Post Office - Charles Bukowski

Advantages: Extremely funny, easy to read, bursting with character.
Disadvantages: Occasionally vulgar and misogynistic.

...In his lifetime, Bukowski wrote many semi-biographical novels of which this is his second, and it shows. After the somewhat stop-start nature of his first novel "Post Office"; "Factotum" sparkles with downbeat wit, and an over riding sense of nihilism. Starting almost every chapter with a new dead end job, Bukowski's sardonic recounting of what it it's like to be down and out grabs you and won't let you go to you're fully immersed in his world. Anybody who's been stuck working for a scum bag of a boss, who's been without direction in life will relate to this book. In some ways it's a "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" without the drugs, jumping from one crazy incident to the next, knocking you down and never quite letting you get back up. Bukowski's highly distinctive writing style is evident throughout, and he truly pours... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Easy to install, very well priced if you include phone package
Disadvantages: None

...I have been with Post Office for about 1 month now and so far very pleased. Firstly I opted for the package that comes with a modem and free evening & weekend calls. It costs just under £21 per month and that includes your line rental. It is about 3 times fast than my previous broadband provider Orange who I had been with for several years. The Broadband was very simple to set up with no hitches. My only criticism was that they tell you the day it will go live, but don't say that it might not happen until mid-night of that day. The help line is very good and is based in UK. Although, it is I think in Northern Ireland, their accent is easier to follow than some of the Indian call centres I have had to deal with. I have my own wireless Belkin router so I opted not to go for the package that came with a router and limitless... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Good customer service
Disadvantages: Takes while to get the official approval

...I was a first time buyer looking to buy at the very bottom of the slump six months ago and struggled to find a mortgage that didn't require huge deposits - I found it with the Post Office! The fixed rate (mine is 6.1) is high compared to the Bank of England rate but the lowest I found with a ten per cent deposit. Their mortgages are through Bristol and West (think this has just changed to the Bank of Ireland). The website has all the different mortgage products listed and it pretty easy to understand, the staff over the phone helpful, answered all my questions and gave me a aprroval in principle pretty quickly. It's pretty easy to get through to them and there's no huge waits on hold. Also open on a Saturday, which is good when you work. You can also apply online and use their mortgage caluclator. The doucmentation was reasonably... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful