Get Me Out Of Here by Henry Sutton
| Get Me Out Of Here by Henry Sutton | |
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| Category: General Fiction | |
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Reviewer: Louise Laurie
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| Summary: A darkly, funny tale about a rather deluded thirtysomething male called Matt. Fed-up, bored, frustrated with his life, his job and his hit-and-miss love life, he looks further afield to em ... North Korea to 'enrich' his life - but is this a step too far? | |
| Buy? Yes | Borrow? Yes |
| Pages: 272 | Date: March 2011 |
| Publisher: Vintage | |
| ISBN: 978-0099535621 | |
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Yes, the title is not meant to be subtle in any shape or form - it's supposed to scream (I'm A Celeb) ... Get Me Out Of Here and as if to underline the point, the television programme of the same name is mentioned several times.
Hapless (and you could also say hopeless) Matt is fed up with his rather sad and unexciting life. So, at every opportunity he wants to spice it up a bit. But does this strategy work? We're barely pages into the book when we see that Matt is an out-and-out snob. He knows all the designer labels for the best clothes, the best shoes (handmade, natch), the best champagne label ... I think you may get my drift here. That's fine. As long as you can pay for this high life, what's the problem? Well, Matt's problem is cash - or the distinct lack of it. He's down on his financial luck at the minute so it's time to try another angle ...
The Guardian says this book is a dark comedy. I agree. It also goes on to say ... will have you laughing ... Now, I always think that's a tall order. It takes a lot to make me laugh. Would I be the odd one out and just not get it? I laughed. Out loud. Several times. I was impressed with Sutton. Some of his lines are absolute gems. The book is written in the first person by Matt and really, it's a whining monologue from beginning to end. And it works because the writing is so good.
Let me give you a taste of some of Matt's delicious opinions, statements and thoughts (and he's got plenty in all three categories, let me tell you). I wasn't going to be seen dead in a pair of Gap trousers. Too inferior, obviously. His girlfriend lives in a Victorian house, which should never have been turned into flats. Shoddy conversion right there. The taxi driver was so fat that he could barely turn the wheel. Slight over-exaggeration. This all sets the tone beautifully for a delightful romp through the life of Matt Freeman. Even his surname is a joke.
He moans his way through this book, page after page and I loved it. Nothing is immune. Bankers (well, I'm with him there), television programmes, the weather, architecture ... the list is endless. Being Matt, he seems to have the knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. His various ahem, conversations (rants more like) with officialdom are a hoot and a joy to read. The encounter in a shoe shop is a particularly tasty episode. While I loved Matt, I also would have happily strangled him on many occasions. Job done, Henry Sutton.
There are many and varied situations for the reader to enjoy in this book. I expected to enjoy it after reading the blurb on the front and back covers, but I didn't expect to enjoy it so much. And you don't need to be young to enjoy it, just young at heart. A great pick-me-up read but don't take it along to anyone in hospital post-operation - any stitches they have might be in danger of unravelling. A terrific read.
I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.
If this book appeals then you might enjoy The Cry of the Sloth by Sam Savage.
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You can read more book reviews or buy Get Me Out Of Here by Henry Sutton at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
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