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Go West
GO WEST is a novel about Charlie Bread, self-styled Antiques Whisperer and forgery hunter. When Charlie is sent on the trail of a mysterious document that may have been written by the inventor of Peter Pan, his life becomes a road movie full of pursuit and intrigue, soundtracked by old John Peel shows, the beautiful Penelope, and a game of high road hide-and-seek all across the West Country. In a world where nothing is what it seems, Bread has to find out the truth - before the truth finds him out.
Go West is the second novel by David Quantick, Emmy-winning writer (Veep, The Thick Of It) and author of The Mule ("A Da Vinci Code with laughs - The Independent, "ingenious, likable, funny and above all entertaining" -Spectator, "accomplished and witty highbrow farce" - Sunday Times)
Go West is the second novel by David Quantick, Emmy-winning writer (Veep, The Thick Of It) and author of The Mule ("A Da Vinci Code with laughs - The Independent, "ingenious, likable, funny and above all entertaining" -Spectator, "accomplished and witty highbrow farce" - Sunday Times)
- GenresFiction
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 24, 2019
3 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 21, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s daft but cleverly daft. Charlie Bread is an ‘Antiques Whisperer’, hired to spot fakes. He finds himself caught up in a race to find the notebook in which Daisy Ashford’s The Young Visiters was originally written. It is rumoured that JM Barrie wrote the book, or dictated it to Daisy who was only 9 when it was written. Bread’s job is to verify whether or not that’s true. The result is a wild goose chase through the English countryside from London to Devon and Cornwall. It really is great fun. If I have a complaint it’s that there is just too much information on the DJ, John Peel. I was never a fan and nothing I read in this book is likely to change that. If you enjoy clever but silly humour, like Nigel Williams’ The Wimbledon Poisoner, you will almost certainly enjoy this.
With thanks to Unbound and NetGalley for a review copy.
With thanks to Unbound and NetGalley for a review copy.
October 12, 2020
This was an interesting story, an exciting journey from London to Cornwall, lots of characters and plenty of plot twists. Quantick has also included some very interesting facts, some real and some made up, with the use of google you'll be able to discern which is which. If a soundtrack was to be made of this book it would probably be up there with some of the best soundtracks ever. If this was the end of my review then the book would have got 4 stars, but it's not because of some very annoying errors. I am more than willing to change my rating if somebody can prove me wrong and that I just can't read.
First major error, Charlie Bread's car gets broken into, his laptop gets stolen and at the end of the chapter he is using the laptop again.
Next Charlie doesn't know where his Dad's new house is, he gets a voicemail from his dad who is ranting about the beep on the voicemail, like old people do, no info is given about the location and yet Charlie is able to input info and get directions from his satnav.
Finally Charlie gets into a fight, he punches somebody and afterwards get's untied.
These errors stand out big time, I re-read the scenes to see what I missed but couldn't see explanations. A real shame as this was a solid story.
First major error, Charlie Bread's car gets broken into, his laptop gets stolen and at the end of the chapter he is using the laptop again.
Next Charlie doesn't know where his Dad's new house is, he gets a voicemail from his dad who is ranting about the beep on the voicemail, like old people do, no info is given about the location and yet Charlie is able to input info and get directions from his satnav.
Finally Charlie gets into a fight, he punches somebody and afterwards get's untied.
These errors stand out big time, I re-read the scenes to see what I missed but couldn't see explanations. A real shame as this was a solid story.
January 10, 2019
I like David Quantick’s journalism and broadcasts very much and I’m pleased to say that I enjoyed Go West, too. It’s amusing, completely bonkers in places and rather a gripping read.
Charlie Bread is an “Antiques Whisperer” who is employed to spot fake antiques. He is sent to Devon to examine a manuscript...and things get complicated. An absurd but entertaining plot ensues involving sinister men pursuing him, a beautiful but mysterious woman who keeps cropping up, fake identities and so on, plus a strange journey though the South West of England.
David Quantick is an accomplished and witty writer, so the book is a pleasure to read. Don’t expect a serious thriller, although it is quite an exciting story; there are ridiculous coincidences and unexplained absurdities in places, but I didn’t mind that at all. The whole thing works on its own terms and we also get quite a lot of obscure musical references (of course) and some enjoyable commentary on aspects of English life and travel which reminded me a little of some of Stuart Maconie’s books – which is high praise.
Go West is involving, witty and often funny and it is built on rather erudite foundations which gives it some substance, too. Recommended.
(My thanks to Unbound for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Charlie Bread is an “Antiques Whisperer” who is employed to spot fake antiques. He is sent to Devon to examine a manuscript...and things get complicated. An absurd but entertaining plot ensues involving sinister men pursuing him, a beautiful but mysterious woman who keeps cropping up, fake identities and so on, plus a strange journey though the South West of England.
David Quantick is an accomplished and witty writer, so the book is a pleasure to read. Don’t expect a serious thriller, although it is quite an exciting story; there are ridiculous coincidences and unexplained absurdities in places, but I didn’t mind that at all. The whole thing works on its own terms and we also get quite a lot of obscure musical references (of course) and some enjoyable commentary on aspects of English life and travel which reminded me a little of some of Stuart Maconie’s books – which is high praise.
Go West is involving, witty and often funny and it is built on rather erudite foundations which gives it some substance, too. Recommended.
(My thanks to Unbound for an ARC via NetGalley.)
January 18, 2019
Unbound press does it again. It being introduces me to a new great author via a new entertaining book. I was after something light and this was very light, without veering into stupid, a balance surprisingly difficult to maintain. I actually selected the book based on the fact that the author wrote for the ever hilarious Veep tv show and the mention of forgeries in the plot. The latter always makes for a good story, especially when it’s literary forgeries or any sort of bibliomysteries. And this one involves J.M.Barrie and his possible involvement with a popular book purportedly written by a child. There are all sorts of weird and wacky shenanigans, made all the more quaint by their inherent britishism, that the semi intrepid protagonist (apparently improbably) named Charlie Bread (which really isn’t that farfetched of a name) gets into as he tries to solve the mystery of a manuscript. There are thugs after him and a gorgeous mystery woman who finds it all very entertaining and some very real dangers that one wouldn’t necessarily assume would come with being the self stylized Antiques Whisperer that Charlie is. So yeah, it’s that kind of book, quirky, charming and funny…very (at times very, very) silly, but (and this is crucial) not stupid, so it works lovely. Just right for my mood at the time. And such a quick read too. Thanks Netgalley.
October 6, 2019
I found this book both funny and frustrating. Charlie Bread is an “Antiques Whisperer” who is employed to spot fake antiques. He is sent to Devon to examine a manuscript which the auction house that employs him needs authenticated.
The story is really about the journey and not the destination. On his mission he encounters different characters and situations, some good, some bad, and some ridiculously absurd with practically every character not being who they say they are, Charlie included. Taped John Peel radio sessions are scattered throughout the story
This book is quirky and funny and filled with discrepancies but worthy of a read.
The story is really about the journey and not the destination. On his mission he encounters different characters and situations, some good, some bad, and some ridiculously absurd with practically every character not being who they say they are, Charlie included. Taped John Peel radio sessions are scattered throughout the story
This book is quirky and funny and filled with discrepancies but worthy of a read.
January 30, 2019
MY REVIEW
Charlie Bread is a self styled ‘Antiques Whisperer’, who can spot a fake at 20 paces. He’s employed by Roger Armstrong of Prings Auction House to authenticate a notebook, with a story that may have been written by JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame. This is where the madness begins......
The plot jumps about, with the wonderful Penelope, appearing and disappearing, with Cora and the fake Cora, vintage cars and tapes of John Peel’s radio shows......the star of the story for me was the Three in One Inn.....I haven’t laughed out loud while reading for a long time but this had me crying with laughter at points.
No it’s not great literature and doesn’t purport to be, but it does have great characters, twists and turns, music and some great humour. I can absolutely recommend it.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the opportunity to read this for free. My opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
Charlie Bread is a self styled ‘Antiques Whisperer’, who can spot a fake at 20 paces. He’s employed by Roger Armstrong of Prings Auction House to authenticate a notebook, with a story that may have been written by JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame. This is where the madness begins......
The plot jumps about, with the wonderful Penelope, appearing and disappearing, with Cora and the fake Cora, vintage cars and tapes of John Peel’s radio shows......the star of the story for me was the Three in One Inn.....I haven’t laughed out loud while reading for a long time but this had me crying with laughter at points.
No it’s not great literature and doesn’t purport to be, but it does have great characters, twists and turns, music and some great humour. I can absolutely recommend it.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the opportunity to read this for free. My opinions are my own, honest and unbiased.
January 22, 2019
Go West is a fun and engaging story. It's a quest for one man who authenticates art in Britain. The story is really about the journey and not the destination. On his quest for a piece of art, he encounters different characters and situations, some good some bad, and I think he learned from all of it. It's an intriguing and different sort of read. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2024
Go West is a witty, charming and surprisingly thrilling little novel. It loses its way a little towards the end, but not enough to diminish the charms of what proceeds it. Thoroughly recommended.
February 19, 2019
GNABKo Go West is a multifaceted, at times hilarious ride to the western edge of England with a self-styled freelance 'antiques whisperer' driving a well worn and quirky red Jaguar Mark 2 to the tune of randomly dated, taped John Peel radio sessions that are just a bit fresher in time than the car. Parts of the journey our hero Charlie Bread is in pursuit of the unknown bad guys, sometimes pursuing Penelope who sort of fascinates him and pops up in his passenger seat regularly, and occasionally after a different set of bad guys in a classic Rolls-Royce. The bad guys in the Prius are almost always following Charlie.
This tale will grab you fast whether you are fond of art, a classic car buff, a music lover, one of those who worship at the feet of English radio's yesterman John Peel or just looking for a break from today. Rarely a page goes by without a chuckle, and Bread is a very entertaining lad.
Hired by the third-best-known auction house in England, Charlie's mission to either authenticate or prove felonious a rough child-scrawled school tablet that could prove once and for all that the 1919 novel "The Young Visitors" was actually written by 9 year old Miss Daisy Ashford as presented, laying to rest the rumor that JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame was also responsible for "Visitors". The auction house would profit either way but solving the authorship would bring much attention to the auction and the final bidding would be awesome. If he could just find Cora Vanstone of Palmer House. The right Cora.
Go West is a tight, fast read and will cheer your day. You Tube has a few John Peel offerings, which play nicely in the background and of course the 1960-1970's rock that he loved is available everywhere. This is a novel I am happy to refer to friends and family. David Quantick is a very versatile fellow.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, David Quantick, and Unbound Digital in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Jan 24, 2019
Unbound Digital
This tale will grab you fast whether you are fond of art, a classic car buff, a music lover, one of those who worship at the feet of English radio's yesterman John Peel or just looking for a break from today. Rarely a page goes by without a chuckle, and Bread is a very entertaining lad.
Hired by the third-best-known auction house in England, Charlie's mission to either authenticate or prove felonious a rough child-scrawled school tablet that could prove once and for all that the 1919 novel "The Young Visitors" was actually written by 9 year old Miss Daisy Ashford as presented, laying to rest the rumor that JM Barrie of Peter Pan fame was also responsible for "Visitors". The auction house would profit either way but solving the authorship would bring much attention to the auction and the final bidding would be awesome. If he could just find Cora Vanstone of Palmer House. The right Cora.
Go West is a tight, fast read and will cheer your day. You Tube has a few John Peel offerings, which play nicely in the background and of course the 1960-1970's rock that he loved is available everywhere. This is a novel I am happy to refer to friends and family. David Quantick is a very versatile fellow.
I received a free electronic copy of this novel from Netgalley, David Quantick, and Unbound Digital in exchange for an honest review. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.
pub date Jan 24, 2019
Unbound Digital
January 13, 2019
This is a clever, romp of a novel that I would have read in one sitting, if possible. I loved the protagonist who seemingly happened upon one challenging situation after another while on a "simple" journey to evaluate a manuscript for an auction house.
I gravitate toward books about art and artists. This story touched on authenticating works of art and the ethics of the auction business. Despite the comic pace of the novel, it was still possible for the reader to feel that they learned a bit about the art trade.
Quantick's sense of humor is present on every page. The book is silly, but with heart. The denouement is unexpected, and satisfying.
I loved everything about GO WEST and hope that David Quantick will reprise his hero in subsequent novels.
NETGALLEY provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
I gravitate toward books about art and artists. This story touched on authenticating works of art and the ethics of the auction business. Despite the comic pace of the novel, it was still possible for the reader to feel that they learned a bit about the art trade.
Quantick's sense of humor is present on every page. The book is silly, but with heart. The denouement is unexpected, and satisfying.
I loved everything about GO WEST and hope that David Quantick will reprise his hero in subsequent novels.
NETGALLEY provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a candid review.
February 4, 2019
The first thing that struck me about this story is the writing itself, you can clearly hear David Quantick's voice narrating the tale to you as you read; which is no bad thing. In fact I found it strangely soothing. I have read other books by "names" and wondered where their voice was, so much so you start to wonder if the novel itself was ghost written - this one very clearly isn't.
The second thing you realise is that this is a genuinely funny book and should not be read in a public place - sniggering in the office gets you very peculiar looks and you will find you can't help but snigger. The third thing is that you have no clue what the heck is going on here and you just have to throw yourself on the mercy of the author and go with it. The confusion doesn't matter so much though, it's some glaring errors and inconsistencies that bother you - sadly frequent enough that they lost Mr Quantick 1 Star on this review (I couldn't bring myself to rate this a 3 Star read as much as it deserves to be for the many mistakes as it is just too darn good).
There is a large nostalgic element to this book. Not just the discussion of antiques and practises of fakery which loom quite large early on - this information is necessary for the book to work, well kind of. The nostalgia comes in based on the John Peel sections and, make no mistake, John Peel is a recurring theme throughout the book and the late great Tommy Vance even gets a mention so I was a happy bunny. Less happy with Charlie Bread's dismissal of Peter Pan but you can't have everything.
I would discuss the plot but I am still not entirely sure how we got to the denouement. We do though and although feeling kind of rushed to get there (was the deadline looming?) it does tie everything up and make you go "Oh, so that's what was going on!". There is a lot of joy in getting there and a nice tour of the country from Reading to Exeter with disparate locations inbetween. When I say disparate, I actually mean random - almost as if navigatory aides do not exist.
Charlie Bread himself is a great character, he knows his limitations and proves to be a fairly reliable narrator. We only know the other people he interacts with through the prism of his voice but somehow they still live and breathe on the page - even the peculiar Three For One Inn men.
If plot inconsistencies bother you then this book will drive you batty. If you can overlook them to find the joy in the writing and the peculiar situations facing Bread then you will love it. It really is going to be a "marmite book" as there isn't much room for fence sitting with this one. I'm definitely a love it side of the fence.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
The second thing you realise is that this is a genuinely funny book and should not be read in a public place - sniggering in the office gets you very peculiar looks and you will find you can't help but snigger. The third thing is that you have no clue what the heck is going on here and you just have to throw yourself on the mercy of the author and go with it. The confusion doesn't matter so much though, it's some glaring errors and inconsistencies that bother you - sadly frequent enough that they lost Mr Quantick 1 Star on this review (I couldn't bring myself to rate this a 3 Star read as much as it deserves to be for the many mistakes as it is just too darn good).
There is a large nostalgic element to this book. Not just the discussion of antiques and practises of fakery which loom quite large early on - this information is necessary for the book to work, well kind of. The nostalgia comes in based on the John Peel sections and, make no mistake, John Peel is a recurring theme throughout the book and the late great Tommy Vance even gets a mention so I was a happy bunny. Less happy with Charlie Bread's dismissal of Peter Pan but you can't have everything.
I would discuss the plot but I am still not entirely sure how we got to the denouement. We do though and although feeling kind of rushed to get there (was the deadline looming?) it does tie everything up and make you go "Oh, so that's what was going on!". There is a lot of joy in getting there and a nice tour of the country from Reading to Exeter with disparate locations inbetween. When I say disparate, I actually mean random - almost as if navigatory aides do not exist.
Charlie Bread himself is a great character, he knows his limitations and proves to be a fairly reliable narrator. We only know the other people he interacts with through the prism of his voice but somehow they still live and breathe on the page - even the peculiar Three For One Inn men.
If plot inconsistencies bother you then this book will drive you batty. If you can overlook them to find the joy in the writing and the peculiar situations facing Bread then you will love it. It really is going to be a "marmite book" as there isn't much room for fence sitting with this one. I'm definitely a love it side of the fence.
THIS IS AN HONEST AND UNBIASED REVIEW OF A FREE COPY OF THE BOOK RECEIVED VIA THE PIGEONHOLE.
January 30, 2019
I really enjoyed this book! The prose was light and funny and the conversational narration worked well for me. I was entertained by the forgery plot and the cross-country road trip although I did find that it got a bit repetitive somewhere in the middle. However, the main characters voice and the quick pace kept the story racing right along even when the events themselves started to drag a little. The narration reminded me both of Nick Hornby and also the Rivers of London series (both of which are compliments from my perspective) but of course maybe those are both shallow surface-level comparisons (ie "rude, not every male comedic British first-person narration is the same, etc").
I also found the ending satisfying and unpredictable, which is all I can really ask of a light-hearted mystery like this, and I actually loved all the small details thrown in. I could definitely tell how well-researched the book was, but it never felt dry or like I was being lectured. I actually didn't realize a lot of the details were actually true to life because they felt so ridiculous and funny that I assumed they'd been invented by the author! The only other aspect of this novel that I didn't really love was the character of Penelope; she was a welcome addition to the book but she was sketched a little more shallowly that I would've liked and even at the end, her motivations were never quite clear. I assumed a lot of her bizarre and mysterious behavior would be explained eventually but in the end it seemed like she'd just been being bizarre to be bizarre, which is a great red herring, but doesn't hang together from a character perspective.
Still, that's a small enough complaint, and I really did have a ton of fun reading this book. I'd definitely recommend it as a quick, light, and laugh-out-loud funny afternoon read!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I also found the ending satisfying and unpredictable, which is all I can really ask of a light-hearted mystery like this, and I actually loved all the small details thrown in. I could definitely tell how well-researched the book was, but it never felt dry or like I was being lectured. I actually didn't realize a lot of the details were actually true to life because they felt so ridiculous and funny that I assumed they'd been invented by the author! The only other aspect of this novel that I didn't really love was the character of Penelope; she was a welcome addition to the book but she was sketched a little more shallowly that I would've liked and even at the end, her motivations were never quite clear. I assumed a lot of her bizarre and mysterious behavior would be explained eventually but in the end it seemed like she'd just been being bizarre to be bizarre, which is a great red herring, but doesn't hang together from a character perspective.
Still, that's a small enough complaint, and I really did have a ton of fun reading this book. I'd definitely recommend it as a quick, light, and laugh-out-loud funny afternoon read!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
Charlie Bread, the "Antiques Whisperer", is in search for the truth about a document possibly written by JM Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, in GO WEST, by David Quantick. His employer is pushing him to get the job done, a mysterious woman shows up and becomes part of the search for truth and eventually all the lies, and double crossings, secret identities, and more are revealed in this entertaining novel.
The protagonist, Mr. Bread, is an antique analyst at the top of his game, but he is also a peculiar and socially challenging individual. He uses a radio program by John Peel to relax and focus his mind and takes great delight in vexing his employer with his quick wit and superior antique knowledge. His sense of urgency comes and goes, he is easily distracted, and has a habit of stumbling into trouble. Now whether it's because of these characteristics or in spite of them I'm not sure, but the reader can't help but be entertained by Mr. Bread.
Quantick's story is well crafted and effortlessly sways between the bumbling humor and social challenges of Mr Bread, and when attention by our protagonist is put towards it, the unraveling of what is really going on and who Mr. Bread should trust. The book takes a little while to settle into the plot, but I felt that it reflected how Mr. Bread takes a while to settle into a job. By the end, Quantick reveals all and does a stand up job of tying up the loose ends.
With the exciting search for the truth and a good bit of British comedic bumbling, GO WEST is a fun, easy to follow, light thriller. I certainly want to read more by Quantick in the future.
Thank you to Unbound, David Quantick, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
The protagonist, Mr. Bread, is an antique analyst at the top of his game, but he is also a peculiar and socially challenging individual. He uses a radio program by John Peel to relax and focus his mind and takes great delight in vexing his employer with his quick wit and superior antique knowledge. His sense of urgency comes and goes, he is easily distracted, and has a habit of stumbling into trouble. Now whether it's because of these characteristics or in spite of them I'm not sure, but the reader can't help but be entertained by Mr. Bread.
Quantick's story is well crafted and effortlessly sways between the bumbling humor and social challenges of Mr Bread, and when attention by our protagonist is put towards it, the unraveling of what is really going on and who Mr. Bread should trust. The book takes a little while to settle into the plot, but I felt that it reflected how Mr. Bread takes a while to settle into a job. By the end, Quantick reveals all and does a stand up job of tying up the loose ends.
With the exciting search for the truth and a good bit of British comedic bumbling, GO WEST is a fun, easy to follow, light thriller. I certainly want to read more by Quantick in the future.
Thank you to Unbound, David Quantick, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2019
I chose to read this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I had no clue of the contents and literally judged this book by its cover thinking it had to be better than the monotonous dreary book I was currently trying to wade through. I was delighted to find this to be the case!
I’ll start by coming out as a big john peel fan, I was a regular listener and I taped festive fifties -if anyone has a copy of the 2000 programme or maybe 2001 with the 2 “Detroit city” tracks I’d love to hear that again. So I totally loved the whole road trip with Peel thing.
The character of Charlie has enough depth to let you feel like you know him before you discover actually you don’t. This guy seems like he is having a very unlucky week The story gets a bit Scooby Doo Mystery by the end, who are the real “baddies” and knowing what we discover later makes me question his earlier actions. But this is a fun story with a likeable character and the backdrop of radio station and a dj that has somehow also become an antique- rare, copied, beloved.
A good read
Thanks to Unbound for a copy of this in exchange for an unbiased review
#netgalley #gowest
I’ll start by coming out as a big john peel fan, I was a regular listener and I taped festive fifties -if anyone has a copy of the 2000 programme or maybe 2001 with the 2 “Detroit city” tracks I’d love to hear that again. So I totally loved the whole road trip with Peel thing.
The character of Charlie has enough depth to let you feel like you know him before you discover actually you don’t. This guy seems like he is having a very unlucky week The story gets a bit Scooby Doo Mystery by the end, who are the real “baddies” and knowing what we discover later makes me question his earlier actions. But this is a fun story with a likeable character and the backdrop of radio station and a dj that has somehow also become an antique- rare, copied, beloved.
A good read
Thanks to Unbound for a copy of this in exchange for an unbiased review
#netgalley #gowest
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
Well, this one was a mass of total confusion with so many loose ends being left throughout the story.
The story centres around Charlie, an antiques "expert"? who is sent by his company to check an item of unknown value and authenticity.
Right from the start there are so many things happening that don't get answered or don't make much sense? A few inconsistencies thrown in to boot!
But around halfway through, I decided that this was the whole point?
Lots of inconsistencies and red herrings just like forgeries in the business?
I gave up hope of any meaningful round up of the whole thing with only a few chapters left, I mean!, what a journey we'd been on so far.
However, right at the end, everything starts to pull together and explanations come in abundance ....with a twist in there too!
A fascinating read, with insight into the realms of the antiques world - totally new to me! - but still a very clever one here.
The story centres around Charlie, an antiques "expert"? who is sent by his company to check an item of unknown value and authenticity.
Right from the start there are so many things happening that don't get answered or don't make much sense? A few inconsistencies thrown in to boot!
But around halfway through, I decided that this was the whole point?
Lots of inconsistencies and red herrings just like forgeries in the business?
I gave up hope of any meaningful round up of the whole thing with only a few chapters left, I mean!, what a journey we'd been on so far.
However, right at the end, everything starts to pull together and explanations come in abundance ....with a twist in there too!
A fascinating read, with insight into the realms of the antiques world - totally new to me! - but still a very clever one here.
January 31, 2019
Go West is a mad farce of a road trip across the west country. Charlie Bread is an expert in detecting antique forgeries. He's been commissioned to travel to Devon to visit an old lady and examine a document that may prove J.M. Barrie to be the true author of the book The Young Visiters - originally believed to be the work of a nine year old girl, but long-suspected to be a literary hoax.
It's enormous fun, with lots of rambling digressions along the way - many of them related to the late and much missed DJ John Peel. The plot is as convoluted as Charlie's journey and relies on some wild coincidences, but it all gets summed up Agatha Christie style at the end. Its often daft, frequently funny and totally entertaining. And now I really want David Quantick to write a reboot of Lovejoy.
It's enormous fun, with lots of rambling digressions along the way - many of them related to the late and much missed DJ John Peel. The plot is as convoluted as Charlie's journey and relies on some wild coincidences, but it all gets summed up Agatha Christie style at the end. Its often daft, frequently funny and totally entertaining. And now I really want David Quantick to write a reboot of Lovejoy.
February 4, 2019
I don't often give five-star reviews, but I absolutely loved this book. I've not read David Quantick's works before, so I had no expectations. I'm not British, so many of the socio-cultural references escaped me, but it didn't matter. And normally, editing issues irritate me when reading, and there were a few in this book, as many of the other readers pointed out, but I think they were deliberate, and even if they weren't, somehow it just wasn't an issue. The quirkiness of the storyline and the writing just took over. Any book that has me laughing out loud deserves the best rating possible, and this one did that. It's a prime example of the fact that it's the journey that's important, and not the destination. But in the end, I enjoyed both, because it was a very satisfying ending, too.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the opportunity to read this delightful book.
My thanks to The Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the opportunity to read this delightful book.
February 5, 2019
Go West is a light hearted and very funny novel set, loosely, in the art world. Charlie Bread is a slightly shambolic hero whose job it is to authenticate art for the third best auction house in Britain.
He is sent on a mission to evaluate a rare manuscript in Devon. I know it can take hours to get to Devon on a bad day, but Bread somehow turns it into an epic journey like Homer's Odyssey. He encounters shadowy men at every turn and a beautiful siren who seems to appear at will.
The journey is more important than the destination. The plot is not quite irrelevant but certainly secondary to the enjoyment of getting there.
He is sent on a mission to evaluate a rare manuscript in Devon. I know it can take hours to get to Devon on a bad day, but Bread somehow turns it into an epic journey like Homer's Odyssey. He encounters shadowy men at every turn and a beautiful siren who seems to appear at will.
The journey is more important than the destination. The plot is not quite irrelevant but certainly secondary to the enjoyment of getting there.
March 6, 2019
Go West by David Quantick is full of humour, mayhem and mystery. There were laugh out loud moments and times where I just didn't know what in the world was going on. I must admit I almost gave up reading several times but there was something about the story and I had to find out how it would end. I did enjoy the authors wit and his writing of the charactor Charlie Bread is genius. But at times I felt frustrated by the pace of the book and some of the continuity errors. I did enjoy the real world facts about J M Barrie, John Peel and the journey through familar British landmarks as Charlie made his way from London to Devon in his jag.
February 5, 2019
Though I enjoyed the wittiness of the writing and loved the references to many places I live near as live in East Devon there were some parts of the books I found myself struggling with, particularly the conclusion. The character of Penelope I found quite annoying and how she fitted within the story, it seemed to convenient that she would just turn up and how did Charlie not know that Greg was Armstrong when he bumped into him a couple of times? Left me feeling a little unsatisfied with the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2019
This was an okay read. The characters were written well but the plot was all over the place and there were times I was going 'what is happening'. Quantick is a media personality I know through his work on radio and tv shows I'm a fan off and I assumed this would be just as funny. I found it way too dry even for Quantick and there were moments that were funny but not enough to make me laugh. It's an okay read and the plot has some good twisty moments but this isn't one i would recommend if you want to read a funny book.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Crazy, surreal and at times totally bonkers, self-styled 'antiques whisperer' Charlie Bread is on a mission. Sent by the ghastly Roger Armstrong to discover whether a book called The Young Visiters was really written by nine year old Daisy Ashford or in fact by JM Barrie, he hires a red Jaguar Mk 2 and drives down to Devon to get a notebook from a lady called Cora Vanstone. On the way (which seems to take him forever) he meets a cast of even crazier characters, including the beautiful, enigmatic Penelope. From then on it all seems to go hopelessly wrong as our intrepid hero drives from one disaster to another, while listening to John Peel tapes and being chased by all and sundry. Don't worry if you get totally lost - I did - though I loved the descriptions of Devon and Cornwall as this is where we holidayed during my childhood. There are some continuity issues but don't let that put you off. They are part of its charm.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this along with my fellow Pigeons.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole for allowing me to read this along with my fellow Pigeons.
January 30, 2019
I’m finding it hard to review this quirky book. I enjoyed it but at times I was confused and frustrated. It made me laugh in places and in others I was frowning in puzzlement. I liked the main character Charlie Bread and will miss him and I loved his long journey through Devon and Cornwall. This is a 7 out of 10 book for me.
I would like to thank Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the chance to read this.
I would like to thank Pigeonhole and David Quantick for the chance to read this.
January 30, 2019
Simply hilarious! But at the same time good character portrayal and a meandering plot that keeps you guessing right to the end. You might enjoy this particularly if you have an interest in antiques and old books, but this is by no means essential.
January 22, 2019
First time in a long time that I have read a book in only sittings but Go West is as lovely little adventure and as a music fan I love the little interludes.
January 30, 2019
Humorous and completely daft but very entertaining.
March 10, 2019
Fun, slightly mad crime caper that mixes JM Barrie, Devon, antiques and John Peel tapes. Whimsical, effervescent and a good deal of fun.
January 14, 2019
I didn't know the book and requested this book as I was attracted by the synopsys.
I'm happy I did it because it was and engaging and entertaining book.
The book is fun to read, paradoxal and sometimes surreal. At the same time it is entertaining and engaging.
I liked the plot, the style of writing and the humor.
It was a good read and I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Unbound and Netgalley for this ARC
I'm happy I did it because it was and engaging and entertaining book.
The book is fun to read, paradoxal and sometimes surreal. At the same time it is entertaining and engaging.
I liked the plot, the style of writing and the humor.
It was a good read and I look forward to reading other books by this writer.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Unbound and Netgalley for this ARC
January 30, 2019
Quirky is the first word that comes to mind when I try to describe this book. Whimsical comes at a close second. Until the truth about everything was revealed, I was convinced everything that was happening to Charlie Bread was not real. That there were more than just eight lies. And that he would jolt awake somewhere, sometime back in one of the earlier scenes and realize that he has yet to step out of his rented Jaguar and that everything he has came there with was still intact (the curiously reappearing laptop included).
But real, dream, or whatever, following Charlie through his strange journey has been fun. I especially loved the view of the landscapes he drove through, each one described with significant history and a warm touch of nostalgia. I have never been to any one of these locations, but now I hope to visit them someday. I am now very curious to check out John Peel and all the other bits and pieces of the past, long and recent, that Charlie's story has allowed me a peek into. In these accounts I believe the novel has done a great job of introducing a culture that I am not very familiar with, and in so doing has also inspired in me an interest to know more.
Thank you, The Pigeonhole and Mr. David Quantick for the opportunity to read this novel. From now on, whenever I hear "Go West," I will be thinking of that strange, smart man who once called himself Charlie Bread and of all the quirky coincidences, good and bad, that eventually led him to his own "Festive Fifty" moment (too bad about that sex scene, though ^-^V).
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January 30, 2019This is the best book I have read this month. A story about con artists (in literal terms) told with such rib cracking expressionso and good humor. Not an art connoisseur but I totally related to the content.
Thanks David
Thanks David
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