Number 10: a novel

Description

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Customer Reviews

nearly a ten!
A disclaimer, to start: I'm American and not so well-versed in British political architecture. Consequently a significant portion of the related humor and nuances were probably lost on me. But as I *am* an Anglophile, I did catch much of the brilliance reflected in the societal mirror which is Townsend's novel.

A random passage involving two of the main and opposing characters illustrates her hilarious wit and her capacity for putting her finger on the pulse of Britain's societal chasm:

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*The Prime Minister, unnerved by James's rant from the other room, tried to remember how one spoke to a genuine, old-style working-class person. What were the key points? Ferrets? Bingo?*
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This silly, laugh-out-loud satire makes fun of politicians (no party is safe, though I particularly detected jabs at the left) as well as both the 'prole' and upper classes -- the moral of the story being that the dividing lines are only fuzzy and fragile ones. She has Ali the Pakistani cab driver down to a 'T' and her ability to bring all the characters to life is excellent overall. I especially enjoyed the Norma and James diad -- Norma being constable Jack's 'mam' and James her live-in crackhead toy boy. I did find Townsend's introduction of new characters sometimes slightly difficult to follow (until she'd clear it up, say, in the next page or paragraph). And I did find the Barry's Leg 'bit' a bit ridiculous, even for a farce! Good fun though, this read -- as a farce should be. Although constable Jack Sprat wouldn't think so (considering 'fun' to be more of a Richard Branson pasttime).

Having said this, I'd probably give this novel a five (or at least a four and a half) if I were a Brit. I think the average American could probably more easily follow and relate to the characters in Townsend's The Queen and I, as was the case with me. But this is not Townsend's shortcoming, it is mine.

Nonetheless I enjoyed Number 10 and found its ending brilliant, ironic and symbolic -- also satisfying... and not unlike the resolution in The Queen and I. Furthermore, I enjoyed the author's use of poor Peter the budgie as a device: a minor, minor character with deep meaning in this farce.

Nearly a ten, this book!

2009-09-21 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Hysterical
Townsend continues in a strong tradition of British satire going back to Swift. The basic premise is a pretty old one: ruler goes out in disguise among his people to find out what the heck really goes on.

It helps to have some passing knowledge of British life and politics to fully enjoy it: the only books I can really compare to this are the Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister series.

The charachters - Spratt, Clare et al, are extremely well drawn. Particular kudos for the very likeable and believeable Pakistani cab driver, Ali.

2008-04-03 | bertiewoostr (Centerville, KY) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Disappointingly depressing
I felt the most intense joy when I first discovered Adrian Mole. I laughed out loud in a crowded room and hugged it to me in joy; it was so clever and so funny. Sue Townsend's wit and her sharp observations of English life were acerbic, but not without pity or hope.

"Number 10" is without either. I found it depressingly morbid and full of despair despite the "happy endings" that some obtained.

If you like dark political humour you may enjoy it, if, that is, you can ignore the uneven pacing and the uncomfortable number of plot threads flailing around like a sea anemone's tentacles.

I hope this was just a one-off event - perhaps she's venting her displeasure of the Iraqi war. At any rate - I really can't recommend it.

2004-07-01 (Ontario, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 1

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Balanced satire
One thing that is engaging about "Number 10" is that it is not a shallow political satire that many Americans are accustomed to reading. (After all, this is British politics, and to expect the average American to understand half the jokes in a typical non-American satire is asking a lot.) With a minimum of acquaintance with the British government, one can get a very healthy dose of ripping humour from Sue Townsend's book. If you know a little more than the average, you can get some of the subtle jokes. My favorite is where actor Brian Blessed is quoted as saying that someone was loud.

That is a tame example of the humor in "Number Ten". The book is for adults and requires both an appreciation for British humour and an objective observation of political views and all their shortcomings. The story is not entirely funny or satirical. It has legs of its own, so it's interesting regardless of the political content, and it is worth your time to read.

2004-04-10 (Delray Beach, FL United States) | Helpful Votes: 4 | Rating: 5

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Brilliant Brit Satire
Number 10 is, of course, Number 10 Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister resides. In this rollicking political satire, the P.M. in question is Edward Clare, a man with many issues, who finds himself in political hot water for being out of touch with ordinary Britons. The solution is a secret tour, with Edward dressed as a woman, to meet people from all walks of life and find out how they really live. Edward is accompanied by loyal constable Jack Sprat, and the tour goes from one madcap scenario to another.

So, what happens? Will Edward gain new insight into the plight of everyday people? Will he come home with better ideas for the governance of Great Britain? Will he learn something about himself? You will just have to read the book to find out.

Author Sue Townsend, who is also the creator of the Adrian Mole books, is a brilliant comedic writer. She creates one improbable yet fascinating character after another, one implausible scene after another, and somehow it all works. Author Townsend clearly has a heart for people; even though you may laugh all the way through the book, you will also find a depth of feeling that makes her characters somehow, strangely, believable. I recommend Number 10 highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber

2004-01-15 | Author of Jay (Lexington, SC United States) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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Adrian Mole: The Prostrate Years

Description

Adrian Mole is 39 and a quarter. Unable to afford the mortgage on his riverside apartment, he has been forced to move into a semi-detached converted pigsty next door to his parents, George and Pauline. His ravishing wife Daisy loathes the countryside, longs for Dean Street and has yet to buy a pair of Wellingtons; they are both aware the passion has gone out of their marriage, but neither knows how to reignite the flame. To cap it all off, Adrian is leaving his bed numerous times a night to go to the lavatory and has other alarming symptoms, leading him to suspect prostate trouble.Meanwhile, his mother thinks that an appearance on the Jeremy Kyle show might solve the mystery of her daughter?s paternity once and for all. And when George is asked to provide a DNA sample, will the shock kill him? He is already disabled, though still chain smoking and has had an ashtray welded onto the arm of his wheelchair.As Adrian?s worries multiply, a phone call to his old flame Dr Pandora Braithwaite, BA, MA, PhD, MP and Junior Minister in the Foreign Office, ignites memories of a shared passion and makes him wonder ? is she the only one who can save him now?

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Customer Reviews

If not the best Adrian yet, then almost
Poor Adrian suffers marital, financial and health problems. Will he survive cancer and will son Glen get out of Afghanistan alive? This is actually a work of humor, continuing the travails of our oblivious yet kind friend.

2010-07-26 (Salem, OR USA) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Growing Up with Aidy
Unless you have grown up with Adrian Mole over the last 25 plus years, you may not get as much out of this book as you would otherwise. I'm not sure that if you haven't read all of the previous Adrian Mole books from The Secret Diary onwards, that you would necessarily appreciate the tragedy and hilarity that is Adrian Mole. Having said that, this book was more melancholic than any of the others, addressing some serious life issues, but with a few laugh out loud moments thrown in.

Confirms that there is a little bit of Adrian Mole in all of us.

Highly recommend to those who have previously been acquainted with Adrian Mole.

2010-01-29 (Australia) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 4

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what's going on with the US edition?
Does anyone know when will this book be available in the US (kindle, audio or paper?)

2009-12-11 | gabb2001 (Seattle, WA, USA) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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Mole's best diary, so far
The best novel I've read in ages. There are some brilliant characteristions in this book. My favourite is Bernard Hopkins, a wonderful comic creation. I highly recommend this book, indeed. But then, I am a bit biased, I love ALL of the Mole diaries, and long may they continue. (I sincerely hope Moley doesn't die). I personally hope Sue is at the keyboard knocking out another installment).

2009-12-01 | Mind over matter, if you don't mind, it doesn't matter (Wellington, New Zealand) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Not your best work
I love the Adrian Mole series and was looking forward to the lastest instalment ever since I read that Sue was writing another book. While on the whole I likeed the book it had some inaccuracies which made me feel that the book may have been rushed.

Things I didn't like are: Pandora is 3 months older than Adrian (remember in the earlier books Adrian laments the fact that he is going out with an older women) - surely there should have been some mention of Pandora's birthday. If he wasn't invited then there would have been ample fodder for Adrian to outpour in his diary if he was invited and if he was invited why no entry. I can not imagine a women like Pandora not marking her 40th birthday without some milestone. Then George, Adrian and Pauline attended Stick Insect's funeral where we learn that George was the love of her life. If this is right why in the second book did she end up marrying Maxwell House's father who was flushed with Middle Eastern money? What happened to the "new dog"? Adrian Mole books always feature antics of the dog - what happened there why no mention? Finally I never felt it was right that William Mole should disapeared completely from the story since Weapons of Mass Distruction. Surely Adrian would have had some contact over the years and surely William would get in touch with Adrian on his birthday's or Christmas.

While these things above niggled me there is still lots to like about this book. I did miss the fact that the booo contained less of Adrian's literary writings but I guess this can be explained by the fact that Adrian is ill. I like the ending full of hope but most of all Sue please tell us WHAT is in Bert Baxter's chest!!

2009-11-26 | Suzyq (New Zealand) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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The Queen and I

Description

This is a seminal comic masterpiece of our time, now published for the first time in Penguin. The monarchy has been dismantled. When a Republican party wins the General Election, their first act in power is to strip the royal family of their assets and titles and send them to live on a housing estate in the Midlands. Exchanging Buckingham Palace for a two-bedroomed semi in Hell Close (as the locals dub it), caviar for boiled eggs, servants for a social worker named Trish, the Queen and her family learn what it means to be poor among the great unwashed. But is their breeding sufficient to allow them to rise above their changed circumstance or deep down are they really just like everyone else?

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Customer Reviews

Terrific!
This is one of my all-time favorite books.
You can truly vizualize the Queen, and family
living in those Counsel Flats!
It's hilarious. And, it's amazing what the
less than royal citizens must endure to survive.
And, survive they do! Clever, shocking, and
funny.

2010-06-25 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Do have have an British sense of humour?
You really need to be British or at least lived in the UK to understand this book. It was simply hilarious throughout with a serious undertone. I loved it!

2009-09-09 | motheroftwo (UK) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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B.O.M.B.!
A laugh-out-loud social satire with a dig at socialism. Somehow Sue Townsend makes this absurd story nearly believable; the reader is fairly easily able to suspend his disbelief in exchange for a truly entertaining experience. This is an easy read with very short individually titled chapters and a quick pace including many characters, both royal and common. As an American my only occasional struggle was with deciphering specifially British terms like "shell suit," and political jargon such as "my giro was late." And ... I must confess to barely understanding the ins and outs of the British political landscape (e.g., their "republicans" are nothing like ours). But I got the gist.

Anyway, the absurdity of situations throughout (e.g., common citizen Elizabeth Windsor counting her pennies in order to catch the bus) is juxtaposed beautifully by the spot-on characterizations of the Monarch and her other family members. One can almost hear Charlie Teck (as he is now known) close-lipped and snootily pronouncing a princely "marvelous"; one can envision Anne's cavalier mannerisms and hear her upper crust voice persist as she skillfully eyes her new lower class friend's horse, Gilbert: "What's he been used for?" Charles' desperate letters to 'Mummy' from prison are particularly hilarious ... and credible (in their context). Diana is pictured as somewhat of a fashion-focused airhead. Philip and Margaret are particulary outlandish in their depictions. Yet all remain true to their basic personalities and idiosyncrasies. And one can't help but sympathize with the long-suffering Elizabeth... who patiently and characteristically muddles through.

The only thing that slightly annoyed me about Townsend's writing was her jumping from viewpoint to viewpoint (getting inside more than one character's mind)-- especially with regard to Harris, the Queen's beloved Corgi. This was a little silly. But I suppose he was the "I" in this story, after all. He gets his just desserts in the end, vindicating the Royals by proxy in their dire fate.

Funny, funny story which I will recommend to my friends. Very entertaining but with three of the Royal players now passed on, somewhat dated now. Yet still strangely timely as it resonates in today's political climate with a small but growing backlash against the spread of socialistic ideals. B.O.M.B.! (Bring our Monarchy Back!)

2009-08-16 | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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Not quite my cup of... "royal-ty"
I have read almost every book by Sue Townsend, starting from "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole" and have always appreciated her ability to convey strong emotions combined with a fine humour, extrapolating a funny side to heart-knotting situations, thus usually delivering entertaining, laugh-out-loud books which also offer an opportunity to reflect and ponder over a few things in life.

I got to "The Queen & I" just recently, years later it was published for the first time and this probably took some sparkle away from it. Yes, it is outdated by now and although it still proves to be an easy, quite entertaining read, I felt it was rather "lukewarm". Perhaps even the farfetchedness of the events taking place added to a raised eyebrow (as opposed to some of Ms. Townsend's other books, the Mole saga in primis, more credible, down-to-earth works of fiction).

In this book, the Republicans have taken over and the Royal Family have lost all powers. They are all sent to a council estate and have to adjust to the best of their ability. Will they manage? That's for you to find out if you read this book, but should this be the first book you read by Sue Townsend, skip it altogether and get to the "Adrian Mole" books first, in chronological order, starting from "The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, aged 13 3/4 ". Granted that this was published about 25 years ago for the first time (much earlier than "The Queen & I"), you would have to take the whole story into historical perspective (early 1980s) but if you like the tragic-comic genre it will not fail to engage you to this day!

2008-12-08 (Italy) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 3

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Hilarious!
Sue Townsend knows how to turn a phrase; hers is, to my surprise, sophisticated and intelligent humor with keen social commentary thrown in. I've read this several times and guffawed my way through.

2006-11-26 | Bloshkita (New York, NY United States) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 5

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Public Confessions of a Middle-aged Woman

Description

Enter the world of Susan Lilian Townsend - sun-worshippers, work-shy writers, garden-centre lovers and those in search of a good time all welcome. Over the last decade, Sue Townsend has written a monthly column for "Sainsbury's Magazine", which covers everything from hosepipe bans and Spanish restaurants to writer's block and the posh middle-aged woman she once met who'd never heard of Winnie-the-Pooh. Collected together now for the first time, they form a set of pieces from one of Britain's most popular and acclaimed writers that is funny, perceptive and touching.

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Customer Reviews

Subtly Addictive
Pick up this book of short essays (each being only about 800 words) and before you know it, 100 pages has gone by. Ranging from the hilarious (fending off a burglar using a biography of Tolstoy) to the heartbreaking (the treatment of the elderly in British hospitals), Sue Townsend manages to share tidbits from her very interesting life in small, easily digestible portions.

First written as a monthly column for Sainsbury's Magazine, these pieces are slice-of-life affairs. Sue's battles with her expanding waistline, her diminishing eyesight and the ticking clock are covered here in touching and very funny detail. I found this book impossible to put down, yet it would be relatively easy to dip in and out of on a long train journey or a flight. Not demanding, surely, but very satisfying; sort of like a natter with a good friend.

2008-07-07 | Books Fuel My Life (London, UK) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Witty and funny - British humour
This book has been my great travel companion during a recent trip. Although not a literary masterpiece (and does not intend to be one), it is witty, very funny and thought provoking (in the sense that some of Townsend's perception of life stays with you after you finished the book). This is really an assortment of short, 2.5 page long pieces (which appeared as monthly columns on the Sainsbury's Magazine), thus making it a perfect book for travel. The reader has to concentrate for a short while, is able to leave the book and come back later for another part (order is not very important).
And yet, although the pieces are not connected to each other, after a few chapters you feel as if you are reading (or talking to) a familiar person whose life, or rather his life philosophy you are beginning to share and enjoy.
Off course Susan Townsend has chosen what she would like to share with the reader and what to leave out. In fact she swears never to join these columnists who write about their "damned cats" (or family members), etc. only to break this rule time and again, to reader's full enjoyment. Ms. Townsend writes about her writing problems, travels, people she meets, domestic issues and writing problems again... Still, what she writes is close to heart as she always writes about her failures, fashion mistakes, health problems (is there anyone who cannot identify with back pain?), dreams of a better house.... Townsend is always intelligent, and you find yourself laughing out loud. The issues are varied, from a disturbing piece about the behavior of a British tourist during a Greek funeral to having no ideas for this month's column.
I think I liked this book because it was so down to earth, with a very un-assuming approach to living and to yourself.

2004-03-23 | Tsila Sofer Elguez (Haifa, Israel) | Helpful Votes: 7 | Rating: 4

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Adrian Mole Minor to Major

Description

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Customer Reviews

I didn't put this book down once...
This is the first book I read from cover to cver without being forced to by some teacher or other adult... interestingly enough I got it a week ago at Indigo (this may be a canadian chain... but I pretty sure they own Chapters so I'd assume they'd have it as well)anyway... this intrigues me that no one has been able to find it...

2001-08-14 (Alberta, Canada) | Helpful Votes: 3 | Rating: 5

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From the point of view of a boy... Then a man...
This is actually the diary of Adrian Mole, an awkward teenager, who lived the life of a normal teenager. He had a crush on a pretty girl, hated his dog sometimes, had parents who squabble now and then... The diary was written from the view of Adrian Mole. You could see that the writing style change as he grew and matured. I really admired how Sue Townsend can see things from the view of a young boy and a young man. Nice work! Pretty funny too!

2000-07-19 (Singapore) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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I love adrien
I love adrien mole and all of sue townsends books. The worst thing happened to me last year. My little sis kept going on at me about how she needed a complete verson of the adrien mole booksand after a long hard time of thinking I made the biggest mistake of my life . I had every book of adrien mole. (except the wilderness years) My sis came back to me 2 days later and said she had lost it . I have really wanted to get my book back but it doesn't seemed to have been returned to me. I can't seem to get Adrien mole minor to major any where. I am askin my mum to buy me the other books off the web. If any 1 knows where to get Adrien mole minor to major please e-mail me. Thanx!!!!!!!

1999-10-18 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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A trully wonderful book!
This book is not only humourous but moving. It is a geniune comment on the society of the time in my opinion. It covers practically anything you're going to come across in life. Just brilliant!

1999-05-08 | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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American Reader, July 5th, 1998
I was 13 when my mom first handed me this book, and as there was virtually no new reading material on the base I was living on in Japan, and I being the book-o-holic I am, I read it in one day. I love Adrian and and his diary entries! It's four years later, and I still read my battered copy whenever I need to be cheered up--like before the SATs or when I just need to laugh--everyone should own this book. :)

1998-07-06 | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 5

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Adrian Mole: The Lost Years

Description

Topping all the charts on the British bestseller lists, the immensely popular Adrian Mole series continues in this hilarious dairy of the quintessential pimply English adolescent--"the beleaguered British nerdling with the soul of a poet and the libidio of a longshoreman" (Vanity Fair)--dragging him, and all his neuroses, whining and screaming, into his twenties.

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Customer Reviews

Great series.
Firstly I wanted to clarify for people that might want to know, exactly how this series runs. I have bought and read all the books in the Adrian Mole series and I was dissappointed not to find anywhere to tell me which ones to get. So as a result I have them all.

US Versions
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
Adrian Mole: The Lost Years
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction

British Versions
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4
The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole
True Confessions of Adrian Albert Mole
Adrian Mole: From Minor To Major
Adrian Mole: The Wilderness Years
Adrian Mole: The Cappuccino Years
Adrian Mole and the Weapons of Mass Destruction


So, as for the review these books are great. I love the entire series and I just couldn't stop reading them all the way to the end. The one thing I might suggest is to keep in mind that with most series of books the first is always the best, which is probably the case here too, but if you like it and are a fan of Adrian Mole, there is no reason why you wouldn't want to read the rest.

I like the fact that is it written in diary form for easy reading and it is very clever how the story is told from the point of view of Adrian himself but you can see things about his life that he cannot.

Overall an excellent read for all ages from teen to adult.

2008-01-23 | mynameispaulie (New Haven, CT) | Helpful Votes: 1 | Rating: 5

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Good, but lacked some of the magic of earlier installments...
Continuing on with my obsession on the Adrian Mole series, I just finished Adrian Mole: The Lost Years by Sue Townsend. I will say that this is the first one I found a bit wanting...

This one covers the years from Christmas 1984 through April 1992. He's now in his 20's, and he's totally convinced he's a loser who will never experience the love of a woman again (after being dumped by Pandora). He can't master the art of driving a car, he's madly obsessed and in love with his therapist, and he has a dead-end job working for the government managing newt tracking and habitat. His mother has dumped his father and is now living with (and married to) someone about half her age, and he's moved out to live in a room with Pandora, her "husband", and a third member of the odd trio. That soon comes to an end when he meets and eventually falls in love with a news agent girl by the name of Bianca. That's a mad passionate affair until she runs off with his mother's young new husband. And then there's Jo Jo...

Told in diary fashion like the other books, it still is a lot of fun to peer into his life from his perspective (as warped as it is). But this installment seemed to drag out too much. His efforts to finally finish his book were somewhat repetitive after awhile, and there's just far too much whining about how bad he has it. This one didn't seem to have the "magic" of the earlier ones. Maybe it's because he's growing up and dealing with problems that are too close to home on occasion. I don't regret spending the time reading it, nor is it enough to put me off of the series. But I'm holding out hope that this was an aberration.

2006-10-26 | Duffbert (Portland, OR United States) | Helpful Votes: 2 | Rating: 4

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Adarian Mole The Lost Years
I thought this book was a rip off as it contains The True Confessions of Adrian Mole which is already published as a separate book. P. Freeman

2006-03-17 (Worksop UK) | Helpful Votes: 0 | Rating: 4

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WITH ADRIAN CHUCKLES ABOUND
The wry youth who sometimes signs his diary "Adrian Albert Mole, Unpublished novelist and pedestrian" is back. Those who laughed with this pubescent British philosopher in the 80s will be delighted; those who are meeting him for the first time will find that chuckles abound.

At 16 Adrian is still the miserable victim of unrequited love, at odds with his parents, and celebrating Christmas night with "a desultory game of cards."

Four years later, although still living at home, he has found employment in his local library, and companionship with a girl both bovine and boring. After his manuscripts are rejected by every literary agent and publisher on either side of the Thames, Adrian finds shelter at Oxford and a job studying newts and badgers.

In his spare time Adrian has penned a novel that he believes should be adapted for the stage. However, no one is waiting in line to bring life to his 700 page epic with 144 characters and six live deer.

A new love and a writer's workshop on a Greek island eventually brighten Adrian's life. Reading his eccentrically comic adventures brightened mine.

- Gail Cooke

2004-04-04 (TX, USA) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 4

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Adrian Mole: The Dark Side
Adrian Mole is a misfit, a loser, under-employed when he works at all, fancies himself a great novelist, and is working on a totally inane master-piece which contains no vowels. His family is wildly dysfunctional, his relationships are disastrous, his therapist gives up, his luck is forever running out. And, when it seems that things couldn't possibly get any worse, well, you guessed it.

Author Sue Townsend is a brilliant comedic writer, but in this work, the comedy is darkly satirical. The hero (or anti-hero) Mole was first introduced in her earlier work, The Secret Diaries, when he was not quite fourteen. Hilarious it was, then, to see him percieve the inconsistencies of the adult world without ever really understanding what was happening. Now that he is older, the humor is darker, with a biting edge. For this young man is now moving into his mid-twenties, without apparently growing or learning anything of value. So, is there hope for poor Mole? Will he ever grow up? Will he ever get a girlfriend? You will just have to read the book and see.

While other reviewers expressed disappointment in the book, I enjoyed it immensely. It is different from the Secret Diaries with a different type of humor. Take it on its own terms and you will laugh yourself silly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber.

2004-02-01 | Author of Jay (Lexington, SC United States) | Helpful Votes: 5 | Rating: 5

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