Author: David Nicholls
Story: Recently divorced actor Stephen C. McQueen (no relation, unfortunately) seems to have a knack for bad luck. But a failed marriage, a stalled career, a judgmental ex-wife, a distant daughter, a horrid little studio apartment in the far reaches of the London suburbs–all these pathetic elements seem to pale in the chiseled face of his newest tormentor: the Twelfth Sexiest Man in the World, Josh Harper. And just when Stephen’s sure he couldn’t resent Josh more, he meets Josh’s witty, restless American wife, Nora . . . and discovers he likes her a little too much.
Start: march 20th 2012
End: march 28th 2012
Comment: I stated my love for David Nicholls' books twice before, when I read "One Day" and "Starter for Ten". Stephen is kind of an anti-hero, desperate for succes. He did everything from playing a dead body to a dancing and singing squirrel. He gets an understudy role for the most annoying actor, but also very much adored by the audience, actor Josh Harper. When Stephen meets the perfect woman, Nora, the worst thing thinkable happens. She's married to Josh. Stephen isn't the perfect man, but because of all the bad luck he has and the visible flaws he admits to having, Stephen is an extremely likeable character. This book is just as irresistible, because it's thightly packed with sparkling dialogue, well paced comedy, quirky characters and uproarious plot turns thrown in for good measures. I can genuinely say David Nicholls is in danger of making the phrase 'laugh out loud' credible again. People say his writing is a lot like Nick Hornby's. I can see it, but I'm very close to even liking Nicholls more. "The Understudy" was such an enjoyable, romantic and witty novel. Good for every mood.
Rating: 4/ 5
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