The Aerodynamics of Pork - Hardcover

Patrick Gale

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0525244999 ISBN 13: 9780525244998

Publisher: Dutton Adult, 1987

Synopsis

Patrick Gale’s first novel is suffused with heady wish-fulfilment as two contrasting love stories entwine in the space of one simmering summer week.

WPC Mo Faithe is overcome with lust while investigating a series of violent attacks on newspaper astrologers. Meanwhile in Cornwall, the Peakes are conducting their annual music festival, the cue for their two ‘children’ – Seth, a young violin prodigy, and Venetia, a highly-strung scholar – to embark upon a voyage of self-discovery. As Seth sets out in hot pursuit of unconventional romance on the cliff-tops, the virginal Venetia displays every symptom of an immaculate conception.

About this title

Review:

‘It is packed with arch dialogue, affectionate caricatures and the feigned good humour more commonly found in memoirs written by chauffeurs of the famous.’ Observer

‘A sad, funny and deeply searching novel. Plotting, characterisation and dialogue quicken the reader’s pace, just as the delicacy of the unfolding love stories quickens the heart.’ Publishers’ Weekly

‘A real craftsman, a master storyteller.’ Independent on Sunday

‘Gale’s concoction is irresistible: modern relationships with period charm. I couldn’t have liked it more.’ Armistead Maupin

From the Back Cover:

Heady wish-fulfilment is in the air as two contrasting love stories entwine in the space of one simmering summer week. In London, a lesbian cop is surprised by subversive lust while investigating a series of violent attacks on newspaper astrologers. Meanwhile in Cornwall, the Peakes are conducting their annual music festival, the cue for their two ‘children’ – Seth, a young violin prodigy, and Venetia, a highly-strung scholar – to embark upon a voyage of self-discovery. As Seth sets out in hot pursuit of unconventional romance on the cliff-tops, the virginal Venetia displays every symptom of an Immaculate Conception. To cap it all Father develops unmistakable signs of criminal insanity. Harmony is eventually achieved, but not without bloodshed.

Deft in its observations and brilliantly wry in its characterisation, 'The Aerodynamics of Pork' is suffused with a double-edged wit that tickles with the first stroke and cuts deep on the second.

“A sad, funny and deeply searching novel. Plotting, characterisation and dialogue quicken the reader’s pace, just as the delicacy of the unfolding love stories quickens the heart.”
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“Gale’s novels always catch one a little short with their flaky situations and obliquely deranged behaviour. It is only later – when that slippery charm has conveyed its resilience to everyday brutalities never far away – that his books reveal their grace and beauty.”
OBSERVER

Also available in Flamingo: 'Ease, The Facts of Life, The Cat Sanctuary, Kansas in August, Facing the Tank, Little Bits of Baby' and 'Dangerous Pleasures'.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dutton Adult
• Publication date: 1987
• ISBN 10: 0525244999
• ISBN 13: 9780525244998
• Binding: Hardcover