Hunting Unicorns

This is a rare bird: a romantic-comedy novel that isn't riddled with cliche (okay, maybe just a little) or simplistic happy-ever-afters. It's uplifting enough to satisfy that happy-ending instinct, but it's not saccharine or overdone, in my opinion. The story is about Rory Jones, the unhappy heir to a British estate, and the American journalist Maggie who's assigned to write a story on the declining English aristocracy (i.e. what is its relevance, if any, in today's world?). The novel is told partly from Maggie's point of view in the first person, and partly from Rory's brother Daniel's point of view. Daniel - the alcoholic older son in the family - is an interesting creation because he dies in the beginning of the novel, so he's show more observing Rory from beyond the grave, as it were. This was a unique plot device, and while I probably should have been irritated by it as a gimmick, I thought it made for an interesting twist. Naturally Rory and Maggie don't get along at first; equally naturally their feelings for each other soon develop. I found them both complex, interesting characters, and Hunting Unicorns was an enjoyable, non-fluffy read. show less

I liked how this book was told through 2 alternating voices--and short chapters, always a plus. There were a few parts that hurt my tummy I laughed so hard, other parts that were touching, and others that were almost tension-filled as I hoped for a happy ending that was never guaranteed.

A lazy compilation of stereotypes and well-worn, but improbable, anecdotes. Neither funny nor insightful and the plot is very predictable too. Alleged resemblances to Waugh and Wodehouse are ludicrous hyperbole.

I liked how this book was told through 2 alternating voices--and short chapters, always a plus. There were a few parts that hurt my tummy I laughed so hard, other parts that were touching, and others that were almost tension-filled as I hoped for a happy ending that was never guaranteed.

A painfully funny comedy-romance set in modern England amid the collapsing English aristocracy's efforts to save their crumbling fortunes.

As one of the protagonists in this novel dies at the beginning and the rest of the action in the book is often seen through his eyes and takes place after the event, it gives a rather unique way of looking at things. An easy amusing read.

in a nutshell, it's a nice bit of British humor, a bit less kook tham Monty Python, and a few shades darker.

reminded me a bit of the Cary Grant, Robert Mitchum & Deborah Kerr film "The Grass is Greener" from the early 60s.