Having recently delved into Bob Mortimer’s novels The Satsuma Complex and its sequel The Hotel Avocado, I found myself immersed in a world where the absurd meets the heartfelt, all narrated with Mortimer’s signature wit.
🍊 The Satsuma Complex
In The Satsuma Complex, we meet Gary Thorn, a somewhat nondescript legal assistant whose life takes an unexpected turn after a chance encounter in a pub. This meeting propels him into a surreal adventure involving a mysterious woman, a missing colleague, and a talking squirrel. Mortimer’s debut is a delightful blend of noir and comedy, where the mundane is interspersed with the fantastical.
The narrative thrives on its peculiarities—be it the anthropomorphic squirrel or the whimsical similes that compare characters to various food items. I could not help thinking og Mortimer’s humour and style. I must admit at the beginning it was difficult to move past this, but as the novel developed the characters did come to life. While the plot meanders at times, it’s the charm and eccentricity of the storytelling that keeps readers engaged.
🥑 The Hotel Avocado
Continuing Gary’s journey, The Hotel Avocado sees him grappling with decisions about his relationship and career, all while facing threats from a peculiar antagonist named Mr Sequence. The sequel shifts the setting to Brighton, introducing new characters and scenarios, including a talking pigeon and an oversized fibreglass avocado. I also enjoyed the narrative of the same events but from the point of view of different characters.
Bob Mortimer’s foray into fiction is undeniably distinct. His ability to infuse the ordinary with the extraordinary, coupled with his comedic prowess, offers readers a unique literary experience. While The Satsuma Complex stands out for its originality and charm, The Hotel Avocado may appeal more to those already attuned to Mortimer’s idiosyncratic style.
For readers seeking a departure from conventional narratives and an embrace of the delightfully absurd, Mortimer’s novels provide a refreshing escape.