Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams, review: Tired targets in comedian’s latest children’s escapade

It sets out so determinedly to be amusing that it is in truth not very funny at all

Extensively translated, with past sales in the millions and regularly leading the best-selling list for children’s books, comedian turned writer David Walliams is currently doing pretty well. This present title, set in 1983, tells the story of an increasingly confused, former spitfire pilot and his ever-admiring, 12-year-old grandson Jack.

His grandfather is finally moved to a villainous care home after some domestic near-disasters. But Jack, who has no other friends, is determined to rescue him. With the old man living in the past and convinced he is escaping from Colditz the gallant two break out, followed by every other inmate. The awkward question of what then to do with grandpa is avoided by an ending that stretches even the most willing suspension of disbelief to breaking point.

Walliams has taken care with his RAF wartime history, adding a glossary at the end explaining the various famous names invoked by the old man. His use of dated flying slang is also spot on, often ridiculed after the war but now more kindly seen as one way for those involved to distance themselves from the uncertainties of their daily survival. The ancient war films that the couple enjoy on television together are again nicely evoked.

However, too often, like his literary hero Roald Dahl, Walliams goes for old and tired sitting targets. Profusely backed up by Tony Ross’s exuberant line illustrations, overweight and ugliness are mocked while self-absorbed parents and autocratic school teachers are written off. Dahl normally gets away with his excesses through the unpredictable and occasional brilliance of his language. Walliams can tell a story clearly but not memorably. And this lack of verbal devilry over 460 pages finally takes its toll. Although written with obvious good intentions and with plenty of publisher’s hype to help it along, this book that sets out so determinedly to be amusing is in truth not very funny at all.

Descriptions of bums, bed-pans, a care home that was once a former “lunatic asylum” a pupil writing ‘Gaz Woz ‘Ere’ with a black marker pen on a priceless Turner masterpiece or the vandalising of the Imperial War Museum might once in themselves have raised something of a juvenile laugh when humour in children’s books was in short supply. But things have moved on fast in the last years.

Order for £11.69 (free p&p) from the Independent Bookshop: 08430 600 030