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Bestseller
by Alessando Gallenzi
This black comedy, about the travails of publishing as seen by a serially-unpublished young wannabe bestselling author and a respected old publisher of translated works beleaguered by the financial world he is now forced to work in, could have been really hilarious – if say David Lodge or Tom Sharpe had written it.
Instead, it is rather average. The characters, with the exception of gentleman publisher Charles and his PA, are absolutely ghastly. All the stereotypes you could think of are there, and their worst sides all come out in the bidding war for a fictional call-girl’s memoirs. It’s not bad, it’s got a few laughs, and Scott Pack and the Friday Project even get a mention! However it’s lacking bite. It’s a book that’s not quite made its mind up whether it’s to be an out and out tragedy or satire, and has settled intead for being a comedy-drama – very ITV!
The author is an insider – being a publisher himself, (of ’neglected and translated classics’ at Hesperus), and although it’s a depressing view of his own industry, it’s still a bit cosy. Indeed this book is published on another imprint that he founded – does that make it self-published? (teehee!). Industry insiders will doubtless enjoy it and get all the in jokes that went over my head.
Ultimately it’s backward looking rather than anticipating the next publishing sensation – which would have been much more fun. But will it be a bestseller – sadly probably not. (6/10, book chosen from a list supplied by the Amazon Vine programme)
*****
Thinking of comic novels and Tom Sharpe – I think it could be time for a re-read of Porterhouse Blue
Can you recommend any great comic novels that I should read?
I cant remember having read too many comic books, I think its really hard for authors to get right. Are you experienced by William Sutcliffe made me laugh but thats a book making fun of the whole ‘gap year in India’ something which I could relate to.The lastest Adrian Mole was also very funny and the next NTTBG one looks like it could be quite funny.
My mum is a huge fan of Tom Sharpe, Wilt in particular.
I think I did read the W.Sutcliffe novel – but I didn’t relate to it … I’ve not kept up to date with Adrian Mole, although I loved the first few that I have read. You should try Tom Sharpe … I haven’t read them for years but devoured them all once discovered (age showing up again!).
I’m currently reading this and wondering whether to abandon it. I agree entirely with your comments. The stereotypes and the distance from a tender, engaging reality are making it hard for me to find any enjoyment in it. If only David Lodge had written it!
I really enjoyed Their Finest Hour and A Half by Lissa Evans – that’s been the funniest funny book of the year so far.
I’ve not heard of Lissa Evans – shall go and look her up.
I saw this in Books Quarterly and the ideas just didnt gel from the synopsis they gave of this book. I am always wary of books about publishing, I have no idea why!
It was a Vine pick. I’m trying to train myself only to take the books that really really appeal, rather than using up all my available choices and then having to read them!
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