Customer Reviews

The First Casualty

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book deserves closer analysis than my hazy recollections of a few months ago, but life being what it is this will have to do.

Elton creates perhaps the least sympathetic character possible as his war hero: a conscientious objector. I don't know that this book could have even been published closer to the time of its WW1 setting (well, I'm sure it couldn't have given some of the sexual content taken for granted less than a century on), but community attitudes have altered pretty radically since then. That being said, Elton's point is well made that while you'd never know it by reading a thousand other fictional books in this setting, there were conscientious objectors in the Great War, not to mention communists, homosexuals, Irish nationalists and feminists. Many stories set in wars are well researched, but it is refreshing to have a wider, more representative population. While he does have something of a barrow to push, Elton gives a deal more respect and time to conventional stiff-upper-lip conservatives in this book than more traditional war story writers give to his non-mainstream protagonists. Perhaps it would have been better if Elton had have allowed us an equally articulate pro-war character, the presentation of Kingsley's case is so strong as to border on a straw man attack, but, granted, we have been gorged with the pro-war argument from so much media for so long, in the scheme of things this is hardly going to tip the balance. In a similar spirit I'll grant him some clunky expository dialogue as Tommies summarise contrasting views on the reasons for the war: this conversation feels retrofitted, but it's interesting to even hear some alternative perspectives.

Elton's always had wit, but he's managed to surprise me on occasion by the quality of his writing (such as `Popcorn'). It's not merely a comedian exploring an alternative source of revenue; he can actually stand up creditably against many dedicated novelists. `The First Casualty' has a workable crime plot, historically viable settings, engaging characters and some thought provoking themes. While Elton started, for example, like David Baddiel, I don't know that the latter will similarly be able to reach a point where he can write a whole book without a few chapters of observational comedy (mostly about penises) to get us through. It's actually a testament to Elton's craft that I can write such a positive review about an author who probably passionately holds some views that I'd disagree with. Moreover I suspect we could still have a conversation.

Thus while it teeters on the edge now and then, the book doesn't descend into a mere propaganda pamphlet. Elton includes some interesting opinion, but never at the cost of writing a cohesive, engaging story. Kingsley's conscientious objection, for example, is not merely a veiled political statement from the author: it's a vital aspect of this character's at times irritatingly uncompromising character, and crucial to the appealing (if pretty implausible) plot device of dropping the most unlikely investigator, and investigation, into the Western front trenches. The book opens very well, taking us straight to a gripping time, place and person. The initial technique of cutting to different characters and locations is effective (as opposed to transparent and/or irritating as in some other books). The characters aren't throwaways, there are capable action and investigation scenes along the way, and the resolution is satisfying.

The book isn't flawless. While Elton is so careful about his historical settings, it does become absurd that just about every experienced veteran Kingsley finds himself on the battlefield with gets himself killed, generally at the instant they are in talking to him. I'm not saying death scenes are implausible on a battlefield, but there is something of the Rambo school of war where the hero stands untouched in a hail of bullets while all about him fall. I also get frustrated at how frequently authors blithely kill off characters described as experts: suddenly in one week three veterans of a dangerous profession all are killed nearby the inexplicably surviving rookie: it pushes the effect too hard and foregrounds the deliberate manipulation of the author (it's nicer when you don't realise). Another irritation is some incongruous immaturity. In making the nurse character something more than an extra Elton must have thrown around some options: could I make her an orphan? A spiritualist like Conan-Doyle? Perhaps a politician's daughter? Or a devout missionary who'd returned from China? Wait, hang on, I've got it... she could be ... a nymphomaniac. Gee, thanks Ben: is there some legal stipulation that all British comedians have to make some sort of homage to Benny Hill in each work? Even a powerful one about war? He could argue that this is just another of his balancing characters, a foil for all the typical `good girls' of the representations of the era, but I don't think he'd get away with it. This is gratuitous. It's disappointing, and hardly the sort of thing to reassure his female readers that he's not into perpetuating degrading male stereotypes of women (What? I'm suggesting that a nymphomaniac nurse is a degrading stereotype?! Why, the very idea etc.).

These weaknesses, however, are aberrations: my praises for this book are far greater than my objections. There is a lovely mix of the sweet conventions of good storytelling alongside sustaining historical and political meat. Elton does a few things very well here, any one of which would probably have been enough to make a decent read.

This is one of Ben Elton's best books, along with "Popcorn", "Dead Famous", and "High Society". It is really well worth a read. Elton mixes sex, violence and serious debates about moral issues excellently - almost like a modern day Shakespeare, using dialogues with opposing views to emphasize his points rather than painting everything black and white. Some reviewers have said that this book is different from his other books in that it is very serious and is without comedy. I must say that I disagree, although the comic situations does not make one laugh out loud due to the gloom and doom of the story in general, they are there.

If you've read any of Elton's previous works, then you'll have a pretty good idea of what to expect - a quick-moving narrative that includes some snappy dialogue, social commentary, pathos and farce (interviewing a witness during a charge across no-man's land took particular advantage of the suspension of disbelief).

As with "Dead Famous", the murder mystery is only mildly engaging, the characters are similarly one-dimensional - Inspector Kingsley is virtually identical to Chief Inspector Coleridge of the earlier work, while the supporting characters are almost caricatures.

Despite this, "The First Casualty" is a good yarn, but like "High Society" Elton tackles an emotional subject but too rarely provokes strong emotions.

Having read all of Ben Eltons novels I approached this book with concern as to whether it was a political statement or comic approach to the tragedy of war.
It was neither, just Ben Elton trying to put aspects of society into a book and using the war as a vehicle to comment on some moral issues.
We have;
Gay soldiers falling in love with gay officers, a suffragette woman hating policemen then sleeping with one, a perceived traitor to his country becoming reluctant hero, a murder case that could be solved by a seven year old plus many other poor sub plots.
The plot is appallingly weak, the conversations that the soldiers have amongst themselves whilst at the front line are painful to read.
Even with 30 pages to go I was still tempted to put the book down !! Utter rubbish.

Being an avid reader of Ben Elton's other works, I scarcely noticed anything typically 'Eltonian' about this book, which I previously would've thought might be a mark against it, but not so.

The story reads quickly and is not particularly deep or heavy, which might not find favour amongst veterans of World War epics. Nevertheless, in the general absence of humour or satire, Elton's ability as a master storyteller shines.

Without giving too much away, the book concerns a police detective commissioned to investigate the murder of a soldier on the front lines of the First World War. The thought provoking dichotomy of a single man's death contrasted with the death of millions notwithstanding, this book provides just the right mix of detective story, characterisation and the horrific scenic descriptions of the war to keep you engrossed until the very end.

It rolls along smoothly, never getting boring or repetitive. The characters are lively, the smattering of war anecdotes believable and the logic adequately puzzling. Having said that, it remains a touchingly heartfelt story of a rational man finding himself mixed up in a war out of all proportion to anything he could've imagined. Even if you mainly read Elton for his humour, you'll love the hero and love this book.

I am a huge fan of Ben Elton's television work, but for the most part find his novels difficult - I think they just try too hard to be funny. But considering that this book is not humourous, and that it tackled a tragic time in history, I thought it worth a try.

I was wrong. He tackles the horror of war in the trenches with a gritty detail that is disturbing, but even then it is somewhat clinical, and the many scenarios offered really don't engage the reader. In fact it was tempting to skip over several of the battle scenes in order to move forward with the trials and tribulations of our hero.

On that point the characters are boring, a little harsh perhaps, but there is little in any of them to make us care about their adventures, hopes and desires. Many of them are so sterotyped as to be almost cut out figures.

Finally, this is touted as a mystery, but I have to admit that I figured out whodunnit in a disgracefully short period of time.

Overall, a disappointing story that I frankly found difficult to perservere with. I was tempted to give it 1 star, but decided on 2 becuase there has clearly been considerable research as to the awful inhumane conditions at the front during World War 1. But alas that doesn't save it from being a predictable story filled with bland characters.

Let's have more Blackadder I say!!

Elton has done a great job of painting pictures with his words. The reader with little imagination will be able to "see" the mud and gore of the battlefield. That same reader will also understand the amount of politics to be found on a battlefield that should only contain strategy and tactics ... and that the excrement from the politicians and brass caused as many deaths as what lay on the floor of the trenches.
Dave
[...]

I'm a slow reader, and a very busy person, and I couldn't put this book down.
It's a great Who-did-it murder book, in the surroundings of WWI Britain and it's trenches.
Both the story and the background and little nuances that help you see through the character's eyes are amazing.
The little side jokes and generally "smile to yourself as if only you got that joke" humor really helps this rather serius tale.

A Great book for any mystery lover and for every Elton fan and for any person who can read, highly recommended.

I am an American who loved Dead Famous and also enjoyed Chart Throb. I was a little concerned about how well Elton could tackle more serious, historical subject matter. To my surprise, this is his best novel.

The only author I can think of to compare is T.C. Boyle, which is high praise indeed. Elton makes World War 1 come alive. I felt like I was in the trenches. Nothing else I've read really made me feel the miserable conditions the soldiers endured, or just how gruesome the fighting was.

The characters are well written. Elton is no Boyle, his characters don't have that much depth, but they are relatable and distinct. If I have a quibble, it's that everything ties up a little too neatly in the end. Still an awesome book.

Also, to the reviewer who called Nurse Murray a "nymphomaniac"..I have to ask, would you say the same about the men?

Even if you are not normally an Elton fan, this is worth a read. It is a detective mystery with a (21st century?) twist. Elton's left wing liberalism seeps through in a provoking way - and this is one of hs novels that a teacher might even be able to recommend to a younger student - given that the sexual exploits/foul language are far less than usual!!