'Chart Throb' by Ben Elton is a satirical novel that delves into the world of reality TV talent shows, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the manipulation, exploitation, and absurdity that goes on in these programs. The book follows a season of a fictional talent show called Chart Throb, where the characters, based on real-life personalities from shows like X Factor and American Idol, navigate through rigged competitions, outrageous plot twists, and larger-than-life scenarios. Ben Elton's writing style combines humor, wit, and biting satire to shed light on the darker side of the entertainment industry, presenting a fictional yet eerily realistic portrayal of the reality TV phenomenon.

Characters:

The characters serve as thinly-veiled caricatures of real television personalities, emphasizing exaggerated and superficial traits.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is casual and accessible, heavily relying on satire and repetitive humor.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a reality singing competition, satirizing the manipulation and cruelty inherent in the industry.

Setting:

The setting is firmly based in the UK reality television scene, reflecting contemporary TV culture.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally fast, driven by humor, but drags in some areas, particularly in plot development.

‘Elton melds his story, part comic romance, part page-turning thriller, with a subtext that explores schoolyard bullying, lightly and broadly, by taking every opportunity to include thought-provoking ...

Notes:

Chart Throb is set around a reality singing competition.

It features three judges, a character resembling Simon Cowell, another like Sharon Osbourne, and a third like Louis Walsh.

The characters are thinly veiled versions of real TV judges, which Elton makes clear by mentioning X Factor directly.

The book offers a satirical look at how reality television is scripted and manipulated for audience engagement.

Despite being over 400 pages long, many readers found the plot repetitive and lacking in depth.

Calvin Simms, the main character, is described as a manipulative but oddly likeable figure.

The story includes a subplot involving Prince Charles as a contestant, which adds to the absurdity.

The humor often revolves around the cruelty and exploitation of contestants on reality TV shows.

Many readers feel the characters were shallow and unmemorable, akin to those on real talent shows.

Elton's writing is described as cheerful cynicism, highlighting the unearthly nature of fame and reality shows.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Chart Throb include themes of manipulation, exploitation, and the harsh realities of reality television, which may not appeal to all readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in Chart Throb, primarily as it involves Calvin Simms' attempts to win over a research assistant, adding a layer to his character.

From The Publisher:

Chart Throb: the ultimate pop quest. Ninety-five thousand hopefuls. Three judges. Just one winner. And that's Calvin Simms, the genius behind the show. Calvin always wins because Calvin writes the rules. But this year, as he sits smugly in judgment upon the mingers, clingers, and blingers whom he has preselected in his carefully scripted "search" for a star, he has no idea that the rules are changing. The "real" is about to be put back into "reality" television, and Calvin and his fellow judges (the nation's favorite mom and the other guy) are about to become "ex-factors" themselves. Ben Elton returns to blistering comic satire with a vengeance in thisno-holds-barred competition. One winner. A whole bunch of losers. Crazed, no-talent, fame junkies . . . and that's just the judges.

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What can you read after
Chart Throb?

See the list (13 books)

About the Author:

Ben Elton started his career as a stand-up comedian and branched out into plays, novels, and films. His three hit stage plays are Gasping, Silly Cow, and Popcorn, which won the Olivier Award for best comedy. He wrote and directed the feature film Maybe Baby, starring Hugh Laurie and Joely Richardson, which was based on his novel Inconceivable. He has is also the author of Dead Famous, The First Casualty, and Past Mortem.

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Chart Throb

Ben Elton