Felix in the Underworld
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From back of book:
Once dubbed the "Chekhov of Coldsands-on-Sea," Felix Morsom has made a decent living writing sensitive, well-received novels of middle-class life in a seaside town. Though he was once a bestselling author short-listed for the Booker Prize, his life is now rather ordinary. Separated after a childless marriage, Felix's only excitement is Brenda Bodkin, his publicist, and their endlessly unconsummated passion. But a bolt out of the blue--a paternity suit hinted at in an anonymous tape received in the mail and a subsequent threat at a book signing--leads to a murder case in which Felix finds himself the chief suspect. Forced into London's underworld of poverty and crime, Felix manages to find friendship and even grace. With his characteristic humor and pathos, John Mortimer has created a novel that is both tender and perceptive, and a marvelous parody of the book trade he knows so well.
Once dubbed the "Chekhov of Coldsands-on-Sea," Felix Morsom has made a decent living writing sensitive, well-received novels of middle-class life in a seaside town. Though he was once a bestselling author short-listed for the Booker Prize, his life is now rather ordinary. Separated after a childless marriage, Felix's only excitement is Brenda Bodkin, his publicist, and their endlessly unconsummated passion. But a bolt out of the blue--a paternity suit hinted at in an anonymous tape received in the mail and a subsequent threat at a book signing--leads to a murder case in which Felix finds himself the chief suspect. Forced into London's underworld of poverty and crime, Felix manages to find friendship and even grace. With his characteristic humor and pathos, John Mortimer has created a novel that is both tender and perceptive, and a marvelous parody of the book trade he knows so well.
Despite the popularity of "Rumpole of the Bailey" on British TV a number of years ago, I am surprised that I have not until now ready anything by John Mortimer. I think I might have to look up more by Mortimer, since I really enjoyed this book.
It's a whodunnit but also a gentle satire poking fun at the publishing industry. Felix Moresom, although once a Booker prize nominated author, is now only enjoying moderate success, and his life has become very ordinary. After being hit with a paternity suit, Felix finds himself in a far from ordinary situation; in fact it gets progressively worse. Even so, and despite the surrounding madness, Felix handles himself with grace, and manages to prove that "nice guys" can win in the end.
Although I guessed the "twist" quite early on, it didn't spoil the story for me. I finished this feeling very uplifted. This was a New York Times Notable Book.
Being made available via PaperBackSwap.com
It's a whodunnit but also a gentle satire poking fun at the publishing industry. Felix Moresom, although once a Booker prize nominated author, is now only enjoying moderate success, and his life has become very ordinary. After being hit with a paternity suit, Felix finds himself in a far from ordinary situation; in fact it gets progressively worse. Even so, and despite the surrounding madness, Felix handles himself with grace, and manages to prove that "nice guys" can win in the end.
Although I guessed the "twist" quite early on, it didn't spoil the story for me. I finished this feeling very uplifted. This was a New York Times Notable Book.
Being made available via PaperBackSwap.com
Being released via PaperbackSwap.com
