What do you think?
Rate this book
Purple People
A curious scheme is afoot in Blighty. Attempting to tackle spiralling levels of crime and anti-social behaviour, the government has a new solution: to dye offenders purple.
For once, even journalist Eve Baxter is shocked - she's spent years gathering the world's weird and wacky news, but has never seen anything as loopy as this. Learning of these shamed 'bruises on society', the nation is agog - and divided. There's anger and agreement, protest and debate. Oh, green and pleasant and now purple land...
But still, there's a mystery to be solved: just how do the transformations to Purpleness occur? Transfixed by clues and conspiracies, Eve wonders if this could be her route into real news. And when her friends and family are affected by the Purple scheme, she begins to investigate...
For once, even journalist Eve Baxter is shocked - she's spent years gathering the world's weird and wacky news, but has never seen anything as loopy as this. Learning of these shamed 'bruises on society', the nation is agog - and divided. There's anger and agreement, protest and debate. Oh, green and pleasant and now purple land...
But still, there's a mystery to be solved: just how do the transformations to Purpleness occur? Transfixed by clues and conspiracies, Eve wonders if this could be her route into real news. And when her friends and family are affected by the Purple scheme, she begins to investigate...
288 pages, Paperback
First published July 9, 2020
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
July 6, 2020
4.5★s
Purple People is the first novel by British author, Kate Bulpitt. It sounds like a story that would be right up Eve Baxter’s alley. She is always on the trail for unusual pieces for boss at Say Fantastique, a New York agency supplying weird stories to news media. The early-morning call from her friend in England is about Purple People. Eve is sceptical: surely too bizarre to be true?
So the family emergency, her dad Vince in the ICU after an attack in a pub, gives her the perfect opportunity come home from New York to check it out. There’s plenty of speculation: “Terrorist contamination of water supplies, terrorist contamination of meat supplies, terrorist contamination of beer supplies… and my favourite: alien invasion.”
The announcement from Prime Minister Theo Fletcher just adds to the fascination: a scheme to solve the epidemic of anti-social behaviour, where offenders are Purpled, branding “you as visibly bruised as our communities have been by your actions, and illustrates for all to see that you show no respect, that you seek to damage our society.”
“So what was this, then, the Purpleness? A diabolical scheme built on a handy foundation of fear, or a necessarily extreme measure to protect the good folk, the decent and deserving? And would Eve despise herself for believing the latter?” The fact that it is done with any sort of trial or appeal is troubling. A cab driver comments: “I’m not going to say judging a man by his colour could be a good thing. Seems backwards. Can’t see how that’ll help anybody, right?”
Finding out just how it is done, though, is proving more challenging that Eve would have believed possible: everyone in authority is very tight-lipped and the Purpled themselves have no idea of what happens. Bunsen Burner Bob, Eve’s scientist friend has a theory, but overt investigation soon becomes punishable by law, so her curiosity needs to be veiled.
The scheme certainly polarises the country, and there is spirited community debates and a protest rally. At the Anti-Purpling rally, one Purpled man pleads with the crowd: “… you can’t… you shouldn’t define someone by their worst action, the most stupid thing they’ve done. Because then how do they get past that? How do they have the will to be better, to improve themselves, if everyone’s expecting the worst from them?”
But when a bunch of Purpled thugs attack the police at the rally, it doesn’t do a lot for their cause. And how effective will this scheme be if those already Purpled have nothing else to lose? Then things come closer to home, Eve has a severely depressed friend on her hands, and still no clue how to improve the situation. Will Eve, too, be Purpled, or will she save the day?
The alternate world that Bulpitt has created has a very Jasper Ffordian feel (and that’s high praise) and the novel touches on several important themes, including the deterrence of crime and the mental health effects of stigma. This outstanding debut novel is clever, funny and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an ecopy provided by Unbound and The Pigeonhole
Purple People is the first novel by British author, Kate Bulpitt. It sounds like a story that would be right up Eve Baxter’s alley. She is always on the trail for unusual pieces for boss at Say Fantastique, a New York agency supplying weird stories to news media. The early-morning call from her friend in England is about Purple People. Eve is sceptical: surely too bizarre to be true?
So the family emergency, her dad Vince in the ICU after an attack in a pub, gives her the perfect opportunity come home from New York to check it out. There’s plenty of speculation: “Terrorist contamination of water supplies, terrorist contamination of meat supplies, terrorist contamination of beer supplies… and my favourite: alien invasion.”
The announcement from Prime Minister Theo Fletcher just adds to the fascination: a scheme to solve the epidemic of anti-social behaviour, where offenders are Purpled, branding “you as visibly bruised as our communities have been by your actions, and illustrates for all to see that you show no respect, that you seek to damage our society.”
“So what was this, then, the Purpleness? A diabolical scheme built on a handy foundation of fear, or a necessarily extreme measure to protect the good folk, the decent and deserving? And would Eve despise herself for believing the latter?” The fact that it is done with any sort of trial or appeal is troubling. A cab driver comments: “I’m not going to say judging a man by his colour could be a good thing. Seems backwards. Can’t see how that’ll help anybody, right?”
Finding out just how it is done, though, is proving more challenging that Eve would have believed possible: everyone in authority is very tight-lipped and the Purpled themselves have no idea of what happens. Bunsen Burner Bob, Eve’s scientist friend has a theory, but overt investigation soon becomes punishable by law, so her curiosity needs to be veiled.
The scheme certainly polarises the country, and there is spirited community debates and a protest rally. At the Anti-Purpling rally, one Purpled man pleads with the crowd: “… you can’t… you shouldn’t define someone by their worst action, the most stupid thing they’ve done. Because then how do they get past that? How do they have the will to be better, to improve themselves, if everyone’s expecting the worst from them?”
But when a bunch of Purpled thugs attack the police at the rally, it doesn’t do a lot for their cause. And how effective will this scheme be if those already Purpled have nothing else to lose? Then things come closer to home, Eve has a severely depressed friend on her hands, and still no clue how to improve the situation. Will Eve, too, be Purpled, or will she save the day?
The alternate world that Bulpitt has created has a very Jasper Ffordian feel (and that’s high praise) and the novel touches on several important themes, including the deterrence of crime and the mental health effects of stigma. This outstanding debut novel is clever, funny and thought-provoking.
This unbiased review is from an ecopy provided by Unbound and The Pigeonhole
July 6, 2020
Purple Reign, Purple Reign!
From Kate Bulpitt comes an extraordinary novel of hilarious proportions daubed in the very bright colour purple.
This contemporary satire is bonkers, bananas and BRILLIANT!
Eve works on a magazine in New York with friend Adio. 'Say Fantastique' celebrates all that is ridiculous, revelling in bringing uplifting and mind boggling humour, usually courtesy of some strangely gifted pets. Eve has always wanted to be a journalist and news reader but seems to feel that the funny news she reports on isn't important enough, in spite of making the reading population giggle. We all need some good news in a grim world, don't we?
Whilst in New York City Eve hears about the Purple Initiative - a scheme turning people who have committed anti-social or criminal behaviour, purple and it is happening back in her homeland, the UK. Charismatic, dishevelled and handsome Prime Minister Theo Fletcher is behind the scheme, and it is dividing the nation.
Eve decides to travel back when her Dad ends up in hospital, the victim of a brawl. Eve has a bleak history with her family. Her Dad is a womaniser and her brother Simon has always been in all sorts of trouble. Her parents are no longer together but when her Dad recovers, Mum takes up the mantle of caring for him and rekindling that relationship all over again.
Although her Dad is out of danger, Eve stays in England with university friends Helena and Womble and decides to investigate how people are being Turned.
The book is energetic, zany, full of puns that have you laughing out loud every few moments and exceptionally original. The writing is very clever in that this is an entertaining modern day commentary on some serious issues around race, judgement, innocence and guilt, behaviour and control, all wrapped up in the guise of a laugh-a-minute novel.
For me, this book is pure genius. Guaranteed to create debate, this unbelievable plot is very believable. Definite shades of Boris Johnson and Trump with a Big Brother feel and that sense of we-are-watching-you, presides over the hushed up secretive Government run project designed to curtail unwanted behaviour in society by marking those who step over the line of social niceties by changing the colour of their skin.
There is a thread running throughout about technology and social media, which has already been stopped in this version of the UK and many laws introduced designed to combat what some would view as the downside of modern advances. There are phone boxes and half pennies and smoking everywhere which gives a retro feel to the narrative. It is like living in the 70s/80s whilst being in the present day.
Every character is so well drawn and defined by their opinion and their actions, and Eve, the girl next door, less than intrepid journalist, becomes a feisty, determined and very down to earth heroine, eventually uncovering exactly what is happening.
The dialogue adds so much to the story and creates a lot of the humour. Helena is opposed to the scheme whilst partner Womble is not. Rory, who comes to work at Helena's veterinary practice cannot hold a conversation without lengthy pauses between words in all of his sentences. Bunsen Burner Bob sheds some illuminating information that will help the purple investigation and at every turn there are surprises and slightly sinister goings-on. Is regret-of-her-life Magnus involved or is he one of the good guys?
With even a lavender fuelled romance in this book, Purple People is one of the best books I have read this year, and indeed now features within the top 5 of my All Time Favourite Reads personal book chart.
Unconventional, this book will definitely leave a mark on you, you just have to hope it won't be purple!
From Kate Bulpitt comes an extraordinary novel of hilarious proportions daubed in the very bright colour purple.
This contemporary satire is bonkers, bananas and BRILLIANT!
Eve works on a magazine in New York with friend Adio. 'Say Fantastique' celebrates all that is ridiculous, revelling in bringing uplifting and mind boggling humour, usually courtesy of some strangely gifted pets. Eve has always wanted to be a journalist and news reader but seems to feel that the funny news she reports on isn't important enough, in spite of making the reading population giggle. We all need some good news in a grim world, don't we?
Whilst in New York City Eve hears about the Purple Initiative - a scheme turning people who have committed anti-social or criminal behaviour, purple and it is happening back in her homeland, the UK. Charismatic, dishevelled and handsome Prime Minister Theo Fletcher is behind the scheme, and it is dividing the nation.
Eve decides to travel back when her Dad ends up in hospital, the victim of a brawl. Eve has a bleak history with her family. Her Dad is a womaniser and her brother Simon has always been in all sorts of trouble. Her parents are no longer together but when her Dad recovers, Mum takes up the mantle of caring for him and rekindling that relationship all over again.
Although her Dad is out of danger, Eve stays in England with university friends Helena and Womble and decides to investigate how people are being Turned.
The book is energetic, zany, full of puns that have you laughing out loud every few moments and exceptionally original. The writing is very clever in that this is an entertaining modern day commentary on some serious issues around race, judgement, innocence and guilt, behaviour and control, all wrapped up in the guise of a laugh-a-minute novel.
For me, this book is pure genius. Guaranteed to create debate, this unbelievable plot is very believable. Definite shades of Boris Johnson and Trump with a Big Brother feel and that sense of we-are-watching-you, presides over the hushed up secretive Government run project designed to curtail unwanted behaviour in society by marking those who step over the line of social niceties by changing the colour of their skin.
There is a thread running throughout about technology and social media, which has already been stopped in this version of the UK and many laws introduced designed to combat what some would view as the downside of modern advances. There are phone boxes and half pennies and smoking everywhere which gives a retro feel to the narrative. It is like living in the 70s/80s whilst being in the present day.
Every character is so well drawn and defined by their opinion and their actions, and Eve, the girl next door, less than intrepid journalist, becomes a feisty, determined and very down to earth heroine, eventually uncovering exactly what is happening.
The dialogue adds so much to the story and creates a lot of the humour. Helena is opposed to the scheme whilst partner Womble is not. Rory, who comes to work at Helena's veterinary practice cannot hold a conversation without lengthy pauses between words in all of his sentences. Bunsen Burner Bob sheds some illuminating information that will help the purple investigation and at every turn there are surprises and slightly sinister goings-on. Is regret-of-her-life Magnus involved or is he one of the good guys?
With even a lavender fuelled romance in this book, Purple People is one of the best books I have read this year, and indeed now features within the top 5 of my All Time Favourite Reads personal book chart.
Unconventional, this book will definitely leave a mark on you, you just have to hope it won't be purple!
July 6, 2020
This book is original, hilarious, wacky and current. I can see this being my choice for most original book of the second half of 2020 and it's only July.
There are so many parallels with what's going on at the moment as well as things from the past. The question is asked at one point whether getting it wrong from time to time is worth it because it's the best deterrent possible. People used to say that about capital punishment - in fact for a lot of people I know that is why they are against it (not because it's barbaric, medieval and inhumane). Then there are the human rights issues (groan from the anti-snowflakes), the lack of transparency (I'm talking government secrets not a semi-opaque shade of lavender), how it's administered, who is doing it - the questions are endless. I keep thinking Boris and Brexit - let's let the public decide (more groans this time from the Remainers).
As a 'liberal snowflake Remoaner' (my favourite Twitter insult) I hate the whole idea, but even for me there are times during the book when I think - well I won't lose any sleep over HIM being 'turned'.
These are the serious issues though. The humour in this book is so brilliant. The purple people are referred to as Lavs (a mash-up of lavender and chavs) and there are endless different versions of purple from plum and mauve to indigo and violet, with a good degree of alliteration thrown in. The banter between the characters is one of the best things about the book. It's hilarious.
Then of course we have Eve our hero and main protagonist. Eve is my soul sister - always feeling like an under-achiever, not taking the bull by the horns because she is not brave enough. Taking the easy route and hating confrontation. But this is her chance to prove herself and she throws herself in, albeit more stumble than jump, but we love her nonetheless.
And there are lots of other characters that we love or hate - her horrible brother Simon, her Lothario dad, her doormat mother, Simon's friend Duncan, Adio, Womble, Helena, conspiracy theorist Bob, Annie and of course Magnus. We all had a bit of a crush on Magnus.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, my fellow Pigeons and to Kate for making this such an enjoyable read.
There are so many parallels with what's going on at the moment as well as things from the past. The question is asked at one point whether getting it wrong from time to time is worth it because it's the best deterrent possible. People used to say that about capital punishment - in fact for a lot of people I know that is why they are against it (not because it's barbaric, medieval and inhumane). Then there are the human rights issues (groan from the anti-snowflakes), the lack of transparency (I'm talking government secrets not a semi-opaque shade of lavender), how it's administered, who is doing it - the questions are endless. I keep thinking Boris and Brexit - let's let the public decide (more groans this time from the Remainers).
As a 'liberal snowflake Remoaner' (my favourite Twitter insult) I hate the whole idea, but even for me there are times during the book when I think - well I won't lose any sleep over HIM being 'turned'.
These are the serious issues though. The humour in this book is so brilliant. The purple people are referred to as Lavs (a mash-up of lavender and chavs) and there are endless different versions of purple from plum and mauve to indigo and violet, with a good degree of alliteration thrown in. The banter between the characters is one of the best things about the book. It's hilarious.
Then of course we have Eve our hero and main protagonist. Eve is my soul sister - always feeling like an under-achiever, not taking the bull by the horns because she is not brave enough. Taking the easy route and hating confrontation. But this is her chance to prove herself and she throws herself in, albeit more stumble than jump, but we love her nonetheless.
And there are lots of other characters that we love or hate - her horrible brother Simon, her Lothario dad, her doormat mother, Simon's friend Duncan, Adio, Womble, Helena, conspiracy theorist Bob, Annie and of course Magnus. We all had a bit of a crush on Magnus.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole, my fellow Pigeons and to Kate for making this such an enjoyable read.
July 6, 2020
As I said early on in this book - it isn't sure what it's trying to be!
The answer is - everything!
Humour and puns in spades, made me laugh out loud frequently.
Brilliant characters that you can identify with and feel that you know.
Serious, thought provoking scenarios.
When Kate wrote this book, she would have had no way of knowing how well it would fit into the current political world. Judging people by the colour of their skin. Following like sheep and jumping on bandwagons. Riots and demonstrations. Families and friends divided in opinion. Political decisions made on behalf of the people.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Kate for a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
The answer is - everything!
Humour and puns in spades, made me laugh out loud frequently.
Brilliant characters that you can identify with and feel that you know.
Serious, thought provoking scenarios.
When Kate wrote this book, she would have had no way of knowing how well it would fit into the current political world. Judging people by the colour of their skin. Following like sheep and jumping on bandwagons. Riots and demonstrations. Families and friends divided in opinion. Political decisions made on behalf of the people.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Kate for a thoroughly enjoyable read which I highly recommend.
July 6, 2020
Ahh, where to start with this book?! I don't think I would have given this book a second glance if I'd come across it in a bookstore. As it is, it was available as an option on the Pigeonhole app and the concept fascinated me, so I signed up for it and let me tell you, I am so glad I did!!!
It was brilliantly written with thought provoking content, whilst being hilariously funny at the same time. You might wonder how that could be possible, but Kate manages that brilliantly, leaving you pondering something one minute and laughing out loud the next! Honestly, the humour and puns used in this book are ace!
Same could be said about the characters from Eve, to Helena and Womble, to Magnus, to Duncan and even Simon! They were utterly likeable characters and I fell in love with them. I honestly felt sad saying goodbye to Eve and co., and as I mentioned to Kate herself I'm really hoping there's a sequel to this book. I would totally read it (a view shared by my fellow PH readers!).
The book itself tackles the fascinating concept of turning people purple for anti social behaviour. As you read, it raises interesting questions and makes you wonder if it's a good idea? Does everyone who commits an anti social crime deserve to be turned purple? Does the punishment fit the crime? Is it a breach of human rights? These are serious questions, but Kate's use of humour makes the book well balanced allowing the book to be thought provoking, whilst being lighthearted at the same time.
I honestly loved it and can't speak highly enough about it! I would highly recommend it and if I could have given it more than a 5* rating, I would have.
Thank you to PH and Kate Bulpitt for the chance to read this book and to my fellow Pigeonholers for making it an entertaining read!
It was brilliantly written with thought provoking content, whilst being hilariously funny at the same time. You might wonder how that could be possible, but Kate manages that brilliantly, leaving you pondering something one minute and laughing out loud the next! Honestly, the humour and puns used in this book are ace!
Same could be said about the characters from Eve, to Helena and Womble, to Magnus, to Duncan and even Simon! They were utterly likeable characters and I fell in love with them. I honestly felt sad saying goodbye to Eve and co., and as I mentioned to Kate herself I'm really hoping there's a sequel to this book. I would totally read it (a view shared by my fellow PH readers!).
The book itself tackles the fascinating concept of turning people purple for anti social behaviour. As you read, it raises interesting questions and makes you wonder if it's a good idea? Does everyone who commits an anti social crime deserve to be turned purple? Does the punishment fit the crime? Is it a breach of human rights? These are serious questions, but Kate's use of humour makes the book well balanced allowing the book to be thought provoking, whilst being lighthearted at the same time.
I honestly loved it and can't speak highly enough about it! I would highly recommend it and if I could have given it more than a 5* rating, I would have.
Thank you to PH and Kate Bulpitt for the chance to read this book and to my fellow Pigeonholers for making it an entertaining read!
July 6, 2020
I will admit I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but I thoroughly enjoyed it!! A completely unique and original plot with a wonderful cast of intriguing and lifelike characters.This book managed to be be poignant and thought provoking whilst being laugh out loud funny at times.
Refreshingly different.and just what the doctor ordered!!!
Refreshingly different.and just what the doctor ordered!!!
August 25, 2020
Purple People has such an intriguing premise. A fight against crime that takes on a literal approach when the criminals i.e. bruises on society get turned purple/aubergine/damson to match. It’s one of those thinkers/conversation starters, hugely divisive, distinctly British in this new world post Brexit order. Actually Brexit isn’t mentioned in the book, but it’s set in either parallel or not so distant at all future where some controversial measures to control society have already taken place and this is just the latest scheme of the charismatic well meaning PM. One of the preceding ones was banning smartphone like technology, which is hugely divisive in itself, though even the most devout phone junkies would probably be able to understand how that addiction affects the cohesive fabric of society, good manners, etc. But now, the purpleness must be a step too far. Or is it? The measure has a good amount of supporters to balance out the dissenting voices. But no matter what everyone thinks of it, everyone wants to know how the purpling occurs. It seems completely out of nowhere. Oftentimes before the crime has even been reported. A proper mystery indeed. One a bubbly reporter Eve until now specializing in silly light news for a NY publication becomes obsessed with upon returning to her native Britain to visit her family. It turns out to be a legitimately serious investigative work for Eve and a legitimate mystery thriller for the readers, right up until a fairly simple Gordian knot sort of a solution. But first, there will be misleading clues, confusion, much debating on the sociopolitical values of purpling, some romance, a family reckoning of sorts, and a good amount of political intrigue. So something for everyone. For me personally, the sociopolitical angle was the most interesting one. The merits of extreme measures to counteract the violence and their effects on society at large. In fact, one might even argue for purpling, until like all manmade measures, it spins right out of control and starts including such silly non offenses as littering and other perceived antisocial behaviours. And therein is the crux of the matter…the definition of justice isn’t the same for everyone and unless you got Judge Dredd available, citizen surveillance state can’t be made to extent to crime and punishment measures, certainly not in absolutes, not the way the PM’s plan is meant to work. So it’s morality tale, that sort of thing. One that would have been considerably more effective had it not been done in quite such a bubbly way, to match its lead, presumably. To be fair, the seemingly peculiar juxtaposition of such a serious scenario with such a romcom light tone actually did work. It made the book read like a quaint satire. Instead of a dark dystopian cautionary tale of the dangers of closely monitored society. But at any rate, this was a fun read. I did sort of predict one aspect of it, but not enough to counteract most plot twists and surprises. The writing was good, too bubbly at times for me, but good. Unbound press continues to put out really decent books, continuously surprising with the fact that significant numbers of people can actually make good smart choices. Why doesn’t political voting reflect this trend? But anyway, fun read, well worth checking out. Definitely a great discussion fodder. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
July 6, 2020
I’ve just finished reading Purple People by Kate Bulpitt, stave by stave with The Pigeonhole. What an enjoyable book, with its well-balanced blend of humour and though-provoking plot! I loved the way the characters were introduced, with British-born Eve running an unusual news agency in New York with her friend, only to be brought back to Blighty by her father’s hospitalisation, and a new government scheme to reduce crime – by turning perpetrators Purple. I loved her group of friends and the glimpses into her past. The story is well-paced and leaves the reader guessing, right up to the end.
July 7, 2020
I really wasn't sure if I should sign up to read this but I did. I am so glad I did. This was a fun read in these bleak times of the virus and I really looked forward to reading it every day and am now going to miss it. This is Kate Bulpitt's first novel and I will definitely read her future books.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Kate for taking me out of my comfort zone and putting a smile on my face each day.
Thank you Pigeonhole and Kate for taking me out of my comfort zone and putting a smile on my face each day.
June 30, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommend.
July 6, 2020
Purple people is like no other book you will read this year. It is refreshingly different, blending satire and bonkers capers with brilliant purple infused puns and a thought provoking premise that is guaranteed to provide belly laughs galore. If this doesn’t sound like your kind of book, then think again!
Eve our protagonist heads a motley bunch of characters that add colour (mostly purple) to every page. Frustrated journalist and wannabe newsreader Eve, along with business partner Adio spends her day publishing weird and wonderful and frankly bizarre stories (often about animals!) for Say Fantastique, her lighthearted literary publication, from offices in New York.
Feeling underwhelmed by her less than newsworthy journalistic contributions to the media world, news from Blighty that people are being turned purple in a bid to curtail escalating crime and anti social behaviour whets her appetite for a juicy story. When her Dad finds himself in hospital following a pub brawl,Eve wastes no time in returning to the homeland with her inquisitive nose twitching in anticipation at discovering more about this Purple scheme. Forget being Tangoed, it’s all about being Purpled!! Acting like an amateur sleuth sniffing out the truth, will Eve get the scoop of the decade??
I absolutely loved the madcap nature of this storyline. I have no idea why but I kept envisioning Penelope Pitstop and gang whilst turning the pages! With such clever writing that manages to incorporate political satire with a lighthearted touch, I never felt this was too ludicrous for words. Yes it’s utterly unashamedly bonkers but it works!
The nation is divided as readers will be by the morals and ethics of such a scheme, which turns any purple person into a target for hatred, vilified by their families and neighbours and of course by the press. This scheme is perfect fodder for the tabloid press who love to inflame tensions that are already bubbling away, with the injustice of such a scheme hotly debated.Guilty and ostracised with seemingly no with lenience for lesser crimes, how will you view such a scheme that perhaps isn’t so very unbelievable?
How these huemans (one of many laugh out loud puns)are turning purple is a mystery Eve is determined to solve. Her friends Helena and Womble hold fiercely opposing views that mirror a divided society yet they still join her in her mission alongside help from Magnus, an old flame, Duncan, friend of Eve’s brother Simon and Eve’s newsreader idol Annie Morris. Not forgetting Bunsen burner Bob who is instrumental in offering scientific theories as to the logistics of turning people purple.
The scheme is the brainchild of Theo Fletcher and his government ( immediately you picture Boris Johnson!) for a country that has a definite retro feel about it, where phone boxes are on street corners, Woolworths is still trading, Name that Tune is on the telly and halfpennies still take up room in purses/wallets. For me some of the appeal of this book is it’s relevance to today’s current political climate whilst simultaneously acknowledging the beauty of an less technologically advanced age, perfect if you happen to be a child of the seventies!!
I was happily caught up in this frantic, laugh a minute caper and with Eve at the helm I couldn’t help feeling this feisty young woman and her gang should feature in a follow up, if not a series! I for one would definitely welcome further adventures in this vein and highly recommend this book. Even if you think it’s outside of your reading comfort zone, be brave and I promise you will be in for a treat, the zany humour alone is a sheer delight.
Eve our protagonist heads a motley bunch of characters that add colour (mostly purple) to every page. Frustrated journalist and wannabe newsreader Eve, along with business partner Adio spends her day publishing weird and wonderful and frankly bizarre stories (often about animals!) for Say Fantastique, her lighthearted literary publication, from offices in New York.
Feeling underwhelmed by her less than newsworthy journalistic contributions to the media world, news from Blighty that people are being turned purple in a bid to curtail escalating crime and anti social behaviour whets her appetite for a juicy story. When her Dad finds himself in hospital following a pub brawl,Eve wastes no time in returning to the homeland with her inquisitive nose twitching in anticipation at discovering more about this Purple scheme. Forget being Tangoed, it’s all about being Purpled!! Acting like an amateur sleuth sniffing out the truth, will Eve get the scoop of the decade??
I absolutely loved the madcap nature of this storyline. I have no idea why but I kept envisioning Penelope Pitstop and gang whilst turning the pages! With such clever writing that manages to incorporate political satire with a lighthearted touch, I never felt this was too ludicrous for words. Yes it’s utterly unashamedly bonkers but it works!
The nation is divided as readers will be by the morals and ethics of such a scheme, which turns any purple person into a target for hatred, vilified by their families and neighbours and of course by the press. This scheme is perfect fodder for the tabloid press who love to inflame tensions that are already bubbling away, with the injustice of such a scheme hotly debated.Guilty and ostracised with seemingly no with lenience for lesser crimes, how will you view such a scheme that perhaps isn’t so very unbelievable?
How these huemans (one of many laugh out loud puns)are turning purple is a mystery Eve is determined to solve. Her friends Helena and Womble hold fiercely opposing views that mirror a divided society yet they still join her in her mission alongside help from Magnus, an old flame, Duncan, friend of Eve’s brother Simon and Eve’s newsreader idol Annie Morris. Not forgetting Bunsen burner Bob who is instrumental in offering scientific theories as to the logistics of turning people purple.
The scheme is the brainchild of Theo Fletcher and his government ( immediately you picture Boris Johnson!) for a country that has a definite retro feel about it, where phone boxes are on street corners, Woolworths is still trading, Name that Tune is on the telly and halfpennies still take up room in purses/wallets. For me some of the appeal of this book is it’s relevance to today’s current political climate whilst simultaneously acknowledging the beauty of an less technologically advanced age, perfect if you happen to be a child of the seventies!!
I was happily caught up in this frantic, laugh a minute caper and with Eve at the helm I couldn’t help feeling this feisty young woman and her gang should feature in a follow up, if not a series! I for one would definitely welcome further adventures in this vein and highly recommend this book. Even if you think it’s outside of your reading comfort zone, be brave and I promise you will be in for a treat, the zany humour alone is a sheer delight.
September 18, 2020
It was the cover that caught my eye before I’d even read about what was on the inside, I’m a sucker for a nice bit of fingerprint art and I love those naughty criminals on the front of Purple People!
On the inside we meet Eve Baxter, a Brit abroad in the Big Apple, she’s living the dream working alongside her best friend at Say Fantastique an online news site specialising in the weird, wacky and wonderful. If your dog can skateboard she wants to know about it!
A rather unusual call from a friend back in England makes her aware of a most curious thing, people back home are turning purple and nobody knows why. It’s not a virus, nobody has been covered in nuclear waste, it is a total mystery.....
On the charm offensive, handsome PM Theo Fletcher takes to the podium to explain. The purple people are “bruises on society”, he has had enough with criminals making ordinary folk suffer, he wants them to be shamed, he wants them to be marked as social abominations and he has decided that if you commit a crime then you will be dyed purple!
Needless to say this goes down like a lead balloon, there is support of this unusual punishment, but there are also a lot of people who are appalled by this crazy step. Eve is mystified and starts looking in to it.
Not long after she finds herself back on home soil, her father has been involved in a bar brawl and ends up hospitalised, she’s astonished to find purple people popping up everywhere and ever the journalist she wants to find out how it is happening. People can’t just turn purple overnight except they are and in every hue of purple imaginable.
Ever the journalist she attends rallies, goes to political tv shows and interrogates science teachers to try and find out exactly how people are turning, none of the “victims” can remember getting an injection or taking a pill, it is a total mystery, one Eve wants to solve. She sets off to get to the bottom of this bonkers scheme to find out who is responsible and make them stop.
Purple People was a great read, I didn’t touch above on the country Eve comes back too, its almost stepped back in time, pubs are smoky, everything has gone retro and old fashioned, a backwards utopia maybe? In the end dyeing people purple does not a happy country maketh, purple people are set on upon left, right and centre, some of them have committed crimes so random as dropping a crisp packet. People are abusing them without knowing the full story, yes some of them are truly nasty pieces of work but some of them where simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is a unique satirical look at a country gone barmy and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
On the inside we meet Eve Baxter, a Brit abroad in the Big Apple, she’s living the dream working alongside her best friend at Say Fantastique an online news site specialising in the weird, wacky and wonderful. If your dog can skateboard she wants to know about it!
A rather unusual call from a friend back in England makes her aware of a most curious thing, people back home are turning purple and nobody knows why. It’s not a virus, nobody has been covered in nuclear waste, it is a total mystery.....
On the charm offensive, handsome PM Theo Fletcher takes to the podium to explain. The purple people are “bruises on society”, he has had enough with criminals making ordinary folk suffer, he wants them to be shamed, he wants them to be marked as social abominations and he has decided that if you commit a crime then you will be dyed purple!
Needless to say this goes down like a lead balloon, there is support of this unusual punishment, but there are also a lot of people who are appalled by this crazy step. Eve is mystified and starts looking in to it.
Not long after she finds herself back on home soil, her father has been involved in a bar brawl and ends up hospitalised, she’s astonished to find purple people popping up everywhere and ever the journalist she wants to find out how it is happening. People can’t just turn purple overnight except they are and in every hue of purple imaginable.
Ever the journalist she attends rallies, goes to political tv shows and interrogates science teachers to try and find out exactly how people are turning, none of the “victims” can remember getting an injection or taking a pill, it is a total mystery, one Eve wants to solve. She sets off to get to the bottom of this bonkers scheme to find out who is responsible and make them stop.
Purple People was a great read, I didn’t touch above on the country Eve comes back too, its almost stepped back in time, pubs are smoky, everything has gone retro and old fashioned, a backwards utopia maybe? In the end dyeing people purple does not a happy country maketh, purple people are set on upon left, right and centre, some of them have committed crimes so random as dropping a crisp packet. People are abusing them without knowing the full story, yes some of them are truly nasty pieces of work but some of them where simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
This is a unique satirical look at a country gone barmy and I really enjoyed it.
Thanks to Net Galley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
Purple People is British author,
Kate Bulpitt's
first novel.
Eve Baxter is a journalist for Say Fantastique, a New York agency supplying weird stories to news media. One morning, she receives a call from a friend in England which is all about Purple People. Eve is sceptical, but extremely curious... could there be a glimmer of truth to the bizarre story?
As an announcement from Prime Minister Theo Fletcher fans the flames, Eve hears that her dad is in intensive care following a fight in a pub. She returns home to be with her family and is conveniently placed to check out the Purple People project, a scheme turning people who have committed anti-social or criminal behaviour. Always on a mission to seek out a better story, Eve stays in England with university friends Helena and Womble and decides to investigate how people are being turned purple.
Purple People is a fascinating, unique and compelling tale although it took me a few chapters to become totally invested. Kate Bulpitt doubtlessly has a way with words and I loved the wit and humour she brought to the story. Every character is brilliantly drawn and defined by their personalities, opinions and actions, and I adored Eve, who at first seemed rather woolly headed, vague and vanilla, but showed she had feistiness and determination. With a soupçon of lavender love in the mix, and a wonderful retro vibe as well, this book should be on everyone's reading list. An amazing début!
Thank you to Kate Bulpitt and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Eve Baxter is a journalist for Say Fantastique, a New York agency supplying weird stories to news media. One morning, she receives a call from a friend in England which is all about Purple People. Eve is sceptical, but extremely curious... could there be a glimmer of truth to the bizarre story?
As an announcement from Prime Minister Theo Fletcher fans the flames, Eve hears that her dad is in intensive care following a fight in a pub. She returns home to be with her family and is conveniently placed to check out the Purple People project, a scheme turning people who have committed anti-social or criminal behaviour. Always on a mission to seek out a better story, Eve stays in England with university friends Helena and Womble and decides to investigate how people are being turned purple.
Purple People is a fascinating, unique and compelling tale although it took me a few chapters to become totally invested. Kate Bulpitt doubtlessly has a way with words and I loved the wit and humour she brought to the story. Every character is brilliantly drawn and defined by their personalities, opinions and actions, and I adored Eve, who at first seemed rather woolly headed, vague and vanilla, but showed she had feistiness and determination. With a soupçon of lavender love in the mix, and a wonderful retro vibe as well, this book should be on everyone's reading list. An amazing début!
Thank you to Kate Bulpitt and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
July 6, 2020
Thank you to PigeonHole for the opportunity to read this book!
Brilliant! Honestly, what a great, funny book with a serious current running through it. Theo reminded me of PMs past — Tony Blair, with his charisma, and then Boris Johnson with his “this scheme is going to work and it’s the best thing ever!” Spiel only to realise that no, there are flaws and my goodness do you need a backup. And the American President saying they were about to trial the scheme... well that was to be expected ;) What I really liked about the characters in this book is that they were pretty straight-up. None of them were acting with an ulterior motive (I’ll come back to this in a moment), yet everyone was pretty suspicious in turn. I know Womble was a part of the purple initiative, but he saw the error of his ways, and Rory was indeed the one who was the key to it all. However, he never actually acted like he was going to help. He let the dog out of the purple package on that one! Also, impressed with the nods to racism which is prevalent right now. And the puns! Oh, the P U N S!! Bloody brilliant. Purple’s an interesting colour - it’s got regal connotations but it’s not a colour you’d ever expect to see anyone turn into. Oh, and I really liked Eve, and how what she’s doing in NY is actually making people happy. A lot of news is bad news, so how about something more uplifting? Overall, this book has been awesome and thank you so much for the opportunity to read and interact with it!
Brilliant! Honestly, what a great, funny book with a serious current running through it. Theo reminded me of PMs past — Tony Blair, with his charisma, and then Boris Johnson with his “this scheme is going to work and it’s the best thing ever!” Spiel only to realise that no, there are flaws and my goodness do you need a backup. And the American President saying they were about to trial the scheme... well that was to be expected ;) What I really liked about the characters in this book is that they were pretty straight-up. None of them were acting with an ulterior motive (I’ll come back to this in a moment), yet everyone was pretty suspicious in turn. I know Womble was a part of the purple initiative, but he saw the error of his ways, and Rory was indeed the one who was the key to it all. However, he never actually acted like he was going to help. He let the dog out of the purple package on that one! Also, impressed with the nods to racism which is prevalent right now. And the puns! Oh, the P U N S!! Bloody brilliant. Purple’s an interesting colour - it’s got regal connotations but it’s not a colour you’d ever expect to see anyone turn into. Oh, and I really liked Eve, and how what she’s doing in NY is actually making people happy. A lot of news is bad news, so how about something more uplifting? Overall, this book has been awesome and thank you so much for the opportunity to read and interact with it!
July 7, 2020
Actual rating 3.5 ⭐️
The author of this book describes it as “wonky” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s an interesting, unusual take on the world which will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
I will admit I found it slightly difficult to get into, not because of the subject matter or the language used, just because it didn’t grab me. Although once I got to Chapter 13 I was well and truly hooked and couldn’t wait to read on and learn more about the “Purple People”.
The characters are written well (although for a journalist, Eve does appear to be a bit slow at times) and there’s a nice feeling of camaraderie between them. It left me feeling that they could go on to have more written about them in future books. There’s comedy and there’s drama. There’s also a lot of purple puns, it was fun seeing which one popped up next. It’s a balanced, steady, easy read. I would certainly read more from this author.
You will like this book if you like an alternative view of life and enjoy a book which make you think. It seems quite relevant in these strange times.
Thanks to Pigeonhole, Kate Bulpitt and the publisher for my opportunity to read this fun book.
The author of this book describes it as “wonky” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s an interesting, unusual take on the world which will leave you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
I will admit I found it slightly difficult to get into, not because of the subject matter or the language used, just because it didn’t grab me. Although once I got to Chapter 13 I was well and truly hooked and couldn’t wait to read on and learn more about the “Purple People”.
The characters are written well (although for a journalist, Eve does appear to be a bit slow at times) and there’s a nice feeling of camaraderie between them. It left me feeling that they could go on to have more written about them in future books. There’s comedy and there’s drama. There’s also a lot of purple puns, it was fun seeing which one popped up next. It’s a balanced, steady, easy read. I would certainly read more from this author.
You will like this book if you like an alternative view of life and enjoy a book which make you think. It seems quite relevant in these strange times.
Thanks to Pigeonhole, Kate Bulpitt and the publisher for my opportunity to read this fun book.
September 30, 2020
Purple People is original, funny and scarily relevant to current social issues. Its setting is a UK dystopia in the not-too-distant future, where mobile phones and the internet as we know it are banned. A charismatic and well-meaning PM decrees that anti-social behaviour will be punished by the perpetrators being turned purple, more or less on the spot. Eve, a young journalist who works for a light news publication, aims to boost her career by investigating the method of ‘turning’, which is shrouded in secrecy. The tightly-woven plot involves crime deterrence, revenge, natural justice, transparency within a powerful state and the political responsibility of individual citizens.
The humour arises from the skills of debut author, Kate Bulpitt, in writing wordplay and dialogue. Her imaginative use of puns will make readers roar with laughter. She has created a cast of amusing and likeable personalities, each of them with their individual point of view about ‘purpling’. Their interactions are lively and engaging, introducing laughter to what could have been a very dark tale. Eve’s friends have wonderful nicknames, for example, Womble and Bunsen Burner Bob. Some of them have been friends for most of their lives, with a hilarious line in banter that has developed over years of shared adventures. Others are drawn into Eve’s orbit by the dramatic events unravelling around her. Each character casts light on her investigations, as the plot twists and turns.
As a crime story, Purple People is written in the style of a ‘police procedural’. Eve doggedly follows a skimpy trail of clues, determined to find out how the sentence of ‘purpling’ is carried out. At significant points she pauses to recap on what she has learned, giving the reader useful summaries of ‘the story so far’. The book’s well-structured plot supports a complex combination of journalistic investigation, intertwining personal relationships and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Another layer is added to the story by Eve’s lack of self-confidence, about who she is and what she wants. Her emotional response to the reappearance of her university crush, Magnus, will resonate with many. Is he what he appears to be? Has he joined the dark side? Does he recall their romantic ‘moment’ as fondly as Eve does? Most important of all, can he be trusted?
One unusual aspect of Purple People is its highlighting of the effect of the stigma of punishment, on the mental health of the perpetrator. In the course of her investigation, Eve asks many significant questions. How can we be sure an accused person is guilty? Is revenge an acceptable reason to hand out punishment? Does it matter if the sentence imposed on an offender is too harsh? What if the mental health of the alleged offender deteriorates to the point where they consider ending their life?
Initially, ‘purpling’ is seen by many ordinary citizens as a just response to destructive anti-social behaviour. Eve herself is disgusted by some of the ‘purpled’ offenders she encounters, asking herself, more than once, if she really cares what happens to them. However, the system gradually gets out of hand, and when colourful retribution starts to be unfairly visited on minor offenders, there are tragic consequences. Showing courage and determination, Eve exposes the government’s methods, and demonstrates how essential it is for a punishment to fit the crime.
Kate Bulpitt has done an outstanding job with her debut novel, published by Unbound. Everyone will find something to enjoy in Purple People.
The humour arises from the skills of debut author, Kate Bulpitt, in writing wordplay and dialogue. Her imaginative use of puns will make readers roar with laughter. She has created a cast of amusing and likeable personalities, each of them with their individual point of view about ‘purpling’. Their interactions are lively and engaging, introducing laughter to what could have been a very dark tale. Eve’s friends have wonderful nicknames, for example, Womble and Bunsen Burner Bob. Some of them have been friends for most of their lives, with a hilarious line in banter that has developed over years of shared adventures. Others are drawn into Eve’s orbit by the dramatic events unravelling around her. Each character casts light on her investigations, as the plot twists and turns.
As a crime story, Purple People is written in the style of a ‘police procedural’. Eve doggedly follows a skimpy trail of clues, determined to find out how the sentence of ‘purpling’ is carried out. At significant points she pauses to recap on what she has learned, giving the reader useful summaries of ‘the story so far’. The book’s well-structured plot supports a complex combination of journalistic investigation, intertwining personal relationships and laugh-out-loud comedy.
Another layer is added to the story by Eve’s lack of self-confidence, about who she is and what she wants. Her emotional response to the reappearance of her university crush, Magnus, will resonate with many. Is he what he appears to be? Has he joined the dark side? Does he recall their romantic ‘moment’ as fondly as Eve does? Most important of all, can he be trusted?
One unusual aspect of Purple People is its highlighting of the effect of the stigma of punishment, on the mental health of the perpetrator. In the course of her investigation, Eve asks many significant questions. How can we be sure an accused person is guilty? Is revenge an acceptable reason to hand out punishment? Does it matter if the sentence imposed on an offender is too harsh? What if the mental health of the alleged offender deteriorates to the point where they consider ending their life?
Initially, ‘purpling’ is seen by many ordinary citizens as a just response to destructive anti-social behaviour. Eve herself is disgusted by some of the ‘purpled’ offenders she encounters, asking herself, more than once, if she really cares what happens to them. However, the system gradually gets out of hand, and when colourful retribution starts to be unfairly visited on minor offenders, there are tragic consequences. Showing courage and determination, Eve exposes the government’s methods, and demonstrates how essential it is for a punishment to fit the crime.
Kate Bulpitt has done an outstanding job with her debut novel, published by Unbound. Everyone will find something to enjoy in Purple People.
July 21, 2020
Purple People by Kate Bulpitt is a wholly unique story ... a dystopia which doesn't adhere to the usual tone or tropes of the genre but makes a whole new genre of its own! Eve is a British journalist based in New York who, together with her best friend Adio, writes about funny and light-hearted news stories for their own news outlet Say Fantastique!
Meanwhile in Britain (or 'Blighty') a mysterious scheme is uncovered wherein people who have committed crimes are being turned purple as punishment.
When Eve discovers her father is in hospital as a result of a pub bust-up, she heads back home - fuelled both by a need to look after her dad and curiosity about the scheme. She can't resist using her usually light-hearted powers of journalism to investigate Blighty's purple plot, and sets off on an unusual quest to uncover what exactly is behind it...
I LOVED the setting of this book. It is set in a dystopian near-future (or perhaps an alternate present) but - just like current times - things have progressed in some ways and regressed in others. Smoking indoors has returned, smart phones (or 'PortAbles') are no more, and people are finding comfort in things from the past. This builds a really interesting and distinctive world which is fun to live in for a while; a kind of retro dystopia.
The book balances humour, romance and mystery very well. Eve is the perfect protagonist to represent this balance as someone who spends her days writing about light-hearted news but would perhaps secretly prefer to be reporting the serious stuff, her character containing a mix of light and dark.
I enjoyed the romance sub plot (without giving anything away) and the characters of Womble + Helena, who are Eve's close friends and a couple. Dystopia is usually focused on a version of the future that we, the readers, are supposed to categorically disagree with. However in the case of Purple People, the main character herself is conflicted by the Purple scheme. Womble + Helena sit on completely opposing sides of the argument, representing both the positive and negative sides of the Purple scheme so that we are consistently being reminded of its pro's and cons.
The book is well-paced and well-written, a mystery story which is told in a light-hearted and funny way, with engaging characters. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages and wondering what was going to happen next, and I could have read more about this alternate version of Britain filled with colourful (and, most importantly, Purple) characters.
I don't want to give too much away, but if you're looking for a gripping read, Purple People is the one. Mystery, satire, dytopia, humour and romance combine to create a completely unique book that you won't be able to put down. Highly recommend if you need some cheering up!
Meanwhile in Britain (or 'Blighty') a mysterious scheme is uncovered wherein people who have committed crimes are being turned purple as punishment.
When Eve discovers her father is in hospital as a result of a pub bust-up, she heads back home - fuelled both by a need to look after her dad and curiosity about the scheme. She can't resist using her usually light-hearted powers of journalism to investigate Blighty's purple plot, and sets off on an unusual quest to uncover what exactly is behind it...
I LOVED the setting of this book. It is set in a dystopian near-future (or perhaps an alternate present) but - just like current times - things have progressed in some ways and regressed in others. Smoking indoors has returned, smart phones (or 'PortAbles') are no more, and people are finding comfort in things from the past. This builds a really interesting and distinctive world which is fun to live in for a while; a kind of retro dystopia.
The book balances humour, romance and mystery very well. Eve is the perfect protagonist to represent this balance as someone who spends her days writing about light-hearted news but would perhaps secretly prefer to be reporting the serious stuff, her character containing a mix of light and dark.
I enjoyed the romance sub plot (without giving anything away) and the characters of Womble + Helena, who are Eve's close friends and a couple. Dystopia is usually focused on a version of the future that we, the readers, are supposed to categorically disagree with. However in the case of Purple People, the main character herself is conflicted by the Purple scheme. Womble + Helena sit on completely opposing sides of the argument, representing both the positive and negative sides of the Purple scheme so that we are consistently being reminded of its pro's and cons.
The book is well-paced and well-written, a mystery story which is told in a light-hearted and funny way, with engaging characters. Twists and turns kept me turning the pages and wondering what was going to happen next, and I could have read more about this alternate version of Britain filled with colourful (and, most importantly, Purple) characters.
I don't want to give too much away, but if you're looking for a gripping read, Purple People is the one. Mystery, satire, dytopia, humour and romance combine to create a completely unique book that you won't be able to put down. Highly recommend if you need some cheering up!
July 7, 2020
Are you looking for something different to read? Something fun, and acerbic, satirical and that might makes you think about things differently while not realising you're actually doing it? In that case Kate Bulpitt may have written just the book for you! Purple People is the cautionary tale of what can happen when sneaky governments take matters of national import into their hands (and ONLY their hands) and introduce a 'zero tolerance' style regime against those they perceive to be wrong-doers.
Eve is living in New York, working on 'Say Fantastique', a digital newspaper that focuses on the sillier, more uplifting side of like. You know the '...and finally' on the news reports - usually someone tight-rope walking between skyscrapers, walking on custard or water-skiing squirrels? Good - you're in the right ballpark. In a world where everything seems to be awful, and getting worse by the day, uplifting news stories aren't the worst thing in the world, but Even has a feeling that she isn't reaching her full potential - whatever that may be.
So when Eve hears from a friend in 'Blighty' (this repeated reference to Britain was the only thing that I really didn't like about this book - it really grated after a while!) that people appear to be randomly turning purple - Eve doesn't really believe it - but is obviously interested nonetheless...
Very shortly after this information comes her way along with more emerging reports of spreading purpleness, Eve discovers that her Dad is in intensive care after being injured in a pub brawl. She immediately makes arrangements to see him and hops on a plane with a little side of 'what can I find out about the purple people while I'm here' rolling about in her mind.
Once back in 'Blighty', the news has gotten out and Prime Minister Theo Fletcher is stoking the fire - he's very proud of his new initiative that will see those committing crimes or behaving in an anti-social way being turned a fetching shade of Lavender. Why should good law abiding people not be able to spot the 'Lavs' a mile off - after all they have brought it on themselves? The country is split into those that think it's an amazing idea and waste no time in mocking the 'snowflakes', and those who are horrified at the concept and set about protesting and trying to overturn the ruling. In the midst of all this Eve finds herself opening up a whole can of worms with shady characters that are very reminiscent of a certain government, and finds herself in the middle of a rather big predicament. Not to mention a coupe of purple people.
It's a an absolute mad ride of a book, described as 'wonky' by the writer herself, with some well drawn parallels to what's going on in the world right now. There's elements of classism, racism, and it's all very cleverly tied in so you're not walloped over the head with it - but it does make you wonder what response you and those around you would have if this was a real thing. Would you be in favour of a plum punishment?
.
There are a lot of characters in this book so it does take a little while to bed in, but it is worth it - and based on this very impressive debut I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Kate Bulpitt in future!
Thanks to Kate and the Pigeonhole Book Club for letting me read along with them - it was quite a ride!
Eve is living in New York, working on 'Say Fantastique', a digital newspaper that focuses on the sillier, more uplifting side of like. You know the '...and finally' on the news reports - usually someone tight-rope walking between skyscrapers, walking on custard or water-skiing squirrels? Good - you're in the right ballpark. In a world where everything seems to be awful, and getting worse by the day, uplifting news stories aren't the worst thing in the world, but Even has a feeling that she isn't reaching her full potential - whatever that may be.
So when Eve hears from a friend in 'Blighty' (this repeated reference to Britain was the only thing that I really didn't like about this book - it really grated after a while!) that people appear to be randomly turning purple - Eve doesn't really believe it - but is obviously interested nonetheless...
Very shortly after this information comes her way along with more emerging reports of spreading purpleness, Eve discovers that her Dad is in intensive care after being injured in a pub brawl. She immediately makes arrangements to see him and hops on a plane with a little side of 'what can I find out about the purple people while I'm here' rolling about in her mind.
Once back in 'Blighty', the news has gotten out and Prime Minister Theo Fletcher is stoking the fire - he's very proud of his new initiative that will see those committing crimes or behaving in an anti-social way being turned a fetching shade of Lavender. Why should good law abiding people not be able to spot the 'Lavs' a mile off - after all they have brought it on themselves? The country is split into those that think it's an amazing idea and waste no time in mocking the 'snowflakes', and those who are horrified at the concept and set about protesting and trying to overturn the ruling. In the midst of all this Eve finds herself opening up a whole can of worms with shady characters that are very reminiscent of a certain government, and finds herself in the middle of a rather big predicament. Not to mention a coupe of purple people.
It's a an absolute mad ride of a book, described as 'wonky' by the writer herself, with some well drawn parallels to what's going on in the world right now. There's elements of classism, racism, and it's all very cleverly tied in so you're not walloped over the head with it - but it does make you wonder what response you and those around you would have if this was a real thing. Would you be in favour of a plum punishment?
.
There are a lot of characters in this book so it does take a little while to bed in, but it is worth it - and based on this very impressive debut I think we'll be seeing a lot more of Kate Bulpitt in future!
Thanks to Kate and the Pigeonhole Book Club for letting me read along with them - it was quite a ride!
July 19, 2021
This book is unique for many reasons. Primarily, as most good books are, it is unique in terms of plot. I have read a lot of books in my lifetime, and none have involved the dying of criminals, nor the changing of anyone, to purple. But to go more in depth on the story itself, this book is unique because it designs this plot not around a strict progression of wrong to right, where the hero returns the world to a state of normalcy and solves the great problems of society. Instead, the hero of this story occillates between right and wrong until the very last page, when it is left open to the reader to determine their own stance. Bulpitt has created a world so close to our own that the reader often takes a stance before realising that it is in fact, just a book. The hero of this story is not learning morality, or defining it even, but instead following her own intuition and uncovering a story. I will say, it does seem to lack some of the same character development that most heroes have. Eve remains conflicted, and fundamentally the same, although the world opens to her as she accomplishes her task. Something about this book is both stunningly real and very very distant. Should we ever turn convicts purple, this book could be biographical. But to say that this book lacks plot would be very wrong, what it lacks is a formulaic 'life lesson' plot that dominates the literary world in recent years.
July 6, 2020
This book is hilarious. A timely satire about what happens when an unfettered government do whatever the heck they like, this is the funniest book I have read for a very long time.
Eve Baxter dreamt of being a serious newsreader, but has somehow ended up working on Say Fantastique, in New York; a website which focuses on silly cat memes and fun stories. We are in some sort of near future, where there’s a retro revival. No mobile phones, Woolworths is back and everyone is smoking in public again. Eve’s dad has ended up in hospital after being attacked and she needs to go home.
Just at the point she goes home the Government makes an announcement that anyone indulging in antisocial behaviour will now be turned purple - like a bruise on society. Eve is curious about how this is happening. Could this be her big journalistic breakthrough? Will she learn to love her annoying brother? Will her former crush help or hinder her in finding the truth?
This book explores what happens when people are visibly marked by crimes they committed (or perhaps not in some cases). It’s also an exploration of friendship, with a bit of romance thrown in, but mostly it is just properly funny, and goodness knows we could all do with some fun at the moment. I read it with The Pigeonhole and the crying with laughter emoji was in constant use. Absolutely brilliant.
Eve Baxter dreamt of being a serious newsreader, but has somehow ended up working on Say Fantastique, in New York; a website which focuses on silly cat memes and fun stories. We are in some sort of near future, where there’s a retro revival. No mobile phones, Woolworths is back and everyone is smoking in public again. Eve’s dad has ended up in hospital after being attacked and she needs to go home.
Just at the point she goes home the Government makes an announcement that anyone indulging in antisocial behaviour will now be turned purple - like a bruise on society. Eve is curious about how this is happening. Could this be her big journalistic breakthrough? Will she learn to love her annoying brother? Will her former crush help or hinder her in finding the truth?
This book explores what happens when people are visibly marked by crimes they committed (or perhaps not in some cases). It’s also an exploration of friendship, with a bit of romance thrown in, but mostly it is just properly funny, and goodness knows we could all do with some fun at the moment. I read it with The Pigeonhole and the crying with laughter emoji was in constant use. Absolutely brilliant.
July 12, 2020
Praise for Kate Bulpitts first novel. I don't think I have read anything so outrageously funny or mad. I felt it was quite apt for the present time. Eve Baxter lives in the USA and works on Say Fantastique. The paper looks for the obscure and wacky things to report on. In the UK people are turning purple. Unbelievable. How? Why? It seems the government want to stop violence and for everyone to be safe. The answer is to turn the offender's a wonderful shade of purple. Eve is hooked. She receives a call and has to go to Blighty as her father has had an accident and in a critical condition. Once she sees a 'turned' victim her juices start flowing and the journalist part of her wants to find out exactly how it is done. This is very comical and the characters extremely believable. Once you start to read it you want to carry on. As Eve continues to wait for her father to come out of his coma, she reunites with her mother and brother. Not much love lost between the siblings. All the time she is finding ways to investigate how a person is turned Purple. This is so off the wall, I can see it happening. I think if you read the book and find out how it's all done and to what lengths Eve is prepared to go, you too will fall in love with this book. Please put this book on your must read list.
August 16, 2020
It’s not often that I choose to read science fiction or dystopian novels, but when one comes along that sounds so outlandish and tongue in cheek, there’s no way I can resist!
To tackle anti-social behaviour and street violence in the UK, the Prime Minister has come up with a plan to colour offenders Purple in the hope of shaming them into staying indoors and away from the public. Eve Baxter has been thinking about a way to get into a more serious form of journalism than the happy news site she works for, and whilst she’s not sure how she feels about the ‘Turning’ of people, she does want to find out how it all works. When it hits even closer to home and her friends and family are affected, she knows she must get to the bottom of things.
Of course elements of this story are fairly farcical, but quite honestly with things the way they are politically, it wasn’t as far fetched as I might imagine! It was certainly the most original novel I’ve read this year, and Bulpitt is brilliantly funny - this was a real comic gem! I loved our heroine Eve, who wanted to do more in life, but like most of us, didn’t feel brave enough to - she felt very real and relatable.
This was a really unique, interesting and witty novel - no doubt Bulpitt will become a big name in literature soon enough!
To tackle anti-social behaviour and street violence in the UK, the Prime Minister has come up with a plan to colour offenders Purple in the hope of shaming them into staying indoors and away from the public. Eve Baxter has been thinking about a way to get into a more serious form of journalism than the happy news site she works for, and whilst she’s not sure how she feels about the ‘Turning’ of people, she does want to find out how it all works. When it hits even closer to home and her friends and family are affected, she knows she must get to the bottom of things.
Of course elements of this story are fairly farcical, but quite honestly with things the way they are politically, it wasn’t as far fetched as I might imagine! It was certainly the most original novel I’ve read this year, and Bulpitt is brilliantly funny - this was a real comic gem! I loved our heroine Eve, who wanted to do more in life, but like most of us, didn’t feel brave enough to - she felt very real and relatable.
This was a really unique, interesting and witty novel - no doubt Bulpitt will become a big name in literature soon enough!
July 6, 2020
Despite the ridiculous premise, this book is strangely intriguing. It has a disturbing parallel to today’s reality, of the overturning of our justice system as we know it.
In this novel, offenders are ‘Turned’ or ‘purpled’. Within a few hours of offending, they start to change colour. No-one knows how, but the Government admit this is their Party stance on crime.
The book follows Eve who has returned to the UK from the US due to her father being hospitalised. Eve is a ‘reporter’ on a fun online news outlet and, on her return to the UK, she turns serious investigator, trying to discover how this is being done.
There is no trial prior to being ‘purpled’ and the process behind this system (who finds them guilty, how they are Turned) is kept a secret by the Government. Turning is done instead of incarceration, in order to speed the process up and keep costs down, uncomfortably mirroring today where, during the current C-19 pandemic, the Government has been considering dispensing with trial by jury in order to ‘clear up’ the backlog of cases.
This method of ‘purpling’ is used for all offences, minor or serious and the thought of such a system is horrifying. Is justice truly done when a sex offender is purpled and would this really stop offending? “... reports that an attacker in an attempted rape case was Turned, yet not taken into custody until he arrived at a police station to turn himself in”.
Whilst the general tone of the book is light, there is a darker side to how Governments repeatedly meddle with and change services, systems and rights in order to save money, often to the detriment to society.
In this novel, offenders are ‘Turned’ or ‘purpled’. Within a few hours of offending, they start to change colour. No-one knows how, but the Government admit this is their Party stance on crime.
The book follows Eve who has returned to the UK from the US due to her father being hospitalised. Eve is a ‘reporter’ on a fun online news outlet and, on her return to the UK, she turns serious investigator, trying to discover how this is being done.
There is no trial prior to being ‘purpled’ and the process behind this system (who finds them guilty, how they are Turned) is kept a secret by the Government. Turning is done instead of incarceration, in order to speed the process up and keep costs down, uncomfortably mirroring today where, during the current C-19 pandemic, the Government has been considering dispensing with trial by jury in order to ‘clear up’ the backlog of cases.
This method of ‘purpling’ is used for all offences, minor or serious and the thought of such a system is horrifying. Is justice truly done when a sex offender is purpled and would this really stop offending? “... reports that an attacker in an attempted rape case was Turned, yet not taken into custody until he arrived at a police station to turn himself in”.
Whilst the general tone of the book is light, there is a darker side to how Governments repeatedly meddle with and change services, systems and rights in order to save money, often to the detriment to society.
July 7, 2020
I have a love-hate relationship with satire, but this book very definitely falls into the 'love' category. In fact, I'd have to say it's one of my favourite books this year. Firstly, the premise is wild, funny and totally thought-provoking. The concept of turning people purple because they're 'bruises on society' is hair-raising, and add to that the highly secret method by which this is done, gives our protagonist, Eve, a lot to think about. Characters in the novel are for and against the project, to varying degrees, and that made it even more realistic. As always, no concept is cut-and-dried or two dimensional and Kate Bulpitt manages to convey the very real pros and cons with humour and an exciting story. The characters are totally three-dimensional, and very relatable, evoking emotional responses from the reader, and the style is so easy to read, if I'd not been reading in a serialised format, I'd have found myself reading without stopping. My thanks to Kate and the Pigeonhole for a fantastic read.
July 7, 2020
Eve returns to England from New York when her father is attacked. She always wanted to report serious news but has successfully built up a following with a light hearted publication called "Say Fantastique". One of the main characters featuring in the publication is her all time heroine, Annie Morris, a newscaster.
When she returns to England, she finds that, people who commit crimes are being turned purple overnight. Even the slightest breaking of the law is punished with purpleness. The scheme is exposed before Prime Minister, Theo Fletcher, has time to make an announcement and, even then, is being kept very secret. No-one being turned knows how it is happening.
When a friend of Eve's becomes purple overnight, she makes it her mission to find out how it is happening and, in the process, becomes the serious reporter she dreamed of being.
An amusing book but also perceptive and relevant.
Read along with Pigeonhole.
When she returns to England, she finds that, people who commit crimes are being turned purple overnight. Even the slightest breaking of the law is punished with purpleness. The scheme is exposed before Prime Minister, Theo Fletcher, has time to make an announcement and, even then, is being kept very secret. No-one being turned knows how it is happening.
When a friend of Eve's becomes purple overnight, she makes it her mission to find out how it is happening and, in the process, becomes the serious reporter she dreamed of being.
An amusing book but also perceptive and relevant.
Read along with Pigeonhole.
November 27, 2020
People have started to say that satire is dead, that the real world has killed it. I can’t go along with that theory, having read Kate Bulpitt’s inspired Purple People. True, the premise of the book is wildly imaginative – with the emphasis on “wildly” – but is it any crazier than 2020 has been? Satire, here, lurks just this side of believability.
I loathe reviews that give the plot away and so… think cleverly written, multi-layered, contemporary satire, with just a touch of romance. Think humour with bite.
Think brilliant word play, inventive dialogue spiced with a dry British wit. Think dystopia meets nostalgia.
Think of a book that makes you think, a book offering more questions than answers. Purple People would make a wonderful choice for a book club – an easy read capable of inciting a great discussion.
(How far does penalising people work? Where should a society draw the line? – I could go on.)
Strongly recommended!!!!
I loathe reviews that give the plot away and so… think cleverly written, multi-layered, contemporary satire, with just a touch of romance. Think humour with bite.
Think brilliant word play, inventive dialogue spiced with a dry British wit. Think dystopia meets nostalgia.
Think of a book that makes you think, a book offering more questions than answers. Purple People would make a wonderful choice for a book club – an easy read capable of inciting a great discussion.
(How far does penalising people work? Where should a society draw the line? – I could go on.)
Strongly recommended!!!!
August 22, 2020
The premise of this book made me want to devour this immediately. The UK government turns people who’ve been caught committing crimes purple.
I was genuinely curious how this was going to play out politically and ethically. With this I think the author did a great job of showing realistically how people would react. It seemed very believable that this could actually happen.
My problem is that there were about 20 too many characters and the book was way too long. The sheer amount of characters combined with the length of this book seriously made it drag. It became a chore to continue reading it. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to know how people were being turned purple. I wish I would have liked this more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this book.
I was genuinely curious how this was going to play out politically and ethically. With this I think the author did a great job of showing realistically how people would react. It seemed very believable that this could actually happen.
My problem is that there were about 20 too many characters and the book was way too long. The sheer amount of characters combined with the length of this book seriously made it drag. It became a chore to continue reading it. The only reason I finished it was because I wanted to know how people were being turned purple. I wish I would have liked this more.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me access to this book.
July 6, 2020
Eve is working at "Say Fantastique" in New York, a news bureau that focuses on the lighter/funnier elements of the news. She gets a phonecall from her friend "Womble" back in Blighty, strange things are happening, people have been turned purple. Later she gets a call from her mum, her dad has been hospitalised after being caught up in a pub brawl.
As she returns home due to her Dad being in hospital, she sets out to investigate the "purple people".
Really enjoyed this. Set in an alternative, near future but with a nostalgic nod to the 1970's/80's thrown in as part of the "repeal" against reliance on technology.
Lot's of great humour, in some respects it's a dystopian tale but it's also a comedy.
Fantastic first novel
Thank you pigeonhole for the opportunity.
As she returns home due to her Dad being in hospital, she sets out to investigate the "purple people".
Really enjoyed this. Set in an alternative, near future but with a nostalgic nod to the 1970's/80's thrown in as part of the "repeal" against reliance on technology.
Lot's of great humour, in some respects it's a dystopian tale but it's also a comedy.
Fantastic first novel
Thank you pigeonhole for the opportunity.
July 7, 2020
Full disclosure: I'm biased because the author is a friend of mine - but that said, I think this is a delightful debut novel, and the "jolly dystopia" is both charming and frighteningly close to real life. The characters are charismatic and believable, like people you could imagine hanging out with, and the plot moves along at a brisk pace. I was genuinely curious about how the story would play out, so I looked forward to picking up the book every evening to see what would happen next. I'm also mightily impressed by the countless clever and poetic ways to refer to the color purple--phrases like "lilac lads" had me giggling throughout. Just the kind of darkly funny book to read during a pandemic.
April 26, 2021
I can see lots of positive reviews, but I am feeling more neutral about the book.
I loved the premise, and really appreciated the messages about society, policing, crime etc. it was conveying. These aspects were right up my street, and a key reason I chose the book. However the writing style did not suit me at all. There were far too many words for my liking, and quite a lot of them I felt didn't add anything.
I see from other reviews people found it funny. Sadly I was not one of them, and may explain why there were so many words - there were funnies I didn't get.
So overall great story and idea, but the style of execution didn't suit me.
Thanks to Net Galley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the premise, and really appreciated the messages about society, policing, crime etc. it was conveying. These aspects were right up my street, and a key reason I chose the book. However the writing style did not suit me at all. There were far too many words for my liking, and quite a lot of them I felt didn't add anything.
I see from other reviews people found it funny. Sadly I was not one of them, and may explain why there were so many words - there were funnies I didn't get.
So overall great story and idea, but the style of execution didn't suit me.
Thanks to Net Galley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews