Inconceivable [Hardcover]

Ben Elton (Author)

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Bantam Press; Reprint edition (2000)
• ASIN: B001E5O4L6
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)

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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 Ben stretching the limits, June 16, 2002

By 

Michael J Harrington (Phoenix, Arizona USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inconceivable (Paperback)

Ben took a chance on this one, writing from 'his' and 'hers' side, as he has always been keen on presenting an equal view of the hell that males and females must go through in life itself.

This is a daring book, written by a man to capture both 'sides' of the subject of the difficulty of having a kid when it doesn't happen 'naturally'. Ben pulls it off like a champ - he is one funny guy, yet very sensitive and intelligent on his approach to any subject he writes about. You end up getting a great laugh out of today's trials and tribulations of life. As other reviewers had said, it is worthwhile getting to know some of the British 'slang' to get more out of the book, however this book does not require a full translation, so American readers should not have too much trouble as the context will tip most off.

This is not his best work (check out Gridlock or Stark), however it has the signature Elton humor throughout, and not the kind that takes someone from Great Britian to understand. (He has left the enjoyment 'at home')

The bottom line is that any one in need of reading a book with a bit of humor that raises an issue or 2, this is your cuppa!

happy reading,
mike

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read, March 6, 2001

By 

chicago mom (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Inconceivable (Paperback)

This is the first book I've read by Ben Elton, and I don't think it will be the last. It was a truly wonderful book particularly focusing on both sides of the infertility issue. I found it to be a very accurate portrayal, and it touched a nerve, as I am currently trying to start my own family. So I can definitely relate. Even so, I know that I would have enjoyed the book even if I didn't know any better.

Although the issue of infertility can be stressful for couples, he puts it into a funny, and yet very realistic spin. And I far more enjoyed reading Sam's narrative of events as opposed to Lucy's. I realize that it's a burdensome situation for both of them, yet I think that Lucy's character could have been written with maybe a little more sympathy. I found it hard to like her (my only complaint).

At first, I had to become accustomed to the writing style of the book. It's written as two diaries put together, almost like a 'he said', she said scenario. Truthfully, I wasn't pleased when I learned of that, but as time went on, I slowly lost focus of that and instead found myself eager to see the very polar opposite reactions to the same situations exemplified from both Sam and Lucy.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars He said - She said - and I laughed out loud, December 17, 2000

By 

David M. Scott "David Meerman Scott" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Inconceivable (Paperback)

Great book. I liked Popcorn, but I loved Inconceivable. The book works as we gain insight into the minds of a married copuple through their hysterical thoughts on a subject as potentially powerful as having a baby together. What a comedy setup. And Elton's writing is terrific. Funny almost always, but here and there some sad and serious parts (but not too many!).