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A new novel from the comedian, which switches between a story about Noel Coward in the 1920s and one about an actor in the present day who buys Coward's old house and finds it haunted. Follows the success of previous novels "Murder Most Fab" and "Devil In Disguise". 'Clary is as entertaining on paper as he is on stage' "Observer" *Also appeared in October Buyer's Notes*
Synopsis
Noel Coward is the toast of twenties society... a brilliant playwright, composer and entertainer whose witty songs and pithy lines don't quite tell the full story. Goldenhurst, his house in Kent, provides a place where he can be himself. And more importantly where he can be with his lover, Jack, without fear of arrest or judgement...
Book Details
Publisher:
Ebury Press
Publication Date:
29-Mar-2012
ISBN:
9780091938833
Observer review
Briefs Encountered by Julian Clary review
Alexander Larman the observer Sat 31 March 2012
Despite the snickering title, Julian Clary's latest novel is more than a parade of bawdy innuendoes. Set in the 1920s and the present day, it presents an intriguing dual narrative based around Richard Stent, a fading matinee idol, and Noël Coward. The two are linked by numerous things, not least Coward's former home, which Stent a Coward aficionado purchases from "Julian Clary". Both Coward and Stent find that there's more to the house's history than meets the eye, including mysterious nocturnal goings-on.
As this synopsis suggests, there's a postmodern element to the novel that only works fitfully. Clary's self-caricature as an "annoying camp comic and renowned homosexual" is amusing, if self-indulgent, but his portrayal of Noël Coward, filtered through Clary's own sensibility, never quite convinces.
The contemporary story about Stent, his boyfriend Fran and his formidable PA Jes is much stronger, and as the narrative deepens and darkens Clary even manages to incorporate a few chills and creepy moments alongside the jokes about blow jobs and actors' egos.