I am a huge fan of Sandi Toksvig, as you’ll discover from my book review of her memoir, Between the Stops. Therefore, it was a relief that Friends of Dorothy met and probably exceeded my expectations, proving to be just as good, if not better, than I had hoped.

Friends of Dorothy is a quick and easy read that manages to be delightfully whimsical while delving into deeper societal themes. The book is cleverly plotted, weaving together an ensemble of characters that feels vibrant and alive. There are a lot of characters, and to do this well is no mean feat. I’d say it straddles the line between a Sue Townsend-style narrative and the heartwarming charm of Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove.

Set in a somewhat run-down neighbourhood, the story revolves around married couple Stevie, a police officer, and Amber, a paramedic, who decide to invest in their future by buying a house in which to create a home together. Their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover that the previous tenant, a feisty 79-year-old woman named Dorothy, has no intention of moving out. What unfolds next is a tour de force of laughter, tears, and a sense of community that’s hard to resist.

Dorothy herself is a fascinating character, with a backstory that ties all the other characters together in unexpected ways. While the premise might sound utterly unbelievable, the author has such a charming way of writing that you find yourself fully immersed in this quirky world. As the plot progresses, we see Jack, Stevie’s best friend, struggling with his own identity. He plays a significant role in the story—not only as the main supplier of “weed cookies” to the elderly neighbours, but also as Stevie’s close confidant. The bond between these characters makes you genuinely care about what happens to them.

While the book is tightly plotted, with lots of delightful little nuanced effects, how cute that the dog was called Wilhelmenia (if you read it, that will make sense). I did spot one minor inconsistency that made me wonder if I had missed something. There’s a moment when Dorothy asks Birdie if she knows that Jack, Birdie’s grandson, is gay. For the narrative to flow smoothly, it seems like Birdie would have already been aware of this; otherwise, she would question his estrangement from his mother. I mention this little quibble not to undermine the story but simply to share my thoughts; perhaps I’ve got muddled (quite likely), or maybe others have caught it too. Regardless, this tiny hiccup doesn’t matter.

Another interesting point is the book’s opening: I wondered if it had a playful nod to the first paragraph of the Harry Potter series. It seems to parody the idea that things are never quite what they seem behind closed doors—a concept we all grapple with in various forms. Whether this was intentional or just my imagination running wild, it doesn’t matter much; what’s essential is the tone it sets for the rest of the story.

Despite its whimsical surface, Friends of Dorothy doesn’t shy away from serious themes. It explores racism and homophobia, both in overt forms and more subtle manifestations that many of us can relate to. It tackles important issues in such a way that I think it presents a gritty yet tender portrayal of human interactions, all couched in humour. The author’s positivity shines through the narrative, reinforcing the idea that society can work together, regardless of our differences. By the way, is it so bad to send digital birthday cards?!

From the regenerated gardens behind the pub to the enchanting idea of money raining down, the book has a sprinkling of magic, and Dorothy herself is at times reminiscent of a modern-day Mary Poppins. She is the kind of character you can’t help but adore, with her mix of meddling and heartwarming wisdom. The title Friends of Dorothy feels incredibly apt, inviting readers to become part of this quirky family.

Ultimately, I found this book hard to put down, and it’s one of those delightful reads that you could easily finish in one sitting. It’s a great feel-good page-turner, perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world that’s both humorous and poignant. Whether you’re in the mood for light-hearted whimsy or a deeper exploration of community and acceptance, Friends of Dorothy delivers on all fronts. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story that will leave them smiling.