Description

What do you most need when facing the complete disintegration of the life you have been leading? Where does the loss of your job and the betrayal of your wife lead you?

Well, in Neville's case to a small tea shop at the foot of the Malvern hills. But if he has gone there for some peace, some solitude, the chance to assess his situation and get his life back in order, then he is in for a shock. Is it madness that makes his coffee cup keep magically refilling, or the china geese on the wall try and fly away? And how could it be possible that a stale slice of Black Forest Gateau would suddenly be able to offer him Agony Aunt advice?

Guided by Samuel, an aged coach driver (in his equally aged coach!), follow Neville as his travels take him to Paris, to the Derby at Epsom, dancing on a cruise ship, into outrageous and dangerous adventures - and towards an unlikely romance that might just save his life...

'And, now I do this, ' said the gateau. 'It's my job. Sitting here, talking to guys like you. Mostly guys, anyway. I can't understand women, you know? I always try and leave the women to Maurice, he's better at it.'

'Maurice?'

'Yeah, the croissant.'