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A review by pickwickthedodo
Christie Malry's Own Double-Entry by B.S. Johnson
3.0
This was a tough book for me to get through. I was hoping to connect on some level with at least one of the characters, but that never happened. I guess that was my main problem with the book. I found every character fundamentally unlikable, particularly Christie (and no, not just because he poisons London’s water supply).
This book was successful in other ways though. Johnson is hilarious, and the alternation of perspectives is a lot of fun. The intrusive authorial presence that Johnson employs was a true stroke of genius. I was constantly aware that I was reading fiction, but more than that, Christie and Friends were equally aware that they were fiction. I really enjoyed the overall idea and concept of the book, particularly the inclusion of Christie’s accounts ledgers. I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I’d put more time between it and House Mother Normal, so I’ll probably give it another go at some point. It’s a true feat of writing, and though it wasn’t the thing for me this time, it’s a good way to get into Johnson’s style and humour.
This book was successful in other ways though. Johnson is hilarious, and the alternation of perspectives is a lot of fun. The intrusive authorial presence that Johnson employs was a true stroke of genius. I was constantly aware that I was reading fiction, but more than that, Christie and Friends were equally aware that they were fiction. I really enjoyed the overall idea and concept of the book, particularly the inclusion of Christie’s accounts ledgers. I think I might have enjoyed this book more if I’d put more time between it and House Mother Normal, so I’ll probably give it another go at some point. It’s a true feat of writing, and though it wasn’t the thing for me this time, it’s a good way to get into Johnson’s style and humour.