Philandering lecturer - supposedly writing the definitive biography of his literary hero, John Donne - hits mid-life crisis. Hilarious and poignant in about equal measure but some sharp insights into the human condition added an unexpected edge.
Extract
'You realize you'll have to buy Mrs Thursby's husband a new spirit level?' Alison doesn't look up from the kitchen worktop where she has a couple of onions on the chopping board. She's holding a large Sabatier and picks up one of the onions to peel it.
'Why? There's nothing wrong with the old one.'
Thank God for beta-blockers, I tell myself. My heart scarcely skips a beat. This is the first time Alison has mentioned yesterday's incident.
'Apparently he says he doesn't fancy it after where it's been.'
