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The Perfect Fool
From the narrow streets of South London to the wide open spaces of Arizona, Stewart Lee's acclaimed first novel traces the progress of a collection of misfits and losers, all unwittingly caught up in a quest for the Holy Grail.
Mr Lewis believes he was once an astronaut; Sid and Danny’s Dire Straits covers band isn't exactly filling the pubs of Streatham; Tracy travels between Las Vegas and the Mexican border, fleeing the suspicion that she's a serial killer; Bob, a Native American clown, no longer finds anything funny; Luther, an acid casualty 1960s rock star, has long since forgotten the most basic chord shapes; and Peter Rugg lost a cigarette down the back of a Portobello Road sofa thirty years ago and is still looking for it.
These seemingly unrelated individuals eventually collide in the deserts of the American South-west, where they form an uneasy alliance. Stewart Lee’s first novel combines an eclectic range of characters and cultures with an instinctive comic touch.
Mr Lewis believes he was once an astronaut; Sid and Danny’s Dire Straits covers band isn't exactly filling the pubs of Streatham; Tracy travels between Las Vegas and the Mexican border, fleeing the suspicion that she's a serial killer; Bob, a Native American clown, no longer finds anything funny; Luther, an acid casualty 1960s rock star, has long since forgotten the most basic chord shapes; and Peter Rugg lost a cigarette down the back of a Portobello Road sofa thirty years ago and is still looking for it.
These seemingly unrelated individuals eventually collide in the deserts of the American South-west, where they form an uneasy alliance. Stewart Lee’s first novel combines an eclectic range of characters and cultures with an instinctive comic touch.
282 pages, Paperback
First published July 2, 2001
7 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Lee
36 books238 followersFrom Wikipedia (accessed Oct 2010):
Stewart Lee (born 5 April 1968, Wellington, Shropshire) is an English stand-up comedian, writer and director known for being one half of the 1990s comedy duo Lee and Herring, and for co-writing and directing the critically-acclaimed and controversial stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera. In a review of the comedy of the previous decade, a 2009 article in The Times referred to Lee as "the comedian's comedian, and for good reason" and named him "face of the decade".
Lee has been described as "Unflinching in his scathing satire, unapologetic in his liberal, middle-class, highbrow appeal, and fiercely intelligent, his comedy certainly does not pander to the masses". His stand-up features frequent use of "repetition, call-backs, nonchalant delivery and deconstruction".
Stewart Lee (born 5 April 1968, Wellington, Shropshire) is an English stand-up comedian, writer and director known for being one half of the 1990s comedy duo Lee and Herring, and for co-writing and directing the critically-acclaimed and controversial stage show Jerry Springer - The Opera. In a review of the comedy of the previous decade, a 2009 article in The Times referred to Lee as "the comedian's comedian, and for good reason" and named him "face of the decade".
Lee has been described as "Unflinching in his scathing satire, unapologetic in his liberal, middle-class, highbrow appeal, and fiercely intelligent, his comedy certainly does not pander to the masses". His stand-up features frequent use of "repetition, call-backs, nonchalant delivery and deconstruction".
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 11, 2017
I love Stewart Lee as a stand up comedian and his books on comedy. This his first novel I was a bit baffled by. Don't expect comedy. Don't really expect his usual keenly withering satirical eye on society and its foibles and intolerances.
Instead we have a cast of characters who regard themselves as "rootless eccentrics", but which are made of 60s acid casualties, wastrel musicians in a tribute band, mentally disturbed people and a possible serial killer. Some of whom are related to one another by blood, others by answering an advert for conspiracy theories. Each in search of their personal grail, literally in one case and which Lee gradually gathers together into the Arizona desert - a suspension of belief I just couldn't buy into, especially when 3 of the main characters are English and make this pilgrimage.
The book is well written, but I couldn't really see what it was trying to do. Perhaps it wasn't trying to do anything at all. But wastrel musicians and conspiracy theorists, I expected a bit more from Stewart Lee.
Instead we have a cast of characters who regard themselves as "rootless eccentrics", but which are made of 60s acid casualties, wastrel musicians in a tribute band, mentally disturbed people and a possible serial killer. Some of whom are related to one another by blood, others by answering an advert for conspiracy theories. Each in search of their personal grail, literally in one case and which Lee gradually gathers together into the Arizona desert - a suspension of belief I just couldn't buy into, especially when 3 of the main characters are English and make this pilgrimage.
The book is well written, but I couldn't really see what it was trying to do. Perhaps it wasn't trying to do anything at all. But wastrel musicians and conspiracy theorists, I expected a bit more from Stewart Lee.
July 25, 2011
My wife had to get this printed especially as it sold so poorly that it went out of print. As a result, despite being a huge Stewart Lee fan, I approached this book with caution.
I have to say I'm tremendously pleasantly surprised. The last book that I read was War and Peace so I was looking for something lighter and more contemporary and Lee certainly didn't disappoint.
It opens with a selection of disparate scenes spanning both sides of the Atlantic and, as the novel develops, the destinies of the characters entwine. It sounds awfully contrived but it doesn't seem that way as you are reading and I really enjoyed it.
The other enjoyable thing about the novel is the fact that all of the characters are flawed - some seriously flawed - yet they all seem likeable and, as a reader, you begin to care for them and hope that they succeed in their different quests.
It's a shame that this novel was not a success because Stewart Lee obviously has some talent in this area and I would have read subsequent books that he had written. It's by no manner a great piece of literature, however, for something light, fun and easy to read it's certainly worth a look.
I have to say I'm tremendously pleasantly surprised. The last book that I read was War and Peace so I was looking for something lighter and more contemporary and Lee certainly didn't disappoint.
It opens with a selection of disparate scenes spanning both sides of the Atlantic and, as the novel develops, the destinies of the characters entwine. It sounds awfully contrived but it doesn't seem that way as you are reading and I really enjoyed it.
The other enjoyable thing about the novel is the fact that all of the characters are flawed - some seriously flawed - yet they all seem likeable and, as a reader, you begin to care for them and hope that they succeed in their different quests.
It's a shame that this novel was not a success because Stewart Lee obviously has some talent in this area and I would have read subsequent books that he had written. It's by no manner a great piece of literature, however, for something light, fun and easy to read it's certainly worth a look.
July 24, 2012
Excellent debut novel. It takes the first 50 pages to get to know the fantastic characters but the narrative makes you want to know how all these characters are linked in search of their respecitive 'Holy Grails'and after this point it becomes a fast page turner.
It's a funny, clever and extremely well written novel from the official 41st best stand up comedian ever. Sid and Danny describing other cover bands in addition to their 'Sultans of Streatham' made me snort hot tea down my nose, which hurt.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, here's hoping he'll write more.
Warning: This book can make you laugh out loud in places. Not to be read whilst consuming hot beverages.
It's a funny, clever and extremely well written novel from the official 41st best stand up comedian ever. Sid and Danny describing other cover bands in addition to their 'Sultans of Streatham' made me snort hot tea down my nose, which hurt.
Thoroughly enjoyable book, here's hoping he'll write more.
Warning: This book can make you laugh out loud in places. Not to be read whilst consuming hot beverages.
August 26, 2011
Entertaining and thoughful but rather stuck between magic and realism.
I enjoyed this book generally but ultimately felt that it couldn't quite deliver what it was trying to. There is a lot of narrative without there always being a lot of insight. It is also quite reminiscent of Ben Elton at times, which is ironic considering Lee's disdain for that man's later work.
I enjoyed this book generally but ultimately felt that it couldn't quite deliver what it was trying to. There is a lot of narrative without there always being a lot of insight. It is also quite reminiscent of Ben Elton at times, which is ironic considering Lee's disdain for that man's later work.
March 7, 2012
The first couple of chapters almost made the book impenetrable however once I got past them the book was a pretty decent read. The story was pretty good and some of the character interactions were fun too. While the ending was a little too neat it at least tied off all the stories that, in the beginning, seemed unrelated but almost every one of them had a point or a reason to the main story arc.
March 13, 2011
Rather enjoyable. An amusing road trip featuring psychadelic musicians, Hopi clowns and the Holy Grail (in space!).
Lee's wit and intelligence, always on display in his stand up, are present here and complimented by an assured literary style.
Lee's wit and intelligence, always on display in his stand up, are present here and complimented by an assured literary style.
October 9, 2012
Difficult to get into at first but about a 1/4 of the way in I was hooked. The characters are so dysfunctional and unbelieveable however you actually find yourself thinking that this is normal behaviour and relating to them!
January 17, 2013
Although not as brilliantly deconstructive as his stand-up act, still a very enjoyable novel from genius that is Stewart Lee.
May 17, 2017
This is a somewhat uneven novel from one of my favourite comedians. It's dark, witty and absurd - all satisfying qualities. But it's also quite daft - in an unsatisfying way.
October 20, 2022
Stewart Lee on tavattoman hauska mies, joka on niittänyt mainetta stand up -koomikkona ja osana Lee ja Herring -komediakaksikkoa. Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle -tv-sarjaa suosittelen erityisen lämpimästi. Tältä pohjalta Leen kirjoittamalta romaanilta saattaisi odottaa kovempaakin vitsitykitystä, mutta The Perfect Fool on hyvin hillitysti hauska.
Kirja kertoo sekalaisesta joukosta luusereita. Danny ja Sid ovat rokkareita, jotka valitsivat rahan ja kuuluisuuden sijasta rock-uskottavuuden ja soittavat nyt paikallisessa Dire Straits -coverbändissä. Herra Lewis on menettänyt muistinsa, mutta on aivan varma olleensa astronauttina hakemassa Graalin maljaa avaruudesta. Tracy pakenee lakia ja itsemurha-alttiita rakastajia. Sheriffi Hopkins jahtaa sarjamurhaajaa, on jahdannut jo 15 vuotta. Kirjan nimen täydellinen narri on Bob Nequatewa, vanha hopi-intiaaniklovni.
Lee kietoo kaikki nämä henkilöt yhteen ja kokoaa heidät Arizonaan saman tehtävän perässä. Jahdin kohteena on luonnollisesti Graalin malja. Tärkeää ei kuitenkaan ole se tavoite, vaan itse tehtävä, joka lopulta antaa henkisesti ontolle ihmiselle elämän tarkoituksen – se lienee tämän kirjan perimmäinen sanoma.
The Perfect Fool on yllättävä, viihdyttävä ja hauskakin kirja, jossa on erittäin mielenkiintoinen henkilögalleria. Hieman hapuilevan alun jälkeen Lee pitää tarinat sellaisessa vauhdissa, että lukija jaksaa pysytellä mukana, kunnes hahmot yhdistävä juoni alkaa hahmottua ja imaisee mukaansa. Oivallinen kirja. (12.2.2012)
Kirja kertoo sekalaisesta joukosta luusereita. Danny ja Sid ovat rokkareita, jotka valitsivat rahan ja kuuluisuuden sijasta rock-uskottavuuden ja soittavat nyt paikallisessa Dire Straits -coverbändissä. Herra Lewis on menettänyt muistinsa, mutta on aivan varma olleensa astronauttina hakemassa Graalin maljaa avaruudesta. Tracy pakenee lakia ja itsemurha-alttiita rakastajia. Sheriffi Hopkins jahtaa sarjamurhaajaa, on jahdannut jo 15 vuotta. Kirjan nimen täydellinen narri on Bob Nequatewa, vanha hopi-intiaaniklovni.
Lee kietoo kaikki nämä henkilöt yhteen ja kokoaa heidät Arizonaan saman tehtävän perässä. Jahdin kohteena on luonnollisesti Graalin malja. Tärkeää ei kuitenkaan ole se tavoite, vaan itse tehtävä, joka lopulta antaa henkisesti ontolle ihmiselle elämän tarkoituksen – se lienee tämän kirjan perimmäinen sanoma.
The Perfect Fool on yllättävä, viihdyttävä ja hauskakin kirja, jossa on erittäin mielenkiintoinen henkilögalleria. Hieman hapuilevan alun jälkeen Lee pitää tarinat sellaisessa vauhdissa, että lukija jaksaa pysytellä mukana, kunnes hahmot yhdistävä juoni alkaa hahmottua ja imaisee mukaansa. Oivallinen kirja. (12.2.2012)
November 13, 2018
ultimately disappointing. lee, the master of standup, who bends and deconstructs his form, has here written a maybe above average english comic novel with some mystical trappings based on lee's own interests. this is from his early career, before the renaissance in his standup that made him what he is, so maybe a novel from him now would be better.
it feels clumsy and heavy handed in places, and the ending is too trite and neat and wrapped up. some of the sentences are lovely but some jingle with obvious alliteration
also this is my 200th book for the year! look on my books ye mighty and despair
it feels clumsy and heavy handed in places, and the ending is too trite and neat and wrapped up. some of the sentences are lovely but some jingle with obvious alliteration
also this is my 200th book for the year! look on my books ye mighty and despair
February 15, 2023
A comic novel, pitching somewhere between Pratchett's absurdist humour and Clive Barker's luscious prose stylings, but saddled with an unbelievable cast of characters, a fractured narrative that eschews pace for rambling stand-up routine material, with a middling travelogue plot finally brought together by unlikely coincidences and a couple of laughable—not in a good way—deus ex machina moments.
Sadly, it's not very funny (very far from satirical) and, disappointingly for Lee's fans, has absolutely nothing to say.
Sadly, it's not very funny (very far from satirical) and, disappointingly for Lee's fans, has absolutely nothing to say.
May 23, 2020
Took a little getting into. Lots a interesting characters and the farther in the better it got.
January 5, 2023
Similar voice to the stand-up Lee, but the humour obviously lands differently in a novel. Still funny though, and a fine enough adventure story.
November 11, 2021
--2.5 stars rounded down--
I read this during a spell of being really into Stewart Lee and enjoyed it enough to finish it. I didn't really like his prose style though and felt a bit like he'd sat there with a thesaurus in an attempt to make a relatively standard novel seem a bit more highbrow. At the time I enjoyed the band of misfits that make up the cast and the references to Lee's own career though.
I read this during a spell of being really into Stewart Lee and enjoyed it enough to finish it. I didn't really like his prose style though and felt a bit like he'd sat there with a thesaurus in an attempt to make a relatively standard novel seem a bit more highbrow. At the time I enjoyed the band of misfits that make up the cast and the references to Lee's own career though.
January 9, 2016
Lee divulges small snippets of information which allow for the story to move forward and encourages the read to continue. However, he makes the mistake of thinking that flowery language is the same as characterisation which makes his characters indistinguishable when they are speaking. His fervent attempts to avoid cliché only serve to make it more noticeable when he fails.
August 12, 2011
Seems a bit slow and dark at the moment
March 9, 2015
at times challenging, at others uncompromising but rewarding none-the-less. like a well crafted game pie, some matured cheese and a bottle of traquair house ale
October 28, 2015
After 10 pages I was disgusted with sex, language and pornographic descriptions. I will not read this one. It was bad enough that I just threw it away - not even giving it to a library.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews