Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith. (The Diary of a Nobody - George Grossmith)

Member Name: margerydawes

Product:	The Diary of a Nobody - George Grossmith
Date:	02/09/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A very funny and readable novel.

Disadvantages: None!

This book holds the origins to the word "Pooterism" referring to those who take themselves too seriously, based on the lead character Charles Pooter. Diary of a Nobody details about a year and a half in the small world of Charles Pooter, his wife Carrie, their son and various acquaintances and servants. Written by brothers George and Weedon Grossmith, it first appeared in Punch magazine in 1888 before being printed in its own right as a book in 1892. The book details every aspect of the Pooters' humdrum life, starting right at the beginning with a description of their house: "a nice six-roomed residence, not counting basement, with a front breakfast-parlour. We have a little front garden; and there is a flight of ten steps up to the front door, which, by-the-by, we keep locked with the chain up. Cummings, Gowing, and our other intimate friends always come to the little side entrance, which saves the servant the trouble of going up to the front door, thereby taking her from her work. We have a nice little back garden which runs down to the railway. We were rather afraid of the noise of the trains at first, but the landlord said we should not notice them after a bit, and took 2 pounds off the rent. He was certainly right; and beyond the cracking of the garden wall at the bottom, we have suffered no inconvenience."

This banality is hilariously detailed with a fantastic understated humour to the book making it irresistibly funny and a useful insight into the psyche of the time. It's fascinating to read about the social strata and the manner in which Pooter treats his social betters and also the working classes, reminding me of a latter day Basil Fawlty. However, it is still extremely relevant to the modern day reader and has not gone out of print since it was written, which is testament to its standing as a classic.

Since it's in diary form, it's very digestible and easy-to-read. Highly recommended!

Summary: A classic.