The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax - Softcover

Shevlin, Christopher

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0956965601 ISBN 13: 9780956965608

Publisher: Albatross, 2012

Synopsis

"You can’t help being tickled" – The Guardian

"Not many books make me laugh out loud, but The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax is one of them... A comic gem" – Stylistmagazine

"Shevlin was rightly picked up by the literary agency that represents the likes of David Nicholls" – Metronewspaper

The UK Amazon bestseller

When Jonathon Fairfax accidentally helps a murderer bump off Sarah Morecambe, the secretary of a senior politician, he sets off a chain of events that astonishes him. Jonathon is wrong-footed by even the most everyday things, so he’s particularly startled to find himself caught up in a conspiracy that goes right to the heart of government.

Teaming up with a suave private investigator, a glamorous grannie and the probable love of his life, Jonathon must confront his greatest fears – including talking to girls and balaclava-clad killers – and answer some very difficult questions. Who murdered Sarah Morecambe? What is the strange secret that unites the entire British government? And what exactly does it feel like to kiss a real-life woman?

With its naïve, reluctant hero and wry look at life, The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax has been compared to books by Douglas Adams, Carl Hiaasen and PG Wodehouse.

"Buy it! Please! I am in no way related to the author – my reasons are entirely selfish: I want to read more books like this one!"Cafegirl, Amazon UK

Shortlisted for the Bath Novel Award

Some comparisons...

"When Christopher Shevlin sat down to write this book, the spirit of Douglas Adams sidled up next to him and said, ‘Here, let me help you.’ This book is probably – definitely – the funniest thing I have read since The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy." A Kilmer, Amazon.com

"It reminded me of a very English Carl Hiaasen – filled with throwaway detail, joyously funny dialogue and slightly absurd characters." Francesca Brown, Stylist magazine

"In the same vein as ‘The 100 year old man that climbed out of a window’, it's a non-stop page turner. Great stuff!!!" Andy, Amazon UK

"Shevlin has been compared to Wodehouse, and I'm sure he'll garner more compliments as the book is read. I would give it 11 if I could." posh sith, Amazon UK

"If you like tight writing, a great pace, smart references and laughing, this book will be on your top five list! Like reading an Arrested Development script." Bridget Aureli, Amazon.com

"I sincerely hope there will be another work from this author in the near future, to my way of thinking he is up there with Stella Gibbons and Saki." lizzieay, Amazon UK

"Shevlin's writing style, his wonderful way with eccentric characters, and his knack for combining kindness, silliness, and more than a few touching surprises, all fill a spot left by Douglas Adams." Avery Elizabeth Hurt

Some more reactions...

"I was laughing so much whilst reading it that my son downloaded it at the same time so we could laugh together." CJB, Amazon UK

"New year's celebrations became an unwanted distraction as I couldn't tear myself away from Jonathon and gang. You have been warned." Liz Palmen, Amazon UK

"I can’t wait for more. It made me laugh on the tube. It made me happy." T Forsdyke, Amazon UK

About this title

About the Author:

Christopher Shevlin grew up in Doncaster, in Yorkshire, and consoled himself for it by reading a lot. His favourite authors include Douglas Adams, Henry Howarth Bashford, Geoffrey Willans, Thackeray and PG Wodehouse. After school he worked briefly as a door-to-door vacuum-cleaner salesman in Yorkshire and as a labourer in Tel Aviv. At 23 he moved to London, where he has stayed ever since. He works as a freelance, helping companies to write better - by training, coaching, advising and doing the writing himself. His desk is clogged up with novels that he hasn't finished writing. The first completed book to emerge from the pile is The Perpetual Astonishment of Jonathon Fairfax, which he hopes you enjoy. To find out more, visit his website: christophershevlin.com.

About this edition

• Publisher: Albatross
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0956965601
• ISBN 13: 9780956965608
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 318