Aerodynamics of Pork [Paperback]

Patrick Gale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 8, 1993

Patrick Gale's first novel is suffused with heady wish-fulfilment as two contrasting love stories entwine in the space of one simmering summer week. WPC Mo Faithe is overcome with lust while investigating a series of violent attacks on newspaper astrologers. Meanwhile in Cornwall, the Peakes are conducting their annual music festival, the cue for their two 'children' -- Seth, a young violin prodigy, and Venetia, a highly-strung scholar -- to embark upon a voyage of self-discovery. As Seth sets out in hot pursuit of unconventional romance on the cliff-tops, the virginal Venetia displays every symptom of an immaculate conception.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Pork is pig and pig is cop and because this sad, funny, deeply searching novel by the author of Ease is, besides much else, an exercise in detection, its title is justified. Our attention is called at once to 16-year-old Seth, who is both a brilliant violinist and totally obsessed with sex. Next we observe policewoman Maude Faithe, called Mo, who, silently watching a pickpocket steal Seth's mother's wallet, unwittingly joins two strands of the plot. Moving ever more in parallel, Mo and Seth, both gay and fearful of discovery, find lovers and find, too, the joy of declaring themselves. In grim antithesis, however, is a series of tawdry and illogical thefts, culminating in death, always perpetrated on fortune tellers and mystics and clearly the work of the same meticulous man. When Mo is assigned to the case, her fortunes are joined for a breathless space with those of Seth and his family. Plotting, characterization and dialogue quicken the reader's pace, just as the delicacy of the unfolding love quickens the heart.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

'It is packed with arch dialogue, affectionate caricatures and the feigned good humour more commonly found in memoirs written by chauffeurs of the famous.' Observer 'A sad, funny and deeply searching novel. Plotting, characterisation and dialogue quicken the reader's pace, just as the delicacy of the unfolding love stories quickens the heart.' Publishers' Weekly 'A real craftsman, a master storyteller.' Independent on Sunday 'Gale's concoction is irresistible: modern relationships with period charm. I couldn't have liked it more.' Armistead Maupin

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Flamingo (February 8, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0586091467
• ISBN-13: 978-0586091463
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,696,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Two artists find love in Cornwall, December 15, 2006

By 

Benjamin (UK) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Aerodynamics of Pork (Paperback)

Two interrelated stories run in parallel, one set in London and quickly moving to Cornwall, the other remaining in London. The Cornwall part concerns the Peake family as they prepare for an annual music festival. The Peake Family includes talented violinist, 15 coming on 16 year old Seth Peake, his older sister Venitia with an ever expanding waist, and their liberal minded mother Evelyn. In London the story follows police inspector Mo Faithe, who in addition to chasing criminals pursues her own lesbian interests. The connection between the two stories becomes ever more apparent as events progress.
I found the Cornwall proceedings by far the more compelling, although the London end improved as the connection become clearer. The larger than life characters are interesting, including Bronwen the outspoken and understanding family friend in Cornwall. Seth is particularly appealing, attractive, unusually polite and well mannered, he enjoys a very good relationship with his mother, and an even more interesting relationship with a young man, 21 year old sculptor Roly MacGuire, with whom he falls hopelessly in love.
This is a very warm story, although I found it wavering a little in the early stages, particularly the London connection, but well worth reading.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Cute story, good for teens/young adults., November 11, 2003

By 

James LaForest (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Aerodynamics of Pork: 2 (Hardcover)

The Publisher's Weekly review, from 1987, is pretty off-base. For one thing, Seth is not at all obsessed with sex. He's a teenage boy and has a sex life, but the book is not about him being addicted to sex. It is a fun story, ala Armistead Maupin. It was written and set in early 80's England and fairly captures the time. But it's acceptance of gay youth, the very positive portrayal of coming out, and the young-love match is very 2003. I highly recommend for young adults, but it's also a fun read for adults. Not weighty, just nice.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Witty, wise and wonderful, February 10, 2003

By 

I. Sondel "I. Sondel - lover of the arts" (Tallahassee, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Aerodynamics of Pork (Mass Market Paperback)

Another treat from Patrick Gale, author of "Kansas in August." These books are delightful fun. Bright original characters, amusing situations - who could ask for anything more? If you enjoy these books check out Barbara Pym's "The Sweet Dove Died," another little gem.