The Witches of Chiswick

I am a big Robert Rankin fan, and Witches of Chiswick has lots of great elements - a dystopian future, a steampunk Victorian England which features a mixture of the real - Jack the Ripper, the Elephant man (who is working for the Martians and H. G. Wells) and the fictional such as Sherlock Holmes. And there are plenty of old friends like the Flying Swan (and Neville), Hugo Rune and Barry the time sprout. The book also has some of Rankin's trademark delights - for instance, the decor in a future kitchen is bright and orange, a reference to the now half-forgotten Orange phone network ads.However, it also gives the feel of a book that has been written over a couple of weeks with little tightening in the editing. There are far too many conversations along the lines of 'You ought to...' 'No, we're doing it my way,' over and over again.So a definite one for the fans, but not the best Rankin for beginners (I'd still recommend starting with the original Brentford trilogy).

Fans of Rankin won't be disappointed, The Witches Of Chiswick offers plenty of the running gags and awful jokes for which the author is so famous. Hard-Core Rankin fans may have been worried by an apparent dip in form in the run up to this novel, but rest assured nobody will come away from this feeling hard done by. The plot twists and turns at such a rate as to keep the reader on their toes and more importantly, the jokes are amongst his best. Hugo Rune makes a welcome return as do Barry the sprout and Neville the now legendary part-time barman. It goes without saying then, that Omally and Pooley also get a shout. Be sure not to miss this one!

I read this book about 3 years ago when I borrowed it from the library. Unfortunately I forgot the name of the book and author and searched high and low looking for it. I finally found it by joining several forums and one kind person recognised the plot and I found it again! Not the sort of book I normally read but it was very entertaining - made me laugh out loud a few times! Quite silly but nonetheless enthralling!

The book arrived on time, and in great condition. This is my first book by Rankin, and I am glad I chose it. The story is engaging and suitable for anyone between 15-55 years old. It's easy to read, not pretentious, with an interesting plot and strong imagery. Fun Fantasy at its best :)

After the last book, I'd decided to give up Rankin. I'm glad I changed my mind. This is his best book, possibly ever, certainly since the first trilogies. It's also his most utterly ludicrous.I don't know any other author who could get away with the casting, the dreadful puns, the awful lies but Robert Rankin does, and you are glad of it. Professor Slocombe's real identity (as if it were ever in doubt) is also finally confirmed for the swift of eye. Which is worth the price of admission by itself.Buy it, or get it from the library on your way to the bookies, it will make you laugh. Guaranteed.

Opinions will always be opinions. Some people will agree and others will disagree. Having said that, I consider this book somewhat average. Just good enough to stay in my library but not good enough to be memorable.

c

Such an unusual book , sarcastic intelligent humour , highly recommend