The Apologist

Rayner, Jay

ISBN 10: 1843541882 / ISBN 13: 9781843541882

Published by Atlantic Books, 2004

About this Item

Most items will be dispatched the same or the next working day. A copy that has been read but remains in clean condition. All of the pages are intact and the cover is intact and the spine may show signs of wear. The book may have minor markings which are not specifically mentioned.

Seller Inventory # rev8599173250

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Apologist
• Publisher: Atlantic Books
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1843541882
• ISBN 13: 9781843541882
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good
• Weight: 360 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Marc Basset, restaurant critic for a national newspaper, has made vitriol his trademark. His vivid cruelty makes his many readers laugh – until, one day, a chef roasts himself to death in his bread oven, leaving behind Bassett’s scathing review of his restaurant stuck to the door. When Marc learns of the chef’s suicide, he experiences an entirely new remorse. And, by apologising to the wife and daughter of the deceased, he begins to experience levels of self-satisfaction that even he never thought possible.As Marc begins to apologise for anything and everything he’s ever done, he discovers that saying sorry can be every bit as pleasurable as the Varlhona Manjari chocolate he devours nightly. And, after atoning to an ex-girlfriend with high-level political connections, he finds himself offered the role of Chief Apologist for the United Nations, which brings with it a private jet, a rent-free apartment, an enormous salary and a sizeable cut of any compensatory payments made between nations. All he has to do is say sorry for the world’s wrongs – and cook the dinners to prove it. He is adored, loved and admired; an entirely new sensation for the perennially loveless Bassett. But will all this attention go to his head?The Apologist is a deliciously funny satire on the complexity and greed of international – and personal – politics, as well as a powerful paean to the diplomatic role of a well-made almond soufflé.

About the Author

JAY RAYNER is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster who is now the Observer's restaurant critic. He is married and lives in London. This is his third novel.