dawn winter Sedating Elaine

[Mister Hobgoblin]

Sedating Elaine is a jolly farce featuring Frances, who owes two grand to her dealer, trying to extract the money from her super-annoying girlfriend. Error compounds on error in this comic novel. 

 

Running alongside the farce, there is a (slightly) deeper story about Frances trying to come to terms with her troubled childhood and her previous relationship with Adrienne. This can become quite dark at times, offering a good counterpoint to the comedy in the foreground. 

I listened to this in the audio version - the narration was engaging and clear. 

 

This is not a literary novel, it is a light entertainment. The characters are cartoonish and each grotesque in their own way. There are no insights into the human character or meaningful allegories. It's a holiday read that serves its purpose well. 

 

Recommended for a plane ride or a beach cabana. 

 

****