The Debt to Pleasure
John Lanchester
A very smart-ass/clever book. The narrator - the book is all in the first person - is an "intellectual gourmand". The narrative is about a few days in his journey from England to his second home in France, with digressions en route - for example about the food he eats, recipes and so on. But it eventually dawns on the reader that the narrator is a fool - an opinionated, arrogant snob. Because he's a complete idiot, you start to wonder about the accuracy of his digressions. (However, Bob quoted the example that the name of Leighton Buzzard is to do with growing leeks - it was generally felt that this might be accurate). A funny book, recommended.
Andrew had also read the book, and found the narrator very irritating. He didn't like the book.
Bob 1/12/02
This was thoroughly enjoyed. The main character is repulsive. The
end could be seen coming a long way off. Caroline was
disappointed that the "hero" did not get his come-uppance.
Caroline 4/5/03
By the same author
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.