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Briefs Encountered
by
Julian Clary
Whoever said the afterlife would be easy...
No�l Coward is the toast of twenties society...a brilliant playwright, composer and entertainer whose witty songs and pithy lines don't quite tell the full story. Goldenhurst, his house in Kent, provides a place where he can be himself. And more importantly where he can be with his lover, Jack, without fear of arrest or judgeme...more
No�l Coward is the toast of twenties society...a brilliant playwright, composer and entertainer whose witty songs and pithy lines don't quite tell the full story. Goldenhurst, his house in Kent, provides a place where he can be himself. And more importantly where he can be with his lover, Jack, without fear of arrest or judgeme...more
Hardcover, 364 pages
Published
2012
by Ebury Press (Fiction)
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Enjoyable little romp around a cottage in England, with two main protagonists, Noel (Coward) and Richard. It was easy enough to imagine Noel’s voice and mannerisms in my head when reading his sections of the story but It took a little while to get Julian Clary’s voice out of my head when reading Richard’s sections, not helped by Julian’s name on every other page. Once I had a well known 50ish Gay (but not camp) Holywood actor in my head I was able to push Julian aside.
That being said I really d...more
That being said I really d...more
This book was written by comedian Julian Clary, but if you're thinking it's a laugh-all-the-way-through type of novel then you'd be sadly mistaken. This is a serious novel about a house with a history (hence ghosts).
For me it was a novel of two halves: the first being a plodding affair mainly concerning relationships, mainly man-on-man, but the second, following a death or two, got interesting with an element of foreboding to it all.
Throughout the story is told in two different eras, the 1920s-1...more
For me it was a novel of two halves: the first being a plodding affair mainly concerning relationships, mainly man-on-man, but the second, following a death or two, got interesting with an element of foreboding to it all.
Throughout the story is told in two different eras, the 1920s-1...more
I read an article about this book a while back in the Mail and knew I just had to read it. It really has lived up to my expectations and in fact exceeded them. It is a great read! The twists and turns will make the hairs on your neck stand on end! It takes you to places you never would have imagined it would go - past, present and even the future.
The premise of the story is actually loosely based on reality. You meet Richard Stent who is a rich and famous actor known for amongst other things his...more
The premise of the story is actually loosely based on reality. You meet Richard Stent who is a rich and famous actor known for amongst other things his...more
Fab-u-lous. This is the best of Mr Clary's novels by far. He cleverly weaves the tales of occupiers past and present of Goldenhurst Manor, in the past, the great wit,playwright and actor Noel Coward and his hidden lover Jack and in the present actor and Hollywood sell out Richard Stent and his openly live in lover (who's constantly working away).
Richard buys the house from the awful Julian Clary after becoming obsessed with Coward, whilst playing him, but doesn't bargain for the fact the Mr Cowa...more
Richard buys the house from the awful Julian Clary after becoming obsessed with Coward, whilst playing him, but doesn't bargain for the fact the Mr Cowa...more
I adored Julian Clary’s last novel, the deliciously bitchy Devil in Disguise, so was very excited to get my hands on his new offering and wasn’t in the least disappointed; this is, if anything, even better than his last.
Set simultaneously in the present day and the 1930s, Briefs Encountered parallels the real-life story of Noel Coward’s doomed love affair with the love of his life, Jack Wilson - and a fictional tale, of successful actor Richard Stent and his lover, Fran. Fran’s acting career is...more
Set simultaneously in the present day and the 1930s, Briefs Encountered parallels the real-life story of Noel Coward’s doomed love affair with the love of his life, Jack Wilson - and a fictional tale, of successful actor Richard Stent and his lover, Fran. Fran’s acting career is...more
I’ve never read any of the previous books written by Julian Clary and so I turned to the first page with open eyes.
This is story is written about two Gay actors in two-time periods. Set in the present day you meet Richard Stent as he purchases a run down house that is on the market by no other than Julian Clary! The other part of the story starts the 1920′s when Noel Coward buys the very same house. Richard is so fascinated with Noel that he puts up with the strange goings on in the house just t...more
This is story is written about two Gay actors in two-time periods. Set in the present day you meet Richard Stent as he purchases a run down house that is on the market by no other than Julian Clary! The other part of the story starts the 1920′s when Noel Coward buys the very same house. Richard is so fascinated with Noel that he puts up with the strange goings on in the house just t...more
Gave up on it after about 25% into the book. The characters are uninteresting - they all seem like some sort of cardboard image of what people think these people are or were like. I thought Clary's writing himself as a character wasn't at all funny, and ruined the whole "suspension of disbelief" thing for me. Nothing much happens, and the descriptions of the house and its defects begin to tire after a while. Also, *spoiler alert*, it was pretty obvious that ghosts are going to come into the stor...more
Julian Clary has really come into his own as one hell of an author with Briefs Encountered. Utterly mesmeric, brilliantly written and a hugely entertaining page-turner.
I love the way he has got into Noel Coward's mind echoing the life of Richard Stent a fictional fading film star who has bought Goldenhurst (Coward's former house, which Julian Clary now lives in).
This book has it all: sex, scandal, ghosts, murder, and tremendous wit.
Va va vroom.... There are so many twist and turns delivered to...more
I love the way he has got into Noel Coward's mind echoing the life of Richard Stent a fictional fading film star who has bought Goldenhurst (Coward's former house, which Julian Clary now lives in).
This book has it all: sex, scandal, ghosts, murder, and tremendous wit.
Va va vroom.... There are so many twist and turns delivered to...more
Briefs Encountered is another wonderfully wicked and camp novel by Julian Clary. The story revolves around Goldenhurst, a big house in the Kent countryside owned by both Noel Coward and his long term partner, Jack and then set in in the present where the house is owned by film star and Noel Coward fan, Richard Stent and his partner Fran.
The novel is set in two time periods the 1920's to 1950's and the present day but indelibly linked by strange goings on and hauntings at Goldenhurst. Julian mana...more
The novel is set in two time periods the 1920's to 1950's and the present day but indelibly linked by strange goings on and hauntings at Goldenhurst. Julian mana...more
Richard lives in the country house formerly owned by Noel Coward and later by Julian Clary (who takes a cameo role in his own book), as well as a few ghosts, and the story shifts between the 1950s and the present day. The story follows the relationship between Noel Coward and Jack Wilson, and between Richard and his partner Fran.
This is an enjoyable and well written novel by Julian Clary, who shows that there is more to him than his camp comedian stage persona. I had not read any of his books be...more
This is an enjoyable and well written novel by Julian Clary, who shows that there is more to him than his camp comedian stage persona. I had not read any of his books be...more
Utterly enrapturing tragicomedy that I knew I'd love before I'd bought it. As a loyal Julian Clary and Noël Coward fan, this book already seemed the perfect endeavour for me. And from the first page, it proved that it was. Clary is just as filthy, witty and delightful in print as he is on stage. On finishing, I was left with an enormous grin on my face - not because the book had finally come to an end, of course, but because of the uplifting and hilarious conclusion. Just utter brilliance.
Not a book I would have chosen myself...much as I enjoy JC's acerbic wit. It was a present and the title, puntastic as it is, did not bode well...or so I thought.
This is a ghost story with a twist...a well-written, absorbing, naughty, funny page-turner with an shocking punch to the solar plexus towards the end. I loved it.
This is a ghost story with a twist...a well-written, absorbing, naughty, funny page-turner with an shocking punch to the solar plexus towards the end. I loved it.
This was a good book. Julian Clary read it himself and I listened to it as an audio book.
The scene setting is a bit slow but Julian brings it to life. He has himself as a character which is brilliant.
I don't like ghost stories but this is compelling and you want to know what happens. I don't like the ending but I guess it was the way it should be.
I will read more from Julian.
The scene setting is a bit slow but Julian brings it to life. He has himself as a character which is brilliant.
I don't like ghost stories but this is compelling and you want to know what happens. I don't like the ending but I guess it was the way it should be.
I will read more from Julian.
I was really surprised by this book, knowing Mr Clarys persona i was really expecting a smut filled book, but i was wrong.
Its based around Richard Stent (present day) and Noel Coward (obviously not current day!) and their lives in 'their' house in Kent.
It dabbles with the spirit world but in a very subtle way. Mental illness is also dealt with, in a sensitive manor.
I loved the way Richards and Noels lives were very similar and how the house reacted to their lovers.
There is a bit of bedroom actio...more
Its based around Richard Stent (present day) and Noel Coward (obviously not current day!) and their lives in 'their' house in Kent.
It dabbles with the spirit world but in a very subtle way. Mental illness is also dealt with, in a sensitive manor.
I loved the way Richards and Noels lives were very similar and how the house reacted to their lovers.
There is a bit of bedroom actio...more
Apr 05, 2013
Elaine
rated it
1 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
read-2013,
review-copy
Oh dear. I was actually quite looking forward to this. It's clear what Clary is aiming for,a humorous homage to Coward and his like. However, this ends up far more like a Carry On "wink, wink, nudge, nudge" film than a clever, wry look at society.
It's not all bad. There were moments that were amusing, but all in all this just didn't work for me.
It's not all bad. There were moments that were amusing, but all in all this just didn't work for me.
A really enjoyable read. A book written by a celebrity is often spoilt because their voice comes through as the main character. Julian Clarey has got round this by giving himself a small walk on part. It's a story of relationships and secrets, it's quite amusing and kept me interested right to the end.
Fantastic read, second Julian Clary booked I have read and it did not disappoint. made me laugh, scared me and made me want to cry. Brilliantly written, using a mix of real and fictional characters, with past and present entwined, really draws you into the story. Loved it! Can't wait for more from Mr Clary, I thank you.
Im currently listening to this as a talking book read by julian Himself! A jolly good romp and being read by julian is the icing on the cake highly recommended.
I tried, I really did I loved Julian's other two books, but this one I just couldn't warm to. It's not bad so much as dull.
A cheeky bit of nonsense with just a little bit of smut! Ghosts, murder, psychos, Noel Coward and a brilliant twist.
Did not enjoy this book. Nothing like his previous 2 books, which were really enjoyable. This one was very boring. It flipped from one story to the next each chapter, didn't flow very well, and was very uninteresting indeed. No wonder so many celebrities have raved about it, the only reason why they have is because they're in it! And casting himself as a character in the book was blatantly egotistical. I thought it was funny when he was mentioned in Devil in Disguise, but that was a fleeting men...more
an ok read but nothing exceptional and probably would not have picked it up if hadn't been for author
Supposed to read for Book Group. Only read some of this book. Not for me!
Delightful - I haven't finished it, but it is surprisingly gripping.
Library book
The first book by Julian Clary that I've read and it surprised me because it wasn't predictable. Loved that he put himself in it in a not flattering way.
The first book by Julian Clary that I've read and it surprised me because it wasn't predictable. Loved that he put himself in it in a not flattering way.
I was looking forward to this book and was not disappointed.
I found myself reading in the wee small hours of then morning.
i could almost hear the voice of Mr Coward himself. This is a love story and a ghost story, based around Noel Cowards house that has been bought by Julian Clary.
I really do hope that Mr Clary writes more novels as this was 'absolutely delightful darlings'
I found myself reading in the wee small hours of then morning.
i could almost hear the voice of Mr Coward himself. This is a love story and a ghost story, based around Noel Cowards house that has been bought by Julian Clary.
I really do hope that Mr Clary writes more novels as this was 'absolutely delightful darlings'
Quite good?
Well written but Noel Coward takes over and the modern day characters are a bit sketchy
I absolutely loved this book
Wasn't what I was expecting, really enjoyed it and interested to read more of Julian Clary's work. I love his sense of humour and his story telling.
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Apr 05, 2013 02:42am