The war on drugs has been lost, but afraid to face that fact, the whole world is rapidly becoming one vast criminal network. From the Groucho Club toilets to the poppy fields of Afghanistan, we are all partners in crime, and this story takes us through the landscape it has created.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
“This novel…should also find an audience on this side of the Atlantic.” -- Library Journal
From the Publisher
“The war on drugs has been lost. The simple fact is that the whole world is rapidly becoming one vast criminal network. From pop stars and princes to crack whores and street kids, from the Groucho Club toilets to the poppy fields of Afghanistan, we are all partners in crime.” High Society is a novel about our world today: a collection of criminal nations in which everybody is either breaking the law or knows people who do. A poignant and timely novel about “the ways in which the criminalization of drugs criminalizes us all.” Winner of the WHSmith Award for Fiction
Ben Elton, author of the number–one UK bestseller Dead Famous— which Publishers Weekly called “hilarious” and Kirkus Reviews hailed as “A delicious… fast and funny read”—is also well–known as a stand–up comedian, a scriptwriter for the British cult television series Blackadder, the playwright of three West End hits, and the author of six novels—all major UK best–sellers.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why is this book not a movie yet? Seriously...,
By Iain "E-N" (Sydney, NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: High Society (Hardcover)
This was the third Ben Elton book I've read, albeit this particular book was the one I was originally recommended (by a munter at V Festival, I might add) I actually rate this in my 5 favourite books. `High Society' is written in short sections - not chapters. This fact, along with the obvious subject matter, makes it an ideal book for the non reader. It follows the story of a few central characters, all with a connection to drugs.
Peter Paget is the main character. He is a recently revitalised back bench Labour MP, questing to pass a members bill that legalises all drugs in the UK. Tommy Hanson, the winner of (insert generic music talent show here) and a subsequent British superstar, wants to stop living like a rock'n'roll trash bag. Jessie is a 17 year old Weedgie girl who hastily moves to London, gets hooked on heroin - and ends up on the game. Sonia, an 18 year old Brummy bird gets banged up in a Thai prison for trying to smuggle heroin back to the UK. Samantha Spencer is Paget's beautiful, but emotionally unhinged parliamentary secretary. Paula Wooldridge is a recreational drug user. She is also a hack journalist determined to end Paget's career. Barry Leman is an honest, old school police officer on Paget's side. He is threatened by a couple of corrupt police officers, to keep out of drug policy. `High Society' is an addictive (pardon the pun) page turner, full of scallywags, reprobates, junkies, drinkers, and party people. Aside from all of this frivolity, there are shrewd thoughts, honest observations, and important questions asked throughout the pages of this book. The topic is poignant, and one of the most controversial issues of our times. Although I'm not fully convinced - Ben Elton argues a good case for the legalisation of drugs.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Tommy Hanson Rules,
By Brian Sullivan (Newport, RI USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: High Society (Paperback)
This was my first read or for that matter first exposure to Ben Elton. I was hooked in the very first paragraph, very funny and yes over the top characters. But that is what is fun about the book, a comical stereotypical handling of a very serious subject: Drugs and the possible effects of legalization of drugs. I have often re-read the exerps of the lead character Tommy Hanson the Rock Star. I am currently reading DEAD FAMOUS and will probably read STARK next. Buy HIGH SOCIETY, read it, enjoy it, good read for your next trip by airplane.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ben Elton always delivers a good read,
By Bored Goldfish (New Zealand) - See all my reviews
This review is from: High Society (Paperback)
If you're already a Ben Elton fan, you won't be disappointed. Plenty of laughs and keeps you turning pages.
Challenges you to consider today's drug culture and the organised crime that surrounds it, presenting both sides of the story in a light tone.
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