Poor communication is often the downful of many promising relationships. However, when that breakdown of communication is based on cultural differences then it can lead to painfully funny results.
THE STORY
David Nobbs is the well known creator of the comedy character ' Reggie Perrin' and this influence rubbs off on the main character, Alan Clacutt, had achieved the heights of distinction as an Oxford University Philosophy Don and life seemed settled until Ange, an Essex Girl, turned up by chance. Both fall for each other as close friends and the differences in backgrounds, culture and values start to rub off on each other. As Alan desparately tries to teach Ange the finer pointes of academia and philosophy, he starts to question his own view of life. What follows is a fascinating and funny journey of self discovery, misunderstandings and realisation.
MY THOUGHTS
A lighted hearted and engaging read. Despite the academic excellence ofthe main character and philosophical undertones, the book does not require a degree to read it. If you are open minded as to the different cultures, classes and social groups present within our societies than this book makes absolutes sense and really shows how through relationaships artificial barriers and prejudices break down. After all, take away all our possessions and clothes we all become very similar (gender differences apart!) And that is what this book does in a highly intelligence and sophisticated way. It strips down the layers that make us different and examines what we have in common. The usual 'Essex Girl' Cliches are well and sensitively managed. There is no inappropriate humour at the expense of anyone but is based on observations around human behaviour. The academic classes do get a bit of a kicking though which is probably wel deserved.
This is essentialy a boy meets girl romantic story without the slush. It is also however not an 'Educating Rita' spin off as it is far more intuative and poignant. Don't expect too many twists and turns although there is an unexpected turn towards the end.
You get from this book as much as you want. Whether it is a casual read or you want to sink deeper into the the very believable characters and their relationship which can be related to wider values within society.
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Alan and Ange are on a train heading for London. Alan is a philosophy lecturer still a ... more
virgin at fifty-five; Ange a twenty-something horoscope reading darts groupie. They certainly don't expect their first casual meeting to lead to anything but it...
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Advantages: Funny, observant novel about a culture clash relationship. Disadvantages: A knowledge of British culture may be necessary to fully understand the humour.
luckyarchers 12.11.2008 (12.11.2008)
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Review of Cupid's Dart - David Nobbs
Advantages: Funny, observant novel about a culture clash relationship. Disadvantages: A knowledge of British culture may be necessary to fully understand the humour.
luckyarchers 12.11.2008 (12.11.2008)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Cupid's Dart - David Nobbs
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Nov 7th, 2009
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