Friendly Ones

The Friendly Ones is a novel by Philip Hensher that explores the lives of two families, one from the subcontinent and the other from England, and how their histories can be redeemed by knowing something about people who are not like them. It is a moving and timely novel that shows what a nation is made of and how the legacies of our history can be mastered by the decision to know something about people who are not like us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 624 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2019
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

‘The Friendly Ones’ is a novel that defies expectations and challenges preconceived notions about what makes a great book. Written by Philip Hensher, this captivating story follows two families, one from the subcontinent and the other from England, as they navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption.

The novel begins with a family barbecue on a warm Sunday afternoon in Sheffield. Nazia and Sharif, two members of the first family, are preparing for the event while their retired doctor neighbor, Doctor Spinsters, watches from his garden. However, the peaceful gathering is soon interrupted when the shadow of death casts its dark shadow over the party.

Doctor Spinsters' actions in the aftermath of Nazia and Sharifs' death bring the two families together for decades to come. His selfless acts of kindness and compassion bridge the gap between the two families, healing the wounds of betrayal and public shame that have torn them apart.

At the heart of the story is the Spinsters, a large and loosely connected family who have come to England from the subcontinent in search of education and economic opportunities. They have left behind a tumultuous past, filled with war, murder, crime, and brutal oppression. However, their new neighbors in England know nothing about their past and the struggles they have faced.

The Spinsters' secret wound is of a different kind: Leo, the eldest son, running away from Oxford University at the age of eighteen. He has been plagued by a sense of disillusionment and a longing for something more. His decision to leave university and embark on a journey of self-discovery takes him on a path that leads him to unexpected places and encounters with people who challenge his beliefs and worldview.

Through the course of the novel, Leo's journey intersects with the lives of the other characters in the Spinsters' family and their neighbors. He learns about the complexities of love, forgiveness, and redemption, and how these themes can be applied to his own life. He also discovers the power of knowledge and understanding, and how these can help bridge the gap between different cultures and communities.

The Friendly Ones is a novel that spans decades and features a large and beautifully drawn cast of characters. Each character is unique and complex, with their own set of struggles and triumphs. The novel explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

Philip Hensher's writing is masterful, with his prose flowing effortlessly and his characters coming to life on the page. The novel is also filled with moments of humor and warmth, which add to its appeal and make it a pleasure to read.

In conclusion, ‘The Friendly Ones’ is a novel that defies expectations and challenges preconceived notions about what makes a great book. Written by Philip Hensher, this captivating story follows two families, one from the subcontinent and the other from England, as they navigate the complexities of love, betrayal, and redemption. Through the course of the novel, Leo's journey intersects with the lives of the other characters in the Spinsters' family and their neighbors, and he learns about the power of knowledge and understanding. The Friendly Ones is a novel that spans decades and features a large and beautifully drawn cast of characters. Each character is unique and complex, with their own set of struggles and triumphs. The novel explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. Philip Hensher's writing is masterful, with his prose flowing effortlessly and his characters coming to life on the page. The novel is also filled with moments of humor and warmth, which add to its appeal and make it a pleasure to read.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 204 x 130 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008175658