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I absolutely loved The Hotel Avocado by Bob Mortimer — it’s one of those books that makes you laugh out loud, grin like an idiot, then unexpectedly tug at your heartstrings. From the very first page, Mortimer’s voice comes through loud and clear: dry, surreal, and oddly comforting. He’s got this rare knack for making even the strangest situations feel completely normal, and that’s exactly what makes this story so brilliant.
Gary Thorn, our returning hero from The Satsuma Complex, is back in all his awkward, endearing glory. A slightly bewildered solicitor from Peckham, Gary finds himself torn between the safety of his familiar routines and the chaos that comes with following his girlfriend Emily to Brighton, where she’s opening the bizarrely named Hotel Avocado. It’s a setup that could have gone anywhere — and, being Mortimer, it goes absolutely everywhere. There’s a mix of romantic uncertainty, daft misunderstandings, and even a hint of crime-thriller intrigue involving a shady character called Mr Sequence. But it never loses its charm or warmth; the danger is real enough to keep things interesting but never overshadows the humour.
The cast of characters is pure joy. Grace, Gary’s nosy but loveable neighbour (and her dog Lassoo), is the kind of character who could easily have her own spin-off. Emily is strong-willed and believable, far more than a token romantic interest, and the supporting characters who drift in and out of Gary’s life are exactly the sort of eccentrics you’d expect from Mortimer’s world — absurd yet somehow grounded. You never quite know what’s coming next, which is part of the fun.
What makes it work so well is the tone. Mortimer manages to balance total absurdity with moments of real tenderness. Beneath the silliness, there’s something quite touching about Gary’s uncertainty — the quiet panic of wondering if he’s doing the right thing, if he’s worthy of love, if he’s just bumbling through life without a clue. It’s funny, yes, but it’s also incredibly human. You can tell Mortimer cares about these characters, and that gives the story an emotional depth you might not expect from such a whimsical premise.
If you enjoyed The Satsuma Complex, this feels like a perfect follow-up: familiar enough to feel like home but fresh enough to stand on its own. You don’t have to read the first book to understand what’s going on, but if you did, you’ll catch a few subtle nods and callbacks that make it even more satisfying.
Sure, the plot meanders at times — it wanders down side streets and gets distracted by odd little moments — but honestly, that’s part of its charm. Life meanders, and so does Gary. It’s less about where he’s going and more about the strange, funny journey he takes to get there. I found myself laughing, shaking my head, and occasionally going “aww” all within the same page.
All in all, The Hotel Avocado is a five-star read for me. It’s warm, weird, and unmistakably Bob Mortimer. You’ll come for the humour, stay for the heart, and close the book feeling oddly comforted — like you’ve just spent time with an old friend who can’t tell a straightforward story to save his life but somehow always makes you feel better about your own. If you’re after something funny, kind-hearted, and a bit surreal, this one’s an absolute treat.
Gareth Ellis - Author 