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Driving in the Dark
From the bestselling author of The Best Exotic Marigold HotelDesmond never did have much luck with women - except in getting them through their driving tests. Now a coach driver, he is at the most crucial crossroads of his life. His wife has thrown him out. The crisis serves only to deepen his despair over another failed liaison - until he elects to steer his coach on a spectacularly reckless quest for the son he has never seen.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1994
About the author
Deborah Moggach
48 books579 followersDeborah Moggach is a British writer, born Deborah Hough on 28 June 1948. She has written fifteen novels to date, including The Ex-Wives, Tulip Fever, and, most recently, These Foolish Things. She has adapted many of her novels as TV dramas and has also written several film scripts, including the BAFTA-nominated screenplay for Pride & Prejudice. She has also written two collections of short stories and a stage play. In February 2005, Moggach was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by her Alma Mater, the University of Bristol . She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a former Chair of the Society of Authors, and is on the executive committee of PEN.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 1, 2025
Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧
Desmond is disillusioned. A coach driver, recently separated from his wife after telling her about the child he’s never met, the product of a brief fling with a client 11 years ago. With nothing left to lose Desmond takes the coach on a detour through England to track the boy down.
Driving in the dark is a fairly short novel, told in the first person, Desmond shares his discontent, and sometimes his self loathing. A quiet, Everyman sort of tale, in which I suppose Desmond is the hero, but the side characters he picks up along the way actually steal the show.
I enjoyed the narration on this title, it felt appropriate for the story and the characters.
I note that the title is several years old, and I assume is being newly audiofied, I love this we need more recordings of older titles, but I did wonder if it may have had slightly more impact on me had I read it on its original release. I feel there have been a lot of Desmond like characters in the years in between.
My gratitude to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Desmond is disillusioned. A coach driver, recently separated from his wife after telling her about the child he’s never met, the product of a brief fling with a client 11 years ago. With nothing left to lose Desmond takes the coach on a detour through England to track the boy down.
Driving in the dark is a fairly short novel, told in the first person, Desmond shares his discontent, and sometimes his self loathing. A quiet, Everyman sort of tale, in which I suppose Desmond is the hero, but the side characters he picks up along the way actually steal the show.
I enjoyed the narration on this title, it felt appropriate for the story and the characters.
I note that the title is several years old, and I assume is being newly audiofied, I love this we need more recordings of older titles, but I did wonder if it may have had slightly more impact on me had I read it on its original release. I feel there have been a lot of Desmond like characters in the years in between.
My gratitude to Bolinda Audio via NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
April 7, 2021
An early gem of a novel from one of my favourite authors - Deborah Moggach, who in my opinion is the U.K.’s answer to the wonderful Anne Tyler - and just as prolific.
The first person narrator here is an endearing male character who is endlessly bemused when it comes to the women in his life. The mystery coach tour around mainly unlovely backwaters of England, in search of the son he never met, is the main storyline - but as usual, it’s the characters he meets that propel the drama forward - sometimes achingly sad, other times funny bordering on farce - but always entertaining. I loved it.
The first person narrator here is an endearing male character who is endlessly bemused when it comes to the women in his life. The mystery coach tour around mainly unlovely backwaters of England, in search of the son he never met, is the main storyline - but as usual, it’s the characters he meets that propel the drama forward - sometimes achingly sad, other times funny bordering on farce - but always entertaining. I loved it.
July 11, 2025
Thank you to Bolinda audio, the author and NetGalley for a LRC in exchange for an honest review
Before I start my review I need you to consider something. If you are the kind of person who can easily employ suspension of disbelief then by all means carry on and read this book - you will love it! If, however, you are the kind of person who cannot resist the urge to scream out "That's ridiculous!" mid read and consequently throw the book against the wall, then you should probably put this book back on the shelf and walk away!
Driving in the dark, first published in 1988, is about one man's emotional, psychological and quite literal journey, after his wife throws him out of the marital house. Desmond, embarks on a quest across the UK to try and track down the son he's never known (Quite why he has only thought to do this after 11 years is beyond me but hey, who am I to judge!). I say 'quest', as this book can be said to fit the 'knight-errant' archetype, in that Desmond wanders alone across the country on his steed (his coach) in a quest to find a lost person (his Son Edward) with time to reflect on his failures and become a better person.
The narration by Rory Barnett was a perfect match. I will certainly seek out more titles enriched by his dulcet tones. I would also encourage you to go and read his Blog - there is a very interesting article entitled 'My On-Air Duel with an AI Audiobook Narrator'.
If you've got this far into the review then you're probably wanting to read Driving in the dark. If that is the case then it's probably wise not to read the last part of this review because there will be a spoiler at the very end!
In short, Desmond ambles through Ambleside like a man out of step with the world, chasing shadows of the life he might have lived.
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⚠️ SPOILER BELOW ⚠️
Remember I said you need to suspend your disbelief...As long as you quickly gloss over the fact that in real life, Desmond would probably be charged with TWOC, Blackmail, Kidnap and Stalking and just appreciate this as a tale of a Father and Son bonding, then this is a fairly enjoyable read.
Before I start my review I need you to consider something. If you are the kind of person who can easily employ suspension of disbelief then by all means carry on and read this book - you will love it! If, however, you are the kind of person who cannot resist the urge to scream out "That's ridiculous!" mid read and consequently throw the book against the wall, then you should probably put this book back on the shelf and walk away!
Driving in the dark, first published in 1988, is about one man's emotional, psychological and quite literal journey, after his wife throws him out of the marital house. Desmond, embarks on a quest across the UK to try and track down the son he's never known (Quite why he has only thought to do this after 11 years is beyond me but hey, who am I to judge!). I say 'quest', as this book can be said to fit the 'knight-errant' archetype, in that Desmond wanders alone across the country on his steed (his coach) in a quest to find a lost person (his Son Edward) with time to reflect on his failures and become a better person.
The narration by Rory Barnett was a perfect match. I will certainly seek out more titles enriched by his dulcet tones. I would also encourage you to go and read his Blog - there is a very interesting article entitled 'My On-Air Duel with an AI Audiobook Narrator'.
If you've got this far into the review then you're probably wanting to read Driving in the dark. If that is the case then it's probably wise not to read the last part of this review because there will be a spoiler at the very end!
In short, Desmond ambles through Ambleside like a man out of step with the world, chasing shadows of the life he might have lived.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
⚠️ SPOILER BELOW ⚠️
Remember I said you need to suspend your disbelief...As long as you quickly gloss over the fact that in real life, Desmond would probably be charged with TWOC, Blackmail, Kidnap and Stalking and just appreciate this as a tale of a Father and Son bonding, then this is a fairly enjoyable read.
July 13, 2025
Desmond is disillusioned. His wife has just thrown him out and although he enjoys his job driving coaches that is all he has left. He does however have a son from a brief relationship with a woman who didn't let him see the son, just sent a picture. Desmond didn't try very hard to change this and he now regrets it. He has built up a narrative of what his son, Edward is like and how his childhood so far has been.
He makes a snap decision to search for Edward in his huge coach and spends time travelling around places in England while we learn more about Desmond and his views. The book was set and written in the 80s which is why it sounds authentic for that time but the story is slow going with not much going on and feels repetitive at times. Having said that it was enjoyable enough.
The narrator was perfect for Desmond and I would listen to other books read by him.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda for the DRC.
This is a review of the audiobook.
He makes a snap decision to search for Edward in his huge coach and spends time travelling around places in England while we learn more about Desmond and his views. The book was set and written in the 80s which is why it sounds authentic for that time but the story is slow going with not much going on and feels repetitive at times. Having said that it was enjoyable enough.
The narrator was perfect for Desmond and I would listen to other books read by him.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda for the DRC.
This is a review of the audiobook.
June 15, 2016
I suspect there's a huge allegory going on here- how we can drive ourselves from place to place in life, thinking that we're going to find something meaningful, but when we get there, we realise that the thing we thought we were going to find is long gone- even if it was really there in the first place.
And as Desmond drives up and down England looking for the son he's never met, leaving behind him the wife he never should have married, we get the distinct feeling that it's our story we're reading here. Succinctly written, as ever, by Deborah Moggach, this novel never really soars- but never does it drop either under the level of "thoroughly readable". At times it's funny, at times sad, generally frustrating but always reminding us of how life can pass us by unless we make a conscious effort to go and chase it. But what we actually want to chase is another question altogether.....
And as Desmond drives up and down England looking for the son he's never met, leaving behind him the wife he never should have married, we get the distinct feeling that it's our story we're reading here. Succinctly written, as ever, by Deborah Moggach, this novel never really soars- but never does it drop either under the level of "thoroughly readable". At times it's funny, at times sad, generally frustrating but always reminding us of how life can pass us by unless we make a conscious effort to go and chase it. But what we actually want to chase is another question altogether.....
June 18, 2022
Desolate Desmond, whose wife threw him out, embarks on a journey to find his son from his previous affair..a son who he has never seen..a son who is unaware of his existence.
The story takes you through the journey of Desmond trying to find his son in the changing cities and neighbourhoods - sometimes finding the lead or sometimes reaching a dead end. Wounded at heart, he is desperate to locate his son.
The writing from a male perspective feels authentic and conveys the protagonist's state of mind - sadness, irony, self-pity, determination, anxiousness. However, his journey was stretched so long that by the time it was coming to climax, I had lost my interest. Nevertheless, the bitter-sweet moments Desmond experiences when he finally meets his son was heartwarming.
The story takes you through the journey of Desmond trying to find his son in the changing cities and neighbourhoods - sometimes finding the lead or sometimes reaching a dead end. Wounded at heart, he is desperate to locate his son.
The writing from a male perspective feels authentic and conveys the protagonist's state of mind - sadness, irony, self-pity, determination, anxiousness. However, his journey was stretched so long that by the time it was coming to climax, I had lost my interest. Nevertheless, the bitter-sweet moments Desmond experiences when he finally meets his son was heartwarming.
October 8, 2020
Deborah Moggach must be one of our most under-rated writers, perhaps because she writes about families, relationships, and the sheer difficulty of living! She has a great ear for dialogue, and writes with huge sensitivity.
This novel, written in the first person by her male narrator, sounds totally authentic and provides a different perspective on marriage and fatherhood. It's also a journey, a quest for answers, and it keeps you turning the pages.
This novel, written in the first person by her male narrator, sounds totally authentic and provides a different perspective on marriage and fatherhood. It's also a journey, a quest for answers, and it keeps you turning the pages.
October 1, 2014
I did enjoy this take on the hero's journey. The narrator, Des, finally decides to go looking for the 11 year old son he has never known, and does so in the coach he is driving back to the garage after dropping his passengers at Luton airport.
By turns funny and sad, this is a story that show it is never too late to take charge of your life.
By turns funny and sad, this is a story that show it is never too late to take charge of your life.
May 1, 2019
I really enjoy Deborah Moggach's work, but this wasn't her best. It was funny, but at times I found the humour a tad forced, or maybe it didn't seem that she was successful in writing as a man. I'm not sure, but something was slightly off. The story was a quick starter and it was an easy read, but I wouldn't read it again.
August 3, 2014
Not bad going, Desmond seems like a nice enough character.
I enjoyed the "Chase" across the country getting closer and closer each time.
Sad in parts, amusing in others.
I enjoyed the "Chase" across the country getting closer and closer each time.
Sad in parts, amusing in others.
August 29, 2016
A lovely book - sad at points and very funny at points. I think Deborah Moggach writes very sympathetically from a man's point of view too. Not that I'd know for sure! I like the ending.
July 17, 2025
This is the story of a journey: not just as physical journey, but an emotional one. When Desmond's wife kicks him out and takes up with someone new, he is reminded of an earlier kicking out: this time, by the mother of his son, who refused to allow him any share in the child from the moment she discovered she was pregnant. In a reckless moment, Desmond decides to drive off in search of them; his wife having kept his car, he travels in his work vehicle, a coach.
I began with a little synopsis because it's important to have the context of the story. The coach, for example, is a major player in this novel. It moves the plot forward, provides comic relief, and most importantly emphasises the quirkiness of Desmond's character. More on him in a minute. It also is a haven, the one constant in a life turned upside down.
I found Desmond very endearing. In some ways he's just an ordinary, fairly nondescript bloke, but he has a vulnerability and a way of approaching things that is slightly to the side. It's done very subtly by the author, which makes for a compelling read. The characters are all very realistic and alive. Along his journey Desmond meets many different people and the interactions are a joy.
I don't want to give spoilers of course, but I found the ending satisfying and in keeping with the book's hopeful tone. Desmond really takes his destiny into his own hands and moves from being a passive, slightly hard done by man into one who is comfortable in his own skin. I really enjoyed that.
A couple of minor criticisms: I did find the story became a little repetitive towards the end, but shortly after things picked up. I also wasn't keen on the cursing, as well as some crudities that I could have done without. The story overall was good, though, a blend of simplicity and good jokes that I enjoyed.
Let's talk about the narrator. Rory Barnett did a phenomenal job. He was Desmond. The novel is written in first person and Barnett got Desmond's voice spot on: a bit weary, a bit injured, but with a doggedness that drove him on. I think the narration made the book and I wouldn't recommend consuming it any other way. Barnett did the other characters really well too, including the women: he performed it, not just a straight reading although it was the unabridged audiobook. He made it feel like a play.
In conclusion, a really nice offering from Deborah Moggach. I believe this is an early work from 1988 originally, but I think it's aged well although it is firmly set in the 80s with a lot of pop culture references and attitudes. I'm really glad I listened to it.
I received an arc so thank you to Netgalley and the publishers. I provided this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
I began with a little synopsis because it's important to have the context of the story. The coach, for example, is a major player in this novel. It moves the plot forward, provides comic relief, and most importantly emphasises the quirkiness of Desmond's character. More on him in a minute. It also is a haven, the one constant in a life turned upside down.
I found Desmond very endearing. In some ways he's just an ordinary, fairly nondescript bloke, but he has a vulnerability and a way of approaching things that is slightly to the side. It's done very subtly by the author, which makes for a compelling read. The characters are all very realistic and alive. Along his journey Desmond meets many different people and the interactions are a joy.
I don't want to give spoilers of course, but I found the ending satisfying and in keeping with the book's hopeful tone. Desmond really takes his destiny into his own hands and moves from being a passive, slightly hard done by man into one who is comfortable in his own skin. I really enjoyed that.
A couple of minor criticisms: I did find the story became a little repetitive towards the end, but shortly after things picked up. I also wasn't keen on the cursing, as well as some crudities that I could have done without. The story overall was good, though, a blend of simplicity and good jokes that I enjoyed.
Let's talk about the narrator. Rory Barnett did a phenomenal job. He was Desmond. The novel is written in first person and Barnett got Desmond's voice spot on: a bit weary, a bit injured, but with a doggedness that drove him on. I think the narration made the book and I wouldn't recommend consuming it any other way. Barnett did the other characters really well too, including the women: he performed it, not just a straight reading although it was the unabridged audiobook. He made it feel like a play.
In conclusion, a really nice offering from Deborah Moggach. I believe this is an early work from 1988 originally, but I think it's aged well although it is firmly set in the 80s with a lot of pop culture references and attitudes. I'm really glad I listened to it.
I received an arc so thank you to Netgalley and the publishers. I provided this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
July 6, 2025
I thought the premise of this story sounded interesting. The narration seems right for Desmond, the central character, on a quest to find the son he’s never seen. But I found him dull and rather uninteresting and the flat nasal delivery became more of an irritation than an interest. I don’t know why this story just didn’t deliver for me. It became rather contrived and far fetched as he roamed the country in a coach, with various encounters which helped him on his mission to locate his son. I didn’t feel excitement about developments and whilst it’s very well written, this failed to keep my attention. A rather generous 3* as it’s probably just not to my taste rather than the story or author lacking.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.
My thanks to the publisher for a review copy via Netgalley.
July 10, 2025
I decided to have a change from my usual diet of crime fiction and really enjoyed this tale of a coach driver looking for his son. Written in the first person, from the perspective of Desmond, the driver, this is a story about marriage, breakups and fatherhood. I loved listening to the tale of Desmond's quest which takes him all around the country. One minute it is laugh out loud funny, and the next incredibly sad. Deborah Moggach is a great writer and I will definitely be seeking out her other books.
I really enjoyed the narration by Rory Barnett who brought the character of Desmond to life.
I really enjoyed the narration by Rory Barnett who brought the character of Desmond to life.
January 31, 2023
All hers are good, will be reading this again at some point. That's why I like to have all my own books, you can't rely on the libraries now for a re-read, they don't stock books like they used to. I'm astounded at some of the books they don't have. Everybody too busy staring at screens to read like they used to. Shame.
May 19, 2017
Ok, probably wouldn't read it again.
November 16, 2019
5 stars for a great little story. You can’t go wrong with Deborah Moggach.
April 6, 2020
Beautiful and heartbreaking, a book about longing and loneliness.
Read
July 10, 2025Book starts on such a depressing note that I couldn’t listen for more than an hour
DNF
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2026
Audiobook.
July 30, 2011
Good in places. Hit the ground running, with the main character Desmond's possessions all over the front garden of his (former) home. Moggach explores separation from the male perspective - always going to be guesswork coming from a female author, but it felt genuine enough. Some sections I found rather hard going, as Desmond embarked on a journey to find his estranged partner and son. A lot of navel gazing along the way. The ending was worth the trip though, and though this is not Deborah Moggach's best, it's not her worst either. I liked the way she summed up the simplicity of male friendships: 'There they were in the depot, horsing around. "Wotcha" they'd say, and I'd say "wotcha" back.' A generalisation perhaps but it sounds OK to me.
April 12, 2013
Must be twenty years or more since I last read Deborah Moggach. I remember enjoying them but not what they were about especially (except maybe Seesaw) but this felt very much like something I've grown out of. Determinedly flippant, all fairly one-note and a bit predictable really, and peopled with slightly cliched characters.
March 6, 2013
sad in a funny way . a strange mix that made it a very enjoyable reading
April 23, 2017
Just left feeling slightly disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews