Customer Reviews

St. Brodag's Isle

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Are you all set for a comic romp which the best British authors deliver? "St. Brodag's Isle" is a humorous novel, but one with an edge. Nothing is sacrosanct-- except perhaps a bow to sainthood. Or, perhaps not! Each chapter opens with yet another non-sequitur from St. Brodag, founder of this mythical British island, a rock lying somewhere in the North Sea. (The Saint's pearls of wisdom include: "Only the gulls know where the sea is.") So who will be "blessed" with a posting to this bleak island and given the pompus title of "British Ambassador?" Could there even be a more ridiculous bastion, of the former empire, where one might be dispatched? Simple answer: "No!" Yet, that is the fate which befalls the luckless hero, Philip Digby-Fischer. As though that were not demoralizing enough, this modern-day comic Job knows not what lurks in the hearts of the islanders. How many times can they disgrace him? More to the point: Why are certain inhabitants so dedicated to doing so? How many times can Philip be disgraced, yet maintain his dignity? How many times before his stiff upper lip, and natural humanity towards others, will finally crack? Through each disaster which befalls him is more hilarious than the one before, the reader will empathize with Digby-Fischer as he firmly keeps his demeanor and optimism intact. If you are ready for fun and fantasy, this is the novel for you. Suggestion: You might wish to have a bit of Celtic music, playing as you read. It will only enhance the wonderful atmosphere created by Andy Wash for "St. Brodag's Isle." (Personally, I am looking forward to even more comic adventures which might be in the offing on this mythical island.)

This book is a fun read, you'll be laughing from the first page. But it's a clever story, filled with plot twists that will have you gasping and chuckling. Add to that a little dash of romance, a wonderful British atmosphere, and a whole bunch of characters you'd dearly love to meet. Brilliant!

If you are a fan of droll British humor, do yourself a favor and grab this book! St. Brodag's Isle is an episodic romp that just might be the sleeper of the year in it's genre. This is a premier book for the author and as such deserves all the attention it can garner. As British humor goes, there are few genuinely engaging books on the market right now that are contemporary but fortunately for us, St. Brodag's Isle is here to remind us that there will always be an England. Governor-by-appointment Phillip Digby-Fischer, Mayor Henry Geruish, and the other assorted residents of St. Brodag's (along with the rare Kittiwakes that have made the Island their home) will live cheerfully on in the reader's memory long after the last page has been read. Written in the spirit of P.G. Wodehouse, this is a book of subtle wit and charm that demands a sequel.