Reviews for Fortysomething

The average rating for Fortysomething based on 2 reviews is 2.5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2019-12-03 00:00:00 Ardyn Nordstrom Disappointing comic novel from the author of The Wimbledon Poisoner. It is the diary of a self-obsessed, pompous actor, Paul Slippery, who is worrying about turning 50. It follows his adventures at the BBC as he fights to stop his character in a radio soap from being axed as well as his troubled relationships with his wife Estelle and their three sons. While it is has some sharp comedy, it becomes repetitive and feels over-long, with little in Paul or Estelle to endear them to the reader. Much of it is satire about the BBC which is funny and strikingly reminiscent of more recent TV comedy W1A. However, some elements have not aged well, especially its treatment of trans characters. I struggled through its 400 pages and nearly gave up but the moments of comedy kept me reading.

Review # 2 was written on 2017-08-18 00:00:00 Simon Phillips Not that funny, won't be taking Jeremy Paxmans' word again, "Very funny", indeed. Did however find humour in some of the books surreal situations. Given it an extra star for it's unashamed none p.c.ness, was written in 1999, something which everything has to be "careful" with these days.