Motor City

Eight years ago I was lucky enough to chance upon a novel called 'Biography Of A Buick' by a writer called Bill Morris, published in England by Penguin Books. I found myself absolutely enthralled by the book and recomended it to friends and family - I also bought several copies for friends who were too lazy to take up my recomendation. It took me about another five years to discover that the book was originally released in the USA under the title 'Motor City' and another couple still to track down a copy of the subsequent novel 'All Souls Day', which I am currently reading. 'Motor City' has stayed in my mind for the best part of a decade - and a book has to be pretty special to create that kind of impact on a reader! I can only think that the critical review below must been written by someone who was reading a completely different book! And as America is a pretty small place, if you're reading this Bill, let me know when your next book is out!

The 50s may or may not have really been like this, but what Bill Morris does is capture the romantic image that we cherish about the '50s -- especially those of us (including the author) who weren't around to experience them. We're talking about a romantic, optimistic portrayal of a youthful vigorous America, in which the men look like Rock Hudson, the women like Sandy Dee. The novel sparkles like a chrome bumper on one of the brand new Buicks rolling off the assembly line. It has the cool bite of a dry martini. Morris's obvious research of, and affection for, the age and the automobile industry adds to the experience. A first-rate first novel, one that I keep hoping to see adapted as a movie.