Gill Oliver

Joe Faber and the Optimists Gill Oliver

Joe Faber is a funny guy, good with his hands, and great with words - until the stroke which leaves him severely disabled. But this is more than his story. There's Fran, Joe's wife, who draws up her manifesto and decides to act like an optimist; she hasn't planned to be a carer.

Their talented daughter Jess, who turns her trouble into music. And Jess's fiance Matt, the management trainer, innocent, positive and daft, who'll do his best to keep them all on target. Art School training made Joe a close observer of the world, but once he leaves hospital, how does the world see him? And care is erratic.

So will Fran have to give up the job she loves? Can Matt's energetic but insensitive sister be trusted to organise the wedding? There's heartbreak and absurdity along the way; but humour is the family's greatest asset in the drive to get Joe back on his own two feet. They'll hear some wonderful fiddle music, and visit some magical Shetland places. Besides being fiercely honest about a tough subject, the book is marked by a zest for life, and will surprise you right to the end.