The Absurd Life of Barry White

by Rob Harris

He’s an unambitious, video game-playing loafer—and he’s not going to let money change him . . .

Barry White Jr. is a self-professed man-child, and he likes it that way. He’s also a content creator for a logistics firm. No one in his Welsh village really knows what that means—least of all Barry.

To add a little spice to his life, Barry places bets here and there. Then, one day, he wins big and is burdened with a mammoth sum of money. But the harder Barry tries to get rid of his winnings, the more he seems to accumulate. It’s like a real-life game of Go for Broke!

Then it dawns on him. Perhaps there’s a way of turning this windfall to his advantage—and letting him live the same kind of life he always has.

Will this turn out to be the making of him? Can Barry White Jr. finally become Barry White In-His-Own-Right?

This dazzling novel from popular British sportswriter Rob Harris is a charming, hilarious, and heartwarming black comedy

Genres: Audiobook, Humor, Contemporary

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2024

About the author

Rob Harris grew up in the Forest of Dean but now lives in Oxfordshire.

He's the author of The Absurd Life of Barry White & Barry White is Still Absurd (both Bloodhound Books) as well as Won't You Dance for Virat Kohli? (Pitch Publishing).

Reviews

[Heather Coffee_Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out Now - Release Date 30th July 2024

Loveable Barry White, is your typical underdog, he has a job he doesn't particularly like but is good at, he's a good friend and a rubbish rugby player, who still lives at home with his mam at 44 years old, like he's doing her a favour. He just wants to do some good.

This is a hilarious story of Barry and his mates bumbling through their lives and how they're trying to deal with everything life has to thrown at them, from the sublime to the ridiculous, while trying to live up to everyone else's expectations of them and failing at every hurdle.

Some chapters had me laughing so much, it is so well written, but also some very tender moments too, including mild sexual content.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from this when I requested it, but I'm so glad I did, it's been an absolute joy to listen to and the narration is spot on, with great characterisation and importantly for me being Welsh a good Welsh accent and pronunciation of Welsh names and places.

I would highly recommend this an audiobook, as it feels more like a stand up audio.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a copy of this ARC.
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[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

44-Year-old Barry White is a self-professed man-child. He works from home but spends most of the working day eating in bed or gambling online, losing borrowed money. He plays rugby for the local team, but his teammates would rather take to the field with a player short than let Barry play. He lives in a Welsh village with his old mum who does everything for him, and she worries about what will happen to Barry when she dies.

Barry wins a large sum of money from his gambling but doesn't want anybody in the village to know. He devises a plan to give most of the money away to help his friends and family, while discovering more about himself along the way.

The writing style is engaging while touching on serious topics with a bit of humor.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a pleasant little tale. Plants its roots in South Wales and stays there. Doesn’t travel far and doesn’t need to.

Heartwarming.

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing so hard I almost peed myself!

Barry White does as little as possible, working from home doing the bare minimum while his mother takes care of him. He's an obese man in his 40s and still living at home. He has issues with gambling and spends all his money making the worst bets.

The narrator was brilliant, I could not have picked someone better. The things Barry gets himself into and his internal monologue had me in stitches.

I think it might just be the best audiobook I have ever listened to. The characters are all great and the storyline was simple but clever.

If you need a good laugh, this is your next book. It has to be. You won't be sorry

5 stars

[Steph Leeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to NetGalley for this ARC audiobook.
This book almost carries a "Fredrik BackMan" vibe to it.
Barry White is character that you cannot help but love.
He's the underdog, the friend, and sadly the joke of the rugby team. He is a 44 year old mama's boy who has a gambling problem. He only wants to bring good into the world while simultaneously figuring out what his purpose in life is.

Well, we find out. We follow Barry and his team of nutty friends work their way through the circle of life. This novel is hilarious. Chapter 30 had me laughing so hard it brought tears to my eyes. I had to listen to the chapter again, because I could not hear the full bit due to laughter. Highly recommend!! Very mild sexual content. Ages 16+

[Eva Edge · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Absurd Life of Barry White by Rob Harris is an uplifting and hilarious comedy. Seriously I laughed out loud all morning!

I was not sure where this was going, but once it picked up, it was flowing so nicely. There were some scenes that I reread many times because they were literally hilarious!

Barry lives his life in the way he wants. No ambitions, no plans, no goals. All he wants is to play video games and rugby, work as little as possible, have a pint or ten... You know there is nothing that excites him. Until he wins a million...
If you think he will waste his money back and forth, you are wrong, he will not share this info with anyone. He will think really hard about how to get rid of that money!
Dialogues in this book are just a pure gem! Barry's first GP scene, OMG! I could not stop laughing! Barry's and Romeo's work scene - sweet Jesus! I reread so many times, done screenshots, carried on reading but then went back to read screenshots... seriously! This is just mad funny!

If you need something light and easy and fun, preorder this as it will uplift your day! The planned publication date is 30/07/24. This book could make a fantastic audiobook with multiple narrators! If this will happen, I am running to get my audio copy as I would love to go through this book one more time!

[Angel · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The Absurd Life of Barry White" by Rob Harris is listed as general fiction, humor, and satire. I don't think I laughed once. Barry White's life is absurd, and it was a waste of time to listen to it. There is very little drama or story to it. I didn't like it.

He's an overweight, unhappy, drunk man about 40 living in Wales with his mother. He's also a gambler, and he hates his job. He is a kind person, and he loves his mother. He wins some money and gives it all away. That's it.

Characters - 3/5
Writing - 2/5
Plot - 2/5
Pacing - 2/5
Unputdownability - 1/5
Enjoyment - 1/5
Narration - 2/5 by Iain Batchelor
Cover - 3/5
Overall - 16/8 = 2 stars

Thank you to Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Rob Harris for providing this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Sharon McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh my…

It’s 4am, and just finished this book started @ midnight. Still have tears in my eyes - sad and happy ones. Thanks Rob, it’s just the kind of book I needed in my life right now x. Will there be a sequel??

[Bianca Duthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book sounded like it was going to be a cracking laugh, and there were definitely times I laughed out loud, but it actually had a really serious undertone.
Barry, for most of the book, is a character that I just wanted to give a good slap to. He was completely self-centred, a slob, lazy, and took advantage of everyone around him. With a winning bet, however, he starts to realise life is for living.
I cried a lot over the last 50 or so pages. The story really had heart to it. Through Romeo, Ma, and Angharad, they all taught Barry so much.
For being a debut piece of work, I'm astonished, as it belies more maturity than you might expect.
I'd love to read more by this author.

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook!

What a splendid book! Lighthearted, refreshing, and thoroughly funny. Throughout the book, I couldn’t help but want to shake some sense into Barry White Jr., all the while laughing at his antiques and those of his friend. If you are in need of good chuckle accompanied by a slight cringe at ridiculous situations Barry finds himself in, this is a book for you.

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
I am thankful to have gotten the audio ARC for free from Netgalley and Dreamscape Media so I can leave my voluntary and honest review.

Ok so this is NOT my typical genre at all! Honestly it was a middle of the night fever dream request that got accepted. And like every good fever dream it worked out in the best way!

This was so cheeky and made me chuckle throughout at the life of Barry White. I am not a person who laughed at comedy routines but I do like real life natural comedy. This has that effect as it’s just a narration of Barry’s life which is a hot mess.

The narrator was great. He had a clear British accent and did a great job with his inflections without going overboard. I did have to speed up the rate to 1.25x which made it a perfect speed as it was very slow in its original format.

I do suggest the audio book as it makes it more like listening to a comedy act of sorts. I honestly don’t think k I would have enjoyed it as much had I read the print version.

It’s also done in modern times post Covid lock down times but still working from him complete with Zoom meetings and accidental naked bums showing up on co-workers screens and how his mom had to do things to make sure he stayed awake for the work day.

So if you’re looking for something cheeky that makes you a feel good about your own life, give this one a go when it comes out on July 30 2024

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry White has never truly matured. At 44, he's still a man-child living with his elderly ma, who caters to his every need. He continues to sleep in his childhood bedroom, beneath a Welsh dragon duvet. He's drowning in massive debt due to his gambling addiction, much of which he owes to family members he misled to get the money. His doctor has also labelled him both obese and a chronic alcoholic. To make matters worse, even his own uncle is trying to kick him off the local rugby team due to his poor performance and severe lack of skill.

He manages to, just about, hold down a job at LesCargo Express Logistics as a content creator, although he hasn't been into the office since before the pandemic. Working from home has allowed him to slack off, indulging in two-hour naps or tuning into his favourite YouTube livestream featuring Chico the Silverback Gorilla.

The story leads us through Barry's darkly comedic daily failures to his unexpected windfall from a big bet and how he deals with his newfound fortune.

The characters in the book are hilarious, and the gritty depiction of village life in Caeau Anghofiedig was particularly enjoyable. However, as the book progresses, and Barry is forced to grow up and take responsibility, the tone shifts to a more serious one, with heartfelt moments that sensitively explore the various challenges faced by the community.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Absurd Life of Barry White by Rob Harris.
I really did enjoyed this book. It was hilarious. I did like the cover and blurb. I did like the chapter titles. I did like Barry. The things he did. I did like the writing style. I read in two sittings. Barry did surprise me in the end. I wasn't expecting that at all. Especially what he did. His actions. This is a new author for me too. I do recommend this book.

Blurb.
He’s an unambitious, video game-playing loafer—and he’s not going to let money change him . . .

Barry White Jr. is a self-professed man-child, and he likes it that way. He’s also a content creator for a logistics firm. No one in his Welsh village really knows what that means—least of all Barry.

To add a little spice to his life, Barry places bets here and there. Then, one day, he wins big and is burdened with a mammoth sum of money. But the harder Barry tries to get rid of his winnings, the more he seems to accumulate. It’s like a real-life game of Go for Broke!

Then it dawns on him. Perhaps there’s a way of turning this windfall to his advantage—and letting him live the same kind of life he always has.

Will this turn out to be the making of him? Can Barry White Jr. finally become Barry White In-His-Own-Right?

[TheNickell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry’s not exactly killin’ it. He’s mid-40s, lives at home with his Mom, has a job he tolerates — a failure to launch. He drinks too much, gambles (poorly), and his mother waits on him hand and foot. His dad (of the same name) was a rugby legend and Barry’s subpar at best. Barry places a stupid bet and hits big, winning a large sum of money. You can’t help but root for Barry. Author Rob Harris did a great job writing the quintessential underdog. I would absolutely watch this if it was adapted to a tv show.

[Matthew Nash Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book, pretty funny and a nice story at the end. Not much more to say than that other than Neil Warnock being appointed Real Madrid manager was a highlight.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great slice of life in a small welsh town, lighthearted and easy to listen to.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to 40% of this book and wasn’t loving it but am so glad I finished it. It is worth the ride. You will love Barry by the end.

[AngelaC · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished this book because it is not very long but I can't say I enjoyed it. The main character is a slob - a fat, lazy, alcoholic gambler (and a terrible rugby player) - who, when he comes into a large sum of money is not satisfied with life, despite trying his best to help less fortunate friends and family.
The book is supposed to be funny but, for me, it just misses the mark.

[Claire Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you hear the name Barry White you probably think of the lovely sounds by a great singer but THIS Barry White couldn’t be further from that! Barry is quite a frustrating character at the start but I loved how his outlook changes as he gets his lucky break. There were plenty of comedy moments in this book but also some quite deep thinking at times too. A great read and I would certainly recommend it!

[Taylor Yeaton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Absurd Life of Barry White is a funny, light-hearted story, that often times reminded me of Ted Lasso. Going in, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but Barry’s character quickly grew on me; he’s endearing in his own quirky way. The plot is filled with humorous moments and absurd situations, creating an easygoing narrative that never takes itself too seriously.

As for the audiobook, the narration is solid and adds to the overall enjoyment of the story. However, I did find the pacing to be on the slower side. This wasn’t a problem for me, though, as I comfortably listened at 2x speed, which is faster than I usually prefer, especially when the narrator’s accent differs from my own. Even at this increased speed, the narration remained clear and engaging, making the experience enjoyable from start to finish.

If you’re looking for something that’s both entertaining and light-hearted, with a lovable but offbeat protagonist, The Absurd Life of Barry White is a great choice.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author for this audio ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Jamie Cha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give the book 4.5 stars. I received a free ebook in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I like fiction. I liked the idea of a character who's life isn't in order. Honestly, most of our lives aren't perfect.

The book started out slow for me. I thought it was a book about Barry's absurd life. The book turned into Barry's journey. I got to see how the character grows.

The narrator had a good voice. He changed his voice at times. You felt the narrator was with you

The book had good character development. It is probably a make or break for me, when I read fiction. Some of the silly characters became so real to me. I gained empathy for the characters, as the book went on .

The audiobook wasn't too long of a listen. There were a few times I did relisten to a part, because I was a little confused. When I relistened, I got it

I look forward to reading more from the author. I am thankful to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this fun but important book.

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I was a little unsure but soon found myself totally captivated into this well written funny, hilarious, and comical storyline.
I was surprised to find out this is a debut book.
The descriptive is brilliant, and it brings these great characters to life.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It has such a good storyline, and it is so funny in parts.
It makes a change to enjoy a book and have a good laugh as well.
It's a book well worth reading, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
My thanks to Bloodhound books.

[Melanie Lafortune · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry White Jr’s life is unusual for sure but at the heart of it all is love. Love for his mom, his friends, his rugby team and the town he lives in. I loved the growth of Barry’s character throughout the book. This book with an unusual main character is quite heartwarming in the end. Thank you Net Galley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my honest review

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok this is not my usual read but I ended up loving Barry white. A single man of 44years of age that lives with his mother. He’s the typical underdog that you just can’t help liking. He likes an odd bet but the more he wins the more he can’t get rid of it .

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Initially it was hard to feel empathy for Barry White Jr. He’s a 44-year-old virgin living with his mother and putting as little effort into his remote job as possible. He’s the son of the famous late Barry White Sr., a Welsh rugby superstar, but has inherited none of Sr.’s prowess on the field. He borrows and owes a lot of money from gambling. Yet, there’s something about Barry Jr. that drew me in. His indefatigable optimism, his loyalty, his love of online videos featuring a gorilla eating and farting….OK maybe not this last one, but Barry did grow on me. And when things happen in his life, Barry rises to meet the challenges. It’s a delightful story of friendship, love, family, and the rugby community that evolves in this former coal town.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. I recommend #TheAbsurdLifeofBarryWhite for its often funny, occasionally poignant story.

[Johanna Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this was a surprise, I read the overview of the book and thought “it is not my usual type at all but i’ll give it a go, it sounds engaging” and i’m so glad I did. Barry first comes across as a sad middle-aged loser still living at home with mum and no prospects of improving his lifestyle. As the story unfolds we realise that there are hidden depths to Barry and there are laugh out loud moments following Barry along his journey through life. A brilliant debut novel, i’ll be eagerly looking out for the author’s next book.

[Pietro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barry White, Jr’s life is fairly absurd, but luckily it is also pretty funny to read about. This is not the kind of book I often read, but I love books that are humorous, especially on audiobook. I’m glad that I gave this a try. It is genuinely funny, although also sad in places, and also thoughtful. I liked how things turned out, however, the actual ending seemed a bit abrupt. I learned a lot about Wales, rugby, and what life is like in small towns. I’d definitely recommend this on audiobook—the narrator is excellent. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to provide an honest review of this audiobook.

[Alison Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so funny. Barry was a loser and that was clear from page one. I loved the way that things happened in the book and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so heartwarming and funny. I enjoyed Ove, Iona, and The Big Finish. If you loved these then you'll love Barry.

[Jasper · Rating 4 out of 5]

funny enough