UNCLE PAUL - Welcome to the Nightmare Summer Holiday

This is a pacy psychological drama by the popular English novelist Celia Fremlin whose writing career spanned four decades in the twentieth century. Written in the late ‘50s and re-published in 2023 by Faber, ‘Uncle Paul’ is a midsummer suspense mystery and a fascinating portrayal of the English family coastal holiday that perhaps our parents or grandparents might have experienced predating affordable air travel. With the return of ‘whodunnits’ thanks to Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, this makes an entertaining read for book lovers this summer.

‘Uncle Paul’ tells the story of three sisters. Mildred is the elder half sister (older by nearly 20 years) whose brief marriage to Uncle Paul ends when he is arrested for attempted murder of his first wife. The novel begins some fifteen years later with a short but anxious telegram to Meg (the youngest sibling) from Isabel who is the sensible but highly strung middle sister.

“Mildred needs help, please come.
Isabel”.

The reader initially follows the story from Meg's perspective. Meg is living in London and dating the witty, charming and confident Freddy and although she feels inconvenienced by the request she is happy to make plans to join her sister, Isabel at the coastal resort to resolve Isabel's concerns. With Mildred returning to the same cottage that she originally shared with first husband Paul, the days that follow are fraught with worry, especially as all three sisters realise Uncle Paul is expected to be released and in their minds perhaps return to avenge them, seeking out all those who betrayed him.

The book is an interesting study of family dynamics during this period, the role of women and the impact that the recent war had on relationships and family life. There are plenty of skeletons in Meg’s family and whilst the narrative feels dated - akin to a post war fly-on-the-wall documentary, the Den were struck by the paranoia and hysteria that infected the sisters, over and above what Fremlin was using for dramatic effect. Reading ‘Uncle Paul’ reminds us how access to phones, TV and all comms has improved our lives and our experiences. And whilst it is very unlikely we will ever leave our devices at home (we may claim we want to), it is good to escape and reimagine this storyline and appreciate a 'nightmare summer holiday’.