gift for unsuspecting relatives mainly because I love them and want them to be happy. Missing Gretyl is guaranteed to make this so.
I must confess that I consider myself to be a comedy snob, and I fully expected to hate this book.
Why?
Because it was recommended to me by my wife who tried to sell it to me as being right up my street because it’s like “Only Fools & Horses” [Magnificent] and “Keeping Up Appearances” [So terrible it should never have been commissioned]. This sales pitch caused me to conclude that it would most likely be vacuous tripe with some “loveable” East End stereotypes who can’t outwardly accept that they don’t live in Kensington and which lazily draws too heavily upon well trodden material.
What I have learned since reading Missing Gretyl:
1) Whilst a book reviewer of some renown my wife’s situation-comedy analogies aren’t necessarily reliable.
2) That Simon Page is an exceptional author.
3). That I shouldn't be so judgemental.
However, in fairness to my old dear some of the protagonists are loveable Essex rogues and one is a truly obnoxious but also oddly lovable snob (Hyacinth Bucket was only ever obnoxious and superficially written).
The striking difference between this book and my preconceptions is that every single character in this book is 3 dimensional, believable and original. Aside from a coincidental geographical-ish similarity the only thing the Soddalls have in common with The Trotters is that the viewer/ reader falls in love with them and that they are deeply, deeply funny (Disclaimer: one East-End-dwelling character happens to be called Albert). Gretyl is what Hyacinth Bucket might have been if Roy Clark had a fraction of the talent for character development or comedy (Last Of The Summer Wine-*Yawn*) that Simon Page does. This is where the similarities end and I would strongly encourage the author to steer clear of ever comparing his creations to those of TV yesteryear. In other news: my wife has been thoroughly reprimanded and has promised never to use poor analogies ever again.
Within only a few pages I was hooked on a book which I expected (intended?) to hate. This book is laugh-out-loud, jaw achingly funny. It is fast paced, has significant plot twists and is not afraid of a splash of pathos at just the right times. I absolutely love this book and recommend it to all and sundry (frequently). I have bought this book as a gift for unsuspecting relatives mainly because I love them and want them to be happy. Missing Gretyl is guaranteed to make this so.
February 27, 2017
I usually read crime thrillers and was completely out of my comfort zone with this book . Thank goodness I tried something different I absolutely loved it and laughed out loud in lots of places. The names of the characters were hilarious. I think there is definitely scope for a follow up and I have some unanswered questions for the author !!!!!.
April 12, 2015
The book is about Gretyl Trollop and her long suffering husband Albert, and the Soddall family. Their lives intertwine later on in the book and it was fun discovering how that happened! But for now I'll tell you a little bit about the plot.
Gretyl and Albert live in a block of flats in the East End, London, and Albert has a little garden allotment that is his escape from Gretyl. Gretyl spends her time going to car boots, collecting frogs, wearing wigs, complaining, acting like she has no money and generally annoying everyone she comes into contact with! She is an over the top character that you can't help but learn to love.
The Soddall family are from an estate in Essex and are always looking to make quick easy money through some dodgy get rich scheme. They are Sharon, Dave and son Kevin who is the smart one in the family. Dave is on the look out for a "new scam to put them on the map" and they come up with a fantastic idea along with a crooked family friend, which eventually ends up involving Gretyl and Albert, Poncy Bridge and Marbella, but I don't want to spoil that for you! You are in for a treat!
Gretyl and Albert live in a block of flats in the East End, London, and Albert has a little garden allotment that is his escape from Gretyl. Gretyl spends her time going to car boots, collecting frogs, wearing wigs, complaining, acting like she has no money and generally annoying everyone she comes into contact with! She is an over the top character that you can't help but learn to love.
The Soddall family are from an estate in Essex and are always looking to make quick easy money through some dodgy get rich scheme. They are Sharon, Dave and son Kevin who is the smart one in the family. Dave is on the look out for a "new scam to put them on the map" and they come up with a fantastic idea along with a crooked family friend, which eventually ends up involving Gretyl and Albert, Poncy Bridge and Marbella, but I don't want to spoil that for you! You are in for a treat!
February 18, 2016
Not sure where to start with this one to be honest. The truth is if you're in need of a book that will have you in stitches on every page you need to read this book.
Simon's writing is flawless and very engaging. I don't tend to step outside my comfort zone much, I'm a thriller reader through and through, but at a stressful time in my life I was in need of something light-hearted to read and this was it.
The Soddall family (yes, that really is the main family's name) they live in the East End of London, where Albert spends most of his time tending his allotment while wife Gretyl likes to spend her day mostly complaining and annoying folks. At first I really hated her but soon grew to love her quirky ways.
If you love a character driven drama and are in the market for 'a pee your pants' story, I urge you to grab a copy of Simon's fab book. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Simon's writing is flawless and very engaging. I don't tend to step outside my comfort zone much, I'm a thriller reader through and through, but at a stressful time in my life I was in need of something light-hearted to read and this was it.
The Soddall family (yes, that really is the main family's name) they live in the East End of London, where Albert spends most of his time tending his allotment while wife Gretyl likes to spend her day mostly complaining and annoying folks. At first I really hated her but soon grew to love her quirky ways.
If you love a character driven drama and are in the market for 'a pee your pants' story, I urge you to grab a copy of Simon's fab book. I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
May 16, 2014
Why is there not a page saying "Also by Simon Page" (no pun intended). If Simon has not written any books before, this first one is a quite outstanding achievement, and I certainly hope, with much confidence, that he will write more. The characters are, to me, somewhat caricatured, which emphasises the character traits, cultural hallmarks and qualities (or otherwise) that Simon would bring to our attention. Now, that makes it sound stuffy, doesn't it! But NO! NO! NO! - this book is alive with fun, mirth, mischief, real characters and a thumping good plot. I laughed out loud, and later reflected on some of the truths concerning real life, real relationships, and what makes for quality living in the 21st century.
Read it, laugh, reflect - and then pass it on to a friend.
Read it, laugh, reflect - and then pass it on to a friend.
February 14, 2016
I loved this book! It deserves a fantastic 4.5 stars. It's wickedly funny and just what I needed after reading a few gritty thrillers. Gretyl is larger than life, seemingly selfish, loud and isn't above scamming others to get what she wants! The character development is fantastic, both for Gretyl and Albert (her quiet husband who disappears to his allotment every day for a bit of peace) and Dave and Sharon Soddall. Both families have many hilarious moments! The book also deals with the issues of love, loss and friendship in a wonderful way.
The plot was well-thought out and kept me entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
The plot was well-thought out and kept me entertained.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 8, 2017
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish!
I had seen many people mention how funny this book was and as I rarely read anything other than psychological thrillers and police procedurals, I was hesitant to read/listen to it because I struggle to find comedy "funny" be it in books or on TV; whereas my husband would belly laugh, I would raise a half smile and think it's "too daft to laugh at".
I decided to take the plunge with Missing Gretyl on audible and what can I say....It was hilarious and sad in places. Si has an absolute sterling talent and paired with Melanie Crawley's narration it was a perfect partnership.
An audio book is useless in my opinion even if it is a good story if it doesn't have the right narrator and I have listened to some which I have disliked because of the awful narration but definitely not the case with Missing Gretyl.
The story as you can see from the description is about Gretyl and Albert Trollop(e) and the Sodall family, I won't repeat the synopsis in my review. But Gretyl is seemingly at the outset an old sod, causing chaos and controversy and doesn't care who she upsets, offends or even cons, she is the proverbial pain in the backside who you hope you don't have to live near or bump into, in fact you'll want to keep out of her firing line. Hard to believe long suffering husband Arthur has put up with her for over 50 years, certainly opposites attract and he needs a medal.
The story had me in stitches and goosebumps throughout, a well constructed story which grabbed my attention from the outset. It was a refreshing read as it contained no swearing so even your dear old granny could read it without offending. Si gets the points across without need for obscenities, brilliant!!
I think my motto for the book is "Don't judge a book by its cover" no pun intended, but Gretyl won me over as awful as she came across at times, I actually had a soft spot for her even early on. People aren't always as they seem and often the way they are for many reasons, don't judge!
This was a brilliant 5***** for me, I have also learned to step out of my comfort zone and change genre more often. I have been pleasantly surprised. In fact I miss Gretyl and Albert, I hope there is another story soon.
Highly recommended.
I had seen many people mention how funny this book was and as I rarely read anything other than psychological thrillers and police procedurals, I was hesitant to read/listen to it because I struggle to find comedy "funny" be it in books or on TV; whereas my husband would belly laugh, I would raise a half smile and think it's "too daft to laugh at".
I decided to take the plunge with Missing Gretyl on audible and what can I say....It was hilarious and sad in places. Si has an absolute sterling talent and paired with Melanie Crawley's narration it was a perfect partnership.
An audio book is useless in my opinion even if it is a good story if it doesn't have the right narrator and I have listened to some which I have disliked because of the awful narration but definitely not the case with Missing Gretyl.
The story as you can see from the description is about Gretyl and Albert Trollop(e) and the Sodall family, I won't repeat the synopsis in my review. But Gretyl is seemingly at the outset an old sod, causing chaos and controversy and doesn't care who she upsets, offends or even cons, she is the proverbial pain in the backside who you hope you don't have to live near or bump into, in fact you'll want to keep out of her firing line. Hard to believe long suffering husband Arthur has put up with her for over 50 years, certainly opposites attract and he needs a medal.
The story had me in stitches and goosebumps throughout, a well constructed story which grabbed my attention from the outset. It was a refreshing read as it contained no swearing so even your dear old granny could read it without offending. Si gets the points across without need for obscenities, brilliant!!
I think my motto for the book is "Don't judge a book by its cover" no pun intended, but Gretyl won me over as awful as she came across at times, I actually had a soft spot for her even early on. People aren't always as they seem and often the way they are for many reasons, don't judge!
This was a brilliant 5***** for me, I have also learned to step out of my comfort zone and change genre more often. I have been pleasantly surprised. In fact I miss Gretyl and Albert, I hope there is another story soon.
Highly recommended.
March 28, 2019
I loved this book. Although the main character Gretyl was a lot times despicable and unlikable her exploits were hilarious and I felt so sorry for her downtrodden husband and the others she came into contact with. I wouldn’t want to live next door to her but she does have a heart of gold and is there is never a dull moment.
February 6, 2016
Picked for one of my book clubs, I would like to rate this at 4.5 stars. This book is a big refreshing change that had me laughing so much!.
One of our main characters Gretyl is mutton dressed as lamb, a wig for every occasion, sunglasses and dangly jewellery. She will do anything for a bargain and trawls the local car boot sales often thinking up schemes to get a few quid off as she collects everything! and also loves a good gossip with anybody that will listen. Meanwhile, her long suffering Husband Albert escapes whenever he can to the refuge of his quiet shed on his allotment with all his photo's and memories. However a letter that turns up changes things completely.
A fabulous plot that really held my interest. I had read the reviews on this book where people had likened it to the programmes of Only Fools And Horses/ Carry On/ Royale Family and that about sums it up!. Real slapstick comedy by this clever author.
One of our main characters Gretyl is mutton dressed as lamb, a wig for every occasion, sunglasses and dangly jewellery. She will do anything for a bargain and trawls the local car boot sales often thinking up schemes to get a few quid off as she collects everything! and also loves a good gossip with anybody that will listen. Meanwhile, her long suffering Husband Albert escapes whenever he can to the refuge of his quiet shed on his allotment with all his photo's and memories. However a letter that turns up changes things completely.
A fabulous plot that really held my interest. I had read the reviews on this book where people had likened it to the programmes of Only Fools And Horses/ Carry On/ Royale Family and that about sums it up!. Real slapstick comedy by this clever author.
March 3, 2016
I normally read thrillers so this was a very different to my usual genre. It was brilliant though and had me smiling and laughing throughout. Gretyl's dress sense is something else, she collects various items from car boot sales and online shopping channels, complains all the time and pretends she has no money to get things for free. In the meantime her husband Albert escapes to his allotment or to the betting shop for some peace. You also get to meet the Soddall family who are trying to make a large amount of money scamming residents of a local village.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
5 *
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
5 *
March 28, 2017
As a general rule I never read comedy because it's just not funny. Also, I prefer murder and mayhem, so I'm definitely out of my comfort zone here. Whilst I never actually laughed out loud, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Si Page has succeeded where many before have fallen; I was amused, genuinely amused. How he manages to turn the revolting, repugnant Gretyl into a character that you end up caring deeply about, I have no idea. But it must be a sign of a very clever writer. I enjoyed the book and finished it in only a couple of sessions. I can't say that I've become a convert to the genre, but I am a convert to Si Page and will be reading more of his work. A fun read
July 12, 2015
I enjoyed reading this book after giving it a second try. I struggled with it first time round and gave up around 20% in. Couldn't relate to the characters and wasn't particularly enjoying the writing style. I then read a few reviews where others had commented about slow start but that the book was very good by the end. Decided to give it another try & have to say it's a slow burner but worth reading. Characters came to life & images of Gretyl's waxing experience will stay with me for a while! Good debut novel. 3.5 stars.
December 6, 2015
This is a lovely story that contains some lively and interesting characters. The book is a comedy and while maybe the humour wasn’t fully to my taste and didn’t make me LOL but I did smile a lot. I enjoyed this book that explores the flaws in people’s characters and teaches you not to judge a book by the cover (i.e the characters). Sometimes you have to come close to losing what you value most so that you can remember why you love someone – this book does this well. The author has a great imagination and I look forward to seeing where it goes in his next book.
April 10, 2015
Great Fun !
Lots of little chapters made it ideal to read travelling to/from work, much to the amusement of other commuters watching me giggle away to myself.
I Loved Gretyl's Character, I'm sure I've passed her haggling with stall holders at our local car boots.
I could see this book being made into a film/tv show very easily, it has a good old fashioned humour about it similar to Faulty Towers.
Received this book in exchange for honest review.
Lots of little chapters made it ideal to read travelling to/from work, much to the amusement of other commuters watching me giggle away to myself.
I Loved Gretyl's Character, I'm sure I've passed her haggling with stall holders at our local car boots.
I could see this book being made into a film/tv show very easily, it has a good old fashioned humour about it similar to Faulty Towers.
Received this book in exchange for honest review.
January 11, 2016
I enjoy subtle comedy so I was not sure if I would enjoy this novel and it is certainly different from anything I have read before. Health warning; do not read this while you are eating, but do read this great comedy story that turns out to be heart warming, with more than one poignant tale lurking underneath. A plot worthy of another great British tradition, 'crime thriller noir', brings together all the characters as it gathers pace.
March 19, 2015
i absolutely loved this book. it is funny, sweet, got a great storyline and i LOVED the characters. to start with i thought Gretyl was horrid but as the story evolved she really started to grow on me and by the end i loved her. it really was a joy to read this book and cant recommend it highly enough. will certainly be reading more by the author.
December 17, 2019
I had the audio version for this book and it was a fun and entertaining listen - it took me a bit to get into it as I found the narrator’s ‘overacting’ a little irritating at first but after a bit I started to relax and just enjoyed the ride.
A lovely, humorous antidote to all the grim stuff I usually read and just right when you’re in the mood for something a little lighter.
A lovely, humorous antidote to all the grim stuff I usually read and just right when you’re in the mood for something a little lighter.
April 9, 2015
This book was very funny , a cross between only fools and horses / the royale family. It was a refreshing change for me as I usually read horror or crime . 5 stars from me
July 6, 2015
Excellent comic romp with the utterly unlikeable Gretyl and her long-suffering husband Albert. They survive death, murder attempts and being swindled. By the end you almost like her.
March 18, 2017
Oh my goodness, this was a rather uncomfortable read for me. It made me squirm and cringe and made me feel all sorts of ugh whilst reading it, especially at the start as it is rather heavy on these elements, but, like needing to gawp at a car crash, I couldn't help but carry on, so kudos to the author and his writing for that definitely.
Imagine a cast of the most obnoxious characters doing cringeworthy things and you get this book. OK, that sounds like a strange way to describe a book I actually enjoyed reading but, it is in the delivery of the story that really hits the spot here. Mr Page has managed to combine the most horrible things and wrap them all up in a delightfully humourous way. I usually try and avoid "comedy books" cos, unless me and the author are on the same wavelength, I tend to find that they fall flat but, this book has been read and recommended by people that I know have the same sense of humour as me and so I was willing to give it a go and, to be honest, I'm really rather glad I did.
OK, so I've exaggerated and not all the characters are obnoxious. Gretyl's long suffering husband, Albert, is a lovely old bloke and the scenes of him at his allotment were very tender and had me welling up a bit at times. Gretyl, well... I just wanted to shoot her. After strangling her first of course. Although, at times I couldn't help just laughing at her. Love/hate relationship is a bit of an understatement as , every so often, I kept seeing glimpses of nice cutting through the nasty and, to be honest, some of her shenanigans, her frugal missions, left me nodding as I was so impressed with the sheer gall of the woman.
Don't even get me started on the Soddalls. They were so deliciously dysfunctional and downright dodgy as they hatch their latest get rich quick scheme.. Throw in the residents of Poncey Bridge with their militant "get orf my land" attitude and we get three elements to this story and it's fascinating watching how they all start to converge, In Marbella of all places!
It's quite a visual book. I am not a visual reader to be honest so it does take a good author to get me to "see the action" play out in front of me. Although, in this case, with some of the scenes being played out, I rather wish he hadn't! It was also a very vocal book. "Vocal?" I hear you ask... well, vocal because I spent quite a lot of the book shouting at the characters. Got a bit emotionally involved at times I think! Only cos they did rather wind me up at times.
As well as the comedy element, we also have a bit of tragedy thrown in for good measure courtesy of Albert. His relationships with his old and young friend were, at times, very touching and made for a nice balance against the slapstick comedy elements.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this rollicking ride, definitely worth reading through my initial discomfort. I must pop the author's other book No Idea on my tbr. Have a feeling I might like that one too.
Imagine a cast of the most obnoxious characters doing cringeworthy things and you get this book. OK, that sounds like a strange way to describe a book I actually enjoyed reading but, it is in the delivery of the story that really hits the spot here. Mr Page has managed to combine the most horrible things and wrap them all up in a delightfully humourous way. I usually try and avoid "comedy books" cos, unless me and the author are on the same wavelength, I tend to find that they fall flat but, this book has been read and recommended by people that I know have the same sense of humour as me and so I was willing to give it a go and, to be honest, I'm really rather glad I did.
OK, so I've exaggerated and not all the characters are obnoxious. Gretyl's long suffering husband, Albert, is a lovely old bloke and the scenes of him at his allotment were very tender and had me welling up a bit at times. Gretyl, well... I just wanted to shoot her. After strangling her first of course. Although, at times I couldn't help just laughing at her. Love/hate relationship is a bit of an understatement as , every so often, I kept seeing glimpses of nice cutting through the nasty and, to be honest, some of her shenanigans, her frugal missions, left me nodding as I was so impressed with the sheer gall of the woman.
Don't even get me started on the Soddalls. They were so deliciously dysfunctional and downright dodgy as they hatch their latest get rich quick scheme.. Throw in the residents of Poncey Bridge with their militant "get orf my land" attitude and we get three elements to this story and it's fascinating watching how they all start to converge, In Marbella of all places!
It's quite a visual book. I am not a visual reader to be honest so it does take a good author to get me to "see the action" play out in front of me. Although, in this case, with some of the scenes being played out, I rather wish he hadn't! It was also a very vocal book. "Vocal?" I hear you ask... well, vocal because I spent quite a lot of the book shouting at the characters. Got a bit emotionally involved at times I think! Only cos they did rather wind me up at times.
As well as the comedy element, we also have a bit of tragedy thrown in for good measure courtesy of Albert. His relationships with his old and young friend were, at times, very touching and made for a nice balance against the slapstick comedy elements.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this rollicking ride, definitely worth reading through my initial discomfort. I must pop the author's other book No Idea on my tbr. Have a feeling I might like that one too.
April 11, 2019
Gretyl is no doubt a marmite character. She’s obnoxious and manipulative, yet you can’t help but laugh at her lack of emotional intelligence as she creates havoc wherever she goes. Her long suffering husband, Albert is much more likeable and has created a coping strategy to manage Gretyl’s self absorbed persona after many years of marriage.
Running alongside the narrative of Gretyl’s aspiration to socially climb is the Sodall families equally sad existence where Sharon and her lump of a husband, Dave, plot to achieve a better life at the expense of the unpleasant toffs living in Ponsey.
This book is about greed, status, entitlement, self esteem and love. Somehow these awful people strike a chord and where at the beginning of the book I was judging them i began rooting for them to complete their dubious missions.
It’s the kind of book that would lend itself to becoming a tv drama.
As I listened to this book I should comment that the narrator, who was rather annoying with particularly poor accents, took time to get used to. I live in Essex where Estuary English is common but the over emphasis of elongated vowel sounds and the strange decision to have all London/Essex people speak fast and the more well to do toffs speaking incredibly slow was quite irritating and it took me a while to overcome that.
This book is funny and there are some cracking one liners from Gretyl. Yes it’s far fetched and stereotypical but I enjoyed it and would recommend giving it a chance. Moments of poignancy took me by surprise and laugh out loud moments had me giggling as I visualised Gretyl’s disastrous interactions.
Running alongside the narrative of Gretyl’s aspiration to socially climb is the Sodall families equally sad existence where Sharon and her lump of a husband, Dave, plot to achieve a better life at the expense of the unpleasant toffs living in Ponsey.
This book is about greed, status, entitlement, self esteem and love. Somehow these awful people strike a chord and where at the beginning of the book I was judging them i began rooting for them to complete their dubious missions.
It’s the kind of book that would lend itself to becoming a tv drama.
As I listened to this book I should comment that the narrator, who was rather annoying with particularly poor accents, took time to get used to. I live in Essex where Estuary English is common but the over emphasis of elongated vowel sounds and the strange decision to have all London/Essex people speak fast and the more well to do toffs speaking incredibly slow was quite irritating and it took me a while to overcome that.
This book is funny and there are some cracking one liners from Gretyl. Yes it’s far fetched and stereotypical but I enjoyed it and would recommend giving it a chance. Moments of poignancy took me by surprise and laugh out loud moments had me giggling as I visualised Gretyl’s disastrous interactions.
April 15, 2019
A very British farce.
Every time I read a humorous book I hope that this is going to be the one that makes me laugh out loud, that leaves me with a stitch in my side and a desperate need to share it with others. Unfortunately I am yet to find such a book, maybe it doesn't exist, maybe it's just me. I can imagine that others would find Missing Gretyl hilarious - lovers of farce and situation comedy in particular, it just wasn't right for me.
I guess, by the end of the book, I had found a soft spot for Gretyl, though she couldn't have been ruder or more belittling. I certainly felt for her husband, Albert, camped out on his allotment. The two other main characters, Dave and Sharon Soddall were definitely more likable. Both couples were down on their luck and looking for solutions to their problems and a house in Marbella might just hold the answers.
I wasn't a great fan of the narrator of this book, Melanie Crawley. I found her voice a bit whiny, though she certainly put her heart and soul into her performance.
I'd like to give this 3.5 stars. It's about time review sites allowed half stars!
Every time I read a humorous book I hope that this is going to be the one that makes me laugh out loud, that leaves me with a stitch in my side and a desperate need to share it with others. Unfortunately I am yet to find such a book, maybe it doesn't exist, maybe it's just me. I can imagine that others would find Missing Gretyl hilarious - lovers of farce and situation comedy in particular, it just wasn't right for me.
I guess, by the end of the book, I had found a soft spot for Gretyl, though she couldn't have been ruder or more belittling. I certainly felt for her husband, Albert, camped out on his allotment. The two other main characters, Dave and Sharon Soddall were definitely more likable. Both couples were down on their luck and looking for solutions to their problems and a house in Marbella might just hold the answers.
I wasn't a great fan of the narrator of this book, Melanie Crawley. I found her voice a bit whiny, though she certainly put her heart and soul into her performance.
I'd like to give this 3.5 stars. It's about time review sites allowed half stars!
March 25, 2017
I love it when a book surprises me and I really enjoy reading it even though it is so different from my usual book choices. I picked this book as one of my choices in The Book Club on Facebook 2017 Book Challenge for the category "A book set in a location near to where you live..." As an East London/Essex girl this book ticked all of the boxes and I was lucky to receive an e-copy from the author in an online giveaway.
Comedy is not usually my thing and my reading choices tend to be much darker. Once I'd started reading this book, the author drew me straight in with larger than life characters who reminded me of so many people I've met throughout my life. Yes some of the characteristics of characters such as Gretyl are exaggerated but to be honest I have known some 'Gretyls' in my time. In contrast there are also some really charming characters like Albert who moved me close to tears on a couple of occasions.
The story is pacy, funny and reminded me of the Carry On Films and sitcoms I used to watch as a child.
Comedy is not usually my thing and my reading choices tend to be much darker. Once I'd started reading this book, the author drew me straight in with larger than life characters who reminded me of so many people I've met throughout my life. Yes some of the characteristics of characters such as Gretyl are exaggerated but to be honest I have known some 'Gretyls' in my time. In contrast there are also some really charming characters like Albert who moved me close to tears on a couple of occasions.
The story is pacy, funny and reminded me of the Carry On Films and sitcoms I used to watch as a child.
March 19, 2017
4.5 stars from me for this great British comedy. I’ve seen it likened to a cross between Keeping Up Appearances and Only Fools & Horses and have to say I agree, but with a touch of Carry On/Fawlty Towers thrown in for good measure too! I found myself giggling at so many things along the way, and all I will say is that the ‘waxing incident’ will stay with me for a long time!!!
The problem with comedies sometimes is that the characters just aren’t quite believable, they become caricatures rather than real people you can relate to. But that most definitely isn’t the case with Missing Gretyl. Even the less likeable characters were well written and truly believable within the carefully planned story that slowly weaves all of the different characters together. Si Page got the balance between full-on comedy and the touching sentiment and gentle friendships just right.
If you want a good laugh whilst also seeing the best and worst of human nature, then definitely give this book a try.
The problem with comedies sometimes is that the characters just aren’t quite believable, they become caricatures rather than real people you can relate to. But that most definitely isn’t the case with Missing Gretyl. Even the less likeable characters were well written and truly believable within the carefully planned story that slowly weaves all of the different characters together. Si Page got the balance between full-on comedy and the touching sentiment and gentle friendships just right.
If you want a good laugh whilst also seeing the best and worst of human nature, then definitely give this book a try.
March 8, 2017
I love, love, love this book ❤ I just don't know where to start with my review. Gretyl is as mad as a box of frogs, eccentric and so so funny. Not to mention frustratingly irritating. She gets through life by being rude and obnoxious yet she has an endearing side to her that comes out occasionally. Her long suffering husband Albert is the sweetest man who has remained by her side through thick and thin. I laughed and cried and laughed some more. It's so difficult to write a review without giving away the story. I couldn't wait to read what antics she got up to next or what her daily choice of wig was. If you like something a little bit different, funny, witty yet heartwarming and sweet then you need Gretyl in your life.
So looking forward to the sequel. A big fat 5☆☆☆☆☆
So looking forward to the sequel. A big fat 5☆☆☆☆☆
March 10, 2017
What a brilliantly funny book this is! I read it in a day and really enjoyed the antics of the characters. It had me laughing out loud many times, especially when I tried to imagine Gretyl as a Stepford wife in Poncey Bridge. I hope there will be a sequel to continue the adventures of Gretyl & co.
February 23, 2017
Gretyl is a tour de force he hilarious antics will make you laugh, cringe antics and maybe even cry. At the start of the book you really dislike her but then as the story progresses you kind of learn to appreciate her outlook and joy do vie. The story is about a cantankerous old lady gretyl who bullies her way through life, her poor husband banishes himself for much of the to his allotment shed where he dreams of days and friends long past. It all comes to a head when Gretyl inherits a house and lots of money and her husbands best pal sadly passes away. They are both forced to re-evaluate thier lives and after some hilarious adventures including leg wax, a hit man, some accidental drug taking it comes right in the end. I loves this book and really hope there's a sequel
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April 5, 2017Audio book review
A fun story that comes to life with this narrator. It has thoughtful moments. Gretyls husband usually being the one who brings those moments about. Not Gretyl herself, who is a rather annoying and irritating! All part of the story mind!
To me this is an updated fun book with a reminder of Tom Sharpe back in the day.
Def worth listening to or reading.
A fun story that comes to life with this narrator. It has thoughtful moments. Gretyls husband usually being the one who brings those moments about. Not Gretyl herself, who is a rather annoying and irritating! All part of the story mind!
To me this is an updated fun book with a reminder of Tom Sharpe back in the day.
Def worth listening to or reading.
March 4, 2017
not my usual genre and probley the first comedy book I have read but throughly enjoyed it. Can't wait for more from Si
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