Only Dad Paperback – 6 Sept. 2004

Excellent read from start to finish, heart warming, funny, sad and hooks you in right to the end. Brilliant !

If you want a well written, interesting story ... look no further! Alan Titchmarsh manages to write books that I love. The characters do not irritate me, the stories are not overly sentimental - regardless of the sad topic, the writing is supurb ... nothing for me to complain about; lots to relish. Sit back and enjoy!

Have the hard copy of this, but fancied re reading it. I have read all of Alan Titchmarsh's novels, enjoyed all, maybe favourite is 'Last Lighthouse Keeper' Also read many of his other books. Enjoyed all and his television presentations

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book from beginning to its too soon ending. At least there was 'wrap-up' bit to round it off. The attention to detail was terrific. OK so he knows about plants, but what people (especially ladies) wore was amazing. I suspect there was a little help sought there.The plot took a while to take shape and was uncomplicated and fairly predictable with one or two diversionary tactics, but we knew where we were heading.A great read

This was a "nice" story and ideal for when you want to take time out with some light, unchallenging reading. The emphasis was on relationships, starting with the portrayal of a rather perfect family situation that was suddenly disrupted by the unexpected and untimely death of Pippa; wife, friend and mother. I think we have a genuine attempt here to explore the aftermath of a sudden death on those closely involved with the deceased and with each other. Success in this was, however, only partial. The relationships and many of the interactions of the characters - both before and after the bereavement - were, for me, a little too pat and perfect and this detracted somewhat from the realism. There was little of the true grittiness common to everyday life - even Pippa's death and funeral were potrayed rather blandly - and this conveyed an unfortunate sense of superficiality throughout. I wasn't made to feel strong empathy with any of the characters. Having said that, while I was left at the end of the story feeling less than completely satisfied by the overall experience of my reading, I enjoyed it enough to get to the end without any problem. Will I be rushing to read another novel by this author? Probably not.

I think I've read it before but enjoyed the story line.One chapter had a number of typos which must have been missed.Otherwise true Titmarsh story lines, describing plants etc.A bit twee but I overall enjoyed it. but enjoyed it.

A lovely book about a family holiday which goes horribly wrong. Easy reading from start to finish keeping the reader wanting to turn to the next page. A very good story with interesting characters - would rcommend.

Great story

I bought this book because the author is so engaging on the television and his comments are often close to poetry. I did not expect to have the story sneak up on me so that when the crisis came, I burst into tears and had to put the book down for a while. More importantly, as Tom Drummond and his daughter, Tally, work through their grief and rebuild their lives, I was lifted out of my surrogate grief and could really enjoy how their lives became rebuilt. If you like ordinary people conquering extraordinary challenges by means of ordinary steadfastness and decency, you will enjoy Only Dad. It is enjoyable to be surprised with literary power from a book you only expected to provide a pleasant diversion. Some may think this book lacks drama and action, but the drama of the heart and the actions of love drive this masterful character study.

As described