The Mumper

by Mark Baxter, Paolo Hewitt

Seven drinking buddies decide to buy a racehorse and embark on the journey of a lifetime in the book that inspired the film Outside Bet.It's 1985 - Thatcher is in power, Sade is on the radio and the print workers have gone on strike. A motley rabble of seven firm Thimble, Gudger, O'Sh, Fred the Shoe, Dave, Alfie and Bax meet every Sunday in their favourite South London boozer for banter of the highest order and a lot of taking the mick. Then, out of the blue, one of their number receives some news which knocks him and his merry band for six. Reeling from this shock and confused about how to deal with it, the boys meet and rally in standard fashion, in the Dutchman with a few light ales and an aim to set the world to rights. One day an unknown character approaches the crew and asks them a most intriguing question...'Does anyone here want to buy a racehorse?!'From that simple but surreal question unfolds the story of seven likely lads who embark on a unique journey in the name of their mate, and what happens when they just decide to go the whole bifta.

Genres: Canon

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2011

Reviews

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every story I read these days has someone dying of cancer in it, this was no exception.
As a good time laugh book written in casual way, this hits the right notes more often than not,a great mix of characters and group dynamics...
The tone didn't sit so well with the cancer storyline, or strike story...but you can't change the tone of the book can you.
Entertaining enough.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book, to paraphrase an old review of a Martin Miller novel - " if you don"t both laugh and cry with this book then you're a wanker"

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book! Great story (true) about friendship and life in the early 80s (with a mod slant thrown in). Incredibly funny, but also touching in parts. Couldn't put it down. Recommended!

[Tim Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right up my street.

[Jason Bell · Rating 2 out of 5]

an engaging read which was spoilt by the final thirty pages which simply didn't ring true.