In a raucous debut that summons up Britain's fabled Goon Squad comedies, writer and philosopher Lars Iyer tells the story of someone very like hims...
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reviews
Jun 07, 2011
Ben
rated it: 
i almost loved this book. it's really very funny, and the writing is so clear, it's like a window. it's a portrait of a friendship between two (idiot?) philosophers; kind of a mix between beckett and wodehouse. the only thing it lacks is some kind of happening which might lead to an actual story. (there is the "creeping dampness in the walls" thing, but that never really goes anywhere.) in any case, it's very charming; i smiled the whole way through. it's just that after a while, you g
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Apr 16, 2011
Heather
rated it: 
Spurious is narrated by a writer named Lars, and the story's about his friendship with another writer, W. The narrative voice, with its mix of aimlessness and repetitiveness and deadpan humor, kind of reminded me of Martin Millar's writing, except more explicitly smart/philosophical (though as far as W.'s concerned, the narrator's really quite stupid). Much of the book consists of the narrator recounting his conversations with W., and the slight remove that this creates is really appealing to me
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Mar 24, 2011
Andrea
rated it:
I really enjoyed this book, though I don't think everyone will. I loved it for its hilarious exploration of writing and academia and what it means to be a truly great thinker. W. is a fantastically contrary character who manages to be both self-deprecating and narcissistic. The narrator is verbally abused by W. throughout the whole story and I was thoroughly amused by the two friends' pursuit of "ideas" and great thoughts. Throw in a contention that the End Times are near, an apartment
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Jan 03, 2012
Suhrob
rated it: 
I've learned about Lars Iyer and this book from the grate Marketplace
of Ideas podcast of Collin Marshall (if you like in depth discussions
about literature and lots of other topics - I very much recommend it:
http://www.colinmarshallradio.com/market...).
The impression I got about this book is that it will be a
kafkaesquesly funny dialog between two (pseudo-?) philosophers, full
with references to books, music and movies that I could then later
explore. More...
of Ideas podcast of Collin Marshall (if you like in depth discussions
about literature and lots of other topics - I very much recommend it:
http://www.colinmarshallradio.com/market...).
The impression I got about this book is that it will be a
kafkaesquesly funny dialog between two (pseudo-?) philosophers, full
with references to books, music and movies that I could then later
explore. More...
Feb 16, 2012
Michael
rated it:
"Literature destroyed us."
I'd have to agree... but in response, prepping for another barrage of fisticuffs and kung fu flurries, I say, "Thank you sir may I have another?"
I'd have to agree... but in response, prepping for another barrage of fisticuffs and kung fu flurries, I say, "Thank you sir may I have another?"
Nov 02, 2011
Ian
rated it:
Loved it. Kudos for making Bela Tarr humorous. Can't wait for the sequel.
Apr 12, 2011
Victoria
rated it: 
Very funny! and very moving, and very much to think about here -- I can't quite imagine two more volumes of the same, but -- bring them on!
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May 18, 2011
sarah
rated it:
Kind of felt like he was trying to be Kafka and failing. Funny in parts, though.
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