incomprehensable? (Inconceivable - Ben Elton)

Member Name: Kells

Product:	Inconceivable - Ben Elton
Date:	18/11/00 (90 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good idea to present story in diary form, good storyline, good humour

Disadvantages: The diary bits get a bit boring, and the humour becomes predictable

I have seen several of Ben Elton's books around before so when I had some spare cash I decided to go and buy one. At the time "INCONCEIVABLE" was being released so I decided to give it a go. He has previously written 5 books, Stark, Gridlock, This other eden, Popcorn and blast from the past. I found it in the humour section and it cost me £5-99 which seemed quite a lot especially when this was an offer price. The usual price is £6-99.

The basic storyline is about a couple, Lucy and Sam, that are trying to have a child. After a couple of pages you get the impression Lucy is the one that wants the baby, Sam seems to be just going along with the situation. In between this there is also a lot of detail about Sam's work. He is trying to make a movie and to be honest it sounds as if he wants that more than the baby, and also more likely to get his way! The whole situation puts a strain on their relationship and they end up splitting up. I won't say any more, I'll leave it for you to read!

Even though this is about such a sad subject it is quite humourous. However when you are half way through you can predict the humour which isn't as good. Aside from that it works quite well and lightens the situation up. I suppose some people may think the jokes are over the top as quite a few have sexual references, however it made it more appealing!

"It's all very well her telling me to write. I can't bloody write. I'm a creativity-free zone. The only thing about me less fertile then my imagination is my bo****ks" Some of the activities the couple get up to are also quite humourous!

The book is written in diary style. The story is told by reading what they have written in their diaries. This is great but quite often you have to read about the same thing but firstly from a guy point of view and then from a girls. Yes it does add to the humour and yes Elton is talented as he does both very well. But,
it can get a bit tedious in places reading about the same thing twice!

Over all a good book. Written well with good ideas and a lot of humour. However by the end of the book it can be slightly wearing. If you get it for Christmas, great, but I don't recommend that you go and buy it unless you're an Elton fan.

Summary: