…eleven lives entwine in this dark comedy

Comedian Mark Watson, famous for appearances on TV Panal Shows including the much loved, Mock the Week , is enjoying success with his new novel, Eleven. The story follows, late-night talk show host, Xavier, who spends his evenings consoling sleepless Londoners and his days trying to avoid problems. Walking home one morning Xavier fails to stop a group of bullies beating up a young boy which kick-starts a series of events which carries you through to the last page.

As we discover the tragedy which brought Xavier, from his close nit friendship group in Australia, to England we also meet eleven characters who are affected by Xavier’s lack of action that morning. These eleven characters
have their own challenges and insecurities in life which tips the book from being something funny, as it is billed, to something more melancholy. Most of the humour Watson injects is somewhat dark.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t make the book any less of a good read. Watson proves he can control a good number of plots, subplots and characters, climaxing to a surprising end. His observations on real life and the darker side of human nature are handled with care and compassion.

Others may find Eleven a ‘laugh out loud’ book, but for me there wasn’t enough light relief to feel comfortable finding the story funny. As I readjusted my expectations, half way through, I began enjoying the book. This would be a great book to discuss with book clubs and will certainly divide opinion.

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