Killing Time by Alan Bennett
What happens when a care home becomes a stage for rebellion?
Alan Bennett’s Killing Time is a razor-sharp, darkly funny novella set in a superior council-run care home during the Covid lockdown. The story follows a cast of eccentric residents, such as Mr Peckover, a deluded archaeologist; Mr Cresswell, a flamboyant ex-cruise ship hairdresser; and Mrs Foss, an enterprising schemer, presided over by the formidable Mrs McBryde. Among jigsaws, dry sherry, and petty squabbles, the eccentric residents seize unexpected freedoms as routines collapse, leading to chaos, exhibitionism, and hilariously human moments. Bennett blends wit and melancholy to explore ageing, identity, and the absurdity of institutional life. At just over 100 pages, it’s brief, biting, and brilliant - perfect for fans of Bennett’s trademark humour with a sobering edge.
