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The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman (view source)
Revision as of 16:26, 27 August 2020
, 16:26, 27 August 2020no edit summary
I have several favourites but I think my out-and-out favourite (and it's not easy to choose) has to be (and I'm laughing again, I can't help it) Herman, the Corrections Editor. As his lofty title suggests, he is a stickler for proper English - and oh boy, what a stickler. His infamous book of reference, which he calls the Bible, is referred to and thumbed on a regular basis. I bet the staff want to throw the blasted book out of the nearest window but that's me making up my own agenda. If Herman spots a mistake (and apparently he can at around twenty paces) he goes ballistic. Rachman's descriptions of his melt-downs over a wrong comma or a mis-spelling are wonderful. I defy anyone not to find them funny.
This particular chapter (Herman's chapter) opens with him on the war path warpath with the staff '' ... opening that morning's paper as if it contained a murder weapon. What it does contain is worse: a mistake.'' I loved that line. And the snazzy one-liners could easily be stolen by a stand-up comedian for the night and bring the house down. Rachman effortlessly brings a bunch of different people to life. I want to visit this fictional newspaper. I want to meet each and every one of them.
All of the characters are interwoven to create a lovely work of fiction. Fresh, breezy but at times with a sharp and biting wit, this book is to be enjoyed and savoured. Rachman can count me as yet another fan. Can't wait for his next book. Highly recommended.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag. We also have a review of [[The Rise and Fall of Great Powers by Tom Rachman]].
If this book appeals then you might like to try [[The Afterparty by Leo Benedictus]].