It’s undeniable that Bob Mortimer is approaching national treasure status in the UK. The Middlesbrough lad with two law degrees made his name as part of the absurdist double act Reeves and Mortimer alongside Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves. More recently , he’s found a more conventional fan base thanks to the panel show ‘Would I Lie To You?’ and existentialist but gentle fishing show ‘Gone Fishing’ with fellow comedy legend Paul Whitehouse. Then there’s the brilliantly observed public transport wanker, Train Guy. He just has funny bones, like a little witty teddy bear.
This, his first novel , isn’t full of dazzling prose, as such, but has much of his gentle and surreal humour. There are some excellent observations on society’s frustrations and try -hards, as seen through the eyes of his central character, Gary, a shy, likeable fellow who shambles through life with little to no expectations, talking to the local squirrels.
Could a mystery lady be the key to igniting something new within him? And just where did she disappear to? Will he ever see her again? And what of his colleague Brendan ?
It’s very funny slice of life stuff, with a sense of Mortimer’s voice throughout. And I chuckled all the way through. It’s also got a little sting of pathos to it, just like the man himself. Not perfect, then, but extremely good fun.
Hit The North 