I had read a lot of Hugo Rifkind's columns in The Times so I thought I knew what to expect, namely, witty, sharp and incisive writing. While that's what I got, and oodles of it to boot, I was left just a little deflated. On reflection, I think its because my expectations were too high. In fairness, Overexposure isn't pitched as some intellectual or verbal masterpiece - I read it in about two days, which is pretty quick when you consider I don't generally have a lot of time to read anything these days - but I was expecting slightly more.
The plot clips along and you swerve between sympathy and apathy for the central figure - he's a pretty pathetic character, not sure what he's doing in his deadline-driven job, not sure what he's waiting for in life outside of work. But of course, despite seeming like a horrible person, the glint of goodness we all apparently possess comes through in the end.
The ending was probably the most disappointing element - There was always only one of two options here, and neither would have surprised - you could see it coming a mile off.
This is a light read. It carries you along, entertaining you along the way. The plot isn't too complicated and you won't be taxed intellectually, but the writing is very good and well structured. I really enjoyed it and I look forward to another from Mr. Rifkind.
