KILLING TIME

‘Killing Time’ is a short and reflective novella set in a residential home during the pandemic. Written by the acclaimed writer and dramatist Alan Bennett, now 90 years old, this novella is a wry and satirical story about the twilight years of life, finding humour and pitch-perfect observations that only Bennett can pull off. Published in 2024, ‘Killing Time’ is still only available in hardback, however the audiobook narrated by Alan Bennett makes this a wonderful literary treat and Wild Card choice.

The story focuses on a group of residents who live in an upmarket residential home, Hill Topp House. Bennett invites the reader into the home and the lives of its residents - a coterie of individuals who are each characterised by their own idiosyncrasies and behaviours that magnify their personalities for us the outsider - presenting a chaotic and poignant story. Presided over by Mrs McBryde who scrupulously manages the residents and those who wish to secure a place in the home.

“We have a choir and on special occasions a glass of sherry. It’s less of a home and more of a club and very much a community”.

For Bennett fans who enjoyed ‘Talking Heads’ and the story, Waiting for the Telegram, this story features an unforgettable cast of misfits including Phyllis the knitter, Miss Rathbone and her lifelong secret, Mr Cresswell, a former cruise hairdresser and a visiting window cleaner, Gus, who serves the home in unexpected ways.

“You can have sex if you’re in a bubble.” “Where do you get them?"

Covid is the cause of fatalities but also the source of dark comic confusion. As staff are hospitalised protocol breaks down and the surviving residents seize their moment!

Described as a mini masterpiece this makes a great +1 novella for bookclubbers. Other Alan Bennett favourites in the Den include 'The Uncommon Reader' and 'Talking Heads'.