Funny books

Not exactly laugh out loud titles but three amusing books that I have read recently:

Major Pettigrew's last stand by Helen Simonson has received rave reviews from all quarters - it is an English village novel with an unusual cast. There are the expected stock characters; the Lord of the Manor, the retired general, the Captain of the golf club and then the more contemporary characters; the Pakistani shopkeeper and the single mother. All are entertainly drawn. The action is somewhat predictable but the humour lies in the asides about class division, modern educational standards, global finance and family dynamics.

Sex and Stravinsky by Barbara Trapido has a very attractive cover and enjoyably twisted content; mismatched couples ultimately get rearranged. Set in England and South Africa this novel is another case of family dynamics producing farcical situations. The book is well structured and the characters are sharply developed. Trapido is a clever and competent writer and creates just the right amount of amusement and implied judgment.

Laura Rider's masterpiece by Jane Hamilton also veers towards farce but handled by such a good writer this becomes satire at its best. In line of attack are radio presenters, creative writing teachers, lawyers and academics but it's a romance writer who wins the day. Another twisted plot with manipulated characters and lots of contemporary preoccupations; gardening, gourmet cooking, email, UFOs but all knitting together very well  - very droll.


For some light reading that will make you smile, try one of these.