Stars and Bars

This transatlantic comedy of errors is a nice bit of whimsy. Somehow it blends high art, fencing, embarassed English, trailer-trash Southerners, strange criminal activity and unexpected romance. Henderson's perigrinations through the South seem serve no higher literary goal than to amuse and bemuse, but even in Alabama that's no crime.

The first time I read this book I had to keep re-reading passages because it was so hilarious! I had tears in my eyes at one point. I recommend this book to everyone who loves the South and has a great imagination. The main character's portrayal of this odd range of Southern characters is priceless, as well as the New York City group. The plot is so full of twists and turns that you are constantly surprised. Out of all of William Boyd's books, this is the only one I have really enjoyed; I could hardly put it down and I reread it every couple of years. This is a true classic.