John Niven (2) (1966–)

'honest' is what came to mind when I listened to the book (read by the author). But if course I have no way of telling if it is. But it is very personal, like an open door to Niven family history. None of the usual Niven bravado, but it is still brutal. It's the protagonists that make it thus, but also the way of retelling the last days and hours, the author's shortcomings and qualms. At least the style is honest, that is safe to say. And beautiful. Small memories transcend into meaningful remarks on character and personality. He must have taken that from King's "On Writing" 😁
Not to the point at all, but the Scottish accent makes it all the more endearing!… (more)

* I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book. *

Steven Stelfox is a music industry mogul who has made a fortune producing pop talent shows and girl bands. He is now properly rich, or at least he thinks he is until David Geffen's yacht pulls in next to his. Stelfox realises that he is still really only small change and not a real player, so he becomes determined to make that happen.

His opportunity arises when his old mate James summons him to help with a crisis. James runs a record label whose star signing is Lucius du Pre, a childlike superstar who lives in a secluded ranch called Narnia surrounded by animals and hosting parties for little boys. One of those little boys has some compromising footage, and hence the crisis. Stelfox pulls no punches and brings all his resources to bear to both resolve the crisis and ensure that he enriches himself further in the process.

This novel is just a romp, but a hugely enjoyable one. Stelfox is a splendidly contemptuous and sardonic narrator; his continual put-downs of people less fortunate than himself and his idolisation of Donald Trump make him an appealing anti-hero for our times. The book is populated with a myriad of grotesque and exaggerated supporting characters, much in the style of Tom Sharpe. I would say that anybody who likes Sharpe would enjoy this.… (more)

Can you do that? Write a novel with real names thrown in (of people who actually get killed) without getting sued? In America? With Trump at the receiving end? Be that as it may, I'm glad Niven did. This (only half-fictional) dystopia of a disintegrating U.S. of two socio-political camps with no more intersecting points ofl agreement suffering from the effects of Trumpism that jammed a wedge between conservsatives and liberals is much closer to the truth and present than the fictional frame and setting five years from now might suggest.
The gory details and the humour are good old conventional witty Niven, but the general chords he strikes in the wake of this road trip are very thoughtful. Frank, the protagonist, is shallow and non-descript, and Niven makes no effort to make him any more interesting. He's right. The book isn't about him, it's about the world he's glad to be leaving. He is just the guide who shows us around this messed-up country.… (more)