Mr Pim

George Marden is a good man who is shocked to learn that Mr. Pim has seen an ex-convict who looks like his wife's first husband, who is supposedly dead.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Duckworth Books

George is a fine upstanding citizen and a stickler for doing the right thing. He has a devoted wife, Olivia, and is guardian to his somewhat flighty niece, Dinah. But his careful peace is broken when Mr. Pim casually announces that he has recently seen an ex-convict from Australia, Telworthy. The only thing is that the character sounds awfully like Olivia's first, and supposedly deceased, husband… and if he's really still alive, then Olivia is a bigamist.

George is a man of integrity and a staunch advocate for moral correctness. He is married to Olivia, a loving and supportive partner, and he takes great care of his niece, Dinah, who can be a bit unpredictable. However, his serene existence is shattered when Mr. Pim drops by unannounced and shares some innocuous news. Mr. Pim informs George that he has encountered an ex-convict from Australia named Telworthy. What makes this news particularly unsettling is that Telworthy bears a striking resemblance to Olivia's first husband, who was believed to have passed away years ago. If Telworthy is indeed alive, it means that Olivia has been living a double life, committing bigamy.

George is left in a state of confusion and disbelief. He struggles to comprehend how Olivia could have kept this secret from him for so long. He questions her about her relationship with Telworthy and demands answers. Olivia, at first, denies any knowledge of Telworthy's existence. However, as George presses her for more information, she confesses that she had been in a relationship with him after her first husband's death. She claims that Telworthy had been a good man and that she had fallen in love with him again.

George is torn between his love for Olivia and his moral convictions. He knows that bigamy is a crime, and he cannot condone her actions. However, he also understands the complexity of her situation and the pain she must have gone through after losing her first husband. He decides to confront Olivia with the truth and give her the opportunity to explain herself.

Olivia is initially defensive and angry. She accuses George of not understanding the depth of her love for Telworthy and of being judgmental. However, as she continues to talk, she begins to reveal more about her past and the reasons behind her actions. She explains that she was deeply in love with her first husband and that his death had left her devastated. She felt lost and alone, and Telworthy had been a source of comfort and support for her.

George listens empathetically to Olivia's story but still believes that bigamy is wrong. He tells her that he cannot be a part of her life if she continues to be with Telworthy. Olivia is heartbroken but understands George's decision. She promises to end her relationship with Telworthy and to work on rebuilding her relationship with George.

Over the next few months, Olivia works tirelessly to prove her sincerity and rebuild her relationship with George. She attends therapy and works on overcoming her past trauma. She also spends more time with Dinah, who has grown to love her aunt and wants to help her rebuild her life.

George and Olivia's relationship is slowly but surely healing. They learn to forgive each other for their past mistakes and to move forward together. They realize that their love for each other is stronger than any obstacle they may face.

In the end, George and Olivia's story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, love and forgiveness can conquer all. It is a testament to the power of communication, understanding, and the human spirit's resilience.

Weight: 202g
Dimension: 197 x 129 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788424516