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Exquisite Hours
Anaïs Spencer travels the world lying to men. As an imperilled Mossad agent, an international aid worker, a Venetian countess dispossessed—for seven years her first-class flights and hotel suites have been paid for by the hapless men upon whom she subsists. But Exquisite Hours is a novel about a beautiful young woman who is tired of wandering. Confessions of love are becoming chronic. Anaïs is too often having to resort to her last line of defence—the rufie. In a matter of days she flees from Hong Kong to New York to Missouri to Bangladesh to Bangkok, at last to Venice, where she falls in love with her false-speaking match, a handsome young liar who survives by giving very fanciful city tours to very credulous tourists. But will her deceitful past allow Anaïs a happy future?
266 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2016
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82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 15, 2016
I'm always wary of novels that claim themselves to be funny. Humour in writing is much harder to achieve than verbal or visual humour, so I went into reading Exquisite Hours without much expectation of laughing out loud... Boy was I wrong.
This book is spit-out-your-tea funny and left me looking like a weirdo laughing in more than one public place.
Funny is one thing but it is also an intelligent read. I certainly feel like I've been on an around the world adventure with Anaïs who is a pretty amazing literary character. I really loved her, I think her behaviour was almost always justified (some may argue with that) but she was a great companion to travel through this book with.
Humphreys' is a great writer and I anticipate huge things from this Aussie novelist. I think I need to read his first book now as well.
Exquisite Hours isn't just a "vacation read" or what I call a quick surface read (books without much substance). It is an interesting book about the human condition and one I think nearly every person would enjoy, as long as you're not too uptight. So go and have a laugh and try not to pee your pants.
This book is spit-out-your-tea funny and left me looking like a weirdo laughing in more than one public place.
Funny is one thing but it is also an intelligent read. I certainly feel like I've been on an around the world adventure with Anaïs who is a pretty amazing literary character. I really loved her, I think her behaviour was almost always justified (some may argue with that) but she was a great companion to travel through this book with.
Humphreys' is a great writer and I anticipate huge things from this Aussie novelist. I think I need to read his first book now as well.
Exquisite Hours isn't just a "vacation read" or what I call a quick surface read (books without much substance). It is an interesting book about the human condition and one I think nearly every person would enjoy, as long as you're not too uptight. So go and have a laugh and try not to pee your pants.
October 20, 2018
One of my all time favorite books-what a joy to read!
And just like that the Exquisite Hours became one of my favorite books. The tale of Anais is a truly epic heroic journey. Someone needs to make this a movie. Humphrey's writing has a wit & charm that few possess (Mark Twain and Woody Allen would love this book). Just the most beautiful, hilarious, ludacris and endearing read as you follow Anais and her crazy romp around the globe and now I need to go to Venice!
And just like that the Exquisite Hours became one of my favorite books. The tale of Anais is a truly epic heroic journey. Someone needs to make this a movie. Humphrey's writing has a wit & charm that few possess (Mark Twain and Woody Allen would love this book). Just the most beautiful, hilarious, ludacris and endearing read as you follow Anais and her crazy romp around the globe and now I need to go to Venice!
April 27, 2017
It was an average read. Too much hype.
June 25, 2019
Did not finish, and that’s rare for me (I made it as far as episode 4). Maybe Exquisite Hours should have been a script; there’s so much dialogue and the descriptions read like boring lists of set pieces. It’s rarely funny, and often problematic. So many of the ‘jokes’ made me feel uncomfortable, particularly the way Asian characters (caricatures) were ridiculed, like for their traditional names or their manners of speech. The protagonist’s supposed charm was unconvincing, we’re just told she’s hot and good at lying. Cool. And it’s so poorly edited, I couldn’t get past it. Just… no.
September 17, 2019
Modern Day Breakfast at Tiffany’s
September 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback
Truman Capote would get a kick out of Anais Spencer. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic and Humphreys created a character more flamboyant, more restless, more conniving, and less innocent than Audrey Hepburn, but no less electric or tantalizing.
So delicious.
So hilarious.
Beyond a beach read.
Unputdownable.
Love.
September 17, 2019
Verified Purchase
Format: Paperback
Truman Capote would get a kick out of Anais Spencer. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a classic and Humphreys created a character more flamboyant, more restless, more conniving, and less innocent than Audrey Hepburn, but no less electric or tantalizing.
So delicious.
So hilarious.
Beyond a beach read.
Unputdownable.
Love.
March 31, 2016
This book was ridiculous. And ludicrous. And hilarious. I didn't expect it to be because, how can you when the author constantly tells you how funny it is? But it is. Plus, you can always trust an author who will sing any song at random and post it for all the world to see (for less than 3 hours).
August 17, 2018
The plot was as lost and floundering as the protagonist.
April 7, 2021
I thought it was terrible. As a side note, I have met this guy and he is not who he says he is, and he called me a "weak-minded whore." Be warned.
May 25, 2020
In an ordered universe there are no such things as coincidences.
After inadvertently coming across the author on Instagram (check him out - joshuahumphreys) and reading the strapline for the book, I was curious as to how the story would develop and I just HAD to read it. Why was Anais travelling the world and lying to men?
I listened to a free excerpt on the Podbean app - which if you haven’t already, go and do it now...I nearly drowned from laughter in the bath. Humphrey’s use of expression lends itself well to the story and gives you a strong idea of how the novel should be read; the pace, intonation and pause. Incidentally, several musical tracks are mentioned within the actual text and I would advise you to listen to these whilst reading as it further develops the ‘feeling’ / meaning of the book.
I loved this story; if you are looking for adventure, glamourous settings, satire, romance, stylish characters, plenty of champagne and comedy then this is the book for you.
Best bits about the book - the beautiful prose, witty humour, well written characters and description of settings - you literally travel the world reading this novel.
The main character, Anais, is a brilliant protagonist, it is so refreshing to read a strong female (albeit a con-artist), instead of one who is reduced to chasing men or rather, romance. Humphreys turns the traditional idea on it’s head and it is the male characters who are unable to resist her ‘charms’, they have a ‘Pepe Le Pew’ characteristic about them and find Anais irresistible, “You’ve got a look in your eye.”
Anais is full of gumption, she is sophisticated, sarcastic and holds the right amount of indignation and nonchalance. Reading her reminded me of the subtle sarcasm of Austen in Pride and Prejudice and the sharp, tongue in cheek humour of Wilde in The Importance of being Ernest. Throughout the book her character is developed through themes and subtle ‘hints’ reflecting where she has come from and where she is going to. For example, the play that she says she was supposed to be in (My Fair Lady) alludes to the idea of her character rising in society and who she actually is. Her ‘genuine’ persona is illusive to both male characters and to the reader and although she is described as the ‘spy’, it is actually us, the readers, who act as detectives piecing together her actions to form a coherent image...essentially, we ‘spy’ on her.
Speech is the main vehicle used for comedy and very cleverly moves the action on, reminding me of Evelyn Waugh’s technique in ‘A handful of Dust’. In episode 2, the characters also use a ‘Waiting for godot’ (Beckett) style conversation which is hilarious and completely ridiculous.
Venice is gorgeously described and was my favourite bit of the book. The description was romantic, beautiful and enchanting. Sexual tension throughout the book was also playful and flirtatious;
“Are you flirting with me Miss Spencer?” “Not in a profound way.”
“What are we about to do...?” “You tell me...”
Stylistically, the interjection of the author in both colloquial speech (as if a footnote within the text) and the character in Italy weaves a greater consciousness reminding us of his presence/voice. It connects to the conclusive word ‘thither’ meaning ‘towards that place’ which is elegantly written on its own on the final page. ‘Thither’ links the comedy of the author’s voice to the denouement, drawing the text together and leaving us satiated with a delicious ‘aftertaste’ of an ending.
The novel certainly evokes, as the title suggests, ‘exquisite hours’...it was an exquisite read.
After inadvertently coming across the author on Instagram (check him out - joshuahumphreys) and reading the strapline for the book, I was curious as to how the story would develop and I just HAD to read it. Why was Anais travelling the world and lying to men?
I listened to a free excerpt on the Podbean app - which if you haven’t already, go and do it now...I nearly drowned from laughter in the bath. Humphrey’s use of expression lends itself well to the story and gives you a strong idea of how the novel should be read; the pace, intonation and pause. Incidentally, several musical tracks are mentioned within the actual text and I would advise you to listen to these whilst reading as it further develops the ‘feeling’ / meaning of the book.
I loved this story; if you are looking for adventure, glamourous settings, satire, romance, stylish characters, plenty of champagne and comedy then this is the book for you.
Best bits about the book - the beautiful prose, witty humour, well written characters and description of settings - you literally travel the world reading this novel.
The main character, Anais, is a brilliant protagonist, it is so refreshing to read a strong female (albeit a con-artist), instead of one who is reduced to chasing men or rather, romance. Humphreys turns the traditional idea on it’s head and it is the male characters who are unable to resist her ‘charms’, they have a ‘Pepe Le Pew’ characteristic about them and find Anais irresistible, “You’ve got a look in your eye.”
Anais is full of gumption, she is sophisticated, sarcastic and holds the right amount of indignation and nonchalance. Reading her reminded me of the subtle sarcasm of Austen in Pride and Prejudice and the sharp, tongue in cheek humour of Wilde in The Importance of being Ernest. Throughout the book her character is developed through themes and subtle ‘hints’ reflecting where she has come from and where she is going to. For example, the play that she says she was supposed to be in (My Fair Lady) alludes to the idea of her character rising in society and who she actually is. Her ‘genuine’ persona is illusive to both male characters and to the reader and although she is described as the ‘spy’, it is actually us, the readers, who act as detectives piecing together her actions to form a coherent image...essentially, we ‘spy’ on her.
Speech is the main vehicle used for comedy and very cleverly moves the action on, reminding me of Evelyn Waugh’s technique in ‘A handful of Dust’. In episode 2, the characters also use a ‘Waiting for godot’ (Beckett) style conversation which is hilarious and completely ridiculous.
Venice is gorgeously described and was my favourite bit of the book. The description was romantic, beautiful and enchanting. Sexual tension throughout the book was also playful and flirtatious;
“Are you flirting with me Miss Spencer?” “Not in a profound way.”
“What are we about to do...?” “You tell me...”
Stylistically, the interjection of the author in both colloquial speech (as if a footnote within the text) and the character in Italy weaves a greater consciousness reminding us of his presence/voice. It connects to the conclusive word ‘thither’ meaning ‘towards that place’ which is elegantly written on its own on the final page. ‘Thither’ links the comedy of the author’s voice to the denouement, drawing the text together and leaving us satiated with a delicious ‘aftertaste’ of an ending.
The novel certainly evokes, as the title suggests, ‘exquisite hours’...it was an exquisite read.
June 25, 2020
With me it takes a substantial amount for an impression to be left when it comes to a novel. I have no idea how I initially discovered Exquisite Hours, nor what made me become enticed to own a copy. It was the first title I had come across from Joshua Humphreys, so there was no existing bias or knowledge of it coming into play. I just happened upon it by complete coincidence, somehow. Natheless, something about Exquisite Hours drew me to pick up a copy not long after its publication and explore what - at that time only a few - people were saying about it.
This book hit me at a period when I was in the midst a considerable reading drought. At the time I couldn't think back to when I had read anything at all, let along finished something. Sufficiently. Usually a reader of surrealism and epic tales and the such - like Murakami or Garcia Marquez - there was nothing dwelling from my usual tastes that would have beguiled me in picking up this book, yet here we are. What even was a "comedy novel"? What did that even mean? Novels could have humour in them, sure. Be funny at times, of course. But a comedy novel? Could you describe those on the other side of the coin a "drama novel"? This vernacular literally didn't make sense to me... before I started reading it. And once I did, in some abstruse way everything that was used to describe this novel fell into place.
The globe-trotting story of Anaïs Spencer is one that will, quite literally, submerge you in a vehement cloudburst of comforting familiarity, riveting tutelage, and exhilarating delirium. In an inexplicable, idiosyncratic way, Humphreys has managed to concatenate each of these sentiments, and the flurries of those in-between, and concoct a tale that is positively enchanting. Humphreys' humour comes not particularly from the actual objects he has created with his words, but rather how those things have been placed upon the plane they're set. If that makes sense. Both of which, by the way, have been detailed and constructed immaculately. I have never laughed out loud when reading a book, yet this one did have me writhing, and the fact that I am unable to use my own language reasonably enough to explain why, just showcases how much of a maestro Humphreys is with his own. And Humphrey's actual writing technique, I must say, is one to be reckoned with also; both his ornate vocabulary and structure is, peculiarly, spot on. Muriel Barbery did once say “Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty”. Therefore, in my opinion, Humphreys is one remarkably handsome chap.
Within the intended laughs and weirdly wonderful narrative you'll be learning of places you've never visited as if Anaïs' eyes were your own, and ascertaining knowledge of goods you never knew you wanted to know of, all the while traversing a freshly told, grandiloquent journey that will have you whisked away as if atop a breeze. And a terrifically refreshing one at that.
This book, and Humphreys himself, just seem to have... something. If I may digress to finish, the first time I read this novel I was sat in my local coffee shop completely entranced, and another regular approached and sat down beside me. Aside from a simple "Hello" no other words were spoken, we knew each other only from the neighbourhood and nothing more. Yet I saw this man glance at the cover in my hands, intrigue painted across his face, slyly look up the novel on his phone - you could tell he'd never known of it before - scavenge what little information there was of it online and save it for later. Then, after he asked me if I was enjoying it, I asked him the question "Have you heard of it?" To which he replied he had but had never gotten around to reading it. He lied. There is just something about this novel that, by fair means or foul, entrances a person to engage, despite it not even existing seconds prior. It's hard to illustrate the oddball sorcery this novel has.
Without giving too much away, those are my thoughts of Exquisite Hours. It delivered me from that drought, and I must say that - alluding to the time reading it - never before had a novel lived up ever-so truthfully to its name.
This book hit me at a period when I was in the midst a considerable reading drought. At the time I couldn't think back to when I had read anything at all, let along finished something. Sufficiently. Usually a reader of surrealism and epic tales and the such - like Murakami or Garcia Marquez - there was nothing dwelling from my usual tastes that would have beguiled me in picking up this book, yet here we are. What even was a "comedy novel"? What did that even mean? Novels could have humour in them, sure. Be funny at times, of course. But a comedy novel? Could you describe those on the other side of the coin a "drama novel"? This vernacular literally didn't make sense to me... before I started reading it. And once I did, in some abstruse way everything that was used to describe this novel fell into place.
The globe-trotting story of Anaïs Spencer is one that will, quite literally, submerge you in a vehement cloudburst of comforting familiarity, riveting tutelage, and exhilarating delirium. In an inexplicable, idiosyncratic way, Humphreys has managed to concatenate each of these sentiments, and the flurries of those in-between, and concoct a tale that is positively enchanting. Humphreys' humour comes not particularly from the actual objects he has created with his words, but rather how those things have been placed upon the plane they're set. If that makes sense. Both of which, by the way, have been detailed and constructed immaculately. I have never laughed out loud when reading a book, yet this one did have me writhing, and the fact that I am unable to use my own language reasonably enough to explain why, just showcases how much of a maestro Humphreys is with his own. And Humphrey's actual writing technique, I must say, is one to be reckoned with also; both his ornate vocabulary and structure is, peculiarly, spot on. Muriel Barbery did once say “Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty”. Therefore, in my opinion, Humphreys is one remarkably handsome chap.
Within the intended laughs and weirdly wonderful narrative you'll be learning of places you've never visited as if Anaïs' eyes were your own, and ascertaining knowledge of goods you never knew you wanted to know of, all the while traversing a freshly told, grandiloquent journey that will have you whisked away as if atop a breeze. And a terrifically refreshing one at that.
This book, and Humphreys himself, just seem to have... something. If I may digress to finish, the first time I read this novel I was sat in my local coffee shop completely entranced, and another regular approached and sat down beside me. Aside from a simple "Hello" no other words were spoken, we knew each other only from the neighbourhood and nothing more. Yet I saw this man glance at the cover in my hands, intrigue painted across his face, slyly look up the novel on his phone - you could tell he'd never known of it before - scavenge what little information there was of it online and save it for later. Then, after he asked me if I was enjoying it, I asked him the question "Have you heard of it?" To which he replied he had but had never gotten around to reading it. He lied. There is just something about this novel that, by fair means or foul, entrances a person to engage, despite it not even existing seconds prior. It's hard to illustrate the oddball sorcery this novel has.
Without giving too much away, those are my thoughts of Exquisite Hours. It delivered me from that drought, and I must say that - alluding to the time reading it - never before had a novel lived up ever-so truthfully to its name.
June 25, 2020
With me it takes a substantial amount for an impression to be left when it comes to a novel. I have no idea how I initially discovered Exquisite Hours, nor what made me become enticed to own a copy. It was the first title I had come across from Joshua Humphreys, so there was no existing bias or knowledge of it coming into play. I just happened upon it by complete coincidence, somehow. Natheless, something about Exquisite Hours drew me to pick up a copy not long after its publication and explore what - at that time only a few - people were saying about it.
This book hit me at a period when I was in the midst a considerable reading drought. At the time I couldn't think back to when I had read anything at all, let along finished something. Sufficiently. Usually a reader of surrealism and epic tales and the such - like Murakami or Garcia Marquez - there was nothing dwelling from my usual tastes that would have beguiled me in picking up this book, yet here we are. What even was a "comedy novel"? What did that even mean? Novels could have humour in them, sure. Be funny at times, of course. But a comedy novel? Could you describe those on the other side of the coin a "drama novel"? This vernacular literally didn't make sense to me... before I started reading it. And once I did, in some abstruse way everything that was used to describe this novel fell into place.
The globe-trotting story of Anaïs Spencer is one that will, quite literally, submerge you in a vehement cloudburst of comforting familiarity, riveting tutelage, and exhilarating delirium. In an inexplicable, idiosyncratic way, Humphreys has managed to concatenate each of these sentiments, and the flurries of those in-between, and concoct a tale that is positively enchanting. Humphreys' humour comes not particularly from the actual objects he has created with his words, but rather how those things have been placed upon the plane they're set. If that makes sense. Both of which, by the way, have been detailed and constructed immaculately. I have never laughed out loud when reading a book, yet this one did have me writhing, and the fact that I am unable to use my own language reasonably enough to explain why, just showcases how much of a maestro Humphreys is with his own. And Humphrey's actual writing technique, I must say, is one to be reckoned with also; both his ornate vocabulary and structure is, peculiarly, spot on. Muriel Barbery did once say “Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty”. Therefore, in my opinion, Humphreys is one remarkably handsome chap.
Within the intended laughs and weirdly wonderful narrative you'll be learning of places you've never visited as if Anaïs' eyes were your own, and ascertaining knowledge of goods you never knew you wanted to know of, all the while traversing a freshly told, grandiloquent journey that will have you whisked away as if atop a breeze. And a terrifically refreshing one at that.
This book, and Humphreys himself, just seem to have... something. If I may digress to finish, the first time I read this novel I was sat in my local coffee shop completely entranced, and another regular approached and sat down beside me. Aside from a simple "Hello" no other words were spoken, we knew each other only from the neighbourhood and nothing more. Yet I saw this man glance at the cover in my hands, intrigue painted across his face, slyly look up the novel on his phone - you could tell he'd never known of it before - scavenge what little information there was of it online and save it for later. Then, after he asked me if I was enjoying it, I asked him the question "Have you heard of it?" To which he replied he had but had never gotten around to reading it. He lied. There is just something about this novel that, by fair means or foul, entrances a person to engage, despite it not even existing seconds prior. It's hard to illustrate the oddball sorcery this novel has.
Without giving too much away, those are my thoughts of Exquisite Hours. It delivered me from that drought, and I must say that - alluding to the time reading it - never before had a novel lived up ever-so truthfully to its name.
This book hit me at a period when I was in the midst a considerable reading drought. At the time I couldn't think back to when I had read anything at all, let along finished something. Sufficiently. Usually a reader of surrealism and epic tales and the such - like Murakami or Garcia Marquez - there was nothing dwelling from my usual tastes that would have beguiled me in picking up this book, yet here we are. What even was a "comedy novel"? What did that even mean? Novels could have humour in them, sure. Be funny at times, of course. But a comedy novel? Could you describe those on the other side of the coin a "drama novel"? This vernacular literally didn't make sense to me... before I started reading it. And once I did, in some abstruse way everything that was used to describe this novel fell into place.
The globe-trotting story of Anaïs Spencer is one that will, quite literally, submerge you in a vehement cloudburst of comforting familiarity, riveting tutelage, and exhilarating delirium. In an inexplicable, idiosyncratic way, Humphreys has managed to concatenate each of these sentiments, and the flurries of those in-between, and concoct a tale that is positively enchanting. Humphreys' humour comes not particularly from the actual objects he has created with his words, but rather how those things have been placed upon the plane they're set. If that makes sense. Both of which, by the way, have been detailed and constructed immaculately. I have never laughed out loud when reading a book, yet this one did have me writhing, and the fact that I am unable to use my own language reasonably enough to explain why, just showcases how much of a maestro Humphreys is with his own. And Humphrey's actual writing technique, I must say, is one to be reckoned with also; both his ornate vocabulary and structure is, peculiarly, spot on. Muriel Barbery did once say “Personally I think that grammar is a way to attain beauty”. Therefore, in my opinion, Humphreys is one remarkably handsome chap.
Within the intended laughs and weirdly wonderful narrative you'll be learning of places you've never visited as if Anaïs' eyes were your own, and ascertaining knowledge of goods you never knew you wanted to know of, all the while traversing a freshly told, grandiloquent journey that will have you whisked away as if atop a breeze. And a terrifically refreshing one at that.
This book, and Humphreys himself, just seem to have... something. If I may digress to finish, the first time I read this novel I was sat in my local coffee shop completely entranced, and another regular approached and sat down beside me. Aside from a simple "Hello" no other words were spoken, we knew each other only from the neighbourhood and nothing more. Yet I saw this man glance at the cover in my hands, intrigue painted across his face, slyly look up the novel on his phone - you could tell he'd never known of it before - scavenge what little information there was of it online and save it for later. Then, after he asked me if I was enjoying it, I asked him the question "Have you heard of it?" To which he replied he had but had never gotten around to reading it. He lied. There is just something about this novel that, by fair means or foul, entrances a person to engage, despite it not even existing seconds prior. It's hard to illustrate the oddball sorcery this novel has.
Without giving too much away, those are my thoughts of Exquisite Hours. It delivered me from that drought, and I must say that - alluding to the time reading it - never before had a novel lived up ever-so truthfully to its name.
June 23, 2020
If the tag line of this book makes your nose scrunch and turn marginally upward as one eyebrow follows suit, you probably definitely need to read it.
Not afraid of a little rousing are you? Worried the protagonist might actually win you over? I won't tell you whether she did me; I'm more interested in peace with my own values rather than those of a comedic character.
But reader motivations are as varied as the kooky suitors and calamitous collisions in these pages and Exquisite Hours caters to more than most, in my opinion.
The humour is quick, clever, sometimes confronting and coupled with elegance and whimsy, is warmly reminiscent of Depression era screwball comedies which served as effective spirit-lifters in their day...enter 2020, enough said.
Scintillating scenes, particularly appreciated in a locked down world, are bound to evoke pleasant nostalgia, welcome escape or wistful updates to post-corona travel itineraries. For those of us inclined to sprinkle every day conversations with random bursts of song, the interwoven music is as winsome and familiar as the characters who do the same.
Not only does this novel offer an inimitable literary style I can promise you will never find again, the reading of it can be a rare and richly interactive experience, so far as you'd like it to be. A Spotify playlist, the author's adventures via Instagram and an audiobook.
This deserves expansion. Just get the audiobook, do it. The speed, the accents; I have a partiality for bloopers so those alone are worth a few listens for hilarity and an eavesdrop into the inner workings of a brain that creates what Humphreys does.
You also have the chance to be in that exclusive and not at all annoying club of people who knew something was cool before everyone else did when this story hits the silver screen.
As any skilled comedian, the author does not pummel you with imposed virtues, consider you 'triggerable' or force you to ponder the themes beyond surface level black and white. Thank heavens he counts us intelligent and autonomous enough to think for ourselves.
Not afraid of a little rousing are you? Worried the protagonist might actually win you over? I won't tell you whether she did me; I'm more interested in peace with my own values rather than those of a comedic character.
But reader motivations are as varied as the kooky suitors and calamitous collisions in these pages and Exquisite Hours caters to more than most, in my opinion.
The humour is quick, clever, sometimes confronting and coupled with elegance and whimsy, is warmly reminiscent of Depression era screwball comedies which served as effective spirit-lifters in their day...enter 2020, enough said.
Scintillating scenes, particularly appreciated in a locked down world, are bound to evoke pleasant nostalgia, welcome escape or wistful updates to post-corona travel itineraries. For those of us inclined to sprinkle every day conversations with random bursts of song, the interwoven music is as winsome and familiar as the characters who do the same.
Not only does this novel offer an inimitable literary style I can promise you will never find again, the reading of it can be a rare and richly interactive experience, so far as you'd like it to be. A Spotify playlist, the author's adventures via Instagram and an audiobook.
This deserves expansion. Just get the audiobook, do it. The speed, the accents; I have a partiality for bloopers so those alone are worth a few listens for hilarity and an eavesdrop into the inner workings of a brain that creates what Humphreys does.
You also have the chance to be in that exclusive and not at all annoying club of people who knew something was cool before everyone else did when this story hits the silver screen.
As any skilled comedian, the author does not pummel you with imposed virtues, consider you 'triggerable' or force you to ponder the themes beyond surface level black and white. Thank heavens he counts us intelligent and autonomous enough to think for ourselves.
June 26, 2019
Heard and read a lot about this book before actually ordering it and waiting it to arrive on the other side of the Globe. Saw prevailing positive comments and few negative.
So my aim was to concentrate on the negative and see where it takes me. Is there a real reason behind those critics...
Let me draw a line here: if you want an easy, flat read, where everything is said and done, where the conversations are example of high literature, the protagonists are politically, sexually, nationally correct, then that book is not for you.
Nowadays we got used to receive everything "pre-grounded". When the author tells us it's beautiful, we want to know how exactly, what makes it beautiful. Is it the golden shade of the sun, caressing the lavender hills, or it is the starry sky sprinkled with silver and enamel... I say no. Every author has his approach and as much as I like the looong descriptions, sometimes they are irrelevant and would only make the text too blunt.
I don't need to be told what makes Anais hot for the male protagonists. For me it's enough what influence she has over them. Sometimes even to her surprise.
She's unscrupulous, therefore we can not expect her to be correct in her ways of expression and overall behavior.
This book is a blink to us all and the world we are living in. The choices we make, the paths we walk, the people we meet and the way we treat them and ourselves.
It's not one of the books that will tell you straight-forward what conclusions you have to make out of it.
It's really your choice to see through it or let it go with untouched mind and soul.
Every book, I repeat, every book has something to teach us and show us. It is us, who decide whether to read open-minded or put the ignorance mask.
So my aim was to concentrate on the negative and see where it takes me. Is there a real reason behind those critics...
Let me draw a line here: if you want an easy, flat read, where everything is said and done, where the conversations are example of high literature, the protagonists are politically, sexually, nationally correct, then that book is not for you.
Nowadays we got used to receive everything "pre-grounded". When the author tells us it's beautiful, we want to know how exactly, what makes it beautiful. Is it the golden shade of the sun, caressing the lavender hills, or it is the starry sky sprinkled with silver and enamel... I say no. Every author has his approach and as much as I like the looong descriptions, sometimes they are irrelevant and would only make the text too blunt.
I don't need to be told what makes Anais hot for the male protagonists. For me it's enough what influence she has over them. Sometimes even to her surprise.
She's unscrupulous, therefore we can not expect her to be correct in her ways of expression and overall behavior.
This book is a blink to us all and the world we are living in. The choices we make, the paths we walk, the people we meet and the way we treat them and ourselves.
It's not one of the books that will tell you straight-forward what conclusions you have to make out of it.
It's really your choice to see through it or let it go with untouched mind and soul.
Every book, I repeat, every book has something to teach us and show us. It is us, who decide whether to read open-minded or put the ignorance mask.
November 8, 2017
Everything that was successful with the previous book, Waxed Exceeding Mighty, is improved upon tenfold here. The descriptions of the cities visited in the story are breathtaking, and the storyteller's skill is without question. I found that this book was quite romantic, and it took me by surprise. Once again it is described as a comedy, but there is so much more to it than that. It's a comedy/drama/adventure (or misadventure)/romance novel. But at the same time, it's an examination of the written word in general. It looks at the opinions and beliefs of the human race and mocks them (in the best way possible). It deals with the absurdity of the publishing industry these days, and the search for profit, and the fact that there are countless writers out there who will never be read because of what society deems 'popular' at the time. I could sense Joshua Humphreys pulling his hair out in those scenes, as he surely has dealt with the same problems. By the way, I am 100 per cent certain the character Octavian is a depiction of Joshua himself. Though, I hope he's not as annoying in real life as his character was in the London scenes. Too much detail to go into here, but this book is romantic AND tragic when it deals with love. The London scenes show this in great detail: once adventure dissipates, it can be hard to stay with those we claim to be in 'love' with. By the way, Joshua, I caught the Seinfeld reference: 'Wuss? Did you call me a wuss?' This is a great read - a million times better than Waxed Exceeding Mighty. On to Grieve!
March 30, 2019
Exquisite Hours is the reason why I’m not exaggerating when I say that Joshua Humphreys is the only living author I read. Literature lovers will rejoice in this thoughtfully written narrative of the beautiful Annaïs Spencer who travels the world lying to men, and moviegoers who have never stepped foot in a bookstore will surprise themselves by their inability to put down Annaïs' mesmerizing journey that reads almost more like a film than a novel. This story invites and maintains the reader's attention excellently, partly due to the expert marriage of eloquent narration and comedic dialogue, resulting in intelligent prose that is effortless, adventurous, and cheeky. But the most interesting trait of Joshua Humphreys' second novel is the intimate sensitivity of Annaïs' nature, which moves the reader to sharing in her emotions, yet before three tears can be shed, Humphreys has diverted us with a witty joke that amazingly makes those emotions seem all the more real. Exquisite Hours is a gift to seekers of truth and honor, and a heartbreakingly beautiful reminder that all the securities of a settled life can be found in someone we love with whom we bravely choose to progress onward. "Exquisite hours, enveloped in light and silence, to have known them once is to have always a terrible standard of enjoyment." Thank you, Joshua Humphreys, for raising that terrible standard of enjoyment to an even more terrible height.
May 5, 2017
On a scale of cotton candy to Brussels sprouts, Exquisite Hours by Joshua Humphreys is a fancy appetizer, toasted Brioche rounds with Creme Fraiche and Caviar, served on a square mirror. At first glance, a tiny morsel of art captures your attention, but on the second look, you see yourself in the mirror. Appearance is everything, but the flavors anchor the experience.
Anaïs Spencer travels the world by lying to men. She's resilient, intelligent, and bored. But once in Venice, she meets Octavian, who changes everything.
Joshua Humphreys promises to be funny, ridiculously funny, and he delivers. Although many scenarios caused me a laugh, the book seemed like scene after rambling scene glued together solely by Anaïs to create a book. Exquisite Hours masquerades as a hilarious book while hiding the long-winded format of older literature. Moreover, the main story doesn't truly begin until almost halfway through the book and then the ending is hurried.
Granted, Joshua Humphreys clearly has a knack for writing and the drive to be a novelist. Although his style of writing and his humor might not be for everyone, his offbeat self-presentation and adoration for Venice meets a certain niche in the reader market. I look forward to seeing how Joshua Humphreys develops as a writer and author.
Anaïs Spencer travels the world by lying to men. She's resilient, intelligent, and bored. But once in Venice, she meets Octavian, who changes everything.
Joshua Humphreys promises to be funny, ridiculously funny, and he delivers. Although many scenarios caused me a laugh, the book seemed like scene after rambling scene glued together solely by Anaïs to create a book. Exquisite Hours masquerades as a hilarious book while hiding the long-winded format of older literature. Moreover, the main story doesn't truly begin until almost halfway through the book and then the ending is hurried.
Granted, Joshua Humphreys clearly has a knack for writing and the drive to be a novelist. Although his style of writing and his humor might not be for everyone, his offbeat self-presentation and adoration for Venice meets a certain niche in the reader market. I look forward to seeing how Joshua Humphreys develops as a writer and author.
March 11, 2020
I wanted to like this. I tried. It felt impossible to get through because it was messy uneven writing plain and simple.
The main character shows that the author has zero empathy or understanding of how the female brain works. You would expect her unethical approach to conning men to be balanced out by her having a personality or charm of any sort, except she doesn't have one. She comes across as an entitled unlikable gold digger with zero ambitions in life only to be swept off her feet by some loser she meets who has the morals of an alleycat.
It felt like it might have potential in moments but it fell flat on its face every time not to mention the racist undertones. The world painted is superificial, insincere and about as multidimensional as a piece of paper. The author oversaturates the text with all his descriptive words, making him look like he is trying too hard and this makes getting through the text a struggle.
On another note, perhaps the author should allow the audience to decide if he does in fact write comedy or not.
Better luck next time.
The main character shows that the author has zero empathy or understanding of how the female brain works. You would expect her unethical approach to conning men to be balanced out by her having a personality or charm of any sort, except she doesn't have one. She comes across as an entitled unlikable gold digger with zero ambitions in life only to be swept off her feet by some loser she meets who has the morals of an alleycat.
It felt like it might have potential in moments but it fell flat on its face every time not to mention the racist undertones. The world painted is superificial, insincere and about as multidimensional as a piece of paper. The author oversaturates the text with all his descriptive words, making him look like he is trying too hard and this makes getting through the text a struggle.
On another note, perhaps the author should allow the audience to decide if he does in fact write comedy or not.
Better luck next time.
October 30, 2020
Filled with wonderful characters, beautiful imagery, smatterings of history, culture and art. This book is an ode to travel and the elusiveness of love. But it is not for the sensitive mind... You must have a sense of humour if you’re going to love this book as I did!
I’m always skeptical when a male author writes a strong female character, I worry the character will be too simple, sexed up and drift away from reality. But Mr Humphreys impressed and surprised with this novel. Not only is Anais a complete ball-breaker, powerful vision of a woman but she also has a deeper, softer, totally vulnerable part of her. This combination was totally relatable for me and for my fellow female readers (who I have referred this book to extensively).
I enjoyed the layers available in this story. You could choose to see it as simply a ‘cute’ read, or you could open your heart and mind and realise there is much, much, more going on here.
I do recommend.
I’m always skeptical when a male author writes a strong female character, I worry the character will be too simple, sexed up and drift away from reality. But Mr Humphreys impressed and surprised with this novel. Not only is Anais a complete ball-breaker, powerful vision of a woman but she also has a deeper, softer, totally vulnerable part of her. This combination was totally relatable for me and for my fellow female readers (who I have referred this book to extensively).
I enjoyed the layers available in this story. You could choose to see it as simply a ‘cute’ read, or you could open your heart and mind and realise there is much, much, more going on here.
I do recommend.
July 9, 2024
After serendipitously stumbling upon the author, Joshua Humphreys, on Instagram, I was captivated by the book's intricacies. The prospect of witnessing the narrative unfold compelled me to delve into the pages, eager to uncover the tale's development.
"Exquisite Hours" by Joshua Humphreys is a compelling novel that delves into the fascinating life of Anaïs Spencer. As she embarks on a journey across the globe, Anaïs captivates men with her alluring charm, drawing them into an intricate web of deceit and mystery.
Why was Anais travelling the world and lying to men?
This piece of art is often labelled as a comedy, but it contains a rich blend of elements beyond mere humour.
It seamlessly intertwines comedic and dramatic moments, taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of chaotic adventures or maybe misadventures) while sprinkling in a touch of romance.
It shares your opinions and beliefs, only to ridicule and make fun of them afterwards.
An excellent read.
"Exquisite Hours" by Joshua Humphreys is a compelling novel that delves into the fascinating life of Anaïs Spencer. As she embarks on a journey across the globe, Anaïs captivates men with her alluring charm, drawing them into an intricate web of deceit and mystery.
Why was Anais travelling the world and lying to men?
This piece of art is often labelled as a comedy, but it contains a rich blend of elements beyond mere humour.
It seamlessly intertwines comedic and dramatic moments, taking the audience on a rollercoaster ride of chaotic adventures or maybe misadventures) while sprinkling in a touch of romance.
It shares your opinions and beliefs, only to ridicule and make fun of them afterwards.
An excellent read.
May 11, 2020
I have a special admiration for material that dares to go against the rules and is obvious, irresistibly funny. Exquisite Hours is precisely that. It is when the hours turn into days of old, when comedy was slapstick, screwball and shocking! It brought me back to the fond memories of watching the likes of The Marx Brothers and The Three Stooges with my father as a child, where we laughed until we cried. This book has been the first in decades to evoke that same tone of laughter. The kind that bellows from your belly and brings warmth to your heart. This outrageous and surreal snort-worthy humour had me howling like a Hyena!
November 23, 2020
I wanted to like this, I really did. I tried hard. There were a few moments where I smirked, but that was the problem. It was a kind of knowing smirk, rather than a genuine, happy laugh. I just found it irritating, ultimately, and a little bit boring. It is the kind of writing that comes from someone who clearly knows a lot, and is well educated, but perhaps hasn't experienced that much of the world that is genuine. Some of the best writing comes from truthful moments we experience during our lives that we can then turn into fictional moments on the page. This felt like it was written in one sitting. I just didn't think it was that well written to be honest.
August 31, 2019
While I'd disagree with billing this book as "laugh out loud" or "hilarious," I did find it an intelligent, well-written, and, dare I say?, sweet story. Everyone just wants to find love - some maybe just come upon it in a more unconventional manner.
Hidden references (e.g., quoting from It's a Wonderful Life) and vivid descriptions of favorite European cities show a clever and educated author writing to entertain a similar audience.
Hidden references (e.g., quoting from It's a Wonderful Life) and vivid descriptions of favorite European cities show a clever and educated author writing to entertain a similar audience.
June 17, 2020
To turn this into a little book review; the characters, locations and conversations are described in such detail that all is vividly imagined and nothing is left to be questioned. Some hilariously acceptable racism, intensely accurate stereotypes, hilarious dialogues, historical yearnings and beautiful travel writing all wrapped into a book full of lies, love, deceit, travel and laughter. You need this book in your life, trust me!
June 20, 2020
Hilarious, it’s been a long time since I’ve laughed aloud multiple times while reading. Amongst the humor it is a story that is thought provoking and beautifully descriptive. I was enthralled by Anais and would have found myself equally as wrapped up in her lies as the characters do.
This novel left me wanting to drink Bellinis while listening to jazz in Venice.
Highly recommend!
This novel left me wanting to drink Bellinis while listening to jazz in Venice.
Highly recommend!
May 27, 2020
I read this ... Well I read it till she went to Venice lol I wanted to like it so so much. But I couldn't even make myself like it. I missed the laughs.
Pass.
1 star as I gave my copy away
Pass.
1 star as I gave my copy away
September 5, 2022
Incredible read. Witty, entertaining and unexpected. Giggling the whole way through. Loved it ✅
June 25, 2019
This book was a journey! It took me a minute to get into the mindset of Anaïs, the main character, as she travels the world lying to men. Let me state that this is not my typical novel genre preference so I went into it a bit skeptical but with an open mind. Joshua Humphreys serves up classic writing styles in the way he develops and presents character dialogue. I thoroughly enjoyed the smart and profound way he delivered the story.
Everything Anaïs says is absurd and everyone who meets her believes every word, opening new doors for her to walk through. At first I was unsure where she was headed and what her purpose was as she lied and used her way around the world, but then you soon get to know her and understand she is just as lost and confused. My first initial judgement was that she is not someone I would be friends with and perhaps she was even giving a bad name to women- this was a judgement made far to quickly into the story. In fact- I grew to enjoy the inner workings of Anaïs.
Without a doubt this book is fun, hilarious, and twisted. Joshua Humphreys combines a worldwide adventure, intelligent story telling, and characters with many flaws into a unique comedy novel that had me chuckling (and since my typical story preference involves a crime or mystery thrill, I surprised myself in my enjoyment). If you are looking for something completely different, in a genre of its own, I highly recommend Exquisite Hours.
PS. If you read this book, pay close attention to the copyright page.
Everything Anaïs says is absurd and everyone who meets her believes every word, opening new doors for her to walk through. At first I was unsure where she was headed and what her purpose was as she lied and used her way around the world, but then you soon get to know her and understand she is just as lost and confused. My first initial judgement was that she is not someone I would be friends with and perhaps she was even giving a bad name to women- this was a judgement made far to quickly into the story. In fact- I grew to enjoy the inner workings of Anaïs.
Without a doubt this book is fun, hilarious, and twisted. Joshua Humphreys combines a worldwide adventure, intelligent story telling, and characters with many flaws into a unique comedy novel that had me chuckling (and since my typical story preference involves a crime or mystery thrill, I surprised myself in my enjoyment). If you are looking for something completely different, in a genre of its own, I highly recommend Exquisite Hours.
PS. If you read this book, pay close attention to the copyright page.
May 2, 2019
"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆"
This is a comedy novel about a girl named Anaïs Spencer, her life is founded on pseudologia fantastica. This pathological liar whom I saw in my mind as Emma Stone because she's beautiful and funny like Anaïs, she tricks men to get hotel rooms, plane tickets and all the luxuries she wants, but they all end up being clingy, needy and obsessively in love with her, until one day she falls for a liar just like her.
If you're like me you'll end up laughing alone like a crazy person, my family, they already are accustomed to seeing me like that when reading a book (especially in the chapters with Jhon Jhon and Stanley Felix).
This book was a good dose of humor (even the page with the author's rights are funny). The locations are described in detail, especially Venice....it awakes your wanderlust.
This is a comedy novel about a girl named Anaïs Spencer, her life is founded on pseudologia fantastica. This pathological liar whom I saw in my mind as Emma Stone because she's beautiful and funny like Anaïs, she tricks men to get hotel rooms, plane tickets and all the luxuries she wants, but they all end up being clingy, needy and obsessively in love with her, until one day she falls for a liar just like her.
If you're like me you'll end up laughing alone like a crazy person, my family, they already are accustomed to seeing me like that when reading a book (especially in the chapters with Jhon Jhon and Stanley Felix).
This book was a good dose of humor (even the page with the author's rights are funny). The locations are described in detail, especially Venice....it awakes your wanderlust.
August 22, 2016
This novel was great fun! The way the author SHOWED us such completely stereotypical characters, was spot on...laugh out loud. If you're easily offended, or over use the word "abusive"...keep scrolling.
My one criticism, is the ending. It seemed a bit abrupt...like a perfect little package, bow and all. The author is a fenomenal writer! I'm certain he has an amazing, random ending up his sleeve. He's destined for greatness...definitely one to watch! I think (if he doesn't already) would improve tremendously with the enlistment of some anonymous betas...great story...I like his main character immensely...hope I have the honor of meeting her again sometime...but, she's busy...Venice, I hear.
My one criticism, is the ending. It seemed a bit abrupt...like a perfect little package, bow and all. The author is a fenomenal writer! I'm certain he has an amazing, random ending up his sleeve. He's destined for greatness...definitely one to watch! I think (if he doesn't already) would improve tremendously with the enlistment of some anonymous betas...great story...I like his main character immensely...hope I have the honor of meeting her again sometime...but, she's busy...Venice, I hear.
October 12, 2016
Amazing
Just ordered and received this book today. And I read the whole book in one sitting. I literally could not put it down once I started reading it. I loved the characters. Especially, Anais Spencer. It made me laugh a lot but being a romantic, I wanted her to find love in Venice. And when she met her match in Octavian...this book truly became one of the best I have ever read. The cast of characters and the descriptions of the places they travel to will make you want to pack a bag. Loved this book. It truly was an exquisite read!!!
Just ordered and received this book today. And I read the whole book in one sitting. I literally could not put it down once I started reading it. I loved the characters. Especially, Anais Spencer. It made me laugh a lot but being a romantic, I wanted her to find love in Venice. And when she met her match in Octavian...this book truly became one of the best I have ever read. The cast of characters and the descriptions of the places they travel to will make you want to pack a bag. Loved this book. It truly was an exquisite read!!!
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