2008-06-23 Brilliant - A Masterpiece of Comedy Drama

There is a lot to be said for experience when it comes to writing fiction. The market is full of 'stunning debuts' most of which are followed up by not very much - the writing equivalent of the adult career of a child star. Therefore it is reassuring to pick up a Bateman book and know that that you are in for a terrific read. And this book is no exception.

From the start 'Riot' dazzles the reader with a wonderfully crafted combination of humour and drama, neither contaminating the purity of the other. The comedy is not dark, but neither is the drama insincere or superficial. A blend of this type is typical of Bateman and very rare in modern authors.

The story involves a varied cast of individuals. The characterisation is excellent, while not swamping the reader with countless life histories. The chapters are short (4 - 8 pages) and alternate between several storylines all of which are connected and overlap at various points throughout the book. All the storylines are neatly tied up at the end, avoiding unanswered questions which are irritatingly popular in modern fiction.

The length (664 pages) may put some people off, but the book is so gripping and the plot so pacy that you wont notice the pages go racing by. With the chapters so short there are many half-blank pages so the book is in fact shorter than it first appears.

This is a fun and gripping read. Hilarious and ironic, while at the same time touching on issues of human nature such as cowardice, bravery and bereavement. I also recomend Bateman's 'Dan Starkey' series.