Scratch and the Sniffs Book

'Scepticism Inc.' (1998) is Bo Fowler's intelligent, insightful, original, surreal, occasionally self-consciously madcap or bizarre, but very funny novel all about religion (organised or otherwise) faith and the concepts of purpose and truth.

Fowler studied philosophy at University and clearly 'Scepticism Inc.' is ultimately rooted in philosophical analysis (scepticism itself of course being a philosophical school of thought). Fowler clearly knows his Nietzsche and wants to make sure that we know that too - although in the context of 'Scepticism' I'm not entirely sure what the insertion and reference to Nietzsche actually adds to the narrative - other than to demonstrate the authors' knowledge?

Fowler's analysis and deconstruction of religion, faith and belief is also coupled perhaps a little clumsily with the concept of 'conscious' (i.e. Artificially Intelligent) electrical appliances. Clearly Fowler has a predetermined and ideological agenda (occasionally polemical) in the writing of 'Scepticism' and this is not a book for the religious or the devout - but then again maybe it should be? Those who are confident in their belief should clearly be completely open to critical analysis and challenging of that faith and belief system.

The novel is set against the surreal backdrop of a near future society and the advent of the 'metaphysical betting shop' ('put your money where your metaphysics are' indeed). The main protagonists in 'Scepticism' being - Edgar (the agnostic/atheist and betting shop founder) Sophia (the evangelist) and the conscious shopping trolley (our narrator) and are all well drawn, interesting and engaging characters.

In terms of Fowler's influences here - clearly Nietzsche as well as Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, philosophical scepticism as well as hints and echoes of 'Network' (1976 film) - particularly in the novels portrayal of the media of television hurtling completely out of control.

Despite being relatively short (coming in at around 250 pages) 'Scepticism' does have a tendency towards unnecessary repetition and does feel a little overlong. This novel would have benefitted from some editing and trimming back and would have been more powerful and had more impact if shorter. Overall though and on balance, 'Scepticism' is undoubtedly a very funny, original, thought provoking, challenging, very entertaining and surprisingly accessible analysis of the role of religion and belief in society.