If It's God's Will- Where's The Money? (Waiting for Godalming - Robert Rankin)

Member Name: Lucille

Product:	Waiting for Godalming - Robert Rankin
Date:	24/01/01 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good fun read, all the old Rankin tricks

Disadvantages: Not one of his best

Right, here we go, an outline for the plot of Robert Rankin's latest book Waiting for Godalming. Easy said than done! For those of you who have never read a Rankin book before, you are going to wonder if I've lost the plot!

God is dead. Depending to who you talk to, he either died on a fishing trip to Norfolk, or in an alleyway behind the Crimson Teacup, a gin and ginseng joint on Brentford's lower east side, which he visits because he has a thing for Jewish virgins; (if I'm offending anyone's religious beliefs I am so sorry).

In God's will, the Earth has been left to Colin, his youngest son. (Colin and Jesus' twin sister Christene having been edited out of the bible when Jesus was given full editorial control). God's wife Eartha is not happy about this, as God had given her the world as a birthday present. She wants to know who killed her husband and why, so she employs Lazlo Woodbine, the world's greatest private eye, to find out. Lazlo has an advantage as he has a Holy Guardian Sprout called Barry, who lives in his head, giving him inside information.

Also running alongside this plot is another about Icarus Smith, a relocator, (a thief). He has relocated a briefcase belong to a man who works for the mysterious Ministry of Serendipity. In there he finds information about a drug called 'Red Head'. Once taken this drug allows a person to see others as they really are. When they are lying or telling the truth, the good ones from the wrong'uns. Icarus decides that the world must know that some that walk amongst us are really demons.

Just how these two plots ending up coming together for the spectacular rooftop ending would take me forever to explain, so you will just have to read the book yourself! (Besides, you probably wouldn't believe me if I did tell you!)

I love Rankin's books, and have read them all. Although this is a good fun read, it's not one of his best.
That may have been because of all of Rankin's recurring characters, Lazlo Woodbine is probably my least favourite. It also not the best book to read if you have never read a Rankin before. You simply won't understand half of what's going on. (If you have never read a Rankin, the Brentford trilogy, beginning with the Antipope is probably the best ones to start with.)

Having said that, all the old running jokes are there, and there are plenty of footnotes, (it's a tradition, or an old charter, or something). Omally and Pooley even make the briefest of appearances. So there is plenty to keep us fans happy.

Summary: