The idea is simple: on the last Friday of each month, post about the best book you’ve finished over the past month while visiting other bloggers doing the same. In this way, we’ll all have the opportunity to share our thoughts with other enthusiastic readers. Please join us below.
Title: The Abduction of Rupert DeVille
Series: NA
Author: Paul White
Genre: Humor, Contemporary
Pages: 235
Reading Level: Adult
Content: R (language, violence, crime, adult and mature situations, comedic nudity, strong sexual content)
This is a very British dark comedy and I thoroughly enjoyed it, though I was disturbed a bit at times. This book takes you on an emotional journey, traversing every possible feeling, sometimes with no transitions or segues to ease the mental whiplash. Yet, somehow it all worked together, in the end, to make the story wonderful it a very specifically dark, funny, and unique way. And, don’t get me wrong; the writing is impeccable, almost lyrical at times. It was an easy and engaging read.
This emotional adventure starts with Rupert early in his day, contemplating the step-by-step (literally) plans he’d made for his special evening. Then he’s snatched off the street and the story begins. As the description explains, there’s a girlfriend and an employer worried about Rupert’s disappearance, and after you get to know him, you can totally understand why they’d worry so only after a few short hours.
Attempting to avoid spoilers, none of the characters in this book are quite what they seem. While Rupert is definitely mild-mannered, he’s also calculating, considerate, and most definitely a lover (not a fighter). George is probably my favorite character in this wacky tale of random events that all fit together perfectly, actually making sense in the larger scheme of things. He’s older and calmer than Rupert and Carla, but he might also be a bit scary (in the best possible way). Carla’s a simple girly-girl on the surface, but after taking a peek into her past, you learn that her perfect simplicity is hard-earned.
There are moments in this story that made me blush, made me feel a bit queasy, made me laugh out loud, and even made me feel sentimental. I imagine that it was like reading the screenplay of a Guy Richie modern adaptation of a classic whodunit. There was violence, sex, mystery, and all the complexities of family dynamics.
This is definitely an adult only read; perfect for fans of dark humor, British humor, tales of calamity, and upbeat characters in odd and sometimes violent situations. I hope this author has more stories like this.
I give this book a 5.
Please stop by and see what others have read. 😀
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords
16 replies on “The Cephalopod Coffeehouse #Review: The Abduction of Rupert DeVille #humor #book”
That sounds like an interesting book. You had me when you described it as dark British comedy. I’ll have to check it out, once I get my TBR list down to a manageable level 🙂
It’s totally worth checking out.
This one definitely sounds promising. How did you find this book?
I saw the author in a Facebook group. He seemed like a knowledgable guy with an upbeat sense of humore, so I thought I’d check out some of his work.
I am sure he’s grateful for the exposure.
I don’t know if he even knows. I assume he’ll find the review one day and be quite happy with it.
I bet he’ll find you – seems pretty savvy. He gives himself stellar reviews on Goodreads. Ha!
This does seem to be an intriguing read. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the review.
Brit mystery and crime fiction for the win this month!!
Absolutely!
Ooh, this sounds good, too. I do love a dark comedy 🙂
Yeah me too. I was gonna say quirky at first, but dark comedy suits it better.
This sounds like a 5! Going on my list! Thank you Toi 🙂
Cool. Hope you like it.
I’m already terrified by the eye on the cover! Sounds delightful.