The Understudy

I thorougly enjoyed this book. I thought it was funny and well written and I've alwayas loved books about actors. The author did a fine job with it and made me laugh at time. I recommend this one, along with Sugarbabe: The Controversial Real Story of a Woman in Search of a Sugar Daddy.

It's too bad that Mr. Nicholls is virtually unknown on this side of the Atlantic. His first novel, "A Question of Attraction," ("Starter for Ten" in Europe) is arguably the funniest novel I've ever read. This second effort reveals that he has not broken his funny bone. "The Understudy" is the story of Stephen McQueen (don't mistake him for THE Steve McQueen), a hapless underemployed actor who dreams of his "big break" while playing second fiddle to one of England's up-and-coming stage actors. His side job as Sammy the Squirrel in children's films is hilarious, as is his bumbling attempt to maintain a presence in the life of his young daughter. Not quite the guffaws of his first novel, but certainly some robust giggles here. Bring on his next work!!

Poor Stephen McQueen - he is a 30something man with dreams of becoming the next .. Steve McQueen! Although he shares his name with a famous movie star, Stephen has little else in common with the Hollywood elite. For starters, he lives in London, and is merely the understudy to the insanely popular Josh Harper. Josh epitomizes everything Stephen wants to be - he's famous, extremely good-looking, sought-after by women, directors, and fans, and is married to a beautiful woman named Nora. Stephen is, basically, an unlucky fellow; nothing seems to go his way, and he is still waiting for his 'big break' after many years of trying. He's an adequate father to his only daughter Sophie, a friend to his ex-wife Alison, and a better than average friend to Josh Harper, a man who treats him like gum beneath a shoe. There isn't a lot of dramatic tension in the novel - it is more of a character study and a glimpse into Stephen's life. David Nicholls captures the essence of a man who is a good person but just down on his luck and needing a break. Stephen is a character that you love to read about and that you want the best for. There is a lot of humor/wit in this book and I was laughing aloud many times throughout the novel. A Question of Attraction was one of the best books I have ever read, and The Understudy ranks right up there with it. Both books have a solid cast of characters that are `normal' and easy to identify with. There is a Josh Harper in all of our lives, and seeing Stephen try to triumph over one made for a very funny and engaging read.

One should always have a book by David Nicholls handy as the perfect escapism into some poor soul's worst social orientated faux pas nightmares all come true. If nothing else it gives one a sense of perspective regarding one's own personal hang-ups. Well this novel is a highly enjoyable read and the writing is in David Nicholls usual scintillating style with lots of laughs along the way. It also kept me up all night as it presents so many dilemmas for the protagonist that I couldn't put the book down until I got to the end to find out how and if he survives them all. A drawback to this novel to my mind is that the misery is laid on so thick and fast for Stephen the protagonist that one craves a little light relief for him and for ourselves too who are caught up in his problems. Also, on one hand Stephen arouses sympathy but on the other his stupidity is exasperatingly annoying; and then his positive traits of character seem out of kilter with his irrationality which is confusing. However, this fault might lay with this particular reader. But the end ... Well Mr. Nicholls, you write so well that I will read anything you get into print again in the future because your writing is so very attractive, enjoyable and colorful - but that end. No, it didn't do it, for me at least. There was no hope - not even a teeny-weenie little bit of salvation. One knows that things are going to continue as before for Stephen with a ph and the reader so desperately wants an unrealistic final. You could have given us a little bit of hope in the way of some unadulterated schmaltz. But again this is personal and you still deserve 5 stars and more for a wonderful read and for making me care. Thanks!

Voice performer Tristan Layton brings verve, vivacity, sly asides, and great humor to his splendid reading of this romantic comedy. His reading adds even more sparkle to a zesty, laugh provoking narrative. What's not to like about our hero Stephen C. McQueen? First off, he's not really a hero as to date he's an unsuccessful actor, a divorced man, estranged from his daughter, and has a tendency to despondency. He needs all the sympathy we can give him. So, we start out rooting for the underdog. As if life weren't bleak enough for McQueen he's now the understudy for Josh Harper who has everything and is everything McQueen hopes to be. Harper is adored by legions of women as the Twelfth Sexiest Man in the World, he's starring in a London production of a play about Lord Byron. And, to pour a bucket of salt on already open wounds he's a terrific actor who enjoys robust good health. McQueen is convinced he'll never have an opportunity to stand in for Harper. Work isn't all that's on McQueen's mind after he sees Harper's beautiful wife, Nora. What's a guy to do? You'll be surprised when you listen to this uproarious tale of life on and off the boards. - Gail Cooke