NO GOOD DEED

by John Niven

(Heinemann £16.99) WHEN successful food writer Alan Grainger encounters a homeless man who turns out to be his best friend from school 25 years ago, he finds it impossible to pass by on the other side. He takes Craig home for a shower, a night’s sleep in a bed and some clean clothes. But then what?

Feeling guilty about the contrast to his own life — nice wife and kids, well-paid job, big house — Alan invites him to stay until he can get back on his feet.

The trouble is that Craig is more than grateful, he’s envious, too, and would quite like to have more than just handouts — namely Alan’s life.

What follows, as Alan’s perfect existence begins to disintegrate faster than a cardboard box in the rain, is a funny and painful examination of the kind of male friendship where camaraderie marches step by step with festering rivalry.

It’s not especially profound, but it’s a very entertaining read.