Funny and charming
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Raymond Marks is the Wrong Boy. Through a series of misunderstandings and accidents, he is accused of being a pervert, and ends up in an institution. His journey through early life forms the story of Russell's first novel, told in the form of a series of letters to former Smith's front man Morrissey.
The novel is very funny in places, but also touching and frequently sad. The vicissitudes and coincidences of life are well-observed, as Raymond frequently comes out worse through no fault of his own. This novel is not deep and penetrating, but it is amusing and easy to read.
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A gem of a book
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Hilarious, moving and enthralling, a story told by young Raymond, a "not normal" boy, in his letters written to Morrissey. His troubles start with some innocent boys' games by the canal, misunderstood as a perversion by teachers and parents, and escalate from there. He describes his relationships with his family: confused mother, down to earth loving ally of a grandmother, horrendous uncle; and he enjoys the friendship of some slightly odd peers and other interesting characters as he progresses.
Even at its most moving, the humour still shines through. An intriguing and gripping plot, it is tempting to rush ahead to discover what happens next, but to do so means sacrificing the sheer joy of reading Raymond's ramblings. Beautifully written, very entertaining and truly involving, this is to be highly recommended.
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The Wrong Boy - The right story
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This is the best book I have ever read. Not because it is a work of literary genius but because it is about real people and real things that might just happen. As somebody whose professional career has included offering advice to schools in Failsworth about exclusions, the book was of considerable interest. It is my belief that every headteacher considering excluding a child from a primary school should be forced to read this book. Raymond has views that are believeable, his letters to Morrisey are legendary and his conversion from his vegetarianism back to carnivore and his apology for it the funniest part of the book. Sad and funny at the same time is not easy to achieve but Russell does it. The saddest thing is that this is a book rather than a play - I'd certainly be in the queue.
Recommended especially for teachers and Smiths fans but for anybody who likes a good laugh. I would agree though that reading it when you're not feeling too good yourself might not be too good an idea but save it for when youre better and laugh with the rest of us.
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Emotional Trampoline
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I first tried to read this book a few years ago. I got about 3/4 of the way through when I had to put it aside. The book had pulled my emotions in so many directions, that I was exhausted by it, and couldn't continue.
... but, now in a better frame of mind generally, I've gone back and re-read this outstanding novel.
First the bad ... it's repetitive in places, slightly too long, and the coincidences in the plot line border on the ridiculous.
Now the good ... Russell has achieved something that very few people have, either in literature or film - convincingly and accurately portraying the horror and torture of mental illness. Indeed, some of the repetition he uses, and the frustration the reader may experience because of it, helps him achieve this insight into a troubled mind.
And, most astonishing of all, in the same work, he successfully writes absurd, embarrassing-in-public, laugh-out-loud humour.
If you're looking for something with the propensity to make you cry with both laughter and sadness, this is well worth your time. But be warned, if you're feeling emotionally tender in any way, wait a while.
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A beautiful and thoughtful book
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I hate comedy but listened to a review of this on the World Service. It lay on my bookshelf for 2 months but when I started reading it I couldn't stop. Sad and funny in equal measure I loved so many of the characters especially Twinky. I have given several copies as presents and every one I have given it to has loved it. One of the best books I have read in years, BUY IT!
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