The Restoration Of Otto Laird - Waterstones Book Club

This week I’ve been reading The Restoration of Otto Laird for the Waterstones Book Club. Written by Nigel Packer it tells of story of a peaceful elderly retired architect who living in Switzerland with his 2^nd wife who hears that’s his most revolutionary and significant building a 1960’s council tower block called Marlowe House is about to be destroyed.

He becomes determined to do everything his can to save the building and somewhat reluctantly agrees to take part in a documentary. For the 1^st time in 25 years he returns to London to live for a week in Marlowe House. As Otto becomes reacquainted with the city his memories come alive. We follow him through flashbacks as he embarks on a journey as he considers his future and past and most importantly himself and his building.

I can remember hearing passages of it on the radio last year and being intrigued. But when the book came I have to admit the first couple of chapters did not grab me and I picked it up and put down numerous times. Work with it though as it’s definitely worth that first struggle and for me personally becomes more interesting as it progresses. Well written it is thought provoking and while not funny as it states in the blurb of the book is an enjoyable read. It is sentimental and well put together but it doesn't challenge the mind. Again while not gripping it is thought compelling and gently draws you along the story. It does still manage to offer surprises and a reflection of his views about his first wife and their son.

Otto thankfully isn’t a perfect character as many authors try to make their main personality and his flaws are perhaps what endear us to him. He is high believable and I can well imagine the choices he made previously in his life. He is complex enough for us to accept as true.

I think that like many others the blurb on the back of the book is a little misleading and perhaps loses a large portion of it’s should be fan base with it. For fans of Harold’s Fry Pilgrimage & The One Hundred Year Old Man it most definitely worth buying a copy.

Disclosure: I was sent a copy of this book for review and participation in the Waterstones book club. All thoughts are entirely my own.