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Jan 2018
10:34pm, 2 Jan 2018
32,648 posts
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McGoohan
This here is a thread to discuss B S Johnson's novel Christy Malry's Own Double Entry
Whatchoo think Willis?
But watch out for those spoilers. That last one is a doozy!
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Jan 2018
4:23pm, 3 Jan 2018
25,728 posts
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Diogenes
The greatest book ever written, a satirical exposé of the capitalist conspiracy to subjugate the working man, while celebrating the beautiful symmetry of the double-entry book-keeping system and the indefatigable innovation of the common man. A two-fingered rebuff to the establishment. It also plays with and subverts the novelistic form, and is very funny.
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Jan 2018
5:08pm, 3 Jan 2018
32,662 posts
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McGoohan
The only way I can review this book is to do it in the style of B S Johnson I think...
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Jan 2018
5:11pm, 3 Jan 2018
32,663 posts
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McGoohan
First thought on reading the blurb: Is this another book about the mundanities of working life? Has Dio tricked me into reading another Magnus Mills book? I marked an entry of £4.54 in the Debit column.
But then I started to read. It wasn't anything like Magnus Mills - and that put 47p into the Credit Column.
A feeling of unease overtook me. I'd read Puckoon by Spike Milligan for the Read A Book For Every Second Of Your Life So Far challenge. There were some similarities where both books get a bit absurdist, such as the characters knowing they're in a book and speaking directly to the author. I didn't like Puckoon much. That's another £8.51 into the Debit I'm afraid.
But hang on, B S Johnson said, from beyond the grave. Are you seriously marking my book down because you did not like a book by a different author?
What of it? I replied. This is my review and I will write it how I like.
Yeah, by copying my idea, he said before returning to eternity.
Within a few chapters I'd really got into it. Despite the post-modern mucking about there was a genuine tenderness to Christie's relationship with The Shrike. I laughed out loud at the reference to applying his Great Principle to his sexual practices. £2.24 to the Credit.
I knew it would take a dark turn and when Christie phoned the police with a bom hoax I did a little wince - I guess it was written when IRA bombings were happening. Now, we're 'used to' terrorism all over the world and at home. This hurt my relationship with the characters. £147.77 Debit.
This got worse towards the end when Christie starts bombing the tax office and murders 20,000 Londoners. Oh, er, SPOILER ALERT there by the way. Debit of £1234.56.
Stop right there the restless spirit of B S Johnson said, unexpectedly returning. Now you want to bring in your 21st Century revisionist morality into it? Do you judge Shakespeare the same way?
Well, no
Dickens?
I suppose not
So what makes me different?
Er... that you were writing in my lifetime?
He frowned. How many times did you laugh out loud? Genuinely laughed?
About six?
And read bits out to your wife (who was trying to get on with something else at the time)?
A similar number
Well then
He'd gone again. Anyway, I got to the end and had a think. It was sort of bleak and yet funny and true. Special mention as well for the opening chapters. I was transported back to the 80s where as a jug-eared callow youth I took my first steps in the world of employment. The petty office intrigues, who knows what about someone else, the little factions and favours. It all came flooding back. Credit £10.00.
Here's the final balance sheet:
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Jan 2018
5:13pm, 3 Jan 2018
32,664 posts
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McGoohan
I've given it an 8 so far but reserve the right to alter that, possibly upwards, when I have read some more BSJ which I will now, undoubtedly do.
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Jan 2018
5:51pm, 3 Jan 2018
25,730 posts
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Diogenes
Hats off, a marvellous review. I find myself indebted to the sum of twelve and sixpence
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Jan 2018
7:43pm, 4 Jan 2018
25,761 posts
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Diogenes
I came across this apposite quote on pg. 82
“Lots of people never had a chance, are ground down, and other clichés. Far from kicking against the pricks, they love their condition and vote Conservative.”
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Jan 2018
7:53pm, 4 Jan 2018
32,678 posts
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McGoohan
Yes, I noticed that one too. Still as true today, 45 years on.
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Jan 2018
7:02pm, 5 Jan 2018
38,864 posts
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Bintmcskint
Just finished this and loved it 
Can't possibly write anything as clever or articulate as McG's review, I'm afraid. I pretty much agree with all of it anyway.
I actually stopped myself reading it on the bus this morning as I didn't want it to end. I at least wanted to finish it in the peace and quiet of my own home.
I'll be back with more considered opinions and less gushing (possibly) later. Just wanted to record how much I enjoyed it. I will be writing a staff pick for it at work and will also be seeking out more BS Johnson.
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Jan 2018
7:04pm, 5 Jan 2018
38,865 posts
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Bintmcskint
Actually, Dio...
Your first post on this thread would make an awesome staff pick.
Would you mind if I use it in the shops/on the website?
It could be signed "Dio"
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