I loved this hilarious satire on Englishness and the manufactured leisure industry.

It is a satirical science fiction novel by Julian Barnes which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. The novel is set in the Britain of the not-too-distant future, and chronicles the creation of a giant England themed amusement park, called "England, England", on the Isle of Wight, which also operates as an independent state. However, because the actors sooner or later over-identify with their roles, some of the attractions go terribly wrong; for instance, Robin Hood and his band actually start hunting their own food in the Island's heritage parks and old-English farmyards, the smugglers really start smuggling, and the "Samuel Johnson Dining Experience" turns out to be a flop because Doctor Johnson is regularly rude to the guests who dine at his table.

Very funny indeed!