Double Fudge

Blume has been writing for a very long time: indeed, the inspiration for the central character of Fudge, which once came from her son, is now supplied by her grandson. Yet this brand new adventure for the Hatchers is as fresh and as modern as anything you’re likely to read. Where Blume’s 30 years of experience does show is in her extraordinary skill as a comic writer.

As usual, Fudge is causing chaos in this story and to add to the general mayhem the Hatchers are reunited with their long lost cousins – a family of five, including 12-year-old home-schooled girl twins, the Natural Beauties – who end up staying with them in their cramped New York apartment for a week.

There are moments of superb situation comedy in the book but most of the humour comes from the intelligent characterisation and from the dialogue. At the same time the novel is packed with insights into family relationships.