Customer Reviews

That's Me in the Middle

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"That's Me In The Middle"-Vol.2 of the hilarious Bandy papers will have you in stitches. Warning: Your wife probably will ban the reading of this one in bed- the chuckles and titters will drive your spouse nuts. The exploits of Bartholomew Bandy during WWI written by an author who understands human nature, military snafus and aviation.This series of books constitute the funniest fiction I've encountered in the english language. If you enjoy the short stories of Patrick McManus you'll love Donald Jack's novels!

In 1980, I was travelling in Europe and saw "That's Me in the Middle" in a used book store in Copenhagen. I was attracted to it for two reasons--1) It had WWI aircraft on the cover and I like books on that period, and 2) It was in English...I picked it up without a second look.

When I left town on the train, I happened to be in the First Class car. As I settled down and began reading about Bart Bandy, I kept having to go out into the hallway to laugh out loud, so as not to irritate the various German businessmen and French society ladies with whom I shared the compartment. It was the funniest book I had ever read! After laughing for a while, wiping my eyes, and taking a deep breath or two, I would go back into the compartment, sit down, and start reading, only to have to burst out into the hall again in a few minutes.

Since that time, I have managed to find and read all of the Bandy Papers. They are all just as funny, and are true to the hilarious character of Bartholomew Bandy. Donald Jack writes a good historical novel, and creates such a group of idiosynchratic characters that we immediately recognize. Then, he weaves them all into situations that are just plain funny! I would recommend any of the Bandy Papers and, as this was the first I had read, it holds a special place for me.

Enjoy!

I found a British paperback edition of this book used in 1984. Since then I have sporadically searched for the rest of "The Bandy Papers" (including several searches of Amazon.com) without success.

I have to agree with the other reviewers here that it was absolutely hilarious. Although I can't remember much of the book specifically, I recall that it was full of absurd situations of the "Jeeves and Wooster" sort.

(BTW if you've been under the impression that P.G. Wodehouse wrote some kind of ponderous British literature, you have two surprises in store.) I can't understand why Jack has not enjoyed a much wider audience, and he's going straight to the top of my Christmas wish list.

The second volume of the funniest canadian soldier in WW1. A dubious rise to headquarters results in the expected bedlam, and Bandy is sent back to the trenches. If you've read the first volume, don't miss it !!