The Wonderful Demise Of Benjamin Arnold Guppy - Gina Collia-Suzuki
The Wonderful Demise Of Benjamin Arnold Guppy
Gina Collia-Suzuki
ISBN: 9780955979613
Nezu Press
Reviewed By Linda Waterson
Official Apex Reviews Rating:
Roy
and Alex couldn’t be happier: they’ve just moved into a new seaside
flat, and they’re excited about launching the newest phase of their
lives together. Upon their arrival at their new home, they’re instantly
greeted by their new neighbors, the inquisitive Ben and Pat Guppy, an
apparently affable elderly couple who’ve appointed themselves as the de
facto welcoming committee for all new residents of the neighborhood.
Roy and Alex soon discover, though, that Ben and Pat’s
motives are considerably less than friendly; in fact, the duo has
actually descended upon the new residents to impress upon them the
“laws of the land,” specifically all the things that Roy and Alex will
and will not be allowed to do – not to mention how and when they’ll be
permitted to do them. After this inauspicious introduction, minor
conflicts that ensue over the following months and years eventually
explode into all-out warfare, and Roy and Alex find themselves in an
ongoing bloodless battle with the Guppy’s for the mere right to enjoy
peace of mind in their own home.
The war eventually becomes too much for Alex to endure, and,
when thoughts of the ultimate demise of her less-than-neighborly
neighbor begin to flood her mind, it no longer becomes a question of
“if” – only “when”…
Shocking, eye-opening – and surprisingly hilarious – The Wonderful Demise Of Benjamin Arnold Guppy
is quite the entertaining read. Nearly everyone has had one experience
or another with rude, selfish, or downright obnoxious neighbors, but
Gina Collia-Suzuki’s tale encapsulates them all, showing the reader
just how miserable life can be when confronted with the sum total of
neighborly trauma. Ben Guppy alone is more than even the strongest
among us can handle, but having to deal with his equal at the same time
soon proves unbearable for Roy and Alex; as such, one can certainly
identify with their desire to rid themselves of their overbearing
nuisance once and for all – despite how horrendous the prospect of
murder in general may be.
Though they may be taken aback by just how crazy the Guppy’s
antics become, readers are sure to take comfort in learning that, no
matter how unbelievable their living situations may be, things could
always be considerably worse.