This book wasn't quite what I was expecting. I was a little lost right out of the gate; partially because it's VERY British and part because I read the first couple chapters late at night. About halfway through the book I thought I had a pretty good handle on what was going on. I enjoyed the story, getting to know the characters, and slightly cringy bits of story that are outside the "norm." Then the twist at the end surprised and delighted me. I picked this up because I like all things Stephen Fry and he still hasn't disappointed me! ( )

I’ll admit I am a shameless fan of Stephen Fry, that amazing polymath of a person. I watch QI regularly and am astounded at his acting in other venues.
In a just world I would live around the corner from him and meet up regularly for witty banter filled conversations, laden with odd bits of knowledge.
However, the restraining order forbids that so I am left with his writing.
This book is filled with amazing tarantellas of language, wrapped up in an ever so vaguely naughty and unapologetically not politically correct plot. I loved it and found myself having to drop the book to allow for great washes of laughter as it ran along. Main character Ted Wallace, blocked poet, newly fired from his job reviewing plays, is sent on a mysterious quest by his goddaughter. He’s to go to a country home and look about and let her know what he thinks.
About what? he wonders, but, fortified with significant amounts of single malt, he gradually teases out the truth of what is going on.
Along the way he runs into ex-partners, old school chums, a fellow ne’er do well, his mysterious godson, and a horse named Lilac.
It’s all good fun, and unlike many stories, there’s a happy ending (not THAT sort of happy ending…well, actually there ARE those…)
An enjoyable read, particularly for the verbal gymnastics. I’ll be saving this for a re-read whenever I feel blue.
( )

300

I had high hopes with The Hippopotamus by Stephen Fry, but found it so hard concentrating on the book. The plot was considerably good but after a few pages it seemed like nothing is happening. Over the more, the language is so hard that it was really difficult to concentrate. I already read Troy by Stephen Fry which was marvelous. But, did not expected this book to be a flop. May be the book was just not for me.

I would like to give 3 stars to the book. I think I need to read the book again to understand it in full. ( )

It took me a little while to get into this book but once I got going I really enjoyed it, it was a real illustration of human folly. I love the fact that poor Davey was just a normal teenage lad surrounded by crazy grown ups. Of course there were a few unanswered charges by the end but.... ( )