The Very Model of a Man

I borrowed this book out of desperation for distraction on a disappointing holiday after having re-read the three magazines I had thriftily allowed myself to bring along. There were no accessible bookstores - this was among a number of trashy novels at a bed and breakfast in a forsaken town. It didn't look like much on the outside (never judge...) but - from the first paragraph I lightly skimmed - I was mesmerised. I took it with me furtively as I left for the next town. It has become one of the most rewarding books I have read: A self-deprecating, soul-searching character study with every other sentence tempting me to memorise it as a valuable quote to recycle. Youngzheimers though would necessitate I re-read it - a rare compliment from me for any book. This pearl is a mongrel: part inmate diary, part road story, part philosophical treatise, part primordial psychoanalysis, and all wrapped in a loving tribute to the gift of word (and Word).