Small Bomb At Dimperley

Lissa Evans author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Transworld Publishers Ltd

Published:5th Sep '24

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Small Bomb At Dimperley cover

"Small Bomb at Dimperley" is a charming historical novel set in the aftermath of World War II, exploring themes of change, responsibility, and the complexities of home. The story follows 23-year-old Corporal Valentine Vere-Thissett as he returns to Dimperley, an ancient estate steeped in history but now in disrepair and burdened by debt. With the recent death of his older brother, Valentine unexpectedly inherits the title of Sir and the weighty responsibility of managing the estate, which he views as a millstone around his neck.

In contrast, Zena Baxter, who has been evacuated to Dimperley with her young daughter, sees the estate as a place of wonder. Having never truly had a home of her own, she finds solace in the crumbling grandeur of Dimperley. However, Zena harbors a secret that complicates her feelings about the estate and her future. As the war comes to an end, both she and Valentine must confront their pasts and the realities of their lives, leading to moments of humor, heartache, and unexpected connection.

The novel weaves together elements of romance and poignant reflection on a time of significant change. Lissa Evans crafts a narrative that is both funny and deeply affecting, making "Small Bomb at Dimperley" a touching exploration of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. With its rich characters and sharp observations, this book is likely to resonate with readers who appreciate stories that balance humor with deeper emotional truths.

An irresistible novel which combines a crumbling once-grand house, bumbling aristos clinging to the pre-war past, and the magnificent Zena Baxter, one of my all-time favourite heroines. This is Lissa Evans at the peak of her mighty powers -- India Knight
Funny poignant, perfect period detail…it’s as if Barbara Pym and Evelyn Waugh had a secret love-child…Heaven! -- Daisy Goodwin
A glorious read. I laughed many times rejoicing in the wit, cleverness and humanity -- Elizabeth Buchan
This is better than Wodehouse, in my humble opinion, because it's believable as well as funny … Lissa Evans is a great comic writer and her portrait of an aristocratic family trying to cling to its privileges in the unforgiving aftermath of WW2 is all the funnier for being generous, touching and romantic rather than mean -- Clare Chambers
I loved this. Brilliantly funny, moving and joyous. Also, there’s a perfect moment – when one character moves from liking someone to love -- Catherine Johnson
Loaded with period detail, primed with characters you feel you’ve known for years, Small Bomb at Dimperley explodes comically, lovingly and very slightly wistfully into absolute delight. My best book (by a country mile) this year -- Hilary McKay
Deeply enjoyable, lovable and poignant. I love Lissa Evans’ writing. Her characters are created with such affection and care it makes you wish you could step into the story and become one of them -- Miranda France
I loved Small Bomb at Dimperley. From the first page I knew I wanted to spend time in this world, and when the time came, I didn’t want to leave it. The blend of funny and moving is notoriously elusive, but Lissa Evans finds the sweet spot with apparent effortlessness. Sharp, witty and warm. Press it on friends -- Lev Parikian
I loved Small Bomb at Dimperley so much, I found myself reading slower & slower because I didn’t want it to end. Brilliantly funny, with a sharply observed cast of eccentric but utterly believable characters, it’s a masterclass in understated British fiction -- Frances Quinn
One of our finest writers of literary entertainment * Spectator *

ISBN: 9780857528292

Dimensions: 224mm x 146mm x 28mm

Weight: 420g

320 pages