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tfitoby's review against another edition
4.0
"If you're in any more trouble, Billy, it's not something you can leave behind you, you know. You put it in your suitcase, and you take it with you."
Billy Liar is the chronicle of one decisive day in the life of its protagonist Billy Fisher; capturing brilliantly the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small town in Yorkshire after the second world war, it describes a young fantasist with a job at a 'funeral furnisher' and a bedroom at his parents' – and longing for escape to the Good Life in London.
Grouped with the Angry Young Men of British letters, who came to prominence in the late 50s and early 60s, Waterhouse's most famous creation is less angry with the status quo of post-war Britain than Arthur Seaton and Jimmy Porter, instead finding an escape from his frustrations by living in a dream world half of the time.
I first came across the name Billy Liar through the song of the same name recorded by The Decemberists in 2004, an upbeat piano driven pop song about a young man suffering from boredom, and it remains one of my favourite songs from the prolific band.
Later whilst scouring the film catalogue at film school I discovered the classic 1963 film directed by John Schlesinger and starring Tom Courtenay as Billy Fisher. A film which took the grim up north stereotypes that had become the norm in British New Wave cinema and turned them on their head with comedy and the careful use of surrealism.
The cross media adaptations did start not or end there though, Keith Waterhouse originally adapted it in to a stageplay which starred a young Albert Finney (who turned down the lead in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia to play Billy!), his success in the movie adaptation of Saturday Night and Sunday Morning helping to making Billy Liar an overnight hit in the West End.
A British sitcom in 1973 and most improbably an American TV show starring Steve Guttenberg(!) as Billy followed, achieving nothing more than to help Keith Waterhouse accumulate wealth I'm sure.
As you can see there is a rather large and influential history behind this book and having finally gotten around to reading it I can see why. Despite taking place over just the one day this is still a coming of age tale, it brings us in to Billy's life as he becomes aware that he has to make changes and the events that transpire in that day are enough to help him work some things out in his mind, if not necessarily making those changes. I've seen comparisons to The Catcher in the Rye and I would definitely agree with those only Waterhouse gives us a wonderful almost python-esque comedy at the same time making for a much more enjoyable and accessible read.
Billy lies for a variety of reasons and part of the beauty of Waterhouse's prose is that you can read between the lines, look deeper and analyse those reasons or enjoy yourself just as much by marvelling at the absurdity and audacity of the lying liar who tells the lies. In the same way that he makes reference to the transition, evolution and decay of British society in the aftermath of war something that you can consider and add depth to your experience or just acknowledge it as location setting descriptive passages but nothing more.
Waterhouse was of the mimetic school of writers, managing to capture the unique patter of his Yorkshire dialect and local turn of phrase without becoming exclusive or alienating those of us who aren't local or even reading 53 years after publication. It is this quality that stands Billy Liar head and shoulders above others of the time, it hasn't dated because at its heart there are no politics, young men still struggle with their identity and purpose in life and suffer from being misunderstood by those closest to them.
Please, go find this book, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy meeting Billy Liar.
Billy Liar is the chronicle of one decisive day in the life of its protagonist Billy Fisher; capturing brilliantly the claustrophobic atmosphere of a small town in Yorkshire after the second world war, it describes a young fantasist with a job at a 'funeral furnisher' and a bedroom at his parents' – and longing for escape to the Good Life in London.
Grouped with the Angry Young Men of British letters, who came to prominence in the late 50s and early 60s, Waterhouse's most famous creation is less angry with the status quo of post-war Britain than Arthur Seaton and Jimmy Porter, instead finding an escape from his frustrations by living in a dream world half of the time.
I first came across the name Billy Liar through the song of the same name recorded by The Decemberists in 2004, an upbeat piano driven pop song about a young man suffering from boredom, and it remains one of my favourite songs from the prolific band.
Later whilst scouring the film catalogue at film school I discovered the classic 1963 film directed by John Schlesinger and starring Tom Courtenay as Billy Fisher. A film which took the grim up north stereotypes that had become the norm in British New Wave cinema and turned them on their head with comedy and the careful use of surrealism.
The cross media adaptations did start not or end there though, Keith Waterhouse originally adapted it in to a stageplay which starred a young Albert Finney (who turned down the lead in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia to play Billy!), his success in the movie adaptation of Saturday Night and Sunday Morning helping to making Billy Liar an overnight hit in the West End.
A British sitcom in 1973 and most improbably an American TV show starring Steve Guttenberg(!) as Billy followed, achieving nothing more than to help Keith Waterhouse accumulate wealth I'm sure.
As you can see there is a rather large and influential history behind this book and having finally gotten around to reading it I can see why. Despite taking place over just the one day this is still a coming of age tale, it brings us in to Billy's life as he becomes aware that he has to make changes and the events that transpire in that day are enough to help him work some things out in his mind, if not necessarily making those changes. I've seen comparisons to The Catcher in the Rye and I would definitely agree with those only Waterhouse gives us a wonderful almost python-esque comedy at the same time making for a much more enjoyable and accessible read.
Billy lies for a variety of reasons and part of the beauty of Waterhouse's prose is that you can read between the lines, look deeper and analyse those reasons or enjoy yourself just as much by marvelling at the absurdity and audacity of the lying liar who tells the lies. In the same way that he makes reference to the transition, evolution and decay of British society in the aftermath of war something that you can consider and add depth to your experience or just acknowledge it as location setting descriptive passages but nothing more.
Waterhouse was of the mimetic school of writers, managing to capture the unique patter of his Yorkshire dialect and local turn of phrase without becoming exclusive or alienating those of us who aren't local or even reading 53 years after publication. It is this quality that stands Billy Liar head and shoulders above others of the time, it hasn't dated because at its heart there are no politics, young men still struggle with their identity and purpose in life and suffer from being misunderstood by those closest to them.
Please, go find this book, I can't see how you wouldn't enjoy meeting Billy Liar.
ghoti's review
This book takes place on a Saturday in a small town in Yorkshire, but as its protagonist rarely leaves his own head, the book mostly takes place there too. Billy is not likeable, but recognisable, as he gets caught in a web of lies where his imagination spills into the real world. Living an unhappy life but without the executive function out experience to escape physically, he emotionally escapes.
I'm glad I read it: thanks to whoever recommended it.
I'm glad I read it: thanks to whoever recommended it.
drewgum's review
5.0
Set over a single day Billy navigates love, work, and lies (oh so many lies). Written in 1959 this is a working-class classic, still hilarious and sad all these years later. If only books like this were published these days…
eec_reading's review
4.0
Have finished reading ‘Billy Liar’ (1959) by Keith Waterhouse. Chose from David Bowie’s Top 100 Books List. This is a day in the life of Billy - 19 years old and working as a clerk at a funeral home in a dull Yorkshire town, he’s juggling three girlfriends, a vivid internal fantasy life, and desperate aspirations for more - while compulsively lying to everyone.
After my 11 weeks with the 1200 pages of Les Miserables - a quick few days with these 191 pages was a romp.
I liked:
Imagining a 13 or 14 year old David Jones reading this when it was new and identifying with Billy’s rich creative fantasy life and desperate aspiration for more than the post-war middle class dullness that the older generation was happy with.
The way it reminded me if the energy and impotence of being a late-teenager, on the verge of greater agency but not quite there yet.
The way it reminded me of the Time Before Smart Phones - boredom, chance meetings, missed meet ups.
And - just the loveliness of the object - a 1963 library book.
After my 11 weeks with the 1200 pages of Les Miserables - a quick few days with these 191 pages was a romp.
I liked:
Imagining a 13 or 14 year old David Jones reading this when it was new and identifying with Billy’s rich creative fantasy life and desperate aspiration for more than the post-war middle class dullness that the older generation was happy with.
The way it reminded me if the energy and impotence of being a late-teenager, on the verge of greater agency but not quite there yet.
The way it reminded me of the Time Before Smart Phones - boredom, chance meetings, missed meet ups.
And - just the loveliness of the object - a 1963 library book.
bjork5ever's review against another edition
5.0
Wes Anderson you little minx. You thought we wouldn't notice didn't you??
Max Fisher OH I MEAN Billy Fisher, the protagonist, is both easily hateable and loveable, I found myself completely tied up in his mess and pathological lies. Brilliant book, brilliant film too.
Max Fisher OH I MEAN Billy Fisher, the protagonist, is both easily hateable and loveable, I found myself completely tied up in his mess and pathological lies. Brilliant book, brilliant film too.
sydsnot71's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know what I was expecting from this book but it never quite delivered it. Perhaps I came in with too high expectations based on its reputation, which is always dangerous.
I can admire the craftsmanship. Waterhouse writes well. I can also see why the character of Billy Liar has an impact. That dreamer/fantasist type is definitely out there. It is interesting that Waterhouse shows us that Billy's refusal to face up to reality has a damaging effect on other people. It's not entirely harmless.
It reminded me - a little - of A Catcher in the Rye.
I didn't dislike Billy Liar. I just didn't really enjoy it as much as I'd expected.
I can admire the craftsmanship. Waterhouse writes well. I can also see why the character of Billy Liar has an impact. That dreamer/fantasist type is definitely out there. It is interesting that Waterhouse shows us that Billy's refusal to face up to reality has a damaging effect on other people. It's not entirely harmless.
It reminded me - a little - of A Catcher in the Rye.
I didn't dislike Billy Liar. I just didn't really enjoy it as much as I'd expected.
faintgirl's review
4.0
Billy Liar is one of those books that I'm surprised anyone decided to write, but manages to be rich and funny out of nowhere. Billy tells his mates down the pub that he's going to work for a famous cartoonist, but we soon learn that Billy tends to exaggerate his personal achievements somewhat. This little novel follows him as he lopes from lie to lie and buries himself deeper and deeper. It's a pleasure.
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
'Walter Mitty' crossed with Room at the Top
Billy has aspirations. His northern family and roots can't stop him dreaming of a 'number one life' in London, scriptwriting for comedians. He's even had a letter offering him a job. Problem is, we come to learn that he's a bit of a fibber, a bit of a procrastinator, and having proposed (and given the same ring) to two women - a bit of a cad.
With his head in the clouds (his own world of Ambrosia, with idealised parents and where he always says something clever), he's an intriguing anti-hero. Billy isn't someone you aspire to be, but you don't envy him his life. He feels held back by his family, he's in a boring dead end job.
But he is a hard-to-like young man. Billy takes no responsibility at work, not posting calendars that he's trying ot get rid of months later, he strings along two women and even gives the same ring to both!
He's a character of his time, and I loved the northern setting (and John Simm's excellent narration of the audio CD) and voices. Billy is desperate to except his roots but is very much of his town and the feel of the period is strong. I loved his salt of the earth family, the way they talk ("no bloody swearing!" "he wants to knock him down a peg or two, he does").
I didn't like Billy, but I did like his story - the story of someone who dreams of more, who retreats into fantasy. He's SUCH a liar, it's good to watch him squirm and try to keep dreaming.
An important short work, one that reminded me of Walter Mitty, of a flawed individual that could be anyone you see around you.
Billy has aspirations. His northern family and roots can't stop him dreaming of a 'number one life' in London, scriptwriting for comedians. He's even had a letter offering him a job. Problem is, we come to learn that he's a bit of a fibber, a bit of a procrastinator, and having proposed (and given the same ring) to two women - a bit of a cad.
With his head in the clouds (his own world of Ambrosia, with idealised parents and where he always says something clever), he's an intriguing anti-hero. Billy isn't someone you aspire to be, but you don't envy him his life. He feels held back by his family, he's in a boring dead end job.
But he is a hard-to-like young man. Billy takes no responsibility at work, not posting calendars that he's trying ot get rid of months later, he strings along two women and even gives the same ring to both!
He's a character of his time, and I loved the northern setting (and John Simm's excellent narration of the audio CD) and voices. Billy is desperate to except his roots but is very much of his town and the feel of the period is strong. I loved his salt of the earth family, the way they talk ("no bloody swearing!" "he wants to knock him down a peg or two, he does").
I didn't like Billy, but I did like his story - the story of someone who dreams of more, who retreats into fantasy. He's SUCH a liar, it's good to watch him squirm and try to keep dreaming.
An important short work, one that reminded me of Walter Mitty, of a flawed individual that could be anyone you see around you.