Years ago, I had a long layover at Heathrow. Having spent the summer in Morocco with limited access to English language books, I desperately searched until I found the airport bookstore.
Being in a British bookstore is similar to watching a Canadian talk show. Everything seems familiar, the language and culture oh-so-close to mine that I’m tricked into thinking it’s the same, until I realize there are all these famous authors/actors that I’ve never heard of. It takes a moment of adjustment.
Ben Elton had an entire row devoted to his novels, and as someone attracted to matching bright colors I walked right over to have a look. Reading book jacket after book jacket, I could hardly decide which one to buy.
I ended up purchasing Dead Famous, a story about a Big-Brother-style reality show on which one of the cast mates is murdered. Told from the perspective of a police detective who comes to investigate, it’s a humorous look at modern fame and a gripping novel.
Hoping to buy his other books, they’ve sadly never appeared at my local used book store, suggesting his fame hasn’t quite made it’s way across the Atlantic. But one day, when I’m rich enough to buy from Amazon, I’ll let you know what I think of his others.
I’m a sucker for satire, so I just can’t wait.
Elton also wrote Blackadder,
Megan
Murder on a Reality Show Set
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds absolutely SPECK TACK YU LEH.
Sorry. I ‘m on a Sharon Osbourne kick today.
Does sound a bit juicy!!
Sounds delicious. I love an unusual read. Good tip!
OK, so I kind of geek out when it comes to British things and I knew this guy’s name sounded familiar. Looked him up on Wikipedia… turns out I know him as being one of the writers for the show ‘Blackadder’ and a few other British comedy things.
However, what I also found out is that he’s collaborated on several musicals including co-writing the book to…. “Phantom of the Opera: Love Never Dies”. Random, eh?
Every time you suggest a book I want to buy it. Then I forget. Blah. This one? I’m buying this one. I hope!
OH! I know a guy from college who is on the current season of Big Brother! Too funny!
Sounds interesting, I might have to download it to my reader.
I read that book a few years ago.. and now I own all of his books.
I picked up four or five on one holiday, my parents generally get me his new one for his birthday or for Christmas. They’re all fantastic. “Popcorn” is probably my favourite.
If you’d like to borrow them, send me an email.
Just when I needed a book suggestion, you came through for me.
It’s not Snooki, is it? I’d be heartbroken if the situation killed her in the hottub with the duck phone! (actually- i think that would make an amazing book, and will be disappointed when that’s not actually how this book goes)
I know what you mean about wanting to be rich enough to order from Amazon
I use the Swagbucks website as my search in, collect swagbucks & then cash them in for free $5 Amazon gift cards. They slowly add up & then I can get something! You might want to check it out – there’s a link on my blog.
I’ll have to investigate this author for my momma – she’s a voracious mystery reader.
Check your library…I looked and mine has 4 of his books, including the one you’ve mentioned. It sounds good…it’s going on my TBR list!
Ah, the memories that this brings back! I was reading Dead Famous when staying at a hostel in Amsterdam, and some American jocks came into my space and wanted to know who Ben Elton was. I had no idea where to begin. Being an Aussie (and living in London at the time), a lot of my books were/are British… and it seems like every Aussie and Brit knows Ben Elton, so I was surprised to encounter English speakers who were unfamiliar with him
I love your Canadian talk show analogy, too.
Anyhoo, I’ve just wandered in here via Pretty All True’s Featured Bloggers, and like what I see. I like it a lot. I’ll be back… In the mean time, I hope you get your hands on some more Ben Elton – I especially recommend his older books.