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The Jigsaw and the Fan
The Jigsaw And The Fan is described as social satire. How much trouble can one disgruntled ghost really cause?
Albert Carter has died, and finds himself in the spirit world, to get sorted out at St Christopher’s gates. Having been a successful shop steward picketing the management of Jebson’s Glue Factory on behalf of his colleagues, he feels confident his final destination is Heaven, with the rest of the decent, honest working class.
However, on arrival at St Christopher’s Doomsday Ministry, an inspectors’ strike means all spirits in transit have to be temporarily repatriated to Earth as ghosts, until the dispute is settled.
Albert’s ghostly assignment is his worst nightmare: a wealthy Lord’s manor which operates on the hard-earned wages of his own class.
Immediately on arrival, he decides to ruin the capitalist family, and begins his unlawful haunting as the Ghost of Marlston Manor. Watching him from the heavens is a host of guardian angels, elders, overlords and scribes – all scrambling to undo the havoc that Albert is blunderingly creating in his short stint as a ghost.
The final straw comes as Albert riles up a “fright” of ghosts to collude and protest their sentences on Earth – and Albert finally faces St Christopher.
Albert Carter has died, and finds himself in the spirit world, to get sorted out at St Christopher’s gates. Having been a successful shop steward picketing the management of Jebson’s Glue Factory on behalf of his colleagues, he feels confident his final destination is Heaven, with the rest of the decent, honest working class.
However, on arrival at St Christopher’s Doomsday Ministry, an inspectors’ strike means all spirits in transit have to be temporarily repatriated to Earth as ghosts, until the dispute is settled.
Albert’s ghostly assignment is his worst nightmare: a wealthy Lord’s manor which operates on the hard-earned wages of his own class.
Immediately on arrival, he decides to ruin the capitalist family, and begins his unlawful haunting as the Ghost of Marlston Manor. Watching him from the heavens is a host of guardian angels, elders, overlords and scribes – all scrambling to undo the havoc that Albert is blunderingly creating in his short stint as a ghost.
The final straw comes as Albert riles up a “fright” of ghosts to collude and protest their sentences on Earth – and Albert finally faces St Christopher.
240 pages, Paperback
First published December 16, 2012
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Bint
28 books36 followersInternational novelist published by Creativia, and Dragon Moon Press. Journalist/magazine columnist. Active mental health awareness campaigner, named on the 2016 list of "Inspirational Mental Health Advocates that are changing the world."
Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.
Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.
Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.
Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2
Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,
Previous roles include radio presenter, newsreader and phone-in host.
Married to Sue, with two grown-up children, Chris and Charlotte, and a charismatic budgie called Sparky.
Lives in Leicestershire, UK. Usually goes barefoot.
Novels: When God's Wind Blows; To Rise Again; The Jigsaw And The Fan; Timeshaft; In Shadows Waiting;
Novellas: The Twitter Bully; Malfunction; Ashday's Child.
Short story collection: Thunderlands.
Non fiction: Up Close And Personal; Up Close And Personal Volume 2
Anthologies: Ghostly Writes Anthology 2016; Looking Into The Abyss; Serious Flash Fiction; Just A Minor Malfunction; Awethology Dark; December Awethology Light; Blood Moon,
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2019
This book is quite simply amazing! The concept is very unique and original, and I don't think I have seen anything like it done before.
We jump straight into the action as Albert Carter dies and is taken to see St. Christopher, to know whether he will be offered a place in Heaven or Hell.
Things don't go to plan, and Albert is sent back to Earth as a ghost while things are sorted out at the Doomsday Ministry. Albert soon causes a lot of ghostly havoc back on Earth. There is never a dull moment in this book, and that's what makes it so gripping, and you don't want to put it down!
The characters are very interesting and seem almost like real people, as they contain depth and flaws, just like all of us. There are multiple layers to each of them, which we uncover the further we read into the book.
While satire novels are not my usual read, I did enjoy this book very much. There is a good amount of wit and humour throughout the story, which kept me entertained and did make me giggle a few times!
I was in a bit of a reading slump before I read this book, but this well-crafted yet easy to read story has dragged me out of it! I now want to pick up some more of Bint's work, which I am hoping to do very soon!
We jump straight into the action as Albert Carter dies and is taken to see St. Christopher, to know whether he will be offered a place in Heaven or Hell.
Things don't go to plan, and Albert is sent back to Earth as a ghost while things are sorted out at the Doomsday Ministry. Albert soon causes a lot of ghostly havoc back on Earth. There is never a dull moment in this book, and that's what makes it so gripping, and you don't want to put it down!
The characters are very interesting and seem almost like real people, as they contain depth and flaws, just like all of us. There are multiple layers to each of them, which we uncover the further we read into the book.
While satire novels are not my usual read, I did enjoy this book very much. There is a good amount of wit and humour throughout the story, which kept me entertained and did make me giggle a few times!
I was in a bit of a reading slump before I read this book, but this well-crafted yet easy to read story has dragged me out of it! I now want to pick up some more of Bint's work, which I am hoping to do very soon!
February 25, 2020
This must be one of the most unconventional storylines ever, but it works so well. The author takes one dead union representative, a strike at the gates of heaven & a stately home, then creates the most excellent tale of havoc and hilarity. You can’t help but love Albert, staunch in his views of how picket lines should be run & bosses handled, yet his inability to be flexible puts Saint Christopher and in his cronies in a real fix. Playfully satirical, funny for all the wrong reasons & tackling the subject of death with a humorous touch, this is a wonderful story that’s had me grinning from beginning to end.
November 18, 2017
Trade unionist, Albert, is dead but his journey to heaven or hell is disrupted by a strike.
Sent to a grand house to wait out the strike, Albert causes trouble for the Lord of the Manor.
A witty and satirical read with a disruptive ghost, quarrelling angels and mysterious beings pulling the strings.
The characters are fully developed and brought to life (...well, death) by Stewart's pen.
It's a well-written, humorous book that's a delight to read.
Sent to a grand house to wait out the strike, Albert causes trouble for the Lord of the Manor.
A witty and satirical read with a disruptive ghost, quarrelling angels and mysterious beings pulling the strings.
The characters are fully developed and brought to life (...well, death) by Stewart's pen.
It's a well-written, humorous book that's a delight to read.
February 9, 2017
The Jigsaw and the Fan BY Stewart Bint
Again, another captivating intriguing novel by Stewart Bint. The question is who is the real puppet master, there are so many game players, it is who you least expect it to be, you must read it to find it
Albert Carter was a shop steward at the Jebsons Glue Factory but also the union representative. The book starts off with Albert experiencing his death making his journey to the heavens with the help of his friend Georgie. He arrives at the Condition of Transit is faced with a strike against Saint Christopher whose department are the only ones to make the decision if Albert should go to heaven or hell. Due to the backlog Albert is sent to Marlston Manor to wait his time as a ghost he rex havoc causing on the residents of the Manor all in the name of justice in Alberts eye. Albert believes that the wealthy upper class man is benefiting from the poor working class. It does not matter what anyone says to Albert he is assured of his cause, that he is doing the right things no matter the cost to both the Earthly realms and the spirit realms.
What changes will Alberts antic bring about to both the Earth and the spirit world? Can one man’s actions really cause so much destruction to the fabric of the universe
In this novel, the Author provides the reader with descriptive understanding of the working of death and the effects one man or spirit can have on the universe because he is set in his ways and believes there is no alternative than his way of thinking. The Characters are well developing and play off each other brilliantly All through the novel the author gives the character an opportunity to see the messages he is being given and is blinded by his own self rightness. The damage he is causing… But is it?
The author provides you with a mystery to solve as you read, is it really who you expect to be the puppet master. The author really does provide details of the structure of the governing of heaven and hell and how old laws are archaic which is only clearly shown by one man and the havoc he causes in a short time in Marlston Manor
Again, another captivating intriguing novel by Stewart Bint. The question is who is the real puppet master, there are so many game players, it is who you least expect it to be, you must read it to find it
Albert Carter was a shop steward at the Jebsons Glue Factory but also the union representative. The book starts off with Albert experiencing his death making his journey to the heavens with the help of his friend Georgie. He arrives at the Condition of Transit is faced with a strike against Saint Christopher whose department are the only ones to make the decision if Albert should go to heaven or hell. Due to the backlog Albert is sent to Marlston Manor to wait his time as a ghost he rex havoc causing on the residents of the Manor all in the name of justice in Alberts eye. Albert believes that the wealthy upper class man is benefiting from the poor working class. It does not matter what anyone says to Albert he is assured of his cause, that he is doing the right things no matter the cost to both the Earthly realms and the spirit realms.
What changes will Alberts antic bring about to both the Earth and the spirit world? Can one man’s actions really cause so much destruction to the fabric of the universe
In this novel, the Author provides the reader with descriptive understanding of the working of death and the effects one man or spirit can have on the universe because he is set in his ways and believes there is no alternative than his way of thinking. The Characters are well developing and play off each other brilliantly All through the novel the author gives the character an opportunity to see the messages he is being given and is blinded by his own self rightness. The damage he is causing… But is it?
The author provides you with a mystery to solve as you read, is it really who you expect to be the puppet master. The author really does provide details of the structure of the governing of heaven and hell and how old laws are archaic which is only clearly shown by one man and the havoc he causes in a short time in Marlston Manor
January 24, 2015
Comedic books aren’t really my type of thing so I was a little sceptical when I first picked up The Jigsaw and The Fan by Stewart Bint. I had read the short stories ‘Ashday’s Child’ and ‘Malfunction’ by this author and had loved both, so I thought I’d give this one a shot too, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story gives a wry and satirical perspective of trade unionism, with some hilarious moments thrown in. What makes the book truly special though, is the author’s use of the two angels – Mozelbeek and Wallace – who watch over and manipulate the protagonist, Albert Carter. The angels, who treat humans as pieces in a never-ending chess match, bring up a whole host of ethical and moral dilemmas that really get the reader thinking. On more than one occasion I actually stopped reading and had to put the book down for a while to give me time to process the swirling thoughts the book had inspired in me. But despite the weighty issues over the meaning of life, the jovial nature of the book makes it accessible and enjoyable to read. The writing style is, as with all of Stewart Bint’s work, impeccable. It flows beautifully and is a delight to read.
May 12, 2014
Comedic books aren’t really my type of thing so I was a little sceptical when I first picked up The Jigsaw and The Fan by Stewart Bint. I had read the short stories ‘Ashday’s Child’ and ‘Malfunction’ by this author and had loved both, so I thought I’d give this one a shot too, and I wasn’t disappointed.
The story gives a wry and satirical perspective of trade unionism, with some hilarious moments thrown in. What makes the book truly special though, is the author’s use of the two angels – Mozelbeek and Wallace – who watch over and manipulate the protagonist, Albert Carter. The angels, who treat humans as pieces in a never-ending chess match, bring up a whole host of ethical and moral dilemmas that really get the reader thinking. On more than one occasion I actually stopped reading and had to put the book down for a while to give me time to process the swirling thoughts the book had inspired in me. But despite the weighty issues over the meaning of life, the jovial nature of the book makes it accessible and enjoyable to read.
The writing style is, as with all of Stewart Bint’s work, impeccable. It flows beautifully and is a delight to read.
The story gives a wry and satirical perspective of trade unionism, with some hilarious moments thrown in. What makes the book truly special though, is the author’s use of the two angels – Mozelbeek and Wallace – who watch over and manipulate the protagonist, Albert Carter. The angels, who treat humans as pieces in a never-ending chess match, bring up a whole host of ethical and moral dilemmas that really get the reader thinking. On more than one occasion I actually stopped reading and had to put the book down for a while to give me time to process the swirling thoughts the book had inspired in me. But despite the weighty issues over the meaning of life, the jovial nature of the book makes it accessible and enjoyable to read.
The writing style is, as with all of Stewart Bint’s work, impeccable. It flows beautifully and is a delight to read.
October 23, 2016
Again, Stewart Bint tells a tale of ghostly proportion, and this time, it's funny as hell.
Or heaven.
Imagine you're headed to the pearly gates, about to find out your fate. Will you go to heaven, or hell? But something's wrong when you get there. You arrive in the middle of a strike. And then there are two very immoral angels that play 'humans' as pieces in an ongoing chess game, who have a little fun with protagonist, Albert.
This it the type of far-fetched satire is exactly what you can expect from Bint's latest novel. It all starts with the chapter titles which set up each scene for what's to come, and within the chapters that follow is the story of an unlikely hero written within humorous scenes and witty one liners.
Read my full review here: http://www.gcmacquarie.com/all-book-r...
Or heaven.
Imagine you're headed to the pearly gates, about to find out your fate. Will you go to heaven, or hell? But something's wrong when you get there. You arrive in the middle of a strike. And then there are two very immoral angels that play 'humans' as pieces in an ongoing chess game, who have a little fun with protagonist, Albert.
This it the type of far-fetched satire is exactly what you can expect from Bint's latest novel. It all starts with the chapter titles which set up each scene for what's to come, and within the chapters that follow is the story of an unlikely hero written within humorous scenes and witty one liners.
Read my full review here: http://www.gcmacquarie.com/all-book-r...
February 3, 2015
Albert, a shop steward, dies and is escorted to the after life to find out if he is going to heaven and hell. Only there is a strike, and while it is being resolved he is sent back to earth as a ghost in a stately manor.
His antics get him noticed not only by those above but also other ghosts, who feel that Albert is making trouble and he ends up organises them into a union!
Stewart Bint's story is very well told with some amazing ideas about what happens when we die. I love the debates by the angels and the descriptions of this 'other' world.
A good read if you want something light to fill your head with things you never thought of, and have a right good chuckle as the same time.
His antics get him noticed not only by those above but also other ghosts, who feel that Albert is making trouble and he ends up organises them into a union!
Stewart Bint's story is very well told with some amazing ideas about what happens when we die. I love the debates by the angels and the descriptions of this 'other' world.
A good read if you want something light to fill your head with things you never thought of, and have a right good chuckle as the same time.
August 18, 2014
Very cleverly written book. I love how the protagonist uses his human skills to fight for change in the afterlife. It's a fun read. There is a bit more exposition than I generally appreciate, but it seems to be necessary to make the reader understand how things work in the afterlife. The ending is quite clever.
July 19, 2018
When Albert Carter, staunch shop steward at Jebson's glue factory and upholder of worker's rights, dies and sees the light at the end of a tunnel it seems there's a problem. The next world is on strike and before Albert can even find out if he is heading up or down he is banished back to Earth as a ghost to wait until the strike is resolved.
Finding himself stuck in Marlston Manor a stately home owned by a Lord, he soon rails at what he sees as the injustice of the common working man having to pay to have a look around and decides that as a ghost, perhaps he can teach a lesson the to aristocratic owner by scaring everyone away. A battle of wits ensues, with the other resident ghosts and the mortal staff pitted against Albert's scheme. But Albert has a terrible secret. He knows he is right and so won't be denied his opportunity to settle the social injustice he perceives. But little does he realise he is just a pawn in a the latest match of a long game being played by adversarial guardian angels.
The whole of this book is a blast from beginning to end. Bint makes good use of all the characters and situations, pushing everything to the maximum for farcical effect. And it works, there are so many good chuckles throughout the book and a smile will not be far from the reader's face. He also manages to weave in a neat thread of social satire, always perceptible but never unsubtle, taking in allusions to the miner's strikes of the 1980s as well as every class war that has ever been fought, seemingly at the whims of the guardian angels. But as they say, who watches the watchers?
This is a whole load of fun and if you want something a bit lighter to make you smile, this book is perfect.
Finding himself stuck in Marlston Manor a stately home owned by a Lord, he soon rails at what he sees as the injustice of the common working man having to pay to have a look around and decides that as a ghost, perhaps he can teach a lesson the to aristocratic owner by scaring everyone away. A battle of wits ensues, with the other resident ghosts and the mortal staff pitted against Albert's scheme. But Albert has a terrible secret. He knows he is right and so won't be denied his opportunity to settle the social injustice he perceives. But little does he realise he is just a pawn in a the latest match of a long game being played by adversarial guardian angels.
The whole of this book is a blast from beginning to end. Bint makes good use of all the characters and situations, pushing everything to the maximum for farcical effect. And it works, there are so many good chuckles throughout the book and a smile will not be far from the reader's face. He also manages to weave in a neat thread of social satire, always perceptible but never unsubtle, taking in allusions to the miner's strikes of the 1980s as well as every class war that has ever been fought, seemingly at the whims of the guardian angels. But as they say, who watches the watchers?
This is a whole load of fun and if you want something a bit lighter to make you smile, this book is perfect.
August 16, 2018
A gently funny social satire that does make you think a bit about whether you are doing good or not. Life is rarely clear cut.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews