This Life

by Sam Colman

1st BBC edition 1997, paperback original In stock shipped from our UK warehouse

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Irene Marakis · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s ok. I honestly got it from one of those small neighbourhood library things on the side of the street. Guess if you’re into books that are made into tv series then sure it’s fine but meh… quick read to pass my days as I wait for another book!

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging but with cliff-hanger ending.

[Mark Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the mid-90’s, I knew this was the show for me when my elder sister, who also watched it herself, was appalled that 14 year old me was watching it. But how could I not, it was everywhere. The first series, on its repeat airing, in the run-up to the second, became the biggest TV show in years. Set in London, in a townhouse which five lawyers shared, it was about their messy loves and lives, but there was a honest queerness that I responded deeply to, in the characters of Warren and Ferdy.

So, when I saw this novelisation, I knew I had to have it, despite worrying that, honestly, it would be terrible, because if you’ve read a novelisation before, you’ll know – unless they’re written by novelisation standouts like Alan Dean Foster – they’re usually uniformly terrible.

This, however, delightedly, was not. Written by William Sutcliffe, who had then recently published his first novel, New Boy, it manages to capture the tone of the series very well. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the series, so I’m not sure how much was lifted directly from the script, but I liked the addition here and there of some inner thoughts of the characters – I had forgotten how much of a homophobe Miles was (which, of course, was there in the series).

Honestly, a rollicking good read that I would recommend to fans of the series, who can certainly pick this up for cheap now, and relive their favourite tv series from back in the day!

[Nicky (burialshroud) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I caught the second season of This Life when it originally aired. I was quite keen on it and was curious to know how the whole thing got started. My only option at the time was to purchase this novelization and catch up with the story through the eyes of "Sam Colman"

Stupid pre-internet days.

[Mags Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of the TV series that was a must watch of the 90's.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually good, readable and enjoyable