The Full Ridiculous by Mark Lamprell

Michael O’Dell is hit by a car. When he doesn’t die, he is surprised and pleased. But he can’t seem to move from the crash position. He can’t concentrate, or control his anger and grief, or work out what to do about anything much. His wife Wendy is heroically supportive but his teenage children don’t help his post-accident angst: daughter Rosie punches out a vindictive schoolmate and all hell breaks loose; son Declan is found with a stash of illicit drugs. A strange policeman starts harrassing the family and ordinary mishaps take on a sinister desperation. To top it all off, Michael’s professional life starts to crumble.

With this funny novel about love, family and the precarious business of being a man, Mark Lamprell’s debut examines the terrible truth: sometimes you can’t pull yourself together until you’ve completely fallen apart.

Judges' comments

The Full Ridiculous, is the sensitive and heartfelt journey of a man whose life and family is in crisis. Micheal O'Dell has survived an horrific accident but from there, with the help of a deranged police officer, an influential narcissist and an adolescent drug dealer his life spirals beyond his control. Whimsical, playful and heartfelt, Mark Lamprell brings a deft touch to this quirky story of love and family.