by Richard Beard
1997
Gregory, the narrator, is a smoker trying to quit, writing to distract
his mind and occupy his hands. It is told in 20 parts, like a packet of
cigs. As the nuances and twists in his tale - of betrayal, lost love,
becoming a smoker, asserting one's the right to take chances - become
clearer, his paragraphs grow longer, his purpose stronger... perhaps.
This
is an astonishing debut, written when Beard was 29. It's masterfully
constructed, each new facet of the story coming to light at precisely
the right time, to shock, delight and annoy. It is very often
hilarious, sometimes sad. And it's also a philosophical study on free
will and responsibility. Love, hubris, and the search for truth:
vintage stuff.
four stars
