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Product Description
Mirror
'Real humour, as usual, can be found in abundance. A riot of
colour and absurdity' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
colour and absurdity' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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'Bateman is quickly growing into a legend so pick up a piece of
him now'
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him now'
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Colin Bateman has a wonderful ability to create flawed characters and yet still have the reader rooting for them, witness Dan Starkey, Murphy and the protagonists from Cycle of Violence & Empire State to name a few. This particular novel is far more of an ensemble piece with Walter the overweight lothario, Marsh Mallow a workaholic Senior Policeman, Margaret the shrewish Store Detective come Fashion Designer, Redmond the supposedly deceased former IRA Operative and Linda the Estate Agent with an inferiority complex having their imperfections made clear to the reader. As always though Bateman comes to their rescue and ensured that my sympathy remained with them all with the exception of the villain Pink Harrison and his henchmen. I have three minor criticisms about this novel, a scattergun storyline moving between the leading players left me occasionally confused, especially after leaving the book for a day or two; I also missed the sharp, laugh out loud sarcasm so prevalent in his Dan Starkey novels and finally Bateman uses coincidence as a plot mechanism though he is by no means unique here. These are tiny complaints though in comparison to the asterisked swearing. Are his publishers insulting our intelligence or have they discovered an enormous puritanical following?
Despite my moans above this book remains very readable indeed. As a huge fan of Colin Bateman and as with all of his books I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone between the ages of 12 & 70.
Despite my moans above this book remains very readable indeed. As a huge fan of Colin Bateman and as with all of his books I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone between the ages of 12 & 70.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I had the chance to read this a bit early, and I absolutely loved it. I've been a fan of Bateman for a while, and this is just as good as any of his Dan Starkey novels. Behind all the new look, Bateman is a brilliant writer and his characters hold strong in their often doomed lives, Walter being my favourite who tries to woo a lady by modelling himself on the milk tray man...classic! I was worried as it looks a bit long, but it's actually really pacy and I zipped through it.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There is a lot to be said for experience when it comes to writing fiction. The market is full of 'stunning debuts' most of which are followed up by not very much - the writing equivalent of the adult career of a child star. Therefore it is reassuring to pick up a Bateman book and know that that you are in for a terrific read. And this book is no exception.
From the start 'Riot' dazzles the reader with a wonderfully crafted combination of humour and drama, neither contaminating the purity of the other. The comedy is not dark, but neither is the drama insincere or superficial. A blend of this type is typical of Bateman and very rare in modern authors.
The story involves a varied cast of individuals. The characterisation is excellent, while not swamping the reader with countless life histories. The chapters are short (4 - 8 pages) and alternate between several storylines all of which are connected and overlap at various points throughout the book. All the storylines are neatly tied up at the end, avoiding unanswered questions which are irritatingly popular in modern fiction.
The length (664 pages) may put some people off, but the book is so gripping and the plot so pacy that you wont notice the pages go racing by. With the chapters so short there are many half-blank pages so the book is in fact shorter than it first appears.
This is a fun and gripping read. Hilarious and ironic, while at the same time touching on issues of human nature such as cowardice, bravery and bereavement. I also recomend Bateman's 'Dan Starkey' series.
From the start 'Riot' dazzles the reader with a wonderfully crafted combination of humour and drama, neither contaminating the purity of the other. The comedy is not dark, but neither is the drama insincere or superficial. A blend of this type is typical of Bateman and very rare in modern authors.
The story involves a varied cast of individuals. The characterisation is excellent, while not swamping the reader with countless life histories. The chapters are short (4 - 8 pages) and alternate between several storylines all of which are connected and overlap at various points throughout the book. All the storylines are neatly tied up at the end, avoiding unanswered questions which are irritatingly popular in modern fiction.
The length (664 pages) may put some people off, but the book is so gripping and the plot so pacy that you wont notice the pages go racing by. With the chapters so short there are many half-blank pages so the book is in fact shorter than it first appears.
This is a fun and gripping read. Hilarious and ironic, while at the same time touching on issues of human nature such as cowardice, bravery and bereavement. I also recomend Bateman's 'Dan Starkey' series.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Batemans Belfast
I thorougly enjoyed this novel. Its Batemans longest by far and therefore you get more value for your money. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Ray
Laugh out loud- great fun
My first Bateman, given to me by a friend. What a great present! I loved this book from the first page. Read more
Published 11 months ago by skywalker
Don't miss out on a brilliant read
If you like Colin Bateman and have not read this then get out and get a copy. If you have never read a Colin Bateman book, then this is a MUST. Read more
Published 16 months ago by M. Jones
Good but not his best!
This book is good. Very funny but not as good as some of his others such as Cycle of Violence and Mystery Man
Published on 9 Oct 2009 by M. Godden
predict a laugh a minute
This book is for people who like thrillers but also have a good sense of fun. I found it very entertaining and was a real page-turner, loved it.
Published on 29 Aug 2009 by Mrs. Margaret A. Adair
Great audiobook - and funny too
"Funny" books can quickly get tedious; once you know the author's style you start to anticipate the jokes and the humour lessens with each one. Not with this one though. Read more
Published on 25 July 2009 by Marian Hartright
Another Bateman classic
When I first picked this book up I was a little sceptical due to it's length and large number of characters involved. Read more
Published on 28 April 2009 by Leathy
i predict a riot
This book is funny from the start and something everyone can identify with.
There are a lot of characters but this keeps it interesting. Read more
There are a lot of characters but this keeps it interesting. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2008 by D. Rochford
Slow with the odd funny bit
I did not enjoy this as much as Belfast Confidential. There were too many characters being introduced that I felt reader momentum was not achieved. Read more
Published on 21 Jun 2008 by Robert
Good , but not much happens
This was my first Colin Bateman experience, I was drawn to him as someone suggested his style was quite like Christopher Brookmyre. Read more
Published on 6 April 2008 by A. Russell
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