Here's what I wrote in 2013 about this read: "2nd in "Old Filth" Trilogy but was just fine to read first. (Wife) Betty's story. ( )

One of my favorite authors has written another book on Old Filth (Failed in London, Try Hong Kong), this tale from the viewpoint of his wife, Betty, a poignant portrayal of their lives together and apart. As the New Statesman says of Gardam "she explores the corrosive loneliness of being alive and the courage it takes to continue." But there is humor and compassion and lovely writing. ( )

A great follow on from Old Filth. Full of wit and surprises. Enthralling. ( )

Betty Can Jump
In this co-quel (is that a word?) to Old Filth we see the marriage of Edward and Elizabeth largely through the eyes of Elizabeth (Betty).

I read "Old Filth" first and am not sure how I would have viewed Betty had I first met here here in "Man in the Wooden Hat". Certainly she's admirable here. Coldly lovable.

I recommend this novel but feel that "Old Filth" is the better novel. There is a little too much undeserved sentimentality in Wooden Hat. The relationship between Betty and Terry Veneering is a bit understand. But perhaps, like Sir Edward, I'm just a little too old for it all.... ( )

I have held off on reviewing this second book in the trilogy until I had finished the third, so as to have a clear view of where it sits in terms of quality and my general level of satisfaction with the narrative. While still an exceptional read - the quality of the authorship guarantees that - this falls shy of Old Filth's knockout punch, the clear masterpiece in the series with an elegant tightness belying the complexity of the Sir Edward Feathers' redemptive arc, and the satisfaction of the well-seasoned stew of related characters by which Last Friends brings an end to Gardam's fictional cycle.

I suspect at base my dissatisfaction stems from the character of Betty Feathers, née Macintosh. While both Betty and Edward have secrets in their past, Betty lacks the will and/or the opportunity to reconcile with hers. Old Filth saw Edward Feathers respond to sudden and shocking loss with a somewhat mad road-trip, taking him from disintegration of character to reintegration and reconciliation with his "self" and his past. Betty's similar loss leads to introspection and not a lot else. Is this a reversal of Old Filth's path? He begins fractured and ends mended while Betty begins whole and loses impetus/will/individuality? Perhaps.

The big shock for me was realising that Teddy's belief that he and his wife were a near perfect union - a pair who completed and enriched each other's lives - was delusional. There, I think, lies the true tragedy. Betty loves Edward, or so it would seem as she says this to herself on numerous occasions, but her passion lies elsewhere. The kicker for me is her refusal to let Edward talk to her about his past: she made a choice to not talk about hers, but he needed to talk, wanted to talk, tried to talk and she refused point-blank to hear. I find that unforgivable.

I would not hesitate to recommend The Man in the Wooden Hat as part of an excellent trilogy and, in the course of writing this review, have raised my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. Well may my feelings towards Betty be the antithesis of the affection engendered towards Old Filth, but the ability to evoke such a strong emotional response is testament to brilliant writing. ( )