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Book Review of Felix in the Underworld

Felix in the Underworld
Foucault avatar reviewed on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


Despite the popularity of "Rumpole of the Bailey" on British TV a number of years ago, I am surprised that I have not until now ready anything by John Mortimer. I think I might have to look up more by Mortimer, since I really enjoyed this book.

It's a whodunnit but also a gentle satire poking fun at the publishing industry. Felix Moresom, although once a Booker prize nominated author, is now only enjoying moderate success, and his life has become very ordinary. After being hit with a paternity suit, Felix finds himself in a far from ordinary situation; in fact it gets progressively worse. Even so, and despite the surrounding madness, Felix handles himself with grace, and manages to prove that "nice guys" can win in the end.

Although I guessed the "twist" quite early on, it didn't spoil the story for me. I finished this feeling very uplifted. This was a New York Times Notable Book.