The Good, the Bad and the Little Bit Stupid

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

George Pantis is in a pickle. After walking out on his wife Rosie on Referendum night 2016 to shack up with hairdresser 'Brexit Brenda' next door, he thinks he's got it made - especially when he wins millions on a Kosovan lottery he only vaguely remembers entering. Unfortunately, he's forgotten his password and can't get at his money. Which is a problem because he suddenly has to contend with lots of forceful new friends desperate to know his mother's maiden name.

As things quickly get out of hand, George must make a mad dash from Sheffield to the Adriatic - and into the arms of organized crime gangs who specialize in illegal kidney transplants and heroin smuggling. George is in need of rescue - both from this pickle and from himself. But will his son, Sensible Sid, Brenda and Rosie put aside their differences long enough to help? And might the journey bring this dysfunctional family back together?

© Marina Lewycka 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Critics Review

Lewycka has carved out a reputation for tackling Big Topics with wit and humour
Radio Times
Her state-of-the-nation novel crackles with zingy one-liners and shrewd humour
Mail on Sunday
This brisk Brexit fable is warmly funny
Daily Mail
Lewycka is a seriously talented comic writer
Time Out
Lively . . . a joy to read
The Times, on The Lubetkin Legacy
Delightful, funny, touching . . . A rare treat, all too easy to gulp down in one greedy sitting
Spectator, on A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian
Immensely appealing. All but sings with zest for life . . . could hardly be more engaging, shrewd and winningly perceptive
Sunday Times, on Two Caravans
Extremely funny, closely observed insights, scenes of farce, tragedy and horror
The Times Literary Supplement

User Reviews

Book 4.0
Narration 5.0
4.0
5.0
GeorgeK 21/10/2025

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