Daunt Books Originals Dad Had a Bad Day - Darkly Comic Spiral | Paperback | 260 Pages

Engaging Introduction: Dive into the exhilarating, disturbing, and darkly comic spiral of a sad dad’s increasingly unhinged obsession with tennis in "Dad Had a Bad Day." This novel explores the unraveling of a man's life through the unexpected lens of competitive sport. About the Book: Since losing his job, Ned's life revolves around looking after his young son while his wife works. A rediscovered tennis racquet unearths a part of his former self, leading him to rejoin his old tennis club without his wife's knowledge. As he immerses himself in the world of domesticity-free competition, becoming captain of a local men’s team and reconnecting with his former partner, Roland, his life takes a precarious turn. When Roland disappears, Ned's search jeopardizes his path to glory, his family relationships, and his sanity. Key Themes:

• A meditation on fathers and sons
• Exploration of male friendship
• The all-consuming thrill of competing and winning

Reader Reactions: Readers have described the book as "Unhinged in the best possible way," "Horrifying and fascinating," and a "searing portrait of a man on fire." It's praised for blending literary depth with dark humor, offering a poignant and quietly heartbreaking narrative. Specifications:

• Author: Politanoff, Ashton
• Publisher: Daunt Originals
• Publication Date: July 2, 2026
• Edition: 1st
• Language: English
• Print Length: 260 pages
• Binding: Paperback
• Dimensions: 12.9 x 1.5 x 19.8 cm
• Weight: 270 g
• ISBN-10: 1917092881
• ISBN-13: 978-1917092883
• EAN: 9781917092883
• Release Date: 2 Jul 2026

Summary: "Dad Had a Bad Day" is a wincingly funny, addictive, and ultimately poignant novel that offers a unique look at obsession, identity, and the complexities of modern family life.