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Chart Throb
Chart Throb.The ultimate pop quest. Ninety five thousand hopefuls. Three judges. Just one winner. And that's Calvin Simms, the genius behind the show. Calvin always wins because Calvin writes the rules. But this year, as he sits smugly in judgement upon the mingers, clingers and blingers whom he has pre-selected in his carefully scripted 'search' for a star, he has no idea that the rules are changing. The 'real' is about to be put back into 'reality' television and Calvin and his fellow judges (the nation's favourite mum and the other bloke) are about to become ex-factors themselves.Ben Elton, author of Popcorn and Dead Famous returns to blistering comic satire with a savagely hilarious deconstruction of the world of modern television talent shows.Chart Throb. One winner. A whole bunch of losers.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2006
66 people are currently reading
1018 people want to read
About the author
Ben Elton
57 books1,456 followersBen Elton was born on 3 May 1959, in Catford, South London. The youngest of four, he went to Godalming Grammar School, joined amateur dramatic societies and wrote his first play at 15. He wanted to be a stagehand at the local theatre, but instead did A-Level Theatre Studies and studied drama at Manchester University in 1977.
His career as both performer and writer encompasses some of the most memorable and incisive comedy of the past twenty years. His groundbreaking work as a TV stand-up comedian set the (high) standard of what was to follow. He has received accolades for his hit TV sitcoms, The Young Ones, Blackadder and The Thin Blue Line.
More recently he has had successes with three hit West End musicals, including the global phenomenon We Will Rock You. He has written three plays for the London stage, including the multi-award-winning Popcorn. Ben's international bestselling novels include Stark, Inconceivable, Dead Famous and High Society. He won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award for the novel Popcorn.
Elton lives in Perth with his Aussie wife Sophie and three children.
His career as both performer and writer encompasses some of the most memorable and incisive comedy of the past twenty years. His groundbreaking work as a TV stand-up comedian set the (high) standard of what was to follow. He has received accolades for his hit TV sitcoms, The Young Ones, Blackadder and The Thin Blue Line.
More recently he has had successes with three hit West End musicals, including the global phenomenon We Will Rock You. He has written three plays for the London stage, including the multi-award-winning Popcorn. Ben's international bestselling novels include Stark, Inconceivable, Dead Famous and High Society. He won the Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger Award for the novel Popcorn.
Elton lives in Perth with his Aussie wife Sophie and three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
August 26, 2023
While I'm not so keen on Ben Eltons' recent works, I love his older stuff, and he has an insight into pop culture that I'm here for.
We've all watched X Factory, The Voice, Pop Stars along with many other 'reality' shows like Big Brother, I'm a Celebrity get me out of here etc etc, so you know Chart Throb. You're familiar with the setup, you know the judges, so let's go behind the scenes.
I'm not sure if this book is depressing or hilarious. It feels like satire, but it's probably pretty accurate. What I do know is that alongside my love of reality TV, there's something that sits in my peripheral vision that's uncomfortable, and Elton zeroed in on that.
Some books change the way you see the world. This one will change the way I watch a reality show.
Four stars, a little longer than it needed to be, could have had 50-70 page cut, but that aside, I cringingly enjoyed this one.
We've all watched X Factory, The Voice, Pop Stars along with many other 'reality' shows like Big Brother, I'm a Celebrity get me out of here etc etc, so you know Chart Throb. You're familiar with the setup, you know the judges, so let's go behind the scenes.
I'm not sure if this book is depressing or hilarious. It feels like satire, but it's probably pretty accurate. What I do know is that alongside my love of reality TV, there's something that sits in my peripheral vision that's uncomfortable, and Elton zeroed in on that.
Some books change the way you see the world. This one will change the way I watch a reality show.
Four stars, a little longer than it needed to be, could have had 50-70 page cut, but that aside, I cringingly enjoyed this one.
November 26, 2019
Chart Throb, a stand alone by Ben Elton published 2006.
This is Ben Elton at his best here.
At its heart this story is a hilarious finger pointing exposé of what is known as reality TV talent quests.
When Calvin Simms, the brain behind and executive producer of the mega hit TV series ‘Chart Throbs’, wife of two weeks tells him that she is going to divorce him and take half of his considerable wealth, Calvin just smiles and says “you think”. “I’ll tell what I’ll do” he says “I’ll bet you that I can get anybody you nominate to win Chart Throb and if I lose you get everything and if you lose you get nothing”. This was just too tempting an offer to turn down so she agrees to the bet and nominates HRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles to be the next winner of Chart Throb.
What follows is, is a hilarious but often sadly pathetic look at how the shows producers manipulate, not only, the contestants but also the viewing public, into getting exactly the outcome they are looking for. On this occasion that outcome being that Prince Charles is this years winner of Chart Throb.
Ben Elton turns his considerable comedic talent to serve up a veritable tongue lashing to what is laughingly called reality TV.
A vastly entertaining fun read ‘and it’s a yes from me’ 4 stars.
This is Ben Elton at his best here.
At its heart this story is a hilarious finger pointing exposé of what is known as reality TV talent quests.
When Calvin Simms, the brain behind and executive producer of the mega hit TV series ‘Chart Throbs’, wife of two weeks tells him that she is going to divorce him and take half of his considerable wealth, Calvin just smiles and says “you think”. “I’ll tell what I’ll do” he says “I’ll bet you that I can get anybody you nominate to win Chart Throb and if I lose you get everything and if you lose you get nothing”. This was just too tempting an offer to turn down so she agrees to the bet and nominates HRH the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles to be the next winner of Chart Throb.
What follows is, is a hilarious but often sadly pathetic look at how the shows producers manipulate, not only, the contestants but also the viewing public, into getting exactly the outcome they are looking for. On this occasion that outcome being that Prince Charles is this years winner of Chart Throb.
Ben Elton turns his considerable comedic talent to serve up a veritable tongue lashing to what is laughingly called reality TV.
A vastly entertaining fun read ‘and it’s a yes from me’ 4 stars.
March 22, 2012
After reading "Chart Throb", by Ben Elton, I don't think I will ever be able to watch a reality tv series again. I feel kind of dirty and want to cry. It rings so true that it is almost upsetting.
The story revolves around the producer of a hit reality television show similiar to Idol or X Factor. The book focuses on the manipulation used to make the show such a success, the scripting of events, the frankensteining of interviews, the general lack of conscience exhibited by the staff of the show as the exploit contestant after contestant.
The manipulation of the characters was horrendous, and yet I struggle to believe that it is really fiction. I am kind of left with the feeling that that must be the way it is... and that sickens me.
I am fast becoming a fan of Ben Elton, his novels just seem to hang around in my mind for days and weeks. He creates the most realistic visuals that I can't seem to forget, and he seems to have such an understanding of the human pysche. Ben Elton writes unforgettable books.. Funny, dark, and always deep.
The story revolves around the producer of a hit reality television show similiar to Idol or X Factor. The book focuses on the manipulation used to make the show such a success, the scripting of events, the frankensteining of interviews, the general lack of conscience exhibited by the staff of the show as the exploit contestant after contestant.
The manipulation of the characters was horrendous, and yet I struggle to believe that it is really fiction. I am kind of left with the feeling that that must be the way it is... and that sickens me.
I am fast becoming a fan of Ben Elton, his novels just seem to hang around in my mind for days and weeks. He creates the most realistic visuals that I can't seem to forget, and he seems to have such an understanding of the human pysche. Ben Elton writes unforgettable books.. Funny, dark, and always deep.
March 24, 2020
Another biting satire, slash, dark comedy, looking at the world of faux reality, celebs and pop talent TV shows… very believable and biting. Ben tears apart the reality TV competition process for all to see, but inadvertently the story just looks like a personal attack on the UK TV show X-Factor and The Osbournes! As ever Elton's one dimensional characterisations pump up the satire/comedy, but overall reduce the book to a stand-up telling a load of sketches. Still gives a lot of insight into reality TV... if you want it? A strong 6 out of 12.
October 20, 2023
Завжди знала, що всі ці ток-шоу типу "Х-фактор" мене намахують. Тільки не знала, як) От, тепер знаю.
"Пульсація" - це мега-хітове пісенне шоу, яке збирає тисячі учасників і мільйони переглядів. Оцінюють його троє суддів: Келвін, цинічний керівник, що раптово закохався в просту дівчину; Беріл, колишній рок-співак, а тепер супер-мамця; і третій - Родні, стурбований лиш тим, щоб його помітили. Ще маємо з дюжину конкурсантів, серед яких прибиральниця, стриптизер, сліпий музикант і принц вельський; та з десяток трудяг, яких не мучить совість, коли вони роблять з цих конкурсантів картинку для глядача.
Головне правило цього шоу: необов'язково вміти співати, щоб бути зіркою. Друге правило: якщо хтось вміє співати, то необов'язково дійде до фіналу. Третє правило: монтуй шоу так, як тобі вигідно.
Спочатку підглядати за лаштунки цього дійства було кумедно. Усі ці витівки як зробити біле з чорного і навпаки здавались дуже дотепними та блискучими. А в кінці книги я раптом зрозуміла, що я надзвичайно добра, моральна та людяна особистість, практично мати Тереза😂😂😂 на відміну від деяких персонажів)
Якщо говорити про книжку в цифрах, то:
Рівень привабливості суддів 6/10
Рівень учасників шоу: 4/10
Рівень романтичної напруги 8/10
Рівень іронії та сарказму 10/10
Рівень цинізму 100/10
Що ж, книга мені сподобалась. Чекаю наступних перекладів Бена Елтона українською. Він, доречі, не тільки письменник, а ще комік та один зі сценаристів серіалу "Містер Бін".
"Пульсація" - це мега-хітове пісенне шоу, яке збирає тисячі учасників і мільйони переглядів. Оцінюють його троє суддів: Келвін, цинічний керівник, що раптово закохався в просту дівчину; Беріл, колишній рок-співак, а тепер супер-мамця; і третій - Родні, стурбований лиш тим, щоб його помітили. Ще маємо з дюжину конкурсантів, серед яких прибиральниця, стриптизер, сліпий музикант і принц вельський; та з десяток трудяг, яких не мучить совість, коли вони роблять з цих конкурсантів картинку для глядача.
Головне правило цього шоу: необов'язково вміти співати, щоб бути зіркою. Друге правило: якщо хтось вміє співати, то необов'язково дійде до фіналу. Третє правило: монтуй шоу так, як тобі вигідно.
Спочатку підглядати за лаштунки цього дійства було кумедно. Усі ці витівки як зробити біле з чорного і навпаки здавались дуже дотепними та блискучими. А в кінці книги я раптом зрозуміла, що я надзвичайно добра, моральна та людяна особистість, практично мати Тереза😂😂😂 на відміну від деяких персонажів)
Якщо говорити про книжку в цифрах, то:
Рівень привабливості суддів 6/10
Рівень учасників шоу: 4/10
Рівень романтичної напруги 8/10
Рівень іронії та сарказму 10/10
Рівень цинізму 100/10
Що ж, книга мені сподобалась. Чекаю наступних перекладів Бена Елтона українською. Він, доречі, не тільки письменник, а ще комік та один зі сценаристів серіалу "Містер Бін".
May 25, 2025
Розумію майстерність автора у відтворенні залаштунків подібного шоу, сатиру, проте не можу забути, наскільки це неприємно було читати.
Фінал здивував 😱 Мені було всеодно, хто пройде у фінал чи виграє шоу, хоча автор від початку означив канву сюжету. Проте твіст із Шаяною був цікавим 😅
Фінал здивував 😱 Мені було всеодно, хто пройде у фінал чи виграє шоу, хоча автор від початку означив канву сюжету. Проте твіст із Шаяною був цікавим 😅
August 16, 2023
Це було відверто дивне чтиво. І не завжди веселе, як я хотіла. До 210 сторінки ще було непогано, але далі автор почав повторювати все те саме раз за разом, і бажання читати трохи зникало.
Також, сюжет трохи недосконалий, мене бісило як часто автор додавай якийсь новий хід, а потім просто забивав на це.
Плюс, найгірше, що може зробити автор – це бути лінивим і, замість нормально описаного кінця, дати просто перелік, ніби зі списку, де такий-то персонаж, зробив те і те. І Бен Елтон таки ще той лінюх.
Підсумовуючи: загалом може бути, але не вражає і радила б чисто фанатам різних телешоу.
Також, сюжет трохи недосконалий, мене бісило як часто автор додавай якийсь новий хід, а потім просто забивав на це.
Плюс, найгірше, що може зробити автор – це бути лінивим і, замість нормально описаного кінця, дати просто перелік, ніби зі списку, де такий-то персонаж, зробив те і те. І Бен Елтон таки ще той лінюх.
Підсумовуючи: загалом може бути, але не вражає і радила б чисто фанатам різних телешоу.
August 22, 2012
This book is essential reading for everyone in the world who has ever watched and enjoyed a reality television ‘talent’ show.
Seriously. If you love them, it will open your eyes to how foolish you have been in trusting them, and if you are already a sceptic, you will enjoy the fantastically witty way in which Elton rips into them.
Chart Throb is name of the most popular reality TV talent contest on the air in the UK as our novel opens. The mastermind behind it, Calvin Simms, is Simon Cowell, but meaner, more manipulative and savvy. He has a bit of a problem. He has just gotten married to a southern belle who reveals she wants a divorce as soon as they return to his mansion from their honeymoon. Of course, being an expert gold-digger, she plans to take him for at least half his wealth and he is having none of it. So he makes a desperate deal. He will give her ALL of his money if he fails to manipulate the public into crowing a person of her choice as the Chart Throb winner in the upcoming series. But if he can make the hapless person win, she gets absolutely nothing.
Dakota, his money-minded wife sees an opportunity and takes it, choosing one of the most hated men in Britain as her ‘winner’. He just happens to be His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
As you might expect, this story is of this series of Chart Throb in which we see a master manipulator at work, getting contestants and viewers alike to perform for him like puppets in order to save his fortune. But it is much more than this.
Elton weaves in a huge cast of characters, populating the novel with an array of colourful contestants (the “blingers, clingers and mingers” but not necessarily singers) including a desperate girl on the edge who “wants it so much”, a loved up duo which happens to include a vocally-talentless blind man, an aging male stripper, and a couple of teenaged bimbos, one of whom suffers an eating disorder.
Some serious issues hide underneath the mockery, including the exploitation of vulnerable people, the risks of the pursuit of fame and how one should never trust the media for a fair representation.
Aiding Simms in his judging of the talentless masses, are a British rocker whose sex change has made him into Beryl Blenheim, a Sharon Osbourne-esque reality television star and ‘mother’ of the year to a pop-star wannabe teenage daughter with a failing album, and Rodney Root – a former music mogul who longs for publicity and fame, while suffering from being the boring third judge. Hosting is Keely, a perky, pretty shoulder for the failed contestants to cry on – a mish-mash of Cat Deeley and Kate Thornton, hosts of So You Think You Can Dance, and X Factor respectively.
Now, I do really like this book. So much in fact that I got through the 464 pages within a day, laughing out loud several times.
As someone who used to love these ‘talent’ contests and who recently, (by way of the latest series of X Factor in the UK) has become very disillusioned with the idea, I felt validated by this book. It made so much sense, was funny, smart and bold. Though out in 2006, this book covers so many issues that were raised in the just-finished X Factor series, such as vote-rigging, judges keeping in talentless, unpopular contestants to keep in controversial, and editing to make contestants seem better or worse to the audience. Which is why everyone who loves X Factor should read this book as it points everything out, but in a way that won’t make loyal fans rush to defend the show.
The pacing is brilliant, hooking the reader in with a glimpse of a character called Shaiana, crying her eyes out on an episode of Chart Throb with Keely cajoling her into uttering those clichéd phrases. “I want it so much. It’s my dream.” Then introducing us to Calvin and his plot line, then to Beryl and her US fly-on-the-wall TV show a la The Osbournes, and to desperate Rodney Root trying to cling to fame. Then we meet the crew behind the scenes, researchers and assistants Emma, Trent and Chelsea, who go through the task of finding the ‘blingers’ ‘clingers’ and ‘mingers’ for the show. Just as you think too much is going on, it switches back to Calvin’s storyline, or to HRH the Prince of Wales, or to the research team. Then some contestants get their stories introduced.
Despite sounding like all these characters and their threads are all over the place they do all come together. It’s seamless at times, and I often found that as I was starting to grow tired with one scene, the next chapter would take me back to something interesting.
Some things did bother me though. Firstly, the name dropping of people such as Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh – though necessary to show that the characters were not these people but parodies of them, took me out of the story a bit at first. I found myself wondering what happened to them to make these replacements bigger than them. I mean, it’s a little difficult to think of anyone being ‘Mr Nasty’ but Simon Cowell, and he’s not exactly going to go away even if his TV shows lose in the ratings. But that aside, the parodies are so well done I can forgive Elton this little thing.
Also, as it was released in 2006, 2 full years before ‘Saint’ Cheryl Cole became a judge on the X Factor, I can forgive the lack of Cheryl-Bashing. I really would have loved to see him rip into her though, as she is perfect for parodying.
The ending was so full of twists I was almost left confused. Almost. In the end it finishes both surprisingly and predictably, if that is even possible. It’s rather clever. As was the characterisation of HRH The Prince of Wales. Close enough to the real thing to be funny, but different enough and flattering enough to prevent an angry Royal. I bet even he laughed at himself if he ever read this book.
Overall, the comedy was perfect, as you come to expect from such a celebrated comic as Ben Elton. With Blackadder, The Young Ones, Maybe Baby and We Will Rock You to his name, it is inevitable that he will create enough laughs. He does get his point across though.
He really gets it to hit home just how ridiculous reality television talent shows are.
So after reading this, a book given to me as an unexpected Christmas gift and devoured within a day of me receiving it, I will most definitely be giving ben Elton’s other novels a go.
Entertaining, thought provoking and just so very, very funny!
Seriously. If you love them, it will open your eyes to how foolish you have been in trusting them, and if you are already a sceptic, you will enjoy the fantastically witty way in which Elton rips into them.
Chart Throb is name of the most popular reality TV talent contest on the air in the UK as our novel opens. The mastermind behind it, Calvin Simms, is Simon Cowell, but meaner, more manipulative and savvy. He has a bit of a problem. He has just gotten married to a southern belle who reveals she wants a divorce as soon as they return to his mansion from their honeymoon. Of course, being an expert gold-digger, she plans to take him for at least half his wealth and he is having none of it. So he makes a desperate deal. He will give her ALL of his money if he fails to manipulate the public into crowing a person of her choice as the Chart Throb winner in the upcoming series. But if he can make the hapless person win, she gets absolutely nothing.
Dakota, his money-minded wife sees an opportunity and takes it, choosing one of the most hated men in Britain as her ‘winner’. He just happens to be His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.
As you might expect, this story is of this series of Chart Throb in which we see a master manipulator at work, getting contestants and viewers alike to perform for him like puppets in order to save his fortune. But it is much more than this.
Elton weaves in a huge cast of characters, populating the novel with an array of colourful contestants (the “blingers, clingers and mingers” but not necessarily singers) including a desperate girl on the edge who “wants it so much”, a loved up duo which happens to include a vocally-talentless blind man, an aging male stripper, and a couple of teenaged bimbos, one of whom suffers an eating disorder.
Some serious issues hide underneath the mockery, including the exploitation of vulnerable people, the risks of the pursuit of fame and how one should never trust the media for a fair representation.
Aiding Simms in his judging of the talentless masses, are a British rocker whose sex change has made him into Beryl Blenheim, a Sharon Osbourne-esque reality television star and ‘mother’ of the year to a pop-star wannabe teenage daughter with a failing album, and Rodney Root – a former music mogul who longs for publicity and fame, while suffering from being the boring third judge. Hosting is Keely, a perky, pretty shoulder for the failed contestants to cry on – a mish-mash of Cat Deeley and Kate Thornton, hosts of So You Think You Can Dance, and X Factor respectively.
Now, I do really like this book. So much in fact that I got through the 464 pages within a day, laughing out loud several times.
As someone who used to love these ‘talent’ contests and who recently, (by way of the latest series of X Factor in the UK) has become very disillusioned with the idea, I felt validated by this book. It made so much sense, was funny, smart and bold. Though out in 2006, this book covers so many issues that were raised in the just-finished X Factor series, such as vote-rigging, judges keeping in talentless, unpopular contestants to keep in controversial, and editing to make contestants seem better or worse to the audience. Which is why everyone who loves X Factor should read this book as it points everything out, but in a way that won’t make loyal fans rush to defend the show.
The pacing is brilliant, hooking the reader in with a glimpse of a character called Shaiana, crying her eyes out on an episode of Chart Throb with Keely cajoling her into uttering those clichéd phrases. “I want it so much. It’s my dream.” Then introducing us to Calvin and his plot line, then to Beryl and her US fly-on-the-wall TV show a la The Osbournes, and to desperate Rodney Root trying to cling to fame. Then we meet the crew behind the scenes, researchers and assistants Emma, Trent and Chelsea, who go through the task of finding the ‘blingers’ ‘clingers’ and ‘mingers’ for the show. Just as you think too much is going on, it switches back to Calvin’s storyline, or to HRH the Prince of Wales, or to the research team. Then some contestants get their stories introduced.
Despite sounding like all these characters and their threads are all over the place they do all come together. It’s seamless at times, and I often found that as I was starting to grow tired with one scene, the next chapter would take me back to something interesting.
Some things did bother me though. Firstly, the name dropping of people such as Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh – though necessary to show that the characters were not these people but parodies of them, took me out of the story a bit at first. I found myself wondering what happened to them to make these replacements bigger than them. I mean, it’s a little difficult to think of anyone being ‘Mr Nasty’ but Simon Cowell, and he’s not exactly going to go away even if his TV shows lose in the ratings. But that aside, the parodies are so well done I can forgive Elton this little thing.
Also, as it was released in 2006, 2 full years before ‘Saint’ Cheryl Cole became a judge on the X Factor, I can forgive the lack of Cheryl-Bashing. I really would have loved to see him rip into her though, as she is perfect for parodying.
The ending was so full of twists I was almost left confused. Almost. In the end it finishes both surprisingly and predictably, if that is even possible. It’s rather clever. As was the characterisation of HRH The Prince of Wales. Close enough to the real thing to be funny, but different enough and flattering enough to prevent an angry Royal. I bet even he laughed at himself if he ever read this book.
Overall, the comedy was perfect, as you come to expect from such a celebrated comic as Ben Elton. With Blackadder, The Young Ones, Maybe Baby and We Will Rock You to his name, it is inevitable that he will create enough laughs. He does get his point across though.
He really gets it to hit home just how ridiculous reality television talent shows are.
So after reading this, a book given to me as an unexpected Christmas gift and devoured within a day of me receiving it, I will most definitely be giving ben Elton’s other novels a go.
Entertaining, thought provoking and just so very, very funny!
October 21, 2010
In this parody of popular talent shows, Ben Elton's writing has become way too formulaic. Like most Elton novels, this one starts with a dramatic flash forward, in this case the tear on the cheek of one of the contestants in the final. Then, like in all other Elton novels, we travel back in time and lots of characters are introduced. Many of those are the contestants in the show and a lot of attention also goes to the jury, all three of which are absolute assholes. You can imagine all those people coming together at some moment, thus creating a story. That doesn't happen until the last chapter, so saying that this book has a rather long build-up is a major understatement. The actual ending is the biggest, most forced and terribly unlikely anticlimax that I have ever read.
What is lacking in this bok is the humour you usually expect from Elton. Except for a few descriptions of some of the more pathetic candidates, the book is drowned in the way too serious tone with which Elton wants to kick everyone a conscience.
Furthermore, there is the totally unnecessary plot element of the Prince of Wales taking part in the singing contest. As if he has been paid by Buckingham Palace, Elton presents this old aristocrat as a good natured bloke with his heart in the right spot and as someone who can actually sing very well. Can this be written by the same guy who collaborated on "Blackadder"?
So let's not waste more words, this is an awful book that is way too preachy and that just follows the structure of every other Elton book, while lacking the humour that makes it worth you while. I can think of only one redeeming quality: the machinations behind the screen of such a talent contest have been quite convincingly described, and it is impossible to view such shows afterwards without seeing through all the make-believe and the scenario that is created by the redactionists.
But apart from that, "Chart Throb" can only be a huge disappointment for any Elton fan, and a reason not to read anything else by him for all new readers.
What is lacking in this bok is the humour you usually expect from Elton. Except for a few descriptions of some of the more pathetic candidates, the book is drowned in the way too serious tone with which Elton wants to kick everyone a conscience.
Furthermore, there is the totally unnecessary plot element of the Prince of Wales taking part in the singing contest. As if he has been paid by Buckingham Palace, Elton presents this old aristocrat as a good natured bloke with his heart in the right spot and as someone who can actually sing very well. Can this be written by the same guy who collaborated on "Blackadder"?
So let's not waste more words, this is an awful book that is way too preachy and that just follows the structure of every other Elton book, while lacking the humour that makes it worth you while. I can think of only one redeeming quality: the machinations behind the screen of such a talent contest have been quite convincingly described, and it is impossible to view such shows afterwards without seeing through all the make-believe and the scenario that is created by the redactionists.
But apart from that, "Chart Throb" can only be a huge disappointment for any Elton fan, and a reason not to read anything else by him for all new readers.
March 15, 2023
три з великою натяжкою. я, так би мовити, прожила цю книжку, як полюбляє казати одна з героїнь, але не думаю, що сюжет запам’ятаю надовго.
таке відчуття, що автор вирішив втиснути як можна більше подій і героїв у книгу, але це спрацювало не на якість. кінець взагалі місцями виглядає як сюр, ніби: «а зараз я напишу якийсь крінжовий крінж».
мені подобається тема створення реаліті-шоу, і можу припустити, що десь є схожі на правду події та підходи. але у цій книзі все занадто гіперболізоване. хочеться вірити, що телевізійники не настільки неемпатійні мудаки, в яких взагалі відсутні почуття та співчуття.
задумка класна, реалізація – не дуже.
таке відчуття, що автор вирішив втиснути як можна більше подій і героїв у книгу, але це спрацювало не на якість. кінець взагалі місцями виглядає як сюр, ніби: «а зараз я напишу якийсь крінжовий крінж».
мені подобається тема створення реаліті-шоу, і можу припустити, що десь є схожі на правду події та підходи. але у цій книзі все занадто гіперболізоване. хочеться вірити, що телевізійники не настільки неемпатійні мудаки, в яких взагалі відсутні почуття та співчуття.
задумка класна, реалізація – не дуже.
May 10, 2014
This started off quite promising, but got so bogged down in so many different stories and so much detail. Some of it I just skipped over because it was so boring, despite the fact that the subject matter interested me. I would've enjoyed this more about 5 years ago I think.
I did give this 2 stars but then I remembered about the Prince of Wales subplot and OH GOD that was just so bad, so I'm knocking a star off. Utterly unnecessary and the whole thing was so hard to believe.
I did give this 2 stars but then I remembered about the Prince of Wales subplot and OH GOD that was just so bad, so I'm knocking a star off. Utterly unnecessary and the whole thing was so hard to believe.
January 2, 2010
I read up to page 117 and stopped. I actually found a review that precisely says what I think about this book so i'm going to paste it below; because honestly, it's not worth my time writing my own review.
"The point of the satire seems to be that these competitive reality shows are obviously highly engineered. The problem is, that point is so obvious that it's hard to be terribly interested in such an easy target, presented in such an easy fashion.
Chart Top is bloated with a variety of other subplots and contestants, who all fall into Calvin's categories of "Mingers, Clingers, and Blingers," and good lord do the characters ever repeat that phrase as if it were hilarious, every single time.
The contestants represent all the range of ego, delusion, anorexia, pathos, and questionable talent that you'd expect from the average reality show. The Prince of Wales is one of them, a pawn in a bet between Calvin and his soon-to-be-ex-wife to see if he can truly manipulate the audience into choosing his preferred winner.
The Prince is presumably a caricature of the current holder of that title, but while I'm no Brit, and no royal watcher, the portrait didn't resonate at all. Chart Throb's royal is a goofy, eager-to-please idealist devoid of any wit and intelligence who calls himself "muggins." If that's how Charles appears in the UK press, I'd join those wanting to vote to overthrow the monarchy.
Bloated and ultimately meaningless, Chart Throb is on par with the kind of entertainment it's attempting to skewer."
At 400 pages it's a light read, irritating and completely unenjoyable, completely obvious in its intentions and execution,lacking in true wit and humour.
Source- http://blogcritics.org/books/article/...
"The point of the satire seems to be that these competitive reality shows are obviously highly engineered. The problem is, that point is so obvious that it's hard to be terribly interested in such an easy target, presented in such an easy fashion.
Chart Top is bloated with a variety of other subplots and contestants, who all fall into Calvin's categories of "Mingers, Clingers, and Blingers," and good lord do the characters ever repeat that phrase as if it were hilarious, every single time.
The contestants represent all the range of ego, delusion, anorexia, pathos, and questionable talent that you'd expect from the average reality show. The Prince of Wales is one of them, a pawn in a bet between Calvin and his soon-to-be-ex-wife to see if he can truly manipulate the audience into choosing his preferred winner.
The Prince is presumably a caricature of the current holder of that title, but while I'm no Brit, and no royal watcher, the portrait didn't resonate at all. Chart Throb's royal is a goofy, eager-to-please idealist devoid of any wit and intelligence who calls himself "muggins." If that's how Charles appears in the UK press, I'd join those wanting to vote to overthrow the monarchy.
Bloated and ultimately meaningless, Chart Throb is on par with the kind of entertainment it's attempting to skewer."
At 400 pages it's a light read, irritating and completely unenjoyable, completely obvious in its intentions and execution,lacking in true wit and humour.
Source- http://blogcritics.org/books/article/...
September 16, 2023
Disappointing book after the very funny and clever "Inconceivable". This is unbelievable both in characters and events and even if the "revealing" story about how this kind of TV-shows are made probably is (at least partly) true, it is not very interesting. Since I do not enjoy watching "talent search" shows, I certainly do not enjoy reading about them, and a considerable part of the book is just a narrative of the TV-programme. I do have plenty of Ben Elton books left to read and will definitely be giving them a chance.
June 3, 2025
Pretty easy, entertaining take on reality TV. A real throwback to late 2000s X Factor (10 year old me was gunning for Ray over Leona Lewis)
February 11, 2023
There is a lot of justified criticism of this book. It’s no literary masterpiece, there’s plenty of vulgarity, some repetition, and the author seems to have a personal vendetta against Sharon Osborne.
But, I still rate it 5 stars. Because it opened my eyes, cleared up some illusions and helped me get over some big blind spots I didn’t know I had.
It’s given me an inoculation against reality tv shows, but I think I’ll take a booster shot and read a few more of Ben Elton’s books.
But, I still rate it 5 stars. Because it opened my eyes, cleared up some illusions and helped me get over some big blind spots I didn’t know I had.
It’s given me an inoculation against reality tv shows, but I think I’ll take a booster shot and read a few more of Ben Elton’s books.
August 29, 2013
Ben Elton’s Chart Throb is the successor to X Factor and the novel follows the lives of the judges and contestants in what can be generally described as a satire of the format.
The judges are pertinently Simon Cowell, Sharon Osborne and Louis Walsh-esque, right down to the Beryl’s The Osbornes style show. The characters in the book actually refer to Cowell and Osborne (and their superiority to them) and to X Factor, which Chart Throb has replaced.
It’s fair to say Chart Throb, as a novel, is not generous to the reality TV scene. It presents Calvin ‘Simon Cowell’ Simms as an uncaring puppet master and the show is shamelessly manipulative. Is this reality? I would like to give X Factor more credit than Elton does, but there are also clearly elements of truth.
The main characters are all likeable in their own bizarre way, lampooned to breaking point but entertaining for the reader. The contestants, too, have distinct personalities and back stories. One of the most prominent and interesting storylines is Calvin’s attempts to have Prince Charles win the competition which begins as a thoroughly bizarre twist but, with enough suspended belief, becomes all part of the fun.
The concluding twist is completely unexpected and very well-played. Elton delivers a thoroughly shocking final act that ties up the remaining loose ends and delivers the book’s message.
The drawback for me is how dark and graphic the novel becomes in parts. The high jinks and nonsense are juxtaposed with a bulimic character who almost kills herself, for example, and crude, explicit sexual details. The unpredictable tone makes it hard to swallow.
Overall, Elton has devised a clever story and writes it very well, creating colourful, hilarious characters that doesn’t quite get three yeses from the panel, but manages to get two and through to the next round.
The judges are pertinently Simon Cowell, Sharon Osborne and Louis Walsh-esque, right down to the Beryl’s The Osbornes style show. The characters in the book actually refer to Cowell and Osborne (and their superiority to them) and to X Factor, which Chart Throb has replaced.
It’s fair to say Chart Throb, as a novel, is not generous to the reality TV scene. It presents Calvin ‘Simon Cowell’ Simms as an uncaring puppet master and the show is shamelessly manipulative. Is this reality? I would like to give X Factor more credit than Elton does, but there are also clearly elements of truth.
The main characters are all likeable in their own bizarre way, lampooned to breaking point but entertaining for the reader. The contestants, too, have distinct personalities and back stories. One of the most prominent and interesting storylines is Calvin’s attempts to have Prince Charles win the competition which begins as a thoroughly bizarre twist but, with enough suspended belief, becomes all part of the fun.
The concluding twist is completely unexpected and very well-played. Elton delivers a thoroughly shocking final act that ties up the remaining loose ends and delivers the book’s message.
The drawback for me is how dark and graphic the novel becomes in parts. The high jinks and nonsense are juxtaposed with a bulimic character who almost kills herself, for example, and crude, explicit sexual details. The unpredictable tone makes it hard to swallow.
Overall, Elton has devised a clever story and writes it very well, creating colourful, hilarious characters that doesn’t quite get three yeses from the panel, but manages to get two and through to the next round.
June 22, 2022
There is never a doubt that Elton could use an editor, or a better editor at least. This lambast through another strand of reality showbiz (after Dead Famous) comes off the worse for wear, a ragged and boring striptease of television singing contests and their desecration of dreams. A fairly monotonous drudge with tedious section headings that modernise atrociously the Dickens model of preceding happenings, taking in a member of the Royal Family, the irritant caricature svengali, and a bunch of dislikable and squawking rodents masquerading as dream makers.
Part of its tedium is also the truth In the parody of such reality - grossly repetitive dialogue and extreme behaviour that is slovenly believable albeit only in its nature and intent. But it remains inaccessible, largely unentertaining and explosively predictive. The final pages twist and shock perhaps, but only after over 450 pages of expectedness and weary stereotyping, and it wears off soon enough.
Then again, charting the hubris of mass marketing capitalist showbiz shallowness that masks deceit as thrills via a book of disingenuous editing, a litany of hate and massaged egos, a pantomime cast and unexpurgated extraneous unbelievability… maybe he got something right.
Part of its tedium is also the truth In the parody of such reality - grossly repetitive dialogue and extreme behaviour that is slovenly believable albeit only in its nature and intent. But it remains inaccessible, largely unentertaining and explosively predictive. The final pages twist and shock perhaps, but only after over 450 pages of expectedness and weary stereotyping, and it wears off soon enough.
Then again, charting the hubris of mass marketing capitalist showbiz shallowness that masks deceit as thrills via a book of disingenuous editing, a litany of hate and massaged egos, a pantomime cast and unexpurgated extraneous unbelievability… maybe he got something right.
December 9, 2011
I would recommend this book to any reality television fans whose illusions won't be shattered by the amount of behind-the-scenes manipulation in this X Factor satire. If you really believe that the X Factor is a talent contest which the best singer will win, you may like to skip this book, especially if you see Sharon Osbourne as a lovely motherly person who hates to send any of the contestants home. Although Ben Elton has made the female judge on the Chart Throb panel a transsexual ex-rock star with a drug-addled wife and twin step-daughters who like to annoy her by calling her Dad instead of Mum, Beryl's mannerisms and comments to the contestants are totally Sharon Osbourne.
I wouldn’t say that this is one of Ben Elton's best books, as it was repetitive and the story dragged at times, but I found it very funny and didn’t spot the final twist coming at all.
I wouldn’t say that this is one of Ben Elton's best books, as it was repetitive and the story dragged at times, but I found it very funny and didn’t spot the final twist coming at all.
January 30, 2008
Ever seen American Idol? Well... this book surely gives you an inside on how reality tv works. Very... educational - making you wonder why you waste all that time ringing to vote for your favourite!
October 24, 2021
The reason I don't watch reality TV!
October 14, 2023
A very unique style of writing. I wouldn't say it would be everyone's taste, it's very sarcastic and caustic - this book is essentially a literary parody of The X Factor. Elton quite freely takes the rip of a number of famous people in this book, which might not be the worst thing if not for how repetitive a lot of the speech is. It's kinda done to death, until it becomes a bit boring.
I liked the tension of the possible romance and honestly the twist at the end is the only thing saving this book from a two star for me - although frankly I don't think it makes sense that it happened to that particular character. There's no one particularly likeable in this book. It's entertaining to a point and does make you think about the reality behind reality television not being what we think it is, but I think it takes too long over what it is, essentially a scathing fictional expose of a mechanism Elton clearly doesn't have high regard for.
This feels pretty outdated now too, I just think it's a shame Elton hasn't chosen to do a more dramatic sincere story but with more humourous parts - he seems to do those little chips of amusing comments, metaphors and ideas scattered amongst with more panache than the scathing feel of the work as a whole.
I don't think it's a great read but it's certainly different.
I liked the tension of the possible romance and honestly the twist at the end is the only thing saving this book from a two star for me - although frankly I don't think it makes sense that it happened to that particular character. There's no one particularly likeable in this book. It's entertaining to a point and does make you think about the reality behind reality television not being what we think it is, but I think it takes too long over what it is, essentially a scathing fictional expose of a mechanism Elton clearly doesn't have high regard for.
This feels pretty outdated now too, I just think it's a shame Elton hasn't chosen to do a more dramatic sincere story but with more humourous parts - he seems to do those little chips of amusing comments, metaphors and ideas scattered amongst with more panache than the scathing feel of the work as a whole.
I don't think it's a great read but it's certainly different.
August 27, 2012
Ben Elton’s 2006 novel Chart Throb is certainly not a new release, but is a novel that I’ve been wanting to read for some time. Considering my own cynical view of reality TV in general, and talent-style shows in particular, I had quite anticipated Elton’s take on ‘The Ultimate Pop Quest’.
The novel follows the producer/writer/judge Calvin Simms as he ruthlessly manipulates his fellow judges, the hopeful contestants, and the British public, throughout the process of creating his X-Factor-style entertainment show, Chart Throb. He and his fellow judges, transexual rock-superstar and reality-show matriarch Beryl Blenheim, and Rodney “nice guy” someone-or-other, sit in judgement over the countless clinger, blinger and minger hopefuls who “have a dream” and “want it so much”.
There are some great ‘everybody knows’ moments in this novel. Everybody knows that if the three judges really auditioned all 95,000 applicants for the show, it would take years rather than the 4 weeks they show on TV. Everybody knows that the singing is less important than the story and the entertainment value of the performers. Everybody knows that the producers make more money from telephone voting than they do from any kind of recording careers that may come out of the show. But everybody knows that admitting any of these things takes away from the fun of the experience for both performers and audience. So, seeing these facts presented through the cynical self-promoting bastardry of Calvin Simms is both darkly amusing and queasily unsettling.
In saying all of that, I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. That’s really no fault of Elton’s, mind you. The characters are all suitably tacky and self-aggrandising. The plot is all-too-believable. The desperation and shattered dreams of the contestants are sympathetically presented. Really, there’s nothing that I can complain about.
Except that the novel really is a cynical look at the behind-the-scenes roller-coaster ride of a TV reality show. There isn’t a single likeable primary character in this book. And, despite hoping-against-hope that somehow the underdog wins, the truth comes out, or the bastards get their just desserts, everybody knows that the only thing real about reality TV is that nice guys really do finish last.
The novel follows the producer/writer/judge Calvin Simms as he ruthlessly manipulates his fellow judges, the hopeful contestants, and the British public, throughout the process of creating his X-Factor-style entertainment show, Chart Throb. He and his fellow judges, transexual rock-superstar and reality-show matriarch Beryl Blenheim, and Rodney “nice guy” someone-or-other, sit in judgement over the countless clinger, blinger and minger hopefuls who “have a dream” and “want it so much”.
There are some great ‘everybody knows’ moments in this novel. Everybody knows that if the three judges really auditioned all 95,000 applicants for the show, it would take years rather than the 4 weeks they show on TV. Everybody knows that the singing is less important than the story and the entertainment value of the performers. Everybody knows that the producers make more money from telephone voting than they do from any kind of recording careers that may come out of the show. But everybody knows that admitting any of these things takes away from the fun of the experience for both performers and audience. So, seeing these facts presented through the cynical self-promoting bastardry of Calvin Simms is both darkly amusing and queasily unsettling.
In saying all of that, I didn’t enjoy this novel as much as I thought I would. That’s really no fault of Elton’s, mind you. The characters are all suitably tacky and self-aggrandising. The plot is all-too-believable. The desperation and shattered dreams of the contestants are sympathetically presented. Really, there’s nothing that I can complain about.
Except that the novel really is a cynical look at the behind-the-scenes roller-coaster ride of a TV reality show. There isn’t a single likeable primary character in this book. And, despite hoping-against-hope that somehow the underdog wins, the truth comes out, or the bastards get their just desserts, everybody knows that the only thing real about reality TV is that nice guys really do finish last.
April 28, 2008
Well... what can I say? I'm in two minds about this book. I love Ben Elton, and his books are usually quick, fun reads. The ones I've read, at list. This one is a quick read, too, and at times it's quite fun, but somehow it lacks the sparkle of, say, Past Mortem or Dead Famous and the likeable characters and tragicomedy of The First Casualty and Inconceivable.
I like the way Elton gives an inside view into editing and television making, but he had already done so before in 'Dead Famous', so it's a bit repetitive. Same goes for the over-the-top characters; they were funny first time round, but this time I found it all a bit too much.
Still, it's not all bad. It is Ben Elton after all, so the writing is good. The pacing of the book is okay too, and some scenes are quite funny. It's certainly an easy read, it's just a shame that it lacks real sparkle and nice characters. A nice enough book, but for those wanting to sample Elton's work I'd sooner recommend Past Mortem, The First Casualty or Dead Famous.
I like the way Elton gives an inside view into editing and television making, but he had already done so before in 'Dead Famous', so it's a bit repetitive. Same goes for the over-the-top characters; they were funny first time round, but this time I found it all a bit too much.
Still, it's not all bad. It is Ben Elton after all, so the writing is good. The pacing of the book is okay too, and some scenes are quite funny. It's certainly an easy read, it's just a shame that it lacks real sparkle and nice characters. A nice enough book, but for those wanting to sample Elton's work I'd sooner recommend Past Mortem, The First Casualty or Dead Famous.
January 20, 2015
I laughed a lot at this excellently narrated exaggerated farce. The characters were gigantic caricatures whose dialogue pushed the boundaries. I learnt new words, like 'love pump' and am still assimilating a Bizarre Beryl and her progressive gender conversion. Highly amusing, yet tragic my naive view of talent spotting shows like Idols has been blemished forever. The trouble with this book is that the manipulations and twists are simply too credible. I tired of the Rodney character and the phrase 'you owned' that song. But I suppose the endless repetition of such comments highlights what unimaginative bores judges can be. And since it seems they are bought and instructed it makes sense to portray a Rodney as a parroting puppet. The fact that wannabes set themselves up to be ridiculed and scoffed at is equally sad. I had never heard of Ben Elton before this book was mentioned on Radio 702 and noticed a new one in Exclusive Books today. I'm tempted to try another Ben Elton. I think he is clever, witty and sadly cynical
February 21, 2018
This was a painful and terrible read. The characters kept saying the same things, which may have been the point but it made the read mundane. The cover claims this is a comedy, but I found nothing funny within the book. It was filled with making fun of and, manipulating people to be someone they are not, then destroying them with no remorse of what effect was had on their lives. I was hoping that the judges were going to get some sort of backlash to their behaviour and attitude, but the attempt of this was dull and disappointing. I can honestly say that a TV guide is more interesting to read than this book.
June 13, 2019
I read this book at recommendation from my Dad, and was surprised to find myself really enjoying it. I loved the idea of finding out what supposedly goes on behind the scenes of talent shows, and the characters were really developed and interesting. I particularly enjoyed that there wasn’t a particular hero to the story, and it explored each characters faults and good qualities. However, I found the ending very unsatisfactory, as I felt it was a frustrating way to tie up the book, and it left me a bit cold.
November 25, 2022
While the book hasn't aged terrifically, it cleverly articulated the nuance of so many reality talent shows. The Prince was a stupid addition and not even remotely believable. Any other "dignified" person could have filled this character role.
I was giving this a very solid 3... maaaaaybe stretched to a 4 if I was feeling generous, until the last ten pages. They undid all the cleverness of the first 300+ pages and reduced it to some ridiculous deus ex machina wrap-up. Now it's 2 stars, and that's only because I'm feeling generous.
I was giving this a very solid 3... maaaaaybe stretched to a 4 if I was feeling generous, until the last ten pages. They undid all the cleverness of the first 300+ pages and reduced it to some ridiculous deus ex machina wrap-up. Now it's 2 stars, and that's only because I'm feeling generous.
November 6, 2020
Usually I don't mind reading a Ben Elton novel because even though it's pretty light fare, it's fun and you really do want to know what happens in the end. This one felt like Ben was phoning it in. The same phrase repeated over and over, snail-pace plotting and a terrible ending. The characters were all unlikeable (which is fine, but at least make them interesting!).
September 1, 2017
Like other people have said, and not that I watch much Reality TV, but I don't think I'll ever look at one the same! Rings so, so true. Everything is just manipulation for maximum entertainment. Hilarious and brutal.
April 23, 2015
How Ben elton got away with this I do not know! However, it just realised all my suspicions about these shows and explains why I don't watch them!! Loved it!
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