Smoko

by F.E. Beyer

One day the postal services will turn a buck by using drones to deliver fake Rolexes to citizen slackers on a universal income. But for now, the mail team continues busting arse delivering gym membership promotions to retirement villages. Adopting an attitude of resignation offers comfort to some, but one worker, inspired by Ned Ludd, Marx, and the Unabomber, opts for sabotage.

"Workplace novels and especially low wage, low prestige workplace novels are quite rare these days but they offer a lot of social commentary options in the right hands and Beyer has the hands for the job."

Genres: Fiction

195 pages, Paperback

Published November 14, 2023

About the author

F.E. Beyer writes about dead-end jobs, travel, history, and crime. He is the author of three novels. His articles and reviews have appeared in the South China Morning Post, Los Angeles Review of Books, Inside Indonesia, and Travelogues Magazine.

Reviews

[Daren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short novel follows our protagonist as he joins New Zealand Post as a postie, but not your average bicycling postie with saddlebags that I conjure up images of from an earlier life (I live rurally now, so mine drives a van - and I am not really sure what urban posties ride in my local city, but I have seen a motorised scooter / bike contraption about) - the post distribution centre Ed now works at is the pilot for new Swiss three wheeled delivery vehicles, called Kurrus.

As well as Ed, who is constantly in the mid-range of his peers. Around him are a cast of amusing characters from the rule followers to the militant rule breakers, his miserable boss and the ex-special forces training and security man. The Kurrus, of course become a matter of conflict for the posties - some embrace them, others are strongly opposed, meanwhile Ed is trying to sort out what he wants from life.

An enjoyable and entertaining read, plenty of clever observations and character quirks well carried through the novel. There is plenty of New Zealand cultural referencing, but most of it not so strong that a non-Kiwi would be too lost or confused.

Great cover - the afterword tells us "I asked the AI for a picture of a massive industrial mail sorting machine inspired by the style of 1930s Russian Constructivist Art—specifically the work of Iakov Chernikhov. Lying in front of the machine I wanted a man drawn in a cubist style, wearing sunglasses, a polo shirt, and sneakers, drinking a cup of tea."

4 stars

[Ricardo Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

How the Life of a Rural Postman Can Be So Entertaining

I borrowed this book thanks to the Kindle Unlimited subscription that I share with my girlfriend, and I read it between my tablet and my phone using the Kindle app.

Like a good indie movie, this story is about nothing—and everything—at the same time. Ed, the main protagonist, takes a job as a postman in a very rural area in the middle of nowhere in New Zealand. He shares his perspective on everything happening around him in a quirky, sharp, and wonderfully humorous way.

If you’ve ever been Down Under, you’ll find plenty of references to typical Aussie and Kiwi life scattered throughout the book, which I absolutely loved and deeply enjoyed.

This beautifully written story is a perfect example of how even the most mundane aspects of life—like a postman’s daily routine—can become incredibly entertaining when told with the right voice.

[Carlos William · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Smoko' is the second novel from rising New Zealand indie author F.E. Beyer and it is about 'Ed' who also acts as the narrator of his story who finds work at a local semi-rural mail depot for New Zealand Post. A graduate with a history degree and with no real horizons in finding a job within his academic field - he starts work as a postman with an assortment of 'lifers', people who have worked at the post depot for varying degrees of time but look to be there for the immediate to long term future. Ed slots into the working culture of the post office whilst trying to stave off the predictable boredom and monotony of such a job - with such jobs where painstaking routine abounds brings about the usual practices from the workforce of practical jokes, bullying and small acts of sabotage that are done towards each other and company property which barely masks the resentment they have for actually being there.

'Smoko' is incredibly well written and the story flows extremely smoothly throughout the pages of the book. I read this within a few hours of receiving it, Beyer writes with great skill about the ordinary routine of the mundane and makes it interesting and how challenging such work can be for the people working in those kind of jobs to not become resentful of working them which can lead to some very destructive behaviours - behaviours which can sometimes overwhelm them in the end.

The story takes us from semi-rural New Zealand to rural Australia - a well worn path of the Kiwi OE (overseas experience) - where our protagonist tries to escape his underwhelming life and discovers wherever you go, there's the treadmill of work and trying to earn a living. A relatively short and easy read and a well deserved five stars.

[Travis Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't need to be from New Zealand or have any understanding of their postal system to recognize the many neurotic, vindictive, petty and outright hopeless types common to any workplace. As a military veteran, whose day-to-day work is pretty far from the chores of a postman, I've nevertheless dealt with my own Ross's and Mavis's and of course you can hardly get through your first day at a new command without encountering a Norm. The forced meeting with the CEO, where your leadership speaks a lot without actually saying anything, and legitimate questions are treated like lepers...the only thing missing is a round of "mandatory fun" to boost morale.

Frank writes in a clear, concise style, sparing us the flowery language many writers think they have to use. To micro-manage, to brag, to rage impotently against the system...he captures the life of one stuck in the grind, and from his bio, it seems he speaks from experience.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend that you check it out.

[Ms.pegasus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Frank E. Beyer has a subversive wit which he aims at the world of minimum wage dead-end jobs. His writing elicits not guffaws but wry mirth. I almost always keep notes when I read, and they were dense with exclamation points and ironic asides which his writing provoked.

The main character, Ed, a 32-year-old drop-out from the academic grind, is now a “postie.” (That's what the carriers at the New Zealand Postal Service are called). His boss is an insufferable woman named Mavis. Her designated title is “team leader.” She is arch and humorless. Her directives are larded with a “we're all in this together” sort of fake camaraderie.

The juggernaut of technological improvement is rolling forward for the posties. Their bicycles have been replaced by kurrus, Swedish manufactured battery-powered tricycles at $20,000 apiece. The kurrus are GPS equipped. Theoretically, Mavis can monitor how long each carrier's allotted 15 minute break actually lasts. When Ross warns him of this, Ed is dismissive. “I'm sure she has better things to do than calculating who's taking an eighteen-minute break.” Ross replies: “She would, mate. With her it's a case of the information being in the wrong hands. She likes to have control – to have one over on you for that crucial moment. She's an example of a small person using her tiny amount of power to the max.” (p.16) We all see bits of Ed's skepticism in ourselves and we've all known bosses like Mavis. We later discover that Ross is not being paranoid. The kurrus are also equipped with recording devices, and Mavis has been listening in.

Ross is an interesting foil to Ed's normalcy. He eats raw garlic cloves to ward off illness. He spouts Marxist diatribes. He is impulsive. But, at least he is someone to talk with. When the CEO visits to extol the advantages of technology, Ross tells Ed: “He's gambling technology can make Post more efficient and turn greater profits in the short-term because he wants a big bonus...” (p.49)

Beyer captures the human dimensions of the job with humor and occasional flashes of empathy. Ed's encounters with his co-workers in the “smoko” – i.e. the break room – reveal subtle and unexpected personality quirks. On his route Ed chafes at the abuse he receives from the public. They have nothing but complaints: lost parcels, rain-besotted envelopes, slow service. A particularly horrific incident concerning a co-worker named Dawn and some dogs is embedded in a succession of outlandish scenes so that becomes part of Beyer's tapestry of human fraility.

The job is a chronicle of on-going dehumanization. Joyce, a 30 year veteran, laments: “In the old days, you did things right. You didn't deliver circs [advertising circulars] to those you knew didn't want them. And we didn't speed around to keep up with the computer. You stopped and chatted with people.” (p.82)

I found this book when searching for a novel set in New Zealand. Smoko is surprisingly accessible to non-New Zealanders. Beneath its humor it affirms the importance of human connectivity in a world of banal messaging and glib bromides.

NOTES:
The author's website: https://www.febeyer.com/

The author also has a number of essays in “Medium”: https://medium.com/@frank.e.beyer

[Justin Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Smoko" by F.E. Beyer takes a concept you wouldn't necessarily think would be fun - man joins the ranks of the New Zealand postal service - and makes it fun through a bit of realistic absurdity.

Told through the lens of Ed, a new joinee to the team, the book is essentially a series of inter-connected vignettes showcasing either an aspect of Ed's work as a postie or one of his co-workers. Ed himself is a lazy, disconnected man with little ambition. His coworkers are much more interesting, from the dangerously Marxist Ross to the secretly scary suburbanite Dawn to the alpha Norm, and more. The first half of the book is pretty tame, with the vignettes being very slice-of-life. The closest thing the best has to a central plot is the issues surrounded the Kurrus, Swiss-made vehicles that the NZ postal service is piloting to replace the postal service's bicycles.

The second half gets kicked off with an act of betrayal by Ross against the Kurrus which has some implications. This stretch was my favorite part of the book, with both Ross and Dawn taking turns from being "strange, but harmless" to surprisingly dark.

What's fun about this, though, isn't so much the plot but the absurdity of some of the situations. Nothing ever gets too crazy, it's all very grounded, but there were quite a few chuckles from me along the way. I very much enjoyed my time with Ed and his coworkers, even though none of them were exactly likeable. It helps that the writing here is great and approachable, a nice easy read that never makes a misstep from what it's trying to accomplish.

The one downside is that the book runs out of steam a little bit at the end, as Ed's time in the postal service winds down, in part because his coworkers mostly disappear from the final 20%.

However, it's not too much of a blight against what is really a genuinely great read. It's quirky, fun and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants something light with subtle hints of absurdist comedy. Definitely the best book I've ever read centered around the New Zealand postal service.

[Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

“SMOKO” by Frank E. Beyer is a highly enjoyable, funny story written in tight, clear, straightforward language spiced with plenty of sharp wit. The characters inhabiting the story are quirky and relatable, while the narrator, Ed, is wry and irreverent.

In his early 30s, Ed has burned out from the grind of academia and happens upon a job in the NZ postal service. Newly minted as a “postie”, he finds himself working in the branch office that was selected to serve as the national pilot site for new tech mail delivery vehicles from Switzerland, electric tricycles called Kurrus. It all sounds innocuous and interesting, but as the story progresses, all sorts of changes (mostly unwelcome) are found to be encompassed in this new technology, including echoes of Big Brother.

The ‘smoko’ of the title is Kiwi slang for a breakroom, which is where much of the book takes place, with Ed meeting his coworkers and developing relationships.

The novel, a breeze to read, is in ways somewhat reminiscent of the old TV show, Seinfeld, in that there is generally no real discernible plot for most of it, a lot about nothing . . . but rather a string of situations and characters who evolve and put up with dehumanizing situations of modern life, all narrated by the funny, dry-witted ‘Ed’ who probably wonders how he wound up in this mess.

There was an unexpected final chapter after Ed quits the postal service and goes off to work menial jobs in Australia. But this seemed out of touch with the rest of the story and, in a way, a detraction.

[Anita Dow · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you ever thought a postman's life was easy, think again. This entertaining book follows narrator Ed in the first few months of life as a newly-inducted mail delivery operative in New Zealand. Ed, a 30-something who hasn't quite found his career niche, has decided that being a postman can't be too onerous and perhaps he will get himself fit while performing an undemanding job. However, he soon encounters crazy colleagues, weird and wonderful customers, ever-changing work systems, internal office politics, and the intricacies of manoeuvring an unstable 3-wheel electric 'cycle' which is open to the elements. The book is mostly a series of events in Ed's postman career rather than the usual story arc, but the characterisation is excellent and the humour and outlandish scenarios kept me turning the pages. The book does a great job of revealing the daily challenges facing delivery men and women, and thanks to Ed and the colourful cast of characters I will try not to complain about my postal deliveries.

I found author F E Beyer's descriptive writing a delight to read and I suspect he could make the dullest topics entertaining. I highlighted many passages for their vivid descriptions, such as “Tired Mavis with eyebags like deep purple bruises...” and “You don't want to head into combat with someone thinking about how to cook a green Thai curry.” The dialogue does include some 'adult language' but no worse than many films and TV, so if that doesn't bother you and you fancy reading something a little quirky you will probably enjoy Smoko.

[Andrea Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Interesting Spin on Life in New Zealand
This is a subtly hilarious and remarkably honest portrayal of life in a rural New Zealand postal depot. Told with a “fly-on-the-wall” perspective, the novel follows Ed, a newly minted postal worker, as he navigates a workplace filled with office politics, tyrannical supervisors, and the everyday absurdities of blue-collar labor.

Ed is the kind of underdog everyone recognizes—he’s earnest, overwhelmed, and just trying to get through the day. The author’s writing captures this beautifully; the frustrations Ed faces echo common workplace annoyances, making the story instantly relatable. Whether dealing with a power-hungry boss or quirky coworkers, the tale is grounded in small but telling observations that bring the postal depot—rich with human flaws and quiet heroism—to life.

I like the book’s cast of well-drawn secondary characters, from the microphone-hating tyrant Mavis to rebel mailman Ross and the veteran Johnno. Each brings depth and charm, turning everyday work interactions into moments of empathy and humor. The book delivers gentle social commentary with a smile. I would have liked to have chapter titles but all in all this book offers a quick, satisfying read that resonates long after the last page—a perfectly paced tribute to the ordinariness and complexity of workplace life

[Arnold Klemmenzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Smoko" by F.E. Beyer is a short slice of life realistic fiction novel that I would also say is absurdist except that would be redundant as the current reality of life is absurdity by definition. There is not much of a plot and that is part of the point. We follow the main character Ed as he toils in a dead end job with deadhead co-workers typical to every job setting on Earth. Ed rails against the adoption of new postal service delivery vehicles. Eventually he is no longer employed at the post office ... and life goes on.

The book is heavily dialogue driven. Most of the dialogue is banal. Again, this appears to be the point. There is comic relief, just as in life. The overall effect is often tedious, just as in life. Your level of enjoyment may vary depending on how much you appreciate the similarities of these vignettes with your own experience. If there are deeper points, they are so subtle as to be easily missed ... uh, just like in life?

The cover looks like it is Artificial Intelligence generated, but it is not. The text seems to be human. Beyer is a good writer and the book does not scream for more editing like so many these days. The title does not have any colons in it, which is a plus. Readers of the genre should be well entertained.

[sureshot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book, hoping for a good laugh or two. Was it funny? Maybe. I think some people will like it. The humor relies on regular people being in weird and awkward situations. It’s kind of like the television show “Louie,” in style. Or maybe like, “The Office.” But what I felt this book lacked was the over-the-top situations, where something that happens in real life is exaggerated to hilarious proportions. This is not necessarily bad. It’s kind of a more realistic humor, which some people will appreciate more than I do. While I didn’t find the humor of this book gripping, there were some things I liked. The author does good with characters. No one seemed like a simple prop. They seemed like real people who you can imagine, with personalities and quirks. The author is generally skilled in the mechanics of writing. You don’t have mistakes that will cause you to become detached from the story. The storyline itself is actually pretty good. I found myself interested in what would happen next. I really liked the author’s narrative voice. I just didn’t find myself laughing. Overall, I think I’d recommend this book to people who like realistic, sort of day-to-day humor.

[Alan Poon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, this was a very enjoyable read on two levels. Firstly, as a postie from Canada, I was extremely amused at the similarities of New Zealand’s postal work, including the idiosyncrasies and shenanigans that go on in this industry. And for people have little familiarity with postal work but are curious, this book is for you. It is its own little world and the author brings it to life deftly.

Secondly, I love the style of the author’s writing. He paints the world and its characters without superfluousness, relying on keen but concise observations and dialogue. At the beginning, the plot felt a bit slow – the vibe is that of bemused ennui. But by the middle of the book, a big workplace incident and unexpected revelations about a character that approached the territory of dark comedy got me hooked.

Ed, the main character, is a bright and likeable young man who makes the most of his new postie job. He sees the absurdities of the world and rolls with it, but there is a sense that underneath his easygoing demeanor lies an alienation and a desire for something deeper. His arc will resonate with anyone who’s felt adrift in life or perhaps who still do.

[Sergei Dobrovolskii · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Smoko" is a biting, absurdly comic take on modern work life, set against the backdrop of New Zealand suburbia. The story follows a group of postal workers, whose daily grind of delivering gym membership ads to retirement villages embodies the mind-numbing monotony of a forgotten world. The novel centers on one worker, driven to sabotage by a mixture of radical influences, from Ned Ludd to Marx, and even the Unabomber. This character’s rebellion against a system he finds hopelessly absurd brings a dark humor to the book. The writing blends social realism with absurdity, painting a picture of frustration and resignation in an ever-shifting landscape. With its deadpan humor and sharp critique of modern life, "Smoko" captures the disconnect between workers and their monotonous tasks, offering a glimpse into the quiet desperation of those stuck in the machinery of a system that no longer makes sense. A quirky, satirical look at the intersection of capitalism and personal revolt. This is the first time I read a book in this style. It was quite interesting.

[Lachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining book on life as a postie with the NZ postal service. On the surface, it might sound boring but this novel is anything but as Beyer skillfully draws his colourful, quirky characters weaving them together with his main character’s musing on life, work, and his opinion of his fellow posties including references to Marx and Frederick Taylor. I particularly enjoyed the encounters with members of the public which reminded me of everyday Australia. Ed’s—his main characters—longing for something more from life will resonate with many and seems to be, as the afterword suggests, an ode to Charles Bukowski and his experience. Beyer’s language is concise yet descriptive, reminding me of Orwell in using simple language with precise word choice to move the story forward. Recommended reading while listening to Blue Öyster Cult.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Relatable Portrait of Workplace Dynamics

Smoko offers a humorous yet thoughtful look at the inner workings and interpersonal relationships of a rural postal depot in New Zealand.

F.E. Beyer brings to life the various personalities - the seasoned lifers, the disillusioned recruit, the overbearing boss.

Their interactions ring true, evoking empathy and amusement.

Beyer captures the pettiness, politics, and “painstaking routine” endemic to any workplace.

Through well-paced narration and crisp dialogue, he reveals how monotony and resentment can breed pranks and sabotage, but also the camaraderie and compassion among the staff.

While the story explores predictable themes, it does so with wit and nuance.

The book may not be revelatory, but it proves an enjoyable glimpse into a rarely depicted world.

Clever and relatable, Smoko is a quick, engaging read.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

This explores what it is like for a postal worker at the postal service in New Zealand. I assume this is not really how it is there, but an imagined situation sometime in the near future. The postal service has been privatized with lots of emphasis on productivity from the workers and making a good profit for the company. This is likely to ring true for anyone working for a large corporation anywhere in the world. It will keep you laughing because, as satire does, it goes a bit over the top, but it will also get you thinking and pondering where the line that shouldn’t be crossed (but maybe will be some places) should be.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny, sad, profound, keenly observed, and, most of all, the voice is true. No preaching here, ambiguity leaves the reader to take their own stance. In fact, you can read it on your own level, light satire, sharp critique on the human animal … riding around on weird little plastic bikes wearing day-glo vests and dodging dogs.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Kiwi postman goes rogue with the mail when he gets fed up all the rules of his job. A short, adroitly written novel that underscores the inane self-importance of ordinary people given a smidgeon of authority over others and one rebel's attempts to strike back at the system. An entertaining, comedic read.

[Debbie Pyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable and relatable story. It is a snapshot of so many repetative and highly regulated jobs and the amusing and sometimes childish and even desperate ways people cope. This is a fast and amusing read. I really enjoyed the book.

[Julia Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novel about the postage system but don't be worried by that fact, it is a funny one. See the rest at https://simplyhonestreviews.webador.c...

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slacker sets out to sabotage the post office in this amusing tale set in New Zealand. Fun to read