> Skip to content

Article  •  17 August 2016

 

Dadland review

“…a beautifully written book that will leave you desperately sad, occasionally laughing but at all times connected to the story…”

Ian Smedley is father to Ben (32) and Emma (26), proud grandfather to Mal and Zac, and pseudo parent to many! He is attempting to retire but can’t keep still for long enough. Ian’s house is his family’s library. He has a huge passion for reading, enjoys a wide variety of genres, and is always on the hunt for the next big thing!

Click here to meet the rest of our Penguin Dad Panel and find the perfect book for your dad, as reviewed by ours!

 

Book review - Dadland by Keggie Carew

Initially, I wasn't sure whether this book was fact or fiction. It tells the story of Tom Carew, a member of an elite force called the Jedburghs, who parachuted behind occupied enemy lines in both France and Burma in the Second World War. This wonderful book tells of his exploits but also shares with the reader the poignant descent of Tom into dementia as he ages. The historical perspective features Tom as the main character, but it is told from the point of view of Tom’s daughter, Keggie, the author.

The narrative moves seamlessly between historical fact and family memoir. The book is a complex read combining two genres. Despite the challenges of a daughter reflecting on a father's life, the author avoids sentimentality. The mix of genres within a single title was surprisingly satisfying. A truly human story.

The swapping between Tom's exploits as an operative behind enemy lines and a reflection on past and present day realities, could easily become clumsy, but doesn’t. The more one reads the more comfortable one becomes with this style and approach. Each element gives context to the other.

A difficult book to classify, Dadland is neither gender nor age specific and will resonate with a wide audience. It will particularly appeal to readers of war histories, biographies and family memoirs.

The Jedburgh’s role in the Second World War is relatively unknown and not widely recognised . I enjoyed experiencing the journey alongside the author, and this book led me to undertake further reading on the subject.

Tom is a real life, 'boys own' character facing the realities of his increasing dementia - those familiar with the curse of dementia will identify with the characters.

This is a beautifully written book that will leave you desperately sad, occasionally laughing but at all times connected to the story, and in particular the author, as she attempts to really know her father.

Click here to see more Penguin Dad Panel reviews.

 

More books like this for your Dad:

 

Feature Title

Dadland
A daughter’s journey into her father’s past – a story of war and grief, jealousy and madness, mischief and fierce love
Read more

More features

See all
Article
Books to keep older kids busy this Easter

Easter is just around the corner, and more and more parents are opting to gift books instead of chocolate.

Article
How well do you know Formula 1?

Author and motorsport journalist Andrew van Leeuwen shares some surprising facts (and fictions) about the sport.

Article
What we'll be reading on the long weekend . . .

A long weekend means bonus reading time! Here's what the PRH team recommend picking up this easter break.

Article
Win a trip for two to Waiheke Island

Win big with the brand-new novel from the International No 1 Bestselling phenomenon and author Marian Keyes

Article
Real Readers Review: The Space Between

Find out what readers really think of Lauren Keenan's historical fiction debut The Space Between

Article
Where to start with: Māori Made Easy

Keen to start your language learning journey but don't know where to begin? Scotty Morrison's bestselling series is the resource you need!

Article
Look inside Blank Spaces

Sneak a peek into the unofficial Taylor Swift fan journal.

Article
Our Favourite Literary Relationships

From trad-romance to machine love, here's a rundown of some of our favourite romances, relationships and couplings in literature.

Article
Real Readers Review: The Book of Doors

What do fans really think of The Book of Doors?

Article
Ali Abdaal’s best tips for goal-setting in 2024

We caught up with productivity expert Ali Abdaal to get his best advice for smashing our 2024 goals, overcoming challenges and enjoying each step of the process.

Article
What you should read in February and why

Thrills, romance, fantasy and a novel collaboratively written by a collection of literary legends; check out our top reads for February!

Article
A series guide to Orphan X

Evan Smoak is a man with skills, resources, and a personal mission to help those with nowhere else to turn. He’s also a man with a dangerous past. If you're searching for your next thriller obsession, and you haven't checked out the Orphan X series, read on!

Looking for more articles?

See all articles