One Big Damn Puzzler (P.S.) - Softcover

Harding, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061132187 ISBN 13: 9780061132186

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2007

Synopsis

On an island paradise somewhere in the South Pacific, Managua--the only native who can read or write--is busily translating Hamlet into pidgin English when a plane interrupts his noble work. Strapping on his false leg, he makes his way to the landing strip to greet the unexpected arrival: William Hardt, a young American lawyer driven by his misguided ambition to win reparations for the island's inhabitants.

Hardt is not the first white outsider to pay a visit; the British came earlier, bringing their language, the small pigs that run wild in the jungle, and Shakespeare . . . and the Americans followed with guns, land mines, and Coca-Cola. But in this place of riotously logical ritual, Hardt's determined quest to do good could make him the most devastating visitor of all.

Profoundly moving and achingly funny, One Big Damn Puzzler brilliantly explores the collision of the twenty-first century with unsullied pagan reality--and establishes John Harding as one of the most imaginative contemporary chroniclers of the human condition.

About this title

Review:

"'A wonderful novel, written with great humour and a rare generosity of spirit.' - Deborah Moggach 'Wonderfully funny, original and moving. Harding has knife-sharp observation, immaculate timing and the guts to take his story as far as it will go.' - Helen Dunmore 'Underpinned with great love and humanity. A wonderful book.' - The Times 'Very funny...truly memorable...the third ace in Harding's hand is the ending of the book...it's quite stunning.' - Daily Express"

Book Description:

Hitting the funny bone and touching the heart, the glorious new novel by the author of What We Did On Our Holiday...

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0061132187
• ISBN 13: 9780061132186
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512