Blast from the Past

Ben Elton

It's 2.15 a.m., you're in bed alone and the phone wakes you.

Your eyes are wide and your body tense before it has completed so much as a single ring. And as you wake, in the tiny moment between sleep and consciousness, you know already that something is wrong.

Only someone bad would ring at such an hour. Or someone good with bad news, which would probably be worse.

You lie in the darkness and wait for the answer machine to kick in. Your own voice sounds strange as it tells you that nobody is there but that a message can be left. You feel your heart beat. You listen.

And then you hear the one voice in the world you least expect...your very own Blast from the Past.

Review by Nigel (310501) Rating (7/10)
Review by Vex (300401) Rating (9/10)

Review by Nigel
This novel tells the story of Polly and the two men in her life. One is an old boyfriend from an intense secret relationship 16 years previously and one is her stalker.

She is a slightly disillusioned feminist with strong views on nuclear weapons (she has a peace tattoo) while the old boyfriend is now a four star American General. As for the stalker, he is just mad.

As the story unfolds it contains many of Ben Elton's trademark comedic observations regarding politics and human nature. You almost miss them as you are reading as they are delivered deadpan but when you do pick one up you just can't help laughing.

The latter half of the book however is quite dark and as you near the end you have a feeling things aren't going to end happily. The twists are there and everything is finished off neatly, however, when I'd finished the story I felt a bit gloomy, even though a ray of hope is presented in the last few pages.

Human nature at its basest level, Ben Elton explores the animal in us all and the new morals of the late 20th Century. A very good novel that is both bleak and funny, something Mr Elton does very well.
Nigel ( 31st May 2001)

Review by Vex
I've only read one of Ben Elton's books before, and that was his first, I think. I don't really remember much about it, but having just read this latest book of his, then I definitely think I should check out some of his others.

The story contains many of Ben's insights on life, some wonderful observations on the way people act, not surprising considering his observational stand up comedy background! And there's a 'little bit of politics' too, but it's all cleverly placed and all in character.

This really is a good book.. I've had quite a few mornings where I've woken up feeling very tired, simply because I'd been up 'til 3 in the morning reading 'just a few more pages'.

The book is wonderfully paced, the characters are well crafted, and the story is great too! I'm not sure what else to say.. I don't want to mention too much about the plot, all I can say is go out and buy it, it's the best read I've had in ages!!!
Vex ( 30th April 2001)