From Amazon.co.uk
Ben Elton's new novel
High Society initially appears to be a cautionary tale about Britain today, but its vision of a society totally in thrall to criminality has elements of the visionary novel about it. Happily, the state of the nation is not (yet) quite as awful as it's rendered in this terrifying kaleidoscope. We're taken into a world in which drug use holds total sway, and the whole world essentially functions as a single criminal network. From royalty and the upper crust to drug abusers and prostitutes--right across the social spectrum--we are (in Elton's unsparing universe) plunging into a criminal world.
Elton's cast of characters is massive, but all (notably a government minister who is trying to push through a bill to legalise drugs) are etched in with maximum vividness. Interestingly, although Elton casts a cold eye across the whole of society (including an unforgiving look at the media) the final effect of the book is anything but bleak. All the trademark wit is here, along with a sense of focus that is considerably more sophisticated than anything Elton has tackled before. As a serious satirical novel (yes, there is such a thing), High Society makes an indelible mark. --Barry Forshaw
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
A crafty, convincing, and imaginative novel about the war on drugs. Partly to enhance his career, partly from serious concern, British MP Peter Padgett proposes the decriminalization of the illegal drug trade. Mixed up in the political wrangling are a drug-crazed rock star, the addicted sex slave he tries to save, a crusading drug cop being threatened by crooked colleagues, Peter's vengeful lover, and the reporter bent on Peter 's ruin. Written in both the third and first persons, the narrative presents reader Wagland special challenges, which he fields with aplomb. Though he loses focus in a few passages, in general he gives an exciting read of a worthy text. Y.R. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.
