High Society, Part 1
November 15th 2006 10:30
You all have my apologies for not having posted in quite some time. Life got far more hectic than I think it ever should, but hey, there is nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in a man. But on with the show, so to speak.
I hate Ben Elton. Not for personal reasons (I don't know him personally, unfortunately) but because he is far too brilliant an author. I mean it. At the moment I am getting through High Society and enjoying it thoroughly. I haven't finished it, but I have found far too much in the book to try and write only one review. So I am going to write a few, all about three of the main characters.
The interesting thing about the book is that it deals highly with addiction, but not only drug addiction. Peter Paget, the character I am going to write about tonight, is a politician who wishes to legalise all drugs. Heroin, ice, etc the lot, all of them. He is a family man, middle aged and has pretty well no distinct or distinguished political background. Until now. The whole cut and thrust of his arguement is that be legalising them the government can take control of the whole drug market in britain and standardise it, that power will be taken from criminals and will allow police to truly fight crime and keep people safe. The funny thing is, that as the novel progresses, this point of view actually becomes understandable. Not that I am taking that point of view. I think drugs are bad (mmmmkay) and that they can destroy lives.
But what is curious to note about him is his own addiction. It isn't drugs, it's approval. His own character flaw, that drives him to this, is a wild kind of insecurity. He yearns for the approval of his peers, of anyone really and this drives him to doing things he doesn't approve of himself. He is in an affair with his secretary (whose own approval addiction is centered on her father who died when she was 11) and he even deludes himself at times (like a halucinogenic), gets high, gets mellow and even becomes paranoid. It's curious to see how it warps his mind. He begins as a man with such a passionate and responsible view, and yet is warping towards one that is most certainly passionate, but not responsible. His ideas become selfish, particularly towards to his wife and kids.
Honestly, if he was the only character, I wouldn't read the book. It would suck. But because of the other characters, who I will post about over the next couple of days, it is an amazingly brilliant book.
JoshZ
I hate Ben Elton. Not for personal reasons (I don't know him personally, unfortunately) but because he is far too brilliant an author. I mean it. At the moment I am getting through High Society and enjoying it thoroughly. I haven't finished it, but I have found far too much in the book to try and write only one review. So I am going to write a few, all about three of the main characters.
The interesting thing about the book is that it deals highly with addiction, but not only drug addiction. Peter Paget, the character I am going to write about tonight, is a politician who wishes to legalise all drugs. Heroin, ice, etc the lot, all of them. He is a family man, middle aged and has pretty well no distinct or distinguished political background. Until now. The whole cut and thrust of his arguement is that be legalising them the government can take control of the whole drug market in britain and standardise it, that power will be taken from criminals and will allow police to truly fight crime and keep people safe. The funny thing is, that as the novel progresses, this point of view actually becomes understandable. Not that I am taking that point of view. I think drugs are bad (mmmmkay) and that they can destroy lives.
But what is curious to note about him is his own addiction. It isn't drugs, it's approval. His own character flaw, that drives him to this, is a wild kind of insecurity. He yearns for the approval of his peers, of anyone really and this drives him to doing things he doesn't approve of himself. He is in an affair with his secretary (whose own approval addiction is centered on her father who died when she was 11) and he even deludes himself at times (like a halucinogenic), gets high, gets mellow and even becomes paranoid. It's curious to see how it warps his mind. He begins as a man with such a passionate and responsible view, and yet is warping towards one that is most certainly passionate, but not responsible. His ideas become selfish, particularly towards to his wife and kids.
Honestly, if he was the only character, I wouldn't read the book. It would suck. But because of the other characters, who I will post about over the next couple of days, it is an amazingly brilliant book.
JoshZ
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Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
It's sitting on my bedside table with the other books I just haven't had the time to fully immerse myself in lately.
There was a time in my life when I needed to devour a book a day but now, with how busy we get sometimes I just like to sit or lie and just...be...not conciously think of anything, not have my mind occupied...just letting it be.
However, I'm intrigued by this now...but won't get it until I've finished 'First Casualty'.
Looking forward to reading the other parts.
Dusk
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
I'm back and added to what I was saying two posts ago... It's the ability of a book/author to take you into his world - especially on an inner ride of drugs - and show you from the inside... what drives someone to seek the extra ‘lift.’ This sounds so interesting because of what you outline drives him is his need for approval… I remember one of my professors used to always yell at us "show me, don’t tell me." and that's what I like about some authors more than others...
I haven't read this book either, but now you have given me two to read... However, like the DuskyD and mothers everywhere... I just want to hang and stare into space when I'm idle... I think it's the constant interruptions from children that causes that... you ended up… interrupted... and as soon as you mange to collect your train of thought back... one of the little darlings will appear with alarming precision of timing and jolt you right out of it again... so, with the exception of a quick wiki-pick and or a google... my reading is pretty much over for another couple years at least *lol*
I like your own writing style JoshZ...look forward to future posts...
Lilla…
Comment by JoshZ
The first part of this is addressed to the both of you, because you both mentioned it....
I can understand what you mean, but only to a much smaller degree. People are always intruding into my life (though usually in ways that I enjoy, and I enjoy the people) and I used to read alot more. But at the moment I am writing alot more, which I guess balances out.
JoshZ
Comment by JoshZ
I am looking forward to see what you say about First Casualty and am very happy to wait.
Your comments and presence are always welcome.
JoshZ
Comment by JoshZ
I know what you mean about being shown, not just taught.
Bob Dylan's lyrics in Tambourine man are the most poetic I have ever heard about an LSD trip, even though I have never had one. But what lessons we can learn from a man's life are far too much than what we can count.
JoshZ