The Devil in Me

Rating:
Summary: Soho well written!
Review: What a delight it was to find this book on Charing Cross Road - I was looking for a good read for my tube journey home, the Standard seeming rather dull that day, and chanced upon Christopher Fowler's books in the horror section of a local bookshop. I had never encountered him before but was attracted to the dark-sounding titles and the wryness of the snippets I read. Horror it isn't - thankfully - but it is certainly modern gothic.

Although this collection of vivid short-stories will be relished by any fan of literary fiction, it is of particular appeal to those who live and work in London. Our local pubs are described in style in 'At Home In the Pubs of Old London' - with a twist of course - we are taken on a crazy tube journey with an alert teacher and a pack of schoolkids, one of whom is abducted en route, and there are amusing observations throughout which any local will recognise - the 'listless Australian barstaff', the 'half-cut proofreaders' in the corner of the Museum Tavern (opposite the British Museum), and so on.

There's a wonderful upbeat style throughout the book and plenty of tasty treats for the connoisseur of wordcraft. It's hip, clever and often hilarious. I sniggered my way along the Piccadilly line during rush hour, which says everything for the author's ability to focus his readers.

While many of the stories entertain and dazzle, one did much more - 'The Beacon'. Mr Canvey, a lonely man living in Cornwall, decides to go online - for which he requires help. A young man visits his remote abode and helps him set up his computer. Mr Canvey then attempts to trace his dead son's history as a care worker over the Net - the theme is reconciliation. He eventually 'finds closure', which I won't ruin by saying how, but the tale is incredibly touching and contrasts well with the hipper, faster scenarios in the collection.

Now I just can't wait to hit London's Underground with more of Christopher Fowler's subterranean brilliance in my hands.