From Publishers Weekly
Nicholls's second novel (after
A Question of Attraction) focuses on Stephen C. McQueen, a 32-year-old actor forlornly hoping for his big break. With an 11-year career whose sole highlight has been playing a corpse, Stephen's latest gig, understudying Josh Harper (one of London's hottest stars) in a West End play, actually has promise. If only Josh would miss a performance (say, break a leg, literally), Stephen would secure the lead, and in turn, the approval of his critical ex-wife, Alison, and his precocious seven-year-old daughter, Sophie. But while Josh is many things (self-absorbed, cruel), he's never sick, and just as Stephen's abhorrence for the haughty superstar reaches its crescendo (he's asked to waiter at Josh's birthday bash) Stephen meets Nora, Josh's acerbic and neglected bride, and later stumbles upon Josh mid-tryst with a costar. Suddenly Stephen's able to make a deal—his silence in exchange for the starring role. Of course, the rules of light romantic comedy prevail: Stephen falls in love with Nora and realizes that he can't lie to make his own career. Nicholls's background as a screenwriter is evident, and while clever, his latest novel is still saccharinely predictable, best paired with sand and surf.
(Sept.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Second-rate actor Stephen C. McQueen (no relation to the late superstar) has two resumés--the real one, in which he regularly plays corpses or singing rodents, and the one in his private parallel universe, in which his credits rival those of his heroes, Olivier and Burton. Tristan Layton portrays the lovable loser with heartfelt humor. When Stephen gets the chance of a lifetime, Layton makes the egotistical actor's ethical dilemma believable and funny. While Layton's American accent is a little wobbly, he assumes numerous British personalities easily. Layton's finely tuned performance turns this pleasant romantic comedy into a satisfying romp. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
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