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A review by thebookishmeg
Stay Up with Hugo Best by Erin Somers
2.0
I enjoyed some elements of this novel, but I have to admit that other bits fell a bit flat for me. I enjoyed the idea of it being a comment on the media industry, its inherent sexism, racism, and the privilege that is afforded to the famous, and there were some great one-liners throughout the novel that made me chuckle.
I did however find it a little slow-paced, and lacking in action. From the blurb, I had envisaged a crazy weekend of drama, chaos and maybe a fight against sexism, but not a lot actually happened. At several points June commented on how bored she was, despite staying in Hugo Best’s house, and I have to admit that it was a little boring to read about someone else being bored! I have been reading a lot of action-filled page-turners recently, so perhaps I’m just not used to the slow read.
It also had quite a depressing tone and highlighted the futility of a successful career and the high likelihood that you would never achieve your dreams - quite a depressing standing that wasn’t hugely helpful for someone still trying to decide on what path they would like their career to take!!
It was really well-written, and I liked the writing style! I enjoyed learning more about the comedy industry, as I enjoy comedy but have never really thought about what a difficult industry it is to break into. Perhaps if this is an area you work in or are interested in, you’ll enjoy this read a bit more!
Thank you to @TInderPress, @HeadlinePress and @RosieMargesson for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I did however find it a little slow-paced, and lacking in action. From the blurb, I had envisaged a crazy weekend of drama, chaos and maybe a fight against sexism, but not a lot actually happened. At several points June commented on how bored she was, despite staying in Hugo Best’s house, and I have to admit that it was a little boring to read about someone else being bored! I have been reading a lot of action-filled page-turners recently, so perhaps I’m just not used to the slow read.
It also had quite a depressing tone and highlighted the futility of a successful career and the high likelihood that you would never achieve your dreams - quite a depressing standing that wasn’t hugely helpful for someone still trying to decide on what path they would like their career to take!!
It was really well-written, and I liked the writing style! I enjoyed learning more about the comedy industry, as I enjoy comedy but have never really thought about what a difficult industry it is to break into. Perhaps if this is an area you work in or are interested in, you’ll enjoy this read a bit more!
Thank you to @TInderPress, @HeadlinePress and @RosieMargesson for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.