Rating: 
Summary: Not as good as previous Ben Elton books
Review: A long time Ben Elton fan, I was keenly looking forward to his latest work. I was a little dissapointed. While an easy read, the book certainly was not as funny as previous works. The main characters started off well but by the end they were nothing if not annoying, both as inflexible as each other. The nasty subplot of the stalker tried to treat a very serious matter somewhat lighheartedly. The ending became predictable although the advertised 'twist' was a nice touch. Ben Elton seems to be ending his more recent books with a note of hope unlike the bleak endings of Stark and Gridlock. Overall a reasonble novel, certainly not as good as previous novels and probably only for fans.
Rating: 
Summary: TYPICAL ELTON STUFF
Review: After just having read other people's reviews I felt I had to have my own say. Blast from the Past is not meant to be a really serious book, its meant to be humerous as well and I think Ben Elton manages to get this balance right. Although I predicted a couple of twists to the plot the book still managed to keep me guessing write up until the very end. Elton uses political humour and sarcasm to great effect. A gripping book that should be read.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: Ben Elton's commentary on gender politics is a mildly compelling, though ultimately disappointing attempt at amalgamating poignant contemporary issues with an edge-of-the-seat thriller. His characters are so unbelievable, making their dialogue even more so, which is a problem because the entire book is fueled by what the two protagonists say to each other. What results is a less-than-intriguing, muddled social commentary that lacks the usual verve of previous Elton novels. He's off the mark this time. The premise of the book is the reuniting of two ex-lovers: one, a straight-edged military general; the other, a female British ex-activist. When the general turns up on his old fling's doorstep at 2am, all sorts of complications ensue. The pace of the book slows down thereafter because Elton delves into the rather extensive (and rather boring) history of the two characters. Eventually, their history is covered and their present situation meets them head on, resulting in a truncated, unsatisfying denouement. Elton isn't his usual best in Blast From the Past. If you're looking for vintage Elton, try the classic Stark, as well as Gridlock or This Other Eden. There you'll find rollicking, hilarious, action-packed plots with way out characters that, strangely enough, seem more believable than BFTP's, in which Elton attempted to make them as real as possible. Social commentary? More like unbelievable nonsense.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty average really
Review: Elton's style in this one just falls short of being enjoyable to read. It drags. The book just doesn't go anywhere for the first half and although it starts to pick up in the second half and even develops suspense towards the end, once you've finished you probably will not spend time really thinking about the issues he has tried to riase. Because we've probably thought about it all before and there's nothing new in here. Bit of a tedious read.
Rating:
Summary: A good lighthearted read
Review: I am glad this is only the second Ben Elton book I have read, the first being Popcorn, because then I cannot compare it unfavorably with earlier, supposedly funnier books. Purely on its own terms I though "Blast" was excellent; well written, humorous, tightly-plotted, perceptive, and heart-warming at the end. It was well balanced between witty cultural criticism and good romantic storytelling. As a Brit who has lived in the USA for 20 years maybe I can appreciate sentiment a bit more than my cynical countrymen. But this is no soppy tale. There are a few deaths, allusions to the follies of both the US and UK, and, in my opinion, good dialogue. I thought it was a better book than Popcorn, which often tried too hard for its humour, the "sea of cleavage" passage being an example. I understand Elton used to write for the infantile show "The Young Ones." I think he's improved a lot, based on the evidence of this most enjoyable book.
Rating:
Summary: funny, yet poignant.
Review: I found Elton's book both funny (as he often is) and as such covers subjects which are guenuinely serious. It is this merging of subjects which are totally different in places that helps this book to achieve such mixed reactions from the reader. And, it is all in the space of a single night. My one worry is that Elton steriotypes different nationalities ( or it is just how he sees them) either way, this can tarnaish what is otherwise an enjoyable read. Surely no American really believes the way that he portrays this particular character. One must also remember that this is a slow starting book for some. When it does start to roll into motion then the wait is worth it. I would simply advise to be patient and merely dismiss this because it does not start with all guns blazing. But, such a wait might just prove too long a wait for some readers. Overall, though, it still contains Elton's trade mark humour. Especially when dealing with ordinary British social life. If you are looking for a book to put a smile on your face then this could just prove to be it.
Rating:
Summary: A fun Ben book
Review: I have been a huge Ben Elton fan for years (unusual for a yank for sure, however lived in Australia for 8 years, so...), and have read all his books. I felt that this had it's truly enjoyable Elton comic moments, however the story was rather weak. Buy, hey, what the hell! Ben's books have never been literary masterpieces nor the top of the pops when it comes to 'the most clever plot line' either. Stark was better than this, however this was a far cry better than the pathetic 'Other Eden' thing he did a few years back. Overall, this book moves along pretty well, and sprinkles some of the ole Elton humour liberally amongst the situations. Can Ben really write the thriller of the year? NO - however this book is great bit of fun, and we all need that every so often, eh? Enjoy it for what it is - Ben is not out to be the next Hemingway or anything - I think he just likes to write, and he doesn't do a bad job of it at all.
Rating:
Summary: Missing Something
Review: I have read and enjoyed all of Ben Eltons work. This book broadcasts his same humor, but I felt it was missing something. The manner in which the whole book unfolds during one night in London is well done, and I found the ending exciting, and well written. But this book lost something in the middle, it became a touch boring, and the jokes had been used to many times before. With all that said however, I feel that Ben Elton remains the master of comedy writing, his books, TV shows and Stand Up routines are a cut above everybody else.
Rating:
Summary: Missing Something
Review: I have read and enjoyed all of Ben Eltons work. This book broadcasts his same humor, but I felt it was missing something. The manner in which the whole book unfolds during one night in London is well done, and I found the ending exciting, and well written. But this book lost something in the middle, it became a touch boring, and the jokes had been used to many times before. With all that said however, I feel that Ben Elton remains the master of comedy writing, his books, TV shows and Stand Up routines are a cut above everybody else.
Rating:
Summary: Blast from his...
Review: I love Ben Elton. Read all his works. Seen all his TV series. Seen his play (Popcorn). But there has been an annoying trend of his to stereotype his characters. This is odd because he often writes well in denunciation of cliches and assumptions. His stereo types started cropping up right from Stark onwards. He portrays Americans as John wayne/Clint Eastwood style hamburger eating whisky drinking cigar smoking walking cliches. Their speach pattern is 'God damn this, Ass hole that and Son of a Bitch' the other. The cliches ooze from every page. Even his characters are Jack (the four star General) or General Schultz ..well...you get the picture. Has he garnered every idea of an American from old TV series and movies? This is a great shame because he also has an obvious fascination with the states. There is an American main character in every book. I am British but live now in the USA and am happy to report that Americans are no more like this than the English are all having tea at four saying "I say old chap". Come on Ben. Do what you do best. Your social observations about UK life. Your view of the US is clearly antiquated.
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