EntriesI am not a very big comedy fan. In many cases it doesn’t really make me laugh, and situation comedy causes me great anxiety (No! Not that one! The other one! There! He just left through the other door! etc. Not amusing).
The little comedy I do like is British humor. Here, as with detective stories, the British rule supreme. Their comedy (or at least the kind of comedy I like) has a streak of sadness or complexity, as it speaks of life and the funny bitter-sweet or horrible but still laughable things we live with. To write these comedies one has to have a discerning eye for detail, a deep understanding of human behavior, irony and compassion – not bad traits for an author.
It is therefore not surprising that some of Britain’s great comedians have turned out to be excellent authors as well. Today I will present two of my personal favorites, and I will be happy to be introduced to more such authors.
First and Foremost – Sthephen Fry. This genuine multi-talent is one of the funniest, saddest, most interesting people on earth. Do take a moment to examine the extent and breadth of his work – it’s amazing. Alone and with friends he has written and participated in some of the most hilarious comedy you will ever set eyes on.
As an author he remains highly entertaining yet touching, bordering on some heavy issues in a refreshing and intelligent manner. of the novels he published I read The Hippopotamus (highly amusing) and Making History (fantastic), and The Stars’ Tennis Balls is next on my reading list. Not to be missed!
The Eedgier Option – Julian Clary. This fantastic comedian has made a carrer of being sarcastic, mean and over-the-top camp. He just tears me up. When I stumbled upon his first novel, Murder Most Fab, in a second-hand book store, I just had to have it. And it didn’t disappoint. Funny, shocking and a great read, with the added bonus of an interview with the author at the end of the book. Very much recommended. I understand he has written another novel, Devil in Disguise, and I definitely intend to read it.
Have fun with it!
Tags: British authors, Comedy, Devil in Disguise, Julian clary, Making History, Murder Most Fab, Stephen Fry, The Hippopotamus, The Stars' Tennis Balls