An engaging account of a Glasgow father's unpopular conversion to Buddhism, Buddha Da recalls the early stories of Roddy Doyle in its affectionate portrait of a normal family life running up against the ridiculous.
With a three-strand narrative that reveals the perspectives of Jimmy, his sceptical wife Liz and their 12-year-old daughter Anne Marie, it has just enough humour to make the family compelling, and some delicate touches of insight – usually from Anne Marie – that raise it above a suburban comedy. A too-neat conclusion does not spoil its gentle wit.
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks