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The simple things

Bill Condon - Author

A reluctant visit turns into a growing friendship between Stephen and his great-aunt. Fishing, cricket and climbing trees shape the stay, alongside a secret Lola entrusts to him.

More about this book

Stephen has never met his great aunt Lola, and he doesn't want to. She sends him money twice a year and he always writes back, but Lola is almost eighty - what will they have to talk about? When they arrive at her house, Stephen discovers she's grumpy, scary and really, really old. He wants to turn around and go home, but his mum says they have to stay until Lola's birthday - three weeks away. Left to his own devices, Stephen learns about the simple things in life - like fishing, and cricket, and climbing trees - and the importance of family. Soon Lola entrusts Stephen with a great secret, and he realises that Lola has become more important to him than just an aunt who sends him money - she's now a friend.

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Book Analysis

At a Glance

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Family· AffirmedFriendship· AffirmedPerception· Affirmed

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Emotional intensity

Personalised Fit

Beyond the Cover

familyfriendshipperception

FictionIllustrated book

Themes in Context

Family and friendship

Stephen begins the visit unwillingly, but comes to regard Lola as a friend and learns about the importance of family.

How the book presents it: The story presents a growing family connection as meaningful, alongside the possibility of friendship across generations.

Talk about: How does Stephen's understanding of Lola change during their time together?

Why It May Be Worth Reading

The story centres on family ties and finding pleasure in ordinary activities. Its focus on an unexpected friendship may suit readers who enjoy relationships changing over time.

What Deserves Attention

Stephen initially finds Lola grumpy and scary, and does not want to stay. Consider whether a character's wary first impression of an older relative is likely to prompt questions for your reader.

A Conversation Worth Having

What changes Stephen's view of Lola, and what might make a friendship grow between people who have not met before?

Reading Approach

Read in manageable chapter-sized stretches, then pause to notice how Stephen's attitude develops. You could also invite your reader to pick one everyday activity from the story to talk about.

Confidence & Basis

Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.

What remains unconfirmed

Family and friendship: The precise nature of Lola's secret and how it affects the relationship are not established.

The Simple Things - Bill Condon - Google Books

Limited information

Checked: 1 October 2026.

Relevant to: Family and friendship

The simple things by Bill Condon | Open Library