Alexander McCall Smith leads his main character Fatty O’Leary through a series of travel misadventures in his short novel – Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party. On his first trip from Fayetteville, Arkansas to Ireland, land of his roots, Fatty encounters trouble, from his tight squeeze in the airplane seat to his inadvertent purchase of a horse at an Irish auction.  Despite continuing obstacles, Fatty is determined to enjoy his vacation, while maintaining his sense of humor and kindness.

Fatty’s trials will have you laughing and commiserating with him, especially if you have recently traveled.  I just sent the book to friends who are planning their first trip to Ireland – theirs will be better than Fatty’s, I’m sure, but not as hilarious.