Don’t Let The Old Man In #thetravellinggrandad

Atticus Arnott’s Great Adventure by Caroline James is a charming contemporary novel that I absolutely adored.

This is a fun, light-hearted read showing that life is for living whatever your age. The lead character, Atticus Arnot, is seventy and is told “You’re never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

For five years, Atticus Arnott’s life has been on hold following the sudden death of his wife, Clara. An unexpected discovery of Winnie the VW camper van in his barn, awakens the adventurer in him. Encouraged and helped by his friend and his grandson, Atticus Arnott decides to live the dream he and his wife had, and he sets off for Spain with only his dog, Ness, for company, in Winnie the camper van. Along the way, he meets a variety of people, all of whom, welcome him with open arms. A closed life becomes a very open life.

New to social media, Atticus Arnott believes he is posting his photos on Instagram and only his friend and grandson can see them. Unknown to him, #thetravellinggrandad soon has a huge following. “You’re showing the world that age isn’t important when it comes to following a dream.” Whilst we are still breathing, we need to grab life with both hands.

In contrast to Atticus Arnott, his daughter is going through a rough period, with a crumbling marriage, due to a wandering husband. Mary shows herself to be a resilient character and an excellent mum to their four children.

Mary supports her father’s dream, whereas her brother Mungo is against it. Mungo wants to limit his father. In contrast to Mary who wants to give her father wings to fly.

There is the feeling of guilt from Atticus Arnott. “Guilty that I can feel happy again when Clara had her happiness cut short.” Clara always told him, “don’t let the old man in.” Atticus Arnott ‘hears’ the approval of his new life from Clara.

Caroline James shows the reader the vibrancy of Spain – both the countryside, villages and the people.

The whole novel is light and fun-filled, despite some serious themes. This is a novel that will leave you smiling, having entertained you from the start.

I will leave you with a powerful quote:

“True beauty didn’t lie in the perfection of youth but in the depth of character that came with age.”

I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON