Books matching: dry british humor
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- #1
Save:'Wilt' by Tom Sharpe follows the story of Henry Wilt, a polytechnic tutor stuck in a monotonous job and a challenging marriage with his domineering wife, Eva. After a peculiar incident involving a blow-up doll at a party, Wilt starts to imagine a life without his wife and uses the doll as a practice tool, leading to a series of comical mishaps that attract the attention of the local police. The plot unfolds with Wilt's attempts to clear his name while navigating through absurd situations, inter-faculty squabbles, and misunderstandings, all set against a backdrop of British humor and satire. The writing style is characterized by dry British humor, satirizing cultural formalities, class divisions, and the protagonist's off-kilter nature, making it a hilarious work that fans of British comedy will enjoy.
Whenever Henry Wilt took the dog for a walk, or, to be more accurate, when the dog took him, or, to be exact, when Mrs Wilt told them both to go and take themselves out of the house so that she could ... - #2
Save:'The Herring Seller's Apprentice' follows the story of Ethelred Tressider, a mystery writer, and his agent Elsie as they investigate the apparent death of Ethelred's ex-wife Geraldine. The plot is filled with clever twists and dark humor, showcasing the overlapping of fiction into reality as Ethelred finds himself entangled in a real-life murder case. The narrative is told from the perspectives of both Ethelred and Elsie, providing insights into their characters and dynamics as they navigate through the mystery. The writing style is described as droll, witty, and filled with dry humor, making it an entertaining and engaging read for fans of crime fiction with a twist.
I wrote my first novel at the age of six. It was seven and a half pages long and concerned a penguin, who happened to have the same name as me, and a lady hedgehog, who happened to have the same name ... - #3
Save:In "The Queen and I" by Sue Townsend, the premise is that the Royal Family is evicted from Buckingham Palace and forced to live on a council estate after a Republican Party sweeps to power. The book humorously explores how the Queen and her family cope with their new circumstances, shedding light on social issues while maintaining a light-hearted tone. The writing style is described as funny, thoughtful, and engaging, with a mix of humor and moments of poignancy.
The Queen winced as Jack Barker ground his cigarette out on the silk rug. A faint smell of burning rose between them. Jack fought the urge to apologize. The Queen stared at Jack disdainfully. His stom... - #4
Save:The Shortest Way to Hades by Sarah Caudwell is a witty murder mystery featuring the amateur sleuth Professor Hilary Tamar. The plot revolves around a family trust arrangement that needs to be changed to avoid hefty taxes upon the matriarch's death. However, when a young member of the family dies in suspicious circumstances, Professor Tamar must investigate to prevent further tragedies. The writing style is described as verbose and stilted at times, with passages of legal language that may distance the reader from the characters and action. Despite this, the book is praised for its dry British humor, literary references, and charming prose style.
Awaiting me in my pigeon-hole at the porter’s lodge of St. George’s College, the message perplexed me more than a little. If my former pupil Timothy Shepherd, now in practice as a barrister in Lincoln...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Hilary Tamar ) - #5
Save:'Men at Arms' by Evelyn Waugh follows the journey of Guy Crouchback, a hag-ridden Catholic Englishman from a declining aristocratic family, as he navigates his way through military training and his first action in the Halberdiers regiment during World War II. The book combines Waugh's signature satire with serious reflections on life as a Catholic Englishman, portraying the eccentricities of Guy's fellow officers and the challenges of military life with a dry, easy tone and accessible characters. The story delves into themes of duty, dignity, and the complexities of British military traditions, offering a mix of tragedy, reality, and farce that leaves readers simultaneously laughing and crying.
When Guy Crouchback’s grandparents, Gervase and Hermione, came to Italy on their honeymoon, French troops manned the defenses of Rome, the Sovereign Pontiff drove out in an open carriage and Cardinals... - #6
Save:"Infinity Welcomes Careful Drivers" in the Red Dwarf series by Grant Naylor is a satirical space travel romp that follows the adventures of former cab driver Lister who accidentally spends three million years in suspended animation as the spaceship he is on accelerates into deep space. The plot revolves around Lister's attempts to return to Earth and the quirky characters he encounters along the way. The writing style is described as dry, satirical British humor that hits all the right notes for readers who enjoy Douglas Adams and appreciate the humor of the Red Dwarf television series.
He slipped the gear into jump, and braced himself. The hopper leapt into the air, and landed with a spine-juddering crunch two hundred yards downEastern Avenue . The hopper’s rear legs retracted into ... - #7
Save:'The Annihilation Score' in the 'Laundry Files' series by Charles Stross is a departure from the previous books, shifting the perspective from Bob to his wife Mo. The story follows Mo as she navigates a world where magic is becoming more prevalent, leading people to believe in superheroes. Mo is tasked with organizing a team of emerging superheroes to combat the rising menace, all while dealing with the challenges of observing regulations and managing her personal life, including her strained marriage to Bob. The narrative explores themes of bureaucratic infighting, Lovecraftian horror, and the looming paranormal apocalypse, providing a satirical yet suspenseful take on urban fantasy and the supernatural world.
The writing style in 'The Annihilation Score' is characterized by dry British humor, a mix of horror and comedy, and a focus on bureaucratic absurdity amidst the impending apocalypse. The plot delves into Mo's internal struggles, her relationships with other characters, and the challenges she faces as she tries to balance her role in the Laundry with her new responsibilities in handling a team of superheroes. The novel offers a fresh perspective on the series, introducing Mo as a complex protagonist grappling with personal demons and professional dilemmas in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
My husband is sometimes a bit slow on the uptake; you’d think that after ten years together he’d have realized that our relationship consisted of him, me, and a bone-white violin made for a Mad Scient...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Laundry Files ) - #8
Save:"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau... - #9
Save:Charlotte Street by Danny Wallace is a British romantic comedy novel that follows the story of Jason Priestley, a former teacher turned journalist, who embarks on a quest to find a mysterious girl he met on the street. With the help of his friend Dev, Jason navigates through London, encountering quirky characters and unexpected twists along the way. The book is praised for its humor, heartwarming moments, and unique storytelling that captures the essence of friendship and life in a city setting.
And I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking: Goodness! Are you the same Jason Priestley, born in Canada in 1969, famous for his portrayal of Brandon Walsh, the moral center of the hit American te... - #10
Save:The Clothes They Stood Up In by Alan Bennett is a short novel that follows the story of Mr. and Mrs. Ransome, a middle-aged couple who return home from the opera to find their flat completely stripped bare. The book explores how the couple copes with the loss of all their possessions and how it leads to a journey of self-discovery and reevaluation of their lives. Through witty observations and a touch of humor, the author delves into themes of materialism, relationships, and personal growth in a concise and thought-provoking manner.
