Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Chilean Adventure, 29 Oct 2008
Fresia is returning to her homeland of Chile, she left as a baby when her parents escaped and finally moved to England. On the plane, she meets Joe, a Scottish academic, who is returning to Chile.
Their stories are intertwined with the case of a missing young man, un desaparecido, last scene in a bar with his girlfriend.
I enjoyed this book which has Chile's recent past as a backdrop to a boy meets girl story. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

A badly written affair..., 16 Sep 2006
Ben Richards has attempted many things in The Mermaid and the Drunks, unfortunately he fails to achieve anything. His prose is clumsy and will annoy you intensely, the characterisation is poor and undeveloped and the plot stumbles along blindly at a snail's pace. There is no excuse for anyone to review this book well, the innate snobbery attached to an academic writing about an academic is evident in every page, though the writing is unintelligent in every sense. Richards' awkward grasp of character creates such a lack of depth that you will find yourself completely indifferent to any eventuality he has planned for Joe and Fresia. It is a very disappointing read.

Very disapointing, 14 Aug 2005
Having traveled in Chile, I was quite excited when I bought this book. However, this made for a very disapointing read. The plot is not gripping at all, the characters lack density and are hard to feel sympathy for and the writing in general is average. Overall, it seems like the whole book is an excuse for the author to sprinkle a few historical facts or anecdotes on Chile rather than a proper novel. No vale la pena!

Could be better, 29 May 2005
As others have written, the strength of this book lies in the evocation of life in Chile and the picture presented of a country still struggling to comes to terms with the post-Pinochet era. However, the narrative isn't strong enough to make this a great, or even a good book. The relationship between the two central characters isn't enough to hold the story together and there are a number of minor stories that flit along the edge of the novel but are never drawn in or adequately explored. I suppose in short, the passion centres around politics and ideas, but the characters aren't fully developed. (The strongest moment was a superb description of jealousy - I won't give it away. It showed what the author could do.) However, if I saw another novel by this author I would probably 'give it a go'. In the end it is the characters that save a novel but they just weren't strong enough to save this one.

Just couldn't hold my interest., 22 Dec 2004
I didn't buy this book because Richard and Judy had recommended it. I bought it because the title and cover blurb had interested me. I'm not knocking the author at all - there is nothing exactly wrong with the writing or the story and there is no doubt the writer is talented. I'm afraid this just wasn't my type of book and the story wasn't what I expected from the write-up. Yes, it is a wonderful though disturbing insight into Chilean life, so if you feel that will interest you then I recommend reading it. But it not really a love story or 'relationship' story. I get that this book is throwing a light on a culture and may speak politically to some people, or simply as a spotlight on a way of life to others, and I can see that the story is simply a tool in this regard, but alas I don't feel it quite worked. I just couldn't care enough about the people involved to see it as a 'novel' and in anyway entertaining. I believe I do understand the writer's intent and offer applause for it, but feel that I was somewhat mislead into reading it. I persevered and finished it but have to admit I struggled, and I have read some very involved books. A great talent, good intentions, but it was hard work.

Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Chilean Adventure, 29 Oct 2008
Fresia is returning to her homeland of Chile, she left as a baby when her parents escaped and finally moved to England. On the plane, she meets Joe, a Scottish academic, who is returning to Chile.
Their stories are intertwined with the case of a missing young man, un desaparecido, last scene in a bar with his girlfriend.
I enjoyed this book which has Chile's recent past as a backdrop to a boy meets girl story. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

A badly written affair..., 16 Sep 2006
Ben Richards has attempted many things in The Mermaid and the Drunks, unfortunately he fails to achieve anything. His prose is clumsy and will annoy you intensely, the characterisation is poor and undeveloped and the plot stumbles along blindly at a snail's pace. There is no excuse for anyone to review this book well, the innate snobbery attached to an academic writing about an academic is evident in every page, though the writing is unintelligent in every sense. Richards' awkward grasp of character creates such a lack of depth that you will find yourself completely indifferent to any eventuality he has planned for Joe and Fresia. It is a very disappointing read.

Very disapointing, 14 Aug 2005
Having traveled in Chile, I was quite excited when I bought this book. However, this made for a very disapointing read. The plot is not gripping at all, the characters lack density and are hard to feel sympathy for and the writing in general is average. Overall, it seems like the whole book is an excuse for the author to sprinkle a few historical facts or anecdotes on Chile rather than a proper novel. No vale la pena!

Could be better, 29 May 2005
As others have written, the strength of this book lies in the evocation of life in Chile and the picture presented of a country still struggling to comes to terms with the post-Pinochet era. However, the narrative isn't strong enough to make this a great, or even a good book. The relationship between the two central characters isn't enough to hold the story together and there are a number of minor stories that flit along the edge of the novel but are never drawn in or adequately explored. I suppose in short, the passion centres around politics and ideas, but the characters aren't fully developed. (The strongest moment was a superb description of jealousy - I won't give it away. It showed what the author could do.) However, if I saw another novel by this author I would probably 'give it a go'. In the end it is the characters that save a novel but they just weren't strong enough to save this one.

Just couldn't hold my interest., 22 Dec 2004
I didn't buy this book because Richard and Judy had recommended it. I bought it because the title and cover blurb had interested me. I'm not knocking the author at all - there is nothing exactly wrong with the writing or the story and there is no doubt the writer is talented. I'm afraid this just wasn't my type of book and the story wasn't what I expected from the write-up. Yes, it is a wonderful though disturbing insight into Chilean life, so if you feel that will interest you then I recommend reading it. But it not really a love story or 'relationship' story. I get that this book is throwing a light on a culture and may speak politically to some people, or simply as a spotlight on a way of life to others, and I can see that the story is simply a tool in this regard, but alas I don't feel it quite worked. I just couldn't care enough about the people involved to see it as a 'novel' and in anyway entertaining. I believe I do understand the writer's intent and offer applause for it, but feel that I was somewhat mislead into reading it. I persevered and finished it but have to admit I struggled, and I have read some very involved books. A great talent, good intentions, but it was hard work.

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Chilean Adventure, 29 Oct 2008
Fresia is returning to her homeland of Chile, she left as a baby when her parents escaped and finally moved to England. On the plane, she meets Joe, a Scottish academic, who is returning to Chile.
Their stories are intertwined with the case of a missing young man, un desaparecido, last scene in a bar with his girlfriend.
I enjoyed this book which has Chile's recent past as a backdrop to a boy meets girl story. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

A badly written affair..., 16 Sep 2006
Ben Richards has attempted many things in The Mermaid and the Drunks, unfortunately he fails to achieve anything. His prose is clumsy and will annoy you intensely, the characterisation is poor and undeveloped and the plot stumbles along blindly at a snail's pace. There is no excuse for anyone to review this book well, the innate snobbery attached to an academic writing about an academic is evident in every page, though the writing is unintelligent in every sense. Richards' awkward grasp of character creates such a lack of depth that you will find yourself completely indifferent to any eventuality he has planned for Joe and Fresia. It is a very disappointing read.

Very disapointing, 14 Aug 2005
Having traveled in Chile, I was quite excited when I bought this book. However, this made for a very disapointing read. The plot is not gripping at all, the characters lack density and are hard to feel sympathy for and the writing in general is average. Overall, it seems like the whole book is an excuse for the author to sprinkle a few historical facts or anecdotes on Chile rather than a proper novel. No vale la pena!

Could be better, 29 May 2005
As others have written, the strength of this book lies in the evocation of life in Chile and the picture presented of a country still struggling to comes to terms with the post-Pinochet era. However, the narrative isn't strong enough to make this a great, or even a good book. The relationship between the two central characters isn't enough to hold the story together and there are a number of minor stories that flit along the edge of the novel but are never drawn in or adequately explored. I suppose in short, the passion centres around politics and ideas, but the characters aren't fully developed. (The strongest moment was a superb description of jealousy - I won't give it away. It showed what the author could do.) However, if I saw another novel by this author I would probably 'give it a go'. In the end it is the characters that save a novel but they just weren't strong enough to save this one.

Just couldn't hold my interest., 22 Dec 2004
I didn't buy this book because Richard and Judy had recommended it. I bought it because the title and cover blurb had interested me. I'm not knocking the author at all - there is nothing exactly wrong with the writing or the story and there is no doubt the writer is talented. I'm afraid this just wasn't my type of book and the story wasn't what I expected from the write-up. Yes, it is a wonderful though disturbing insight into Chilean life, so if you feel that will interest you then I recommend reading it. But it not really a love story or 'relationship' story. I get that this book is throwing a light on a culture and may speak politically to some people, or simply as a spotlight on a way of life to others, and I can see that the story is simply a tool in this regard, but alas I don't feel it quite worked. I just couldn't care enough about the people involved to see it as a 'novel' and in anyway entertaining. I believe I do understand the writer's intent and offer applause for it, but feel that I was somewhat mislead into reading it. I persevered and finished it but have to admit I struggled, and I have read some very involved books. A great talent, good intentions, but it was hard work.

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Unputdownable, 30 Sep 2002
Absolutely loved this book. The characters were very realistic, as was the portrayal of London life. Full of interesting dialogue and amusing banter between the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

What is it about? I don't know, but I like it!, 01 Jun 2001
Lovely book. I read it a few years ago but it still comes back to me. What some would call unremarkable I would call something else, something about realistic romanticism, if there is such a thing. Common people, ordinary situations but absolutely wonderful reading. The next two books disapointed me somewhat. It could be because they have a plot, that is not at all necessary if you are such a gifted writer as Ben Richards.

Not Bad, Just Unremarkable, 07 Apr 2001
This second novel from Richards is a bit of a disappointment following his excellent debut, Throwing the House of the Window. Richards is again mainly exploring how someone in their late 20s deals with picking their life back up after a traumatic relationship event. Here, however, the main character, Kerry, is female and there isn't the threat of violence lurking. Kerry and her best friend/roommate Marco are fairly engaging characters, the first trying to restart her life, the latter trying not to grow up. Many of the themes and touchstones (London neighbourhoods, drugs, messy relationships, bad jobs, school, dealing with your family) are familiar, and unfortunately Richards fails to add anything particularly new or insightful to the mix. Hornby, Welsh, Amis, Hawes, et al have all trod of various parts of the same territory with far better results. It's not bad, just not all that noteworthy.

My, how imaginative, 09 Oct 2000
I respect the other reviews on this page, but I have to say this book left me cold. The characterisation was lazy, the plot predictable (young people taking drugs? Whatever next?) and the dialogue was often unbelievable. I feel that London life and drugs/club culture have been done to death; the Author has nothing to say on these subjects that hasn't been said before (step forward, Messrs Amis and Welsh). This wouldn't matter if there were other redeeming features, but I can't remember any. However, this book has been nominated for/won prizes, so maybe I just didn't click with it. You can live the mundanity in this novel whenever you want, why bother reading about it?

Perfect view of London Life, 11 May 1999
Probably the ultimate book to read to gain an insight into modern London life.

Richards perfectly illustrates the drudgery and grime of London, as well as its fast pace and excitement.

His characters are both believing and engrossing, they not only appall but delight you and they pull you deep into the plot

Realistically a book you can't, and shouldn't put down

Fantastic

Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Chilean Adventure, 29 Oct 2008
Fresia is returning to her homeland of Chile, she left as a baby when her parents escaped and finally moved to England. On the plane, she meets Joe, a Scottish academic, who is returning to Chile.
Their stories are intertwined with the case of a missing young man, un desaparecido, last scene in a bar with his girlfriend.
I enjoyed this book which has Chile's recent past as a backdrop to a boy meets girl story. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

A badly written affair..., 16 Sep 2006
Ben Richards has attempted many things in The Mermaid and the Drunks, unfortunately he fails to achieve anything. His prose is clumsy and will annoy you intensely, the characterisation is poor and undeveloped and the plot stumbles along blindly at a snail's pace. There is no excuse for anyone to review this book well, the innate snobbery attached to an academic writing about an academic is evident in every page, though the writing is unintelligent in every sense. Richards' awkward grasp of character creates such a lack of depth that you will find yourself completely indifferent to any eventuality he has planned for Joe and Fresia. It is a very disappointing read.

Very disapointing, 14 Aug 2005
Having traveled in Chile, I was quite excited when I bought this book. However, this made for a very disapointing read. The plot is not gripping at all, the characters lack density and are hard to feel sympathy for and the writing in general is average. Overall, it seems like the whole book is an excuse for the author to sprinkle a few historical facts or anecdotes on Chile rather than a proper novel. No vale la pena!

Could be better, 29 May 2005
As others have written, the strength of this book lies in the evocation of life in Chile and the picture presented of a country still struggling to comes to terms with the post-Pinochet era. However, the narrative isn't strong enough to make this a great, or even a good book. The relationship between the two central characters isn't enough to hold the story together and there are a number of minor stories that flit along the edge of the novel but are never drawn in or adequately explored. I suppose in short, the passion centres around politics and ideas, but the characters aren't fully developed. (The strongest moment was a superb description of jealousy - I won't give it away. It showed what the author could do.) However, if I saw another novel by this author I would probably 'give it a go'. In the end it is the characters that save a novel but they just weren't strong enough to save this one.

Just couldn't hold my interest., 22 Dec 2004
I didn't buy this book because Richard and Judy had recommended it. I bought it because the title and cover blurb had interested me. I'm not knocking the author at all - there is nothing exactly wrong with the writing or the story and there is no doubt the writer is talented. I'm afraid this just wasn't my type of book and the story wasn't what I expected from the write-up. Yes, it is a wonderful though disturbing insight into Chilean life, so if you feel that will interest you then I recommend reading it. But it not really a love story or 'relationship' story. I get that this book is throwing a light on a culture and may speak politically to some people, or simply as a spotlight on a way of life to others, and I can see that the story is simply a tool in this regard, but alas I don't feel it quite worked. I just couldn't care enough about the people involved to see it as a 'novel' and in anyway entertaining. I believe I do understand the writer's intent and offer applause for it, but feel that I was somewhat mislead into reading it. I persevered and finished it but have to admit I struggled, and I have read some very involved books. A great talent, good intentions, but it was hard work.

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Unputdownable, 30 Sep 2002
Absolutely loved this book. The characters were very realistic, as was the portrayal of London life. Full of interesting dialogue and amusing banter between the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

What is it about? I don't know, but I like it!, 01 Jun 2001
Lovely book. I read it a few years ago but it still comes back to me. What some would call unremarkable I would call something else, something about realistic romanticism, if there is such a thing. Common people, ordinary situations but absolutely wonderful reading. The next two books disapointed me somewhat. It could be because they have a plot, that is not at all necessary if you are such a gifted writer as Ben Richards.

Not Bad, Just Unremarkable, 07 Apr 2001
This second novel from Richards is a bit of a disappointment following his excellent debut, Throwing the House of the Window. Richards is again mainly exploring how someone in their late 20s deals with picking their life back up after a traumatic relationship event. Here, however, the main character, Kerry, is female and there isn't the threat of violence lurking. Kerry and her best friend/roommate Marco are fairly engaging characters, the first trying to restart her life, the latter trying not to grow up. Many of the themes and touchstones (London neighbourhoods, drugs, messy relationships, bad jobs, school, dealing with your family) are familiar, and unfortunately Richards fails to add anything particularly new or insightful to the mix. Hornby, Welsh, Amis, Hawes, et al have all trod of various parts of the same territory with far better results. It's not bad, just not all that noteworthy.

My, how imaginative, 09 Oct 2000
I respect the other reviews on this page, but I have to say this book left me cold. The characterisation was lazy, the plot predictable (young people taking drugs? Whatever next?) and the dialogue was often unbelievable. I feel that London life and drugs/club culture have been done to death; the Author has nothing to say on these subjects that hasn't been said before (step forward, Messrs Amis and Welsh). This wouldn't matter if there were other redeeming features, but I can't remember any. However, this book has been nominated for/won prizes, so maybe I just didn't click with it. You can live the mundanity in this novel whenever you want, why bother reading about it?

Perfect view of London Life, 11 May 1999
Probably the ultimate book to read to gain an insight into modern London life.

Richards perfectly illustrates the drudgery and grime of London, as well as its fast pace and excitement.

His characters are both believing and engrossing, they not only appall but delight you and they pull you deep into the plot

Realistically a book you can't, and shouldn't put down

Fantastic

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Brilliant, compelling read, 12 Mar 2006
I love this book. It tells the story of a couple of months in the life of Jamie Collins, a housing officer in a London Burgh. After a break up with his girlfriend, he is drifting along without much purpose until he becomes involved in a racial harrassment case on the estate.

He decides to stand up for Mrs Khan, the woman who is being harrassed, but, in doing so, antagonises some of the local criminals. Therefore, the story unfolds in an atmosphere of growing menace. It's also a love story, as Jamie meets and falls for Ana Maria, a Chilean woman he meets through his spanish tutor.

I think Ben's greatest talent is that his writing is so economical, yet so vivid, that you feel as if you are right there with the characters. He also has a great ear for realistic dialogue. The book is also full of believable and colourful characters, such as Colin, Edouardo and his daughter, Ana Maria and Iona.

He also writes touchingly of urban alienation, and the novel sparkles with dry humour.

One of my favourite books.

The Housing Officer as hero, 26 Mar 2001
As I work in Housing I was interested to see how Ben Richards portrayed the work we did. I needn't have worried he was spot on, well done. It's not just about housing, it is a cracking read, which made it all the more enjoyable as I could imagine being in similar situations.

He also evokes the life of 30something arts graduates who have drifted since college and now find themselves in careers they never thought they would be in......again strangely like my own experience.

The Housing Officer as hero., 23 Mar 2001
I read this book as I work in housing and it is clear that Ben has worked in the same field. If you want to know what it is like to work in housing, reading this book would be a good start.

The book also describes very well,the life of a frustrated thirty-something arts graduate who drifted into a career and finds it impossible to drift out of it.

An excellent read.

Shades of Hornby + Hawes, 10 Sep 1999
Fans of Nick Hornby and James Hawes will find a familiar hero in Jamie, a early-30s Londoner, dumped in the first chapter by a long time girlfriend. The book covers his attempts to pick up the pieces of his life, try new partners, and deal with a nasty situation at work He is a housing officer for a council housing estate, and he's the one who has to to resolve the threats to and harassment of a Pakistani family by local thugish youngsters. Plenty of snappy dialogue, and the threat of violence keeps the pages turning, as do interesting characters like Jamie's Scottish best friend and the intriguing Chilean visitor Ana Maria. If you like "High Fidelity," "About A Boy," or "A White Merc With Fins," you'll like this.

by jay fletcher......., 20 Jan 1999
I read his first novel which is called 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' when I saw it, read the resume and comments on the back and I really enjoyed the book. 'Throwing The House Out Of The Window' was set in London as is 'Don't Step On The Lines' but they have very different story lines. 'Don't Step On The Lines' is about a female called Kerry and the difficulties she faces now that her old boyfriend has committed suicide. She finds it very hard to cope with even though the boyfriend, Gary, was violent and moody for the last six months of his life. Gary and Kerry had a mutual best friend, Marco who now lives with Kerry and they have a very close relationship almost like brother and sister. Before Gary died, Kerry decided she wanted to go to college but as she is in her late twenties she does not receive much encouragement because by that time Gary was depressed and in a state of self pity so he did not care, Kerry's sister cannot understand the decision and even Marco thinks it a waste of time. Regardless, Kerry goes to her old high-school teacher for help to get into the college and starts an English course. Kerry spends a lot of time thinking about Gary and reminiscing over good times that Gary, Marcus and she had. Whilst Kerry starts this course and gets on and changes some things in her life; Marco continues as he always did - going out late, taking soft drugs but he misses Kerry's company as she does not go so often. The main characters all have attractive points to them but Marco is my favourite. His mother was Italian and he inherited his dark looks from her. She died when he was two and his father re-married quite soon to a woman that Marco gets on well with called Anne. His father has a daughter with Anne and she is called Angela and Marco's dad is quite protective of her although he gets on quite well with Marco as well. Marco is fascinated by sharks and the ocean and something about this odd obsession makes me like his character a lot, it is as though Marco has a very thoughtful and mysterious side to him. He misses Kerry's company now that she studies and worries about her new, rich boyfriend from college like a brother might worry about his sister's boyfriend. Marco is often very amusing; especially when talking to Kerry's sister as the pair share a joke that the sister (who is a shopaholic) is rather more 'up-market' than Marco. He is also very witty when talking to his rather stupid friend Danny. In this book I frequently find myself giggling out loud at Marco's rudeness to Angela's show off boyfriend who he hates. The scene at Christmas was just brilliant. I feel very sorry Marco when he discovers that his father has cancer, Marco is very shocked and completely speechless. Kerry also is a great character, she is very kind and has a young fan at college called Susan who is rather unattractive and not particularly bright and finds herself in awe of Kerry who is the opposite to both these flaws. Kerry could choose to look down on her sister who is constantly ringing up complaining about her boyfriend or the fact that she is pregnant again. However, Kerry is very kind and always comforting to Jeanette. This kindness pays off when Kerry has an abortion and Jeanette accompanies to the clinic (having used it herself). I thoroughly enjoyed this book and although I wanted to keep reading it constantly until I finished it, at the same time I wished it would never end. I enjoy it so much because I find books about real lives, people's feelings in relatively common occurrences a much better read than fantasy books and the plentiful books about very out of ordinary life happenings. Some people would say that the happenings in this book are quite dramatic (suicide, Marco's Dad, abortion)but a book does have to have some story to it. I advise that you read this as soon as you can for it really is brilliant new talent from Ben Richards.

Chilean Adventure, 29 Oct 2008
Fresia is returning to her homeland of Chile, she left as a baby when her parents escaped and finally moved to England. On the plane, she meets Joe, a Scottish academic, who is returning to Chile.
Their stories are intertwined with the case of a missing young man, un desaparecido, last scene in a bar with his girlfriend.
I enjoyed this book which has Chile's recent past as a backdrop to a boy meets girl story. Nothing is as simple as it seems.

A badly written affair..., 16 Sep 2006
Ben Richards has attempted many things in The Mermaid and the Drunks, unfortunately he fails to achieve anything. His prose is clumsy and will annoy you intensely, the characterisation is poor and undeveloped and the plot stumbles along blindly at a snail's pace. There is no excuse for anyone to review this book well, the innate snobbery attached to an academic writing about an academic is evident in every page, though the writing is unintelligent in every sense. Richards' awkward grasp of character creates such a lack of depth that you will find yourself completely indifferent to any eventuality he has planned for Joe and Fresia. It is a very disappointing read.

Very disapointing, 14 Aug 2005
Having traveled in Chile, I was quite excited when I bought this book. However, this made for a very disapointing read. The plot is not gripping at all, the characters lack density and are hard to feel sympathy for and the writing in general is average. Overall, it seems like the whole book is an excuse for the author to sprinkle a few historical facts or anecdotes on Chile rather than a proper novel. No vale la pena!

Could be better, 29 May 2005
As others have written, the strength of this book lies in the evocation of life in Chile and the picture presented of a country still struggling to comes to terms with the post-Pinochet era. However, the narrative isn't strong enough to make this a great, or even a good book. The relationship between the two central characters isn't enough to hold the story together and there are a number of minor stories that flit along the edge of the novel but are never drawn in or adequately explored. I suppose in short, the passion centres around politics and ideas, but the characters aren't fully developed. (The strongest moment was a superb description of jealousy - I won't give it away. It showed what the author could do.) However, if I saw another novel by this author I would probably 'give it a go'. In the end it is the characters that save a novel but they just weren't strong enough to save this one.

Just couldn't hold my interest., 22 Dec 2004
I didn't buy this book because Richard and Judy had recommended it. I bought it because the title and cover blurb had interested me. I'm not knocking the author at all - there is nothing exactly wrong with the writing or the story and there is no doubt the writer is talented. I'm afraid this just wasn't my type of book and the story wasn't what I expected from the write-up. Yes, it is a wonderful though disturbing insight into Chilean life, so if you feel that will interest you then I recommend reading it. But it not really a love story or 'relationship' story. I get that this book is throwing a light on a culture and may speak politically to some people, or simply as a spotlight on a way of life to others, and I can see that the story is simply a tool in this regard, but alas I don't feel it quite worked. I just couldn't care enough about the people involved to see it as a 'novel' and in anyway entertaining. I believe I do understand the writer's intent and offer applause for it, but feel that I was somewhat mislead into reading it. I persevered and finished it but have to admit I struggled, and I have read some very involved books. A great talent, good intentions, but it was hard work.

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Unputdownable, 30 Sep 2002
Absolutely loved this book. The characters were very realistic, as was the portrayal of London life. Full of interesting dialogue and amusing banter between the characters. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

What is it about? I don't know, but I like it!, 01 Jun 2001
Lovely book. I read it a few years ago but it still comes back to me. What some would call unremarkable I would call something else, something about realistic romanticism, if there is such a thing. Common people, ordinary situations but absolutely wonderful reading. The next two books disapointed me somewhat. It could be because they have a plot, that is not at all necessary if you are such a gifted writer as Ben Richards.

Not Bad, Just Unremarkable, 07 Apr 2001
This second novel from Richards is a bit of a disappointment following his excellent debut, Throwing the House of the Window. Richards is again mainly exploring how someone in their late 20s deals with picking their life back up after a traumatic relationship event. Here, however, the main character, Kerry, is female and there isn't the threat of violence lurking. Kerry and her best friend/roommate Marco are fairly engaging characters, the first trying to restart her life, the latter trying not to grow up. Many of the themes and touchstones (London neighbourhoods, drugs, messy relationships, bad jobs, school, dealing with your family) are familiar, and unfortunately Richards fails to add anything particularly new or insightful to the mix. Hornby, Welsh, Amis, Hawes, et al have all trod of various parts of the same territory with far better results. It's not bad, just not all that noteworthy.

My, how imaginative, 09 Oct 2000
I respect the other reviews on this page, but I have to say this book left me cold. The characterisation was lazy, the plot predictable (young people taking drugs? Whatever next?) and the dialogue was often unbelievable. I feel that London life and drugs/club culture have been done to death; the Author has nothing to say on these subjects that hasn't been said before (step forward, Messrs Amis and Welsh). This wouldn't matter if there were other redeeming features, but I can't remember any. However, this book has been nominated for/won prizes, so maybe I just didn't click with it. You can live the mundanity in this novel whenever you want, why bother reading about it?

Perfect view of London Life, 11 May 1999
Probably the ultimate book to read to gain an insight into modern London life.

Richards perfectly illustrates the drudgery and grime of London, as well as its fast pace and excitement.

His characters are both believing and engrossing, they not only appall but delight you and they pull you deep into the plot

Realistically a book you can't, and shouldn't put down

Fantastic

Usual high standard , 09 Aug 2007
Why is Ben Richards not attributed the acclaim that he deserves for his excellent, unpretentious yet very true tales of London life? This story of an actress's fascination for a charismatic conman, with inter-related subplots about the trials of a cancer sufferer, the writing of a gay detective TV series and a feisty widow's late husband's warts'n'all wartime memories, grips with its well-drawn characters, knowing grasp of their inter-relationships, witty and cutting observations and smile-inducing twists.

Excellent contemporary novel , 30 Jan 2007
This is a pacey well written contemporary novel with incisive observations on the desperation of life in 21st century London and the UK. It doesn't preach, it tells a cracking story with strong characters who are flawed, complex and compelling. It's the first novel by Ben Richards I've read and will defintely be giving the others a go. I just wish there was more stuff out there similar to this.

Ben Jonson's 'Epigrams' and 'The Forest', 28 Dec 2001
Ben Jonson might with some justice be called the forgotten master of 17th century literature. Bearing in mind the degree to which not just English poetry but English culture is saturated in Shakespeare, this is understandable. But ignorance of Jonson does him an injustice, and our poetry a disservice.

Jonson, although remembered as a dramatist, thought of himself as a poet. (The contemporary term for a playwright was "poet". Indeed Jonson may have been the person who invented the word "playwright" -- as a term of scorn for those who made plays with no more art than a wheelwright makes wheels.) Fantastically ambitious, he had the unheard-of audacity to include his plays -- considered a disreputable form of writing -- in a large book of his 'Works' (the very title audaciously claiming for his writing a respect due, in contemporary thought, only to more valued genres).

A modern theatregoer might be surprised to find out that what Jonson introduced as "the ripest of my studies" were not his plays, but a collection of poems called 'Epigrams' (printed along with the plays and 'The Forest' in his 'Works'). If Jonson is the forgotten master, 'Epigrams' could be called his forgotten masterpiece. Saturated with the poetry of Martial, Horace and Catullus ("for a good poet's made as well as born," as he wrote wrote of Shakespeare) Jonson's epigrams self-consciously and stringently set themselves the task of rebuking and praising the age.

'Epigrams' is full of the variety of Elizabethan and Stuart London (Jonson is a thoroughly urban poet): its charlatans, hypocritical creatures, would-be ladies, bad poets, braggarts and moneylenders; but also of its King (James I), genuine poets (two epigrams are addressed to John Donne), and cultured lords and ladies. Both in 'Epigrams' and 'The Forest' (a collection of poems ranging from lyrics to odes to long poems dealing with the "virtuous and noble") Johnson is keenly aware of, and interested in, problems of authorship and readership. His first epigram implores the reader who holds the book "to read it well", and there are a number of poems that warn off readers who misread -- who laugh at the wrong point, out of sheer stupidity, or in an attempt to pretend that the poet's satire doesn't apply to them.

Jonson's classical style -- free of ornament and wilful obscurity -- isn't immediately appealing. (Shakespeare is both, for instance, and Donne has a famous delight in obscurity.) His poetry, perhaps like Goethe's, isn't great because it of brilliance, but because of its strength, something that becomes apparent only when the poetry has been fully absorbed by a reader. The moral weight behind his deliberate and scrupulous art is embodied in the attentiveness of his poetry to words and syntax. (His syntax, by the way, is one of the most enjoyable and sophisticated features of his poetry.) Perhaps what T.S. Eliot wrote of Landor -- another patently classical poet, but much more limited in his ambitions and achievements -- could be, with greater justice, applied to Jonson: "He is ... a poet for those who want poetry and not something else, a stay for their own vanity."