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The Competition
Frances quite honestly isn’t that excited about the SpeechMakers annual national conference and public-speaking competition. What she’s excited about (relatively speaking) is that this year there’s a major prize. Frances has a few small problems and forty thousand dollars would go a long way to sorting them out.
Keith is Frances’s probably-ex-mentor, it’s hard to tell since she’s not talking to him, and he disapproves of the prize money. He thinks SpeechMakers should be about self-improvement, not self-enrichment. He wants to win the competition, though. He thinks it might help the situation with his wife Linda.
Neil doesn’t care about the competition at all but Judy, his mother and coach, does, so.
And Rebecca…
Actually, what the hell is Rebecca doing here? Rebecca belongs to Frances’s past, not her present. And certainly not her (hopefully) less-disastrous future.
Katherine Collette, author of the hilarious The Helpline, returns with another sharply observed comedy of manners and a cast of loveable underachievers, headed for self-improvement despite themselves.
Keith is Frances’s probably-ex-mentor, it’s hard to tell since she’s not talking to him, and he disapproves of the prize money. He thinks SpeechMakers should be about self-improvement, not self-enrichment. He wants to win the competition, though. He thinks it might help the situation with his wife Linda.
Neil doesn’t care about the competition at all but Judy, his mother and coach, does, so.
And Rebecca…
Actually, what the hell is Rebecca doing here? Rebecca belongs to Frances’s past, not her present. And certainly not her (hopefully) less-disastrous future.
Katherine Collette, author of the hilarious The Helpline, returns with another sharply observed comedy of manners and a cast of loveable underachievers, headed for self-improvement despite themselves.
352 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2022
7 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Collette
4 books64 followersKatherine Collette is a writer and environmental engineer. She lives in Melbourne with her husband and two children.
'The Helpline' is her first novel.
'The Helpline' is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 9, 2022
The Competition is the second novel by Australian author, Katherine Collette. At the Brisbane SpeechMakers Australia Conference, which incorporates the National SpeechMakers Public Speaking Championship, Keith McDonald is an enthusiastic attendee (without wife Linda, who can’t think of anything more boring). Former president (six times) of Glen Iris club, and 36-year veteran, Keith is disturbed by the direction club taking, the excessive focus on finance, to the detriment of self-improvement.
Keith offers his mentoring to newer members free of charge (as one should!), unlike the many coaching services touting their wares at the conference; his disapproval, were he aware of his mentee, Frances Moore’s actual reasons for participating in the Championship, would be strong and vocal.
While she quite likes making speeches after the event (she’s too anxious before), Frances Moore is not particularly keen to attend but, for a number of reasons, not the least being an ultimatum from her parents that she do something more with her life than working in a supermarket deli, she needs to win the Championship. And the forty-thousand-dollar prize money would pay debt that might make her feel like a less terrible person.
Judith Stevenson’s son Neil doesn’t want to be at the conference at all, but his mother (and coach) insists that he must make a concerted effort to win, if only to endorse her coaching business, Inspire: Public Speaking and Life Coaching Services (another reason of which Keith would strongly disapprove). And guilt over a past failing is a big motivator for doing what mum wants him to.
Collette’s description of the conference (the merchandise, the volunteers, the seminars, the bonding exercises, the gala dinner) will resonate with anyone who has attended one; her depiction of the club, the hierarchy, and its members, some of whose officiousness and pedantics with respect to rules will strike a loud chord with many.
Collette’s characters, most of whom will endear themselves to the reader despite their very human quirks and flaws, will be easily recognised from among those we encounter every day, people passionate, almost evangelical, about their particular pastime. The eventual revelation of the origins of Neil’s submissive behaviour and Frances’s catastrophising involve peer-group pressure, bullying, and phone scams. Neil dares to stand up; Frances comes to understand that genuine remorse is more valued than money.
And as for Keith, whose favourite books are “SpeechMakers Treasure Chest Volume 1 or The Oxford Book of Aphorisms”, it is gratifying to see him progress from “if you could see there was a lot wrong, how could you not point it out?” to “he’d never realised until now that changing one thing for the better would be more valuable, more satisfying, than proving a thousand things wrong.”
The story also demonstrates how not for profit educational organisations may have both positive and negative aspects and that, as they expand, the potential exists for those in charge to forget their initial, altruistic goals and be tempted to pursue profit: they do say that power corrupts. A laugh-out-loud funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
Keith offers his mentoring to newer members free of charge (as one should!), unlike the many coaching services touting their wares at the conference; his disapproval, were he aware of his mentee, Frances Moore’s actual reasons for participating in the Championship, would be strong and vocal.
While she quite likes making speeches after the event (she’s too anxious before), Frances Moore is not particularly keen to attend but, for a number of reasons, not the least being an ultimatum from her parents that she do something more with her life than working in a supermarket deli, she needs to win the Championship. And the forty-thousand-dollar prize money would pay debt that might make her feel like a less terrible person.
Judith Stevenson’s son Neil doesn’t want to be at the conference at all, but his mother (and coach) insists that he must make a concerted effort to win, if only to endorse her coaching business, Inspire: Public Speaking and Life Coaching Services (another reason of which Keith would strongly disapprove). And guilt over a past failing is a big motivator for doing what mum wants him to.
Collette’s description of the conference (the merchandise, the volunteers, the seminars, the bonding exercises, the gala dinner) will resonate with anyone who has attended one; her depiction of the club, the hierarchy, and its members, some of whose officiousness and pedantics with respect to rules will strike a loud chord with many.
Collette’s characters, most of whom will endear themselves to the reader despite their very human quirks and flaws, will be easily recognised from among those we encounter every day, people passionate, almost evangelical, about their particular pastime. The eventual revelation of the origins of Neil’s submissive behaviour and Frances’s catastrophising involve peer-group pressure, bullying, and phone scams. Neil dares to stand up; Frances comes to understand that genuine remorse is more valued than money.
And as for Keith, whose favourite books are “SpeechMakers Treasure Chest Volume 1 or The Oxford Book of Aphorisms”, it is gratifying to see him progress from “if you could see there was a lot wrong, how could you not point it out?” to “he’d never realised until now that changing one thing for the better would be more valuable, more satisfying, than proving a thousand things wrong.”
The story also demonstrates how not for profit educational organisations may have both positive and negative aspects and that, as they expand, the potential exists for those in charge to forget their initial, altruistic goals and be tempted to pursue profit: they do say that power corrupts. A laugh-out-loud funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Text Publishing.
August 19, 2022
The Competition is the second novel by Australian author, Katherine Collette. The audio version is narrated by Emma Chelsey and Ric Herbert. At the Brisbane SpeechMakers Australia Conference, which incorporates the National SpeechMakers Public Speaking Championship, Keith McDonald is an enthusiastic attendee (without wife Linda, who can’t think of anything more boring). Former president (six times) of Glen Iris club, and 36-year veteran, Keith is disturbed by the direction club taking, the excessive focus on finance, to the detriment of self-improvement.
Keith offers his mentoring to newer members free of charge (as one should!), unlike the many coaching services touting their wares at the conference; his disapproval, were he aware of his mentee, Frances Moore’s actual reasons for participating in the Championship, would be strong and vocal.
While she quite likes making speeches after the event (she’s too anxious before), Frances Moore is not particularly keen to attend but, for a number of reasons, not the least being an ultimatum from her parents that she do something more with her life than working in a supermarket deli, she needs to win the Championship. And the forty-thousand-dollar prize money would pay debt that might make her feel like a less terrible person.
Judith Stevenson’s son Neil doesn’t want to be at the conference at all, but his mother (and coach) insists that he must make a concerted effort to win, if only to endorse her coaching business, Inspire: Public Speaking and Life Coaching Services (another reason of which Keith would strongly disapprove). And guilt over a past failing is a big motivator for doing what mum wants him to.
Collette’s description of the conference (the merchandise, the volunteers, the seminars, the bonding exercises, the gala dinner) will resonate with anyone who has attended one; her depiction of the club, the hierarchy, and its members, some of whose officiousness and pedantics with respect to rules will strike a loud chord with many.
Collette’s characters, most of whom will endear themselves to the reader despite their very human quirks and flaws, will be easily recognised from among those we encounter every day, people passionate, almost evangelical, about their particular pastime. The eventual revelation of the origins of Neil’s submissive behaviour and Frances’s catastrophising involve peer-group pressure, bullying, and phone scams. Neil dares to stand up; Frances comes to understand that genuine remorse is more valued than money.
And as for Keith, whose favourite books are “SpeechMakers Treasure Chest Volume 1 or The Oxford Book of Aphorisms”, it is gratifying to see him progress from “if you could see there was a lot wrong, how could you not point it out?” to “he’d never realised until now that changing one thing for the better would be more valuable, more satisfying, than proving a thousand things wrong.”
The story also demonstrates how not for profit educational organisations may have both positive and negative aspects and that, as they expand, the potential exists for those in charge to forget their initial, altruistic goals and be tempted to pursue profit: they do say that power corrupts. A laugh-out-loud funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
Keith offers his mentoring to newer members free of charge (as one should!), unlike the many coaching services touting their wares at the conference; his disapproval, were he aware of his mentee, Frances Moore’s actual reasons for participating in the Championship, would be strong and vocal.
While she quite likes making speeches after the event (she’s too anxious before), Frances Moore is not particularly keen to attend but, for a number of reasons, not the least being an ultimatum from her parents that she do something more with her life than working in a supermarket deli, she needs to win the Championship. And the forty-thousand-dollar prize money would pay debt that might make her feel like a less terrible person.
Judith Stevenson’s son Neil doesn’t want to be at the conference at all, but his mother (and coach) insists that he must make a concerted effort to win, if only to endorse her coaching business, Inspire: Public Speaking and Life Coaching Services (another reason of which Keith would strongly disapprove). And guilt over a past failing is a big motivator for doing what mum wants him to.
Collette’s description of the conference (the merchandise, the volunteers, the seminars, the bonding exercises, the gala dinner) will resonate with anyone who has attended one; her depiction of the club, the hierarchy, and its members, some of whose officiousness and pedantics with respect to rules will strike a loud chord with many.
Collette’s characters, most of whom will endear themselves to the reader despite their very human quirks and flaws, will be easily recognised from among those we encounter every day, people passionate, almost evangelical, about their particular pastime. The eventual revelation of the origins of Neil’s submissive behaviour and Frances’s catastrophising involve peer-group pressure, bullying, and phone scams. Neil dares to stand up; Frances comes to understand that genuine remorse is more valued than money.
And as for Keith, whose favourite books are “SpeechMakers Treasure Chest Volume 1 or The Oxford Book of Aphorisms”, it is gratifying to see him progress from “if you could see there was a lot wrong, how could you not point it out?” to “he’d never realised until now that changing one thing for the better would be more valuable, more satisfying, than proving a thousand things wrong.”
The story also demonstrates how not for profit educational organisations may have both positive and negative aspects and that, as they expand, the potential exists for those in charge to forget their initial, altruistic goals and be tempted to pursue profit: they do say that power corrupts. A laugh-out-loud funny, moving and thought-provoking read.
Read
May 13, 2022The following book reviews have been shared by Text Publishing – publisher of The Competition
'A book centred around a collection of endearing but socially challenged misfits who need to let go of their less-than-perfect pasts in order to take control of their lives. Inspired by the author’s real-life experiences in Toastmasters, The Competition tells an amusing tale of ambition, friendship and redemption, with just a touch of romance. It will appeal to fans of heartfelt easy-reading books with quirky characters such as those by Graeme Simsion and Toni Jordan.’
Books+Publishing
'Colette’s writing is funny, propulsive and smart. She continues the compelling comedic flair of her debut, The Helpline, which also saw a complicated, “oddball” heroine portrayed in a nuanced, sensitive manner. She has been involved heavily in Toastmasters in the past – this real-life experience comes through in her storytelling – and as a reader, her evocative depictions of the cut-throat world of competitive speech-making is delightfully welcome at a time when indoor gatherings still seem like a fantasy.’
Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald
'Katherine Collette is back in fine form with The Competition, proving (in case anyone was in any doubt) that she is a skilled master of the light-hearted comedy – drawing you in, keeping you laughing, compelling you to feel emotionally invested in this quirky cast of characters...This is one I’d happily press into the hands of everyone who came into the shop, so go grab your towel, head down to the beach, and settle in with a new favourite book.’
Readings
'I definitely recommend it as a perfect balm for these weird times. It was a lot of fun to get drawn into the world of SpeechMakers. As with Collette’s first novel The Helpline, this has a cast of eccentric oddballs and insight into the inner workings of an organisation I hadn’t previously given much thought.’
Kay Kerr, Overshare
‘Warm, very funny…A lovely read.’
Fairfield Books
'It’s rare to discover a book that is hilarious, well-written AND contains a compelling message, but Katherine Collette has done it again in her second novel The Competition, a funny, tender, vulnerable and thoughtful story about a young woman who must voice her thoughts to others in order to speak to herself.’
Cass Moriarty
'(A) gently comedic novel narrated by a pair of socially awkward but endearing protagonists.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Katherine Collette’s debut, The Helpline, was one of the most delightful novels I’d read in years. So, I was thrilled to pick up her latest, The Competition. It’s another sharp, insightful Australian comedy with an unlikely rag-tag cast...This is the feel-good redemption story of the summer.’
Primer
‘Charming and darkly, vibrantly funny…The Competition tells its wholly engaging story with wit, honesty and head-tilting mischievousness.’
Sparkly Pretty Briiiight
’This book is so funny and also heart-warming and moving…It’s just really, really good.’
Sally Hepworth
'A super smart, funny, nuanced, hopeful story about beautifully flawed humans finding their voices. A total delight, just like her debut The Helpline.’
Anna Downes
‘What distinguishes The Competition is that, among the dry humour and deft plot twists, there are some compelling questions raised about ordinary and often ugly human behaviour.’
Debra Adelaide, Australian Book Review
'A book centred around a collection of endearing but socially challenged misfits who need to let go of their less-than-perfect pasts in order to take control of their lives. Inspired by the author’s real-life experiences in Toastmasters, The Competition tells an amusing tale of ambition, friendship and redemption, with just a touch of romance. It will appeal to fans of heartfelt easy-reading books with quirky characters such as those by Graeme Simsion and Toni Jordan.’
Books+Publishing
'Colette’s writing is funny, propulsive and smart. She continues the compelling comedic flair of her debut, The Helpline, which also saw a complicated, “oddball” heroine portrayed in a nuanced, sensitive manner. She has been involved heavily in Toastmasters in the past – this real-life experience comes through in her storytelling – and as a reader, her evocative depictions of the cut-throat world of competitive speech-making is delightfully welcome at a time when indoor gatherings still seem like a fantasy.’
Jessie Tu, Sydney Morning Herald
'Katherine Collette is back in fine form with The Competition, proving (in case anyone was in any doubt) that she is a skilled master of the light-hearted comedy – drawing you in, keeping you laughing, compelling you to feel emotionally invested in this quirky cast of characters...This is one I’d happily press into the hands of everyone who came into the shop, so go grab your towel, head down to the beach, and settle in with a new favourite book.’
Readings
'I definitely recommend it as a perfect balm for these weird times. It was a lot of fun to get drawn into the world of SpeechMakers. As with Collette’s first novel The Helpline, this has a cast of eccentric oddballs and insight into the inner workings of an organisation I hadn’t previously given much thought.’
Kay Kerr, Overshare
‘Warm, very funny…A lovely read.’
Fairfield Books
'It’s rare to discover a book that is hilarious, well-written AND contains a compelling message, but Katherine Collette has done it again in her second novel The Competition, a funny, tender, vulnerable and thoughtful story about a young woman who must voice her thoughts to others in order to speak to herself.’
Cass Moriarty
'(A) gently comedic novel narrated by a pair of socially awkward but endearing protagonists.’
Gemma Nisbet, West Australian
'Katherine Collette’s debut, The Helpline, was one of the most delightful novels I’d read in years. So, I was thrilled to pick up her latest, The Competition. It’s another sharp, insightful Australian comedy with an unlikely rag-tag cast...This is the feel-good redemption story of the summer.’
Primer
‘Charming and darkly, vibrantly funny…The Competition tells its wholly engaging story with wit, honesty and head-tilting mischievousness.’
Sparkly Pretty Briiiight
’This book is so funny and also heart-warming and moving…It’s just really, really good.’
Sally Hepworth
'A super smart, funny, nuanced, hopeful story about beautifully flawed humans finding their voices. A total delight, just like her debut The Helpline.’
Anna Downes
‘What distinguishes The Competition is that, among the dry humour and deft plot twists, there are some compelling questions raised about ordinary and often ugly human behaviour.’
Debra Adelaide, Australian Book Review
June 22, 2022
3-3.5
The Competition has at its core a SpeechMakers' competition. This is akin to Toastmasters. It's not a debating competition but a speech-making one.
The novel is developed through the alternating perspectives of Frances - a lost twenty-year one old woman and her mentor's, a much older and experienced speech maker - Keith. Incredibly enough, they both qualified for the finals even though they both belong to the same club.
Frances and Keith were not likeable characters - for completely different reasons.
Frances was neurotic, obsessive, petty and not a nice person.
Keith was boring and pedantic.
As it's the case with this kind of novel, there is character growth. I just didn't find Frances' journey that believable.
This was an enjoyable enough novel, no prizes from me.
The Competition has at its core a SpeechMakers' competition. This is akin to Toastmasters. It's not a debating competition but a speech-making one.
The novel is developed through the alternating perspectives of Frances - a lost twenty-year one old woman and her mentor's, a much older and experienced speech maker - Keith. Incredibly enough, they both qualified for the finals even though they both belong to the same club.
Frances and Keith were not likeable characters - for completely different reasons.
Frances was neurotic, obsessive, petty and not a nice person.
Keith was boring and pedantic.
As it's the case with this kind of novel, there is character growth. I just didn't find Frances' journey that believable.
This was an enjoyable enough novel, no prizes from me.
February 5, 2022
The Competition by Katherine Collette is a heartfelt, quirky story told from the alternating perspectives of Frances and Keith, two competitors vying for the National SpeechMakers Championship.
Both from the same Victorian club, Frances, introverted and plagued with anxiety, seems an unlikely person to have taken up public speaking, even given her need for the $40,000 prize money. Keith, a long time near-evangelical member of the organisation, is desperate to win to regain the respect of his wife.
This is a story about facing your fears, owning the truth, standing up, and finding your voice. There is humour and heartbreak, secrets and confessions as Frances and Keith learn some overdue lessons about who they have been and who they want to be. The competition it turns out, is both everything, and beside the point.
The Competition is an engaging feel good novel, with an offbeat charm.
Both from the same Victorian club, Frances, introverted and plagued with anxiety, seems an unlikely person to have taken up public speaking, even given her need for the $40,000 prize money. Keith, a long time near-evangelical member of the organisation, is desperate to win to regain the respect of his wife.
This is a story about facing your fears, owning the truth, standing up, and finding your voice. There is humour and heartbreak, secrets and confessions as Frances and Keith learn some overdue lessons about who they have been and who they want to be. The competition it turns out, is both everything, and beside the point.
The Competition is an engaging feel good novel, with an offbeat charm.
January 30, 2022
I loved the fresh perspective of Frances’s character (she has an arc you won’t expect!), and the Strictly Ballroom-vibe of a cast of characters deeply invested in a niche competition. I sincerely hope Collette has more of these feel-good redemptive stories to come.
Check out my full review of The Competition on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
Check out my full review of The Competition on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
May 18, 2022
Frances is at the SpeechMakers conference and competition because she has something she wants to do with the $40,000 prize money, and her parents have been pestering her to do something with her life. We follow Frances and a host of other quirky characters as they battle it out in this public speaking competition. It's a distinctively Australian, funny, poignant, heart-warming and relatable story.
Want to read
October 3, 2022A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Edelweiss. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Read
May 9, 2022Another entertaining and perceptive story from Katherine Collette, who does an excellent job of putting unlikely characters together on the page and gently nudging them towards their strengths without sugar-coating their weaknesses.
Collette's humour was a highlight of the novel, as was her sensitive portrayal of key social issues, making me laugh out loud, nod empathetically and at one stage, gasp as a key piece of backstory was revealed. Having never attended a Toast-Masters (or SpeechMakers) meeting, I also very much enjoyed the insight into the world of competitive speaking.
It was easy to be swept up in the drama and cheer along as teammates Frances and Keith attempted to set things right, despite their vastly different personalities and motivations.
Many thanks to Text Publishing for an early copy, this was perfect for enjoying poolside over the summer holidays. Full interview with the author at https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/kath...
Collette's humour was a highlight of the novel, as was her sensitive portrayal of key social issues, making me laugh out loud, nod empathetically and at one stage, gasp as a key piece of backstory was revealed. Having never attended a Toast-Masters (or SpeechMakers) meeting, I also very much enjoyed the insight into the world of competitive speaking.
It was easy to be swept up in the drama and cheer along as teammates Frances and Keith attempted to set things right, despite their vastly different personalities and motivations.
Many thanks to Text Publishing for an early copy, this was perfect for enjoying poolside over the summer holidays. Full interview with the author at https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/kath...
February 14, 2022
It’s rare to discover a book that is hilarious, well-written AND contains a compelling message, but Katherine Collette has done it again in her second novel The Competition (Text Publishing 2022), a funny, tender, vulnerable and thoughtful story about a young woman who must voice her thoughts to others in order to speak to herself.
Set in the dog-eat-dog world of competitive public speaking, the book is centred on an organisation called SpeechMakers, a thinly-veiled copy of the very popular worldwide ToastMasters body. Collette has done her research (including attending a three-day ToastMasters conference in the US) and highlighted all the best bits of this organisation while adding her own – fictional and very funny – downsides. In combination with a cast of engaging (and sometimes quite annoying) characters, this has resulted in an easy to read and lighthearted narrative that is comical, facetious, moving, touching and warm.
The set-up is simple. Frances is supposed to be at work behind the deli counter at her local supermarket but instead she is competing in the annual SpeechMakers national conference and competition, not because she has any great interest in public-speaking, but because for the first time, this year there is $40 000 prize money, and that would go a long way to solving some of her irritating problems. Her mentor (or ex-mentor, because apparently he is no longer speaking to her), is Keith, a long-time devotee of SpeechMakers who is not only supposed to be mentoring Frances, and competing himself, but is also disillusioned with the organisation’s current focus on profit and self-enrichment rather than altruistic self-improvement. He also hopes – as he does every year – that his success might help his troubled relationship with his wife, Linda. Doctor Neil (not really a doctor) is only competing because he thinks he owes his mother, Judy, who is a fanatical SpeechMakers coach with a side hustle in branded handicrafts, and Rebecca is someone from Frances’ past whose unexpected presence causes Frances no end of discomfort. A keenly observed story filled with a compelling cast of overachievers, underachievers and wannabe achievers, The Competition is a thoroughly enjoyable rollercoaster of hilarity.
I began this review by commenting on three aspects: the humour, the writing and the message, and how rare it is to find all three sitting comfortably side by side in a novel. Funny writing is notoriously difficult to pull off; it’s much easier to write pathos. Collette achieves comedic writing by combining wit, absurdity and satire to create characters with disturbing and achingly funny traits and dropping them in a setting that is itself full of complex opportunities for misunderstandings, competitiveness, revenge, greed, ambition and vulnerability. Anyone who has ever sat on a P and C board, a tuckshop committee or any other vaguely non-profit organisation that seems to thrive on its own enhanced view of itself and the concomitant perceived elevation of the stature of its members, will recognise the bureaucracy, the red tape, the written and unwritten rules, the power imbalances, the ongoing tussles over roles and positions, and the utter obsession of some people towards the organisation they love. Collette depicts this strange world within a world with insight and perception, through a comedic lens.
The second aspect is the writing. It is easy to assume a lighthearted book might be a lightweight read, or not as perfectly crafted, but this novel proves the opposite. Razor-sharp dialogue, great description and considered attention to the particulars of each of the characters and their backstories make The Competition a highly enjoyable and satisfying read. Like other books published by Text in a similar genre (especially The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion), readers will not only identify with the characters but also be delighted by the quality of the writing.
And thirdly, the message. While it would be easy to write a funny novel that was just that and no more, Collette has seamlessly incorporated several thought-provoking and serious issues that add poignancy, pathos and meaning to this story. The relationship between Neil and his mum is recognisable and affecting. Keith’s manner is vexingly frustrating but covers a veneer of vulnerability. Some of the other characters – Edith, Roger, Susan – are all funny but moving and recognisable caricatures. And Frances herself – the heroine of the book – goes on a journey that even she would not have expected in her wildest dreams. Forced to confront her past through her old friend Rebecca, Frances exposes questions about motivations, childhood bad behaviour, lies, friendships, regret, recognition of a wrong and making amends. She (and the reader) uncovers a distasteful side of herself that she would rather remain hidden, and yet in doing so, she becomes even more comprehensible and strangely likeable despite – or perhaps because of – her dislikeable characteristics.
And rather than ending with all these competing themes resolving, the narrative finishes on a more realistic note, with characters changed but not completely, and behaviour addressed but not to everyone’s satisfaction.
The Competition begins as a story about public speaking and rules and competitiveness, but it ends with a thoughtful meditation on personal and public ambition, friendship, self-forgiveness and challenges.
Set in the dog-eat-dog world of competitive public speaking, the book is centred on an organisation called SpeechMakers, a thinly-veiled copy of the very popular worldwide ToastMasters body. Collette has done her research (including attending a three-day ToastMasters conference in the US) and highlighted all the best bits of this organisation while adding her own – fictional and very funny – downsides. In combination with a cast of engaging (and sometimes quite annoying) characters, this has resulted in an easy to read and lighthearted narrative that is comical, facetious, moving, touching and warm.
The set-up is simple. Frances is supposed to be at work behind the deli counter at her local supermarket but instead she is competing in the annual SpeechMakers national conference and competition, not because she has any great interest in public-speaking, but because for the first time, this year there is $40 000 prize money, and that would go a long way to solving some of her irritating problems. Her mentor (or ex-mentor, because apparently he is no longer speaking to her), is Keith, a long-time devotee of SpeechMakers who is not only supposed to be mentoring Frances, and competing himself, but is also disillusioned with the organisation’s current focus on profit and self-enrichment rather than altruistic self-improvement. He also hopes – as he does every year – that his success might help his troubled relationship with his wife, Linda. Doctor Neil (not really a doctor) is only competing because he thinks he owes his mother, Judy, who is a fanatical SpeechMakers coach with a side hustle in branded handicrafts, and Rebecca is someone from Frances’ past whose unexpected presence causes Frances no end of discomfort. A keenly observed story filled with a compelling cast of overachievers, underachievers and wannabe achievers, The Competition is a thoroughly enjoyable rollercoaster of hilarity.
I began this review by commenting on three aspects: the humour, the writing and the message, and how rare it is to find all three sitting comfortably side by side in a novel. Funny writing is notoriously difficult to pull off; it’s much easier to write pathos. Collette achieves comedic writing by combining wit, absurdity and satire to create characters with disturbing and achingly funny traits and dropping them in a setting that is itself full of complex opportunities for misunderstandings, competitiveness, revenge, greed, ambition and vulnerability. Anyone who has ever sat on a P and C board, a tuckshop committee or any other vaguely non-profit organisation that seems to thrive on its own enhanced view of itself and the concomitant perceived elevation of the stature of its members, will recognise the bureaucracy, the red tape, the written and unwritten rules, the power imbalances, the ongoing tussles over roles and positions, and the utter obsession of some people towards the organisation they love. Collette depicts this strange world within a world with insight and perception, through a comedic lens.
The second aspect is the writing. It is easy to assume a lighthearted book might be a lightweight read, or not as perfectly crafted, but this novel proves the opposite. Razor-sharp dialogue, great description and considered attention to the particulars of each of the characters and their backstories make The Competition a highly enjoyable and satisfying read. Like other books published by Text in a similar genre (especially The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion), readers will not only identify with the characters but also be delighted by the quality of the writing.
And thirdly, the message. While it would be easy to write a funny novel that was just that and no more, Collette has seamlessly incorporated several thought-provoking and serious issues that add poignancy, pathos and meaning to this story. The relationship between Neil and his mum is recognisable and affecting. Keith’s manner is vexingly frustrating but covers a veneer of vulnerability. Some of the other characters – Edith, Roger, Susan – are all funny but moving and recognisable caricatures. And Frances herself – the heroine of the book – goes on a journey that even she would not have expected in her wildest dreams. Forced to confront her past through her old friend Rebecca, Frances exposes questions about motivations, childhood bad behaviour, lies, friendships, regret, recognition of a wrong and making amends. She (and the reader) uncovers a distasteful side of herself that she would rather remain hidden, and yet in doing so, she becomes even more comprehensible and strangely likeable despite – or perhaps because of – her dislikeable characteristics.
And rather than ending with all these competing themes resolving, the narrative finishes on a more realistic note, with characters changed but not completely, and behaviour addressed but not to everyone’s satisfaction.
The Competition begins as a story about public speaking and rules and competitiveness, but it ends with a thoughtful meditation on personal and public ambition, friendship, self-forgiveness and challenges.
April 13, 2022
Total snoozefest. Completely unrealistic characters, boring story and just generally forgettable. 1 star.
January 23, 2022
This is a delightful book to read. We follow a diverse group of characters as they compete in a speechmakers competition.
Each of the characters is well formed and I had no trouble believing them or their story. I am also betting that while reading the book you will recognise not only yourself in some of these characters but the people surrounding you.
There are some very funny moments in this novel but there are also some heartbreaking ones and Collette manages to navigate some hot button issues with honestly and sensitivity.
This book is well worth the time invested in reading it.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this novel.
Each of the characters is well formed and I had no trouble believing them or their story. I am also betting that while reading the book you will recognise not only yourself in some of these characters but the people surrounding you.
There are some very funny moments in this novel but there are also some heartbreaking ones and Collette manages to navigate some hot button issues with honestly and sensitivity.
This book is well worth the time invested in reading it.
Many thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a chance to read this novel.
February 22, 2024
Did not finish! Ugh! What a disaster! If my year 7 students wrote anything this boring, I would have failed as a teacher. I couldn't listen to any more than 40% of this drivel. From what I heard there is a speaking competition and Frances had issues with Rebecca. There was so much padding to stretch the 'plot' out! No, I do not care that there were several pens to use on the survey, or that the lunch table was cleared away the next time the characters walked past!!!
I like my characters to be based on real life, so when was the last time you met a Neil or Frances who was under 50? I'm guessing Frances was supposed to be neuro-diverse, but she was just plain boring with none of the quirkiness Kate Solly crafts into Meredith in Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance.
I like my characters to be based on real life, so when was the last time you met a Neil or Frances who was under 50? I'm guessing Frances was supposed to be neuro-diverse, but she was just plain boring with none of the quirkiness Kate Solly crafts into Meredith in Tuesday Evenings with the Copeton Craft Resistance.
January 16, 2023
I found this story, set over the three days of a national SpeechMakers competition, an enjoyable and compelling read... not least because I have recently started attending Toastmasters! (The author makes sure to note, however, that although Toastmasters inspired the fictional SpeechMakers, the latter's more unappealing, money-grubbing aspects were made up.) I especially enjoyed the flashbacks to Frances's past and the way that particular storyline was resolved - it felt uplifting without being saccharine. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in contemporary realistic fiction.
January 5, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and Katherine Collette for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Despite not being my usual genre I really enjoyed reading this!
The story was engaging and easy to follow. I recommend reading it!
Despite not being my usual genre I really enjoyed reading this!
The story was engaging and easy to follow. I recommend reading it!
February 17, 2022
This novel is a bit gawky, a bit awkward. It doesn't flow smoothly. I enjoyed it a lot - I was a member of Rostrum,a public speaking organisation, and so I could easily relate to the goings on. Nicely paced and unveiled. Worth keeping an eye on this author to see how she develops.
July 4, 2022
The world of competitive public speaking is a weird one. I find the thought of doing it anxiety-inducing, but clearly, there are people out there who enjoy it so much they compete against each other!
Katherine Collette brings this world to life in The Competition. The ins and outs, by-laws and hierarchy of the fictional world of SpeechMakers are all very interesting but what’s even more entertaining is the characters who gather to compete. Each has their own agenda and at times, reading about their motives and getting into their heads felt similar in tone to Liane Moriarty’s novels - with a plentiful cast of intriguing characters and some surprising twists. The ultimate reveal of Frances’s motivation was surprising, shocking & really filled in the missing pieces of the puzzle beautifully.
Humour abounds throughout & I giggled through much of the book. I especially loved Neil & the topics of his speeches really had me laughing & shaking my head at the poor guy!
With a quirky cast & a clever premise, The Competition is an entertaining, feel-good Aussie story that will have you wondering what your own speech would be about!
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book.
Katherine Collette brings this world to life in The Competition. The ins and outs, by-laws and hierarchy of the fictional world of SpeechMakers are all very interesting but what’s even more entertaining is the characters who gather to compete. Each has their own agenda and at times, reading about their motives and getting into their heads felt similar in tone to Liane Moriarty’s novels - with a plentiful cast of intriguing characters and some surprising twists. The ultimate reveal of Frances’s motivation was surprising, shocking & really filled in the missing pieces of the puzzle beautifully.
Humour abounds throughout & I giggled through much of the book. I especially loved Neil & the topics of his speeches really had me laughing & shaking my head at the poor guy!
With a quirky cast & a clever premise, The Competition is an entertaining, feel-good Aussie story that will have you wondering what your own speech would be about!
Thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book.
March 4, 2022
Katherine Collette has managed once again to capture the quirks in characters in her second book "The Competition". "The Competition" is a thoroughly enjoyable read as the competition heats up at the SpeechMakers. It is easy for the reader to find themselves immersed in the story inspired by Katherine's experience with Toastmasters, which took her to a US Toastmasters conference. The main characters Francis and Keith are unhinged, flawed and relatable. Katherine has a knack for putting together a motley crew of characters who bring out the worst and best in each other, as seen in "The Helpline". I am sure many will enjoy reading "The Competition". Well done, Katherine, on another brilliant, smart and funny read.
September 19, 2022
I wasn't expecting to become so swept up in this story and so captivated by the characters. I think, subconsciously at least, I thought because it is categorised as Humorous Fiction, that it would be more frivolous and less poignant than it was.
The story is told in the split POV of Frances — a young woman whose life has experienced a failure to launch—and Keith—an older gentleman who can't for the life of him understand why people don't appreciate the generous nature of his unsolicited critique of... everything. The setting for their tale is the Speech Maker's annual tournament in which public-speaking hobbyists battle it out for the top prize.
The humour woven throughout this story is witty and layered. The kind that sets your face into a smirk and occasionally elicits a full-blown guffaw. Rather than the gags I was expecting, the humour is sophisticated and charming. Though this story lacks what I would call traditional drama — lovers quarrels, murder plots, emotional jousting — the story is ripe with tension, high stakes and conflict. Though undoubtedly (and comically) flawed, I came to love the characters—especially Keith. Clueless, well-meaning Keith! I also really appreciated the subtle craft choices Katherine made, like writing Frances in first person and Keith in third. It somehow suited their characters and their differences in age.
The story is told in the split POV of Frances — a young woman whose life has experienced a failure to launch—and Keith—an older gentleman who can't for the life of him understand why people don't appreciate the generous nature of his unsolicited critique of... everything. The setting for their tale is the Speech Maker's annual tournament in which public-speaking hobbyists battle it out for the top prize.
The humour woven throughout this story is witty and layered. The kind that sets your face into a smirk and occasionally elicits a full-blown guffaw. Rather than the gags I was expecting, the humour is sophisticated and charming. Though this story lacks what I would call traditional drama — lovers quarrels, murder plots, emotional jousting — the story is ripe with tension, high stakes and conflict. Though undoubtedly (and comically) flawed, I came to love the characters—especially Keith. Clueless, well-meaning Keith! I also really appreciated the subtle craft choices Katherine made, like writing Frances in first person and Keith in third. It somehow suited their characters and their differences in age.
February 3, 2022
The Competition is a gentle story about big emotions. It is full of life lessons, but readers never feel schooled; just their hearts and minds broadened.
Reviewers of novels with strong leads often also praise complementary ensemble casts. But it is truly the ensemble that takes lead-billing in Katherine Collette’s fiction. While the characters in her laugh-out-loud debut The Helpline were sharply defined, in this second standalone novel she has taken a more subtle and nuanced approach with her character development arcs.
In The Competition, Frances, Keith, Neil and Judy each carry a burden of judgement; that of family, friends, colleagues and likely even the reading audience, initially. But Collette takes both audience and her eclectic bunch of characters on a path of self-acknowledgement that we all judge people, superficially and often unfairly. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
Reviewers of novels with strong leads often also praise complementary ensemble casts. But it is truly the ensemble that takes lead-billing in Katherine Collette’s fiction. While the characters in her laugh-out-loud debut The Helpline were sharply defined, in this second standalone novel she has taken a more subtle and nuanced approach with her character development arcs.
In The Competition, Frances, Keith, Neil and Judy each carry a burden of judgement; that of family, friends, colleagues and likely even the reading audience, initially. But Collette takes both audience and her eclectic bunch of characters on a path of self-acknowledgement that we all judge people, superficially and often unfairly. Continue reading: https://www.bookloverbookreviews.com/...
January 31, 2022
FULL DISCLOSURE: Katherine Collette is an author at my literary agency, s0 take that as you will - but also picture my chuffed little face pressing this book into your hands and saying "trust me!
I just saw someone on Goodreads describe it as having ‘Strictly Ballroom’ vibes for being about a niche competition that’s hilariously high-stakes for the people directly involved and all the more amusing for us (the readers/bystanders) who likewise get swept up in the drama of it all. And ... accurate!
It has Abbi Waxman vibes (if you loved 'The Bookish Life of Nina Hill') I also get Toni Jordan feels from Katherine Collette's writing (I *adore* Toni Jordan, this is very big endorsement from me - especially her 'Addition', 'Fall Girl' and 'Tine Useless Hearts'!)
Oh my gosh, I loved this! I love Katherine’s feel-good writing that brings such humanity and humour to the page through oddball characters who slowly learn to become their own community. Love, love, love!
And a book about standing up and finding your voice? Everyone needs this story.
I just saw someone on Goodreads describe it as having ‘Strictly Ballroom’ vibes for being about a niche competition that’s hilariously high-stakes for the people directly involved and all the more amusing for us (the readers/bystanders) who likewise get swept up in the drama of it all. And ... accurate!
It has Abbi Waxman vibes (if you loved 'The Bookish Life of Nina Hill') I also get Toni Jordan feels from Katherine Collette's writing (I *adore* Toni Jordan, this is very big endorsement from me - especially her 'Addition', 'Fall Girl' and 'Tine Useless Hearts'!)
Oh my gosh, I loved this! I love Katherine’s feel-good writing that brings such humanity and humour to the page through oddball characters who slowly learn to become their own community. Love, love, love!
And a book about standing up and finding your voice? Everyone needs this story.
March 1, 2022
This is an absolutely charming book full of endearing characters and genuine laugh out loud moments. I found it an easy read due to the fast and engaging pace. The story sweeps the reader into the competitive world of SpeechMakers (loosely based on Toastmasters) and the three days of their National Championship. Swapping between the two main protagonists, prickly finalist Frances and her possibly ex-mentor and co-finalist Keith, works really well. Their reasons for wanting to win may be different but ultimately their need to atone for their past actions makes them more alike than they realise. Collette is brilliant at creating everyday, engaging characters with recognisable quirks and flaws. The minor characters are equally strong which makes for an enjoyable read. This is a story about facing your fears and finding your voice. It reminds me (very positively!) of ‘The Castle’ and ‘Strictly Ballroom’. I hope it is optioned because it would be a thoroughly entertaining movie! Highly recommended.
August 13, 2022
Hundreds of people have gathered in Brisbane for the National Speechmakers Public Speaking Championship. Amongst the Melbourne contingent are Keith, a 36 year member, yet to make the final ten contestants, and Frances, a young woman with little experience but a lot of ambition. Keith is also her “mentor”. This year for the first time the winner will receive forty thousand dollars. Under the control of new CEO Susan Ralph (daughter of the founder of Speechmakers), and silver-tongued former National Champion, Roger Hildebrand, the Speechmakers has quickly morphed into a moneymaking exercise, a direction that troubles Keith excessively: Keith is a traditionalist, rules kind of guy. Frances on the other hand only wants to win so she can make reparations to a (former) friend she had wronged in the past. Unfortunately for Frances, said ex-friend is a volunteer at the Championship, and her presence, Frances feels will throw her off her best game. Frances could be described as a catastrophic. There are plenty of often humorous twists and turns to ensure Collette’s follow up to The Helpline a success. (If you haven’t read The Helpline, do yourself a favour…)
June 12, 2022
2This is the First book I read of Katherine's I loved the story really interesting how a Speech Makers Competition works.
The Characters were all so interesting and some of them had some Quirky Traits.
It was Serious, Funny, and Sad .
Good and Bad Descions were made and made the Characters reconsider things that hadhappened in the past and confront them
And be honest to themselves and others.
I would highly recommend this book as,a Awesome read I read it in two days it wasa real page turner.
I am going to a Book Event of Katherine's can't wait to meet her get my book signed and hopefully a.
Fingers Crossed.photo😀😀💖
The Characters were all so interesting and some of them had some Quirky Traits.
It was Serious, Funny, and Sad .
Good and Bad Descions were made and made the Characters reconsider things that hadhappened in the past and confront them
And be honest to themselves and others.
I would highly recommend this book as,a Awesome read I read it in two days it wasa real page turner.
I am going to a Book Event of Katherine's can't wait to meet her get my book signed and hopefully a.
Fingers Crossed.photo😀😀💖
Read
March 22, 2022I really do enjoy a quirky character and am very happy to add Keith and Frances to my list of lovable quirksters. This is a highly enjoyable story of people who love public speaking but only find success when they learn how to speak what's truly in their hearts. Oh - and there's a bullying story that's quite horrifying but also strangely amusing - and this story alone is worth the price of admission. Katherine Collette has done a wonderful job here of interweaving back story at exactly the right moment, offering tasty morsels that entice the reader to keep going. Really well done.
February 3, 2022
The Competition begins with a collection of characters that a psychologist would describe as interesting
clients. The gloves are off with no holds barred as everyone's own agender comes into play deciding the yearly Champion Toastmaster. I am sure there are many people you will have met and recognised in real life while reading this wonderful story.
An independent review NetGalley /Text Printing
clients. The gloves are off with no holds barred as everyone's own agender comes into play deciding the yearly Champion Toastmaster. I am sure there are many people you will have met and recognised in real life while reading this wonderful story.
An independent review NetGalley /Text Printing
February 6, 2022
The Competition begins with a collection of characters that a psychologist would describe as interesting
clients. The gloves are off with no holds barred as everyone's own agender comes into play deciding the yearly Champion Toastmaster. I am sure there are many people you will have met and recognised in real life while reading this wonderful story.
An independent review NetGalley /Text Printing
clients. The gloves are off with no holds barred as everyone's own agender comes into play deciding the yearly Champion Toastmaster. I am sure there are many people you will have met and recognised in real life while reading this wonderful story.
An independent review NetGalley /Text Printing
August 16, 2022
As dull as it is predictable... I didn't care for either of the cliche filled, self-centred main characters but I skipped to the end just to see if it was as predictable as it obviously was and . It actually would make an okay, low budget, ABC series though.
September 26, 2022
Think I am adding a new author to my favorites list. After reading Her first novel, The Helpline, I was intrigued enough to find this second book. Again, she peppers her writing with quirky, sometime maladjusted but fully developed characters. This was great fun and yes, there are even some compelling topics that one can apply to their own life. Looking forward to more from this author
December 7, 2022
If Collette's Helpline is as funny and as enjoyable as this, I will have to put it on my 'must read' list.
In most books of this type the reader can guess the outcome, not only the ending but the result of the sub-plots. I was surprised a lot in reading
THE COMPETITION. Thank you Katherine, a light and enjoyable read. Amusing, right through to the acknowledgments.
In most books of this type the reader can guess the outcome, not only the ending but the result of the sub-plots. I was surprised a lot in reading
THE COMPETITION. Thank you Katherine, a light and enjoyable read. Amusing, right through to the acknowledgments.
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