GBH

The author died during 1982. But before he passed away, he wrote nine well-received novels, pioneering the British Noir School. Perhaps “Get Carter” was the most well-known, especially after it was made into a movie. “GBH” is a head-scratching story about the destruction of one George Fowler, who ran a highly successful pornographic film empire. It is told in alternating chapters: first set in his home, where he ruled his criminal enterprise, and then in a hide-away home he built in a seaside location.

The reason he is in seclusion is revealed slowly as the plot unfolds and the reader is provided with
bits of background. Included in the telling is his deterioration and excessive drinking, giving rise to mounting paranoia. It is a cunningly told tale and as the clues unfold it begins to make more and more sense.

Apparently, the author had written a couple of unsuccessful novels, and his reputation was severely diminished. But when “GBH”, which turned out to be his final work, was published, his reputation was reestablished. The novel really deserved five stars, but this reader felt somewhat confused too often to give it that lofty rating. Nevertheless, it is whole-heartedly recommended.

The author died during 1982. But before he passed away, he wrote nine well-received novels, pioneering the British Noir School. Perhaps “Get Carter” was the most well-known, especially after it was made into a movie. “GBH” is a head-scratching story about the destruction of one George Fowler, who ran a highly successful pornographic film empire. It is told in alternating chapters: first set in his home, where he ruled his criminal enterprise, and then in a hide-away home he built in a seaside location.

The reason he is in seclusion is revealed slowly as the plot unfolds and the reader is provided with
bits of background. Included in the telling is his deterioration and excessive drinking, giving rise to mounting paranoia. It is a cunningly told tale and as the clues unfold it begins to make more and more sense.

Apparently, the author had written a couple of unsuccessful novels, and his reputation was severely diminished. But when “GBH”, which turned out to be his final work, was published, his reputation was reestablished. The novel really deserved five stars, but this reader felt somewhat confused too often to give it that lofty rating. Nevertheless, it is whole-heartedly recommended.