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Manic Streets of Perth: Anthology
Perth.
It's thousands of miles from anywhere, it's got a rubbish Bell Tower and not enough of the laid-back locals are being eaten by sharks. Well, that's what expat reporter Paul Lewis thinks, but after a lonely Manic Street Preachers fan reveals her disastrously unlucky life suddenly nothing's the same...
Manic Streets of Perth - Where a snake-wielding robber is just the start of your troubles.
Gentler and warmer than Dave Franklin's other novels, Manic Streets is an easy to read comedy.
It's thousands of miles from anywhere, it's got a rubbish Bell Tower and not enough of the laid-back locals are being eaten by sharks. Well, that's what expat reporter Paul Lewis thinks, but after a lonely Manic Street Preachers fan reveals her disastrously unlucky life suddenly nothing's the same...
Manic Streets of Perth - Where a snake-wielding robber is just the start of your troubles.
Gentler and warmer than Dave Franklin's other novels, Manic Streets is an easy to read comedy.
- GenresFiction
650 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
About the author
Dave Franklin
67 books8 followersBorn in Wales, Dave Franklin published his first story in a fishing magazine at the age of sixteen. He emigrated to Australia in 1999 and made his living as a reporter, earning the distinction of being sacked twice by the same Perth-based newspaper group. He then spent nearly three years teaching English in Korea, during which the mortality rate of the children under his care remained at an impressive zero. He now teaches ESL to adults in Brisbane, helping (among others) Thai Lady Boys get to grips with their past participles.
The major theme of Dave's small, character-driven stories is alienation, the symptoms of which include male immaturity, misogyny, dysfunction, religion, violence, self-destruction and a childish glee in winding up the politically correct. There are no car chases or explosions in his books; instead he prefers graphic, outlandish sex scenes while focusing on exasperated loners full of doubt.
People who like his work tend to see its black humour (and disdain for his own characters) whereas his harshest critics take everything at face value. Indeed, some observers would suggest that the highlight of his writing career, which has seen him produce eight novels, remains being published in a fishing magazine.
The major theme of Dave's small, character-driven stories is alienation, the symptoms of which include male immaturity, misogyny, dysfunction, religion, violence, self-destruction and a childish glee in winding up the politically correct. There are no car chases or explosions in his books; instead he prefers graphic, outlandish sex scenes while focusing on exasperated loners full of doubt.
People who like his work tend to see its black humour (and disdain for his own characters) whereas his harshest critics take everything at face value. Indeed, some observers would suggest that the highlight of his writing career, which has seen him produce eight novels, remains being published in a fishing magazine.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 22, 2020
Confused.com
Funny how we pick the books we read... I ended up with this book after it was mentioned in Rob Jovanovic's A Version of Reason, a Richey Edwards biography.
I was confused at the start, and I'm still confused. I don't read a lot of humour, but I'm open to anything. It took a while to see where everything was going, but it was tied up neatly in the end. Something is still missing though (not poor Richey). I didn't get that wholesome feeling I usually get when finishing a book.
The dialogue written in dialect was hard to follow too.
I enjoyed the musical references throughout the book, so that's a plus.
I would say proceed with caution as this isn't for everyone.
Funny how we pick the books we read... I ended up with this book after it was mentioned in Rob Jovanovic's A Version of Reason, a Richey Edwards biography.
I was confused at the start, and I'm still confused. I don't read a lot of humour, but I'm open to anything. It took a while to see where everything was going, but it was tied up neatly in the end. Something is still missing though (not poor Richey). I didn't get that wholesome feeling I usually get when finishing a book.
The dialogue written in dialect was hard to follow too.
I enjoyed the musical references throughout the book, so that's a plus.
I would say proceed with caution as this isn't for everyone.
December 26, 2021
As someone who lives and grew up in Perth, and has a sizeable obsession with the Manic Street Preachers this felt familiar and had some laugh out loud moments. Thoroughly enjoyed- although i may be the exact audience for this!!!
September 20, 2010
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads and it is my understanding that two of the stories were published separately before being included in this anthology. These three stories by Dave Franklin are completely stand-alone pieces that are tied thinly together as the first two feature Perth quite prominently, and all three stories are focused or loosely based around journalism.
Manic Streets of Perth, both the first and the title story of this collection, manages to set the tone and the pace for the rest of the anthology. Franklin crafts a relatively clever maiden story and manages to flawlessly interweave the lives of four lead characters together, not to mention an absurd and quirky ensemble, all of whom are at utterly unfortunate and miserable points in their lives. Whilst there are pockets of uninteresting moments, these are few and far between and Franklin remains at the top of his game when he is being darkly comical. The only disappointment seemed to be the ending. Despite ditching the standard-fare 'happy ending' experienced in most literature such as this, Franklin still unknowingly manages to waltz into cliché territory by wrapping things up with an unassuming and altogether safe conclusion. Not quite riotous laughter inducing, but definitely chuckle worthy.
Looking For Sarah Jane Smith on the other hand, is completely offensive, unashamedly politically-incorrect, and altogether an absolute riot from start to finish. Franklin ditches most attempts at trying to make this story meaningful or profound, that is, until its satisfying conclusion; thus allowing its overall purposelessness to give him greater control over the narrative, his characters, and the journey they unknowingly find themselves undertaking. Whilst Looking For Sarah Jane Smith won't be to everybody's taste, Franklin's writing style flows impressively across the page and he seems much more comfortable behind the wheel of his three sexist and offensive male lead than any of his female characters. I'm not sure if that should be considered a good thing or not, but it sure makes for an enjoyable read. 'For anyone who suspects life's a bit rubbish' indeed.
Things however, take a turn for the worse in To Dare A Future. I was left scratching my head upon it's conclusion, trying to decide whether I enjoyed it or not before deciding my ambivalency towards it probably meant that I didn't like it as much as I thought. Franklin's darkly comical spark from the first two stories is non-existent as he tries to explore a much more serious tale. That's not to say To Dare A Future is bad. I wanted to like it, and there were plenty of moments that I found great; but it tries to tie far too many plots together and whilst it doesn't quite end up falling on it's face, it comes across as a stumbling drunken mess. As it ambles along, it doesn't quite know what it wants to achieve, and sort of jumps around before becoming a jumbled cross-genre patchwork of prose. Not to mention, the lead character isn't particularly enjoyable to read about, and his transformation rewards no sympathy from the reader. An interesting insight and attempt at exploring something much darker and heavier than the first two stories, but altogether, it ultimately falls apart by trying to be much more clever than it actually is.
Overall, Dave Franklin's anthology is a solid read. The first two stories gel quite well together and are quite fun, but I'm not exactly sure why the third story was, or should be, included alongside them. It feels like dead weight in what would have otherwise been a delightful read.
Manic Streets of Perth, both the first and the title story of this collection, manages to set the tone and the pace for the rest of the anthology. Franklin crafts a relatively clever maiden story and manages to flawlessly interweave the lives of four lead characters together, not to mention an absurd and quirky ensemble, all of whom are at utterly unfortunate and miserable points in their lives. Whilst there are pockets of uninteresting moments, these are few and far between and Franklin remains at the top of his game when he is being darkly comical. The only disappointment seemed to be the ending. Despite ditching the standard-fare 'happy ending' experienced in most literature such as this, Franklin still unknowingly manages to waltz into cliché territory by wrapping things up with an unassuming and altogether safe conclusion. Not quite riotous laughter inducing, but definitely chuckle worthy.
Looking For Sarah Jane Smith on the other hand, is completely offensive, unashamedly politically-incorrect, and altogether an absolute riot from start to finish. Franklin ditches most attempts at trying to make this story meaningful or profound, that is, until its satisfying conclusion; thus allowing its overall purposelessness to give him greater control over the narrative, his characters, and the journey they unknowingly find themselves undertaking. Whilst Looking For Sarah Jane Smith won't be to everybody's taste, Franklin's writing style flows impressively across the page and he seems much more comfortable behind the wheel of his three sexist and offensive male lead than any of his female characters. I'm not sure if that should be considered a good thing or not, but it sure makes for an enjoyable read. 'For anyone who suspects life's a bit rubbish' indeed.
Things however, take a turn for the worse in To Dare A Future. I was left scratching my head upon it's conclusion, trying to decide whether I enjoyed it or not before deciding my ambivalency towards it probably meant that I didn't like it as much as I thought. Franklin's darkly comical spark from the first two stories is non-existent as he tries to explore a much more serious tale. That's not to say To Dare A Future is bad. I wanted to like it, and there were plenty of moments that I found great; but it tries to tie far too many plots together and whilst it doesn't quite end up falling on it's face, it comes across as a stumbling drunken mess. As it ambles along, it doesn't quite know what it wants to achieve, and sort of jumps around before becoming a jumbled cross-genre patchwork of prose. Not to mention, the lead character isn't particularly enjoyable to read about, and his transformation rewards no sympathy from the reader. An interesting insight and attempt at exploring something much darker and heavier than the first two stories, but altogether, it ultimately falls apart by trying to be much more clever than it actually is.
Overall, Dave Franklin's anthology is a solid read. The first two stories gel quite well together and are quite fun, but I'm not exactly sure why the third story was, or should be, included alongside them. It feels like dead weight in what would have otherwise been a delightful read.
January 19, 2011
‘For anyone who suspects that life’s a bit rubbish.’
Each of the three journalists – Paul Lewis, Marty, and Eddie Dwiar - featured in these stories starts his life in Wales. One has emigrated to Australia, the second is about to and the third is going crazy. Paul, Marty and Eddie each live lives which they find dissatisfying, but they’d rather not be like everyone else. Follow their lives in these stories.
The first story is ‘Manic Streets of Perth’ in which grumpy journalist Paul Lewis thinks not enough is happening until he meets Kim the lonely Manic Street Preachers fan. Kim foolishly shares aspects of her life with Paul, and before she realises it, everyone knows it. A robber wielding a snake makes an appearance and Paul gets caught up in trying to solve the crime.
The second story is ‘Looking for Sarah Jane Smith’. Marty is really, really bored with his life in Wales. But a new life beckons: about to leave Wales (and his two loser mates) for Australia. And perhaps he will also find his ideal woman – the one who will be like Sarah Jane Smith. The only problem is that he ends up taking his loser mates – John and Wasp Boy – with him.
The final story is the disturbing ‘To Dare a Future’. Eddie Dwiar is an antisocial antihero who wants to make a name for himself on his own terms. The abduction of an 11 year old girl, snatched on her way home from ballet, provides an opportunity. This story is more completely developed than the other two: quite engrossing but not humorous.
‘We all have black thoughts. It’s just some of us act on them.’
The first two stories are funny, the third is disturbing. Each is well-written. The one that entertained me best was ‘Manic Streets of Perth’. I liked the restless searching in ‘Looking for Sarah Jane Smith’ and was haunted by some of the imagery in ‘To Dare a Future’.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Each of the three journalists – Paul Lewis, Marty, and Eddie Dwiar - featured in these stories starts his life in Wales. One has emigrated to Australia, the second is about to and the third is going crazy. Paul, Marty and Eddie each live lives which they find dissatisfying, but they’d rather not be like everyone else. Follow their lives in these stories.
The first story is ‘Manic Streets of Perth’ in which grumpy journalist Paul Lewis thinks not enough is happening until he meets Kim the lonely Manic Street Preachers fan. Kim foolishly shares aspects of her life with Paul, and before she realises it, everyone knows it. A robber wielding a snake makes an appearance and Paul gets caught up in trying to solve the crime.
The second story is ‘Looking for Sarah Jane Smith’. Marty is really, really bored with his life in Wales. But a new life beckons: about to leave Wales (and his two loser mates) for Australia. And perhaps he will also find his ideal woman – the one who will be like Sarah Jane Smith. The only problem is that he ends up taking his loser mates – John and Wasp Boy – with him.
The final story is the disturbing ‘To Dare a Future’. Eddie Dwiar is an antisocial antihero who wants to make a name for himself on his own terms. The abduction of an 11 year old girl, snatched on her way home from ballet, provides an opportunity. This story is more completely developed than the other two: quite engrossing but not humorous.
‘We all have black thoughts. It’s just some of us act on them.’
The first two stories are funny, the third is disturbing. Each is well-written. The one that entertained me best was ‘Manic Streets of Perth’. I liked the restless searching in ‘Looking for Sarah Jane Smith’ and was haunted by some of the imagery in ‘To Dare a Future’.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 13, 2015
I enjoyed this book much more than a previous novel I had read from the same author.
This book features three very different short stories and maybe I found this book more approachable because I felt a connection with two of the stories that made them more personal to me.
The first piece is set in Perth and some of the slightly cynical comments about the city tied in so well with the thoughts I'd had when I visited there that it had me laughing out loud.
There were also a few moments in the second story that also rang a bell with my own thoughts and feelings on certain subjects.
Dave Franklin's writing style has also grown on me. At first I found the extensive use of 'written out' accents and slang tiresome to read but after a while I stopped noticing them so much and could concentrate more on the stories themselves.
None of Dave Franklin's characters are particularly likeable but I have come to the conclusion that that is intentional.
These books are written with a certain sense of cynacism but, taken in the right way, are still an enjoyable and interesting read.
This book features three very different short stories and maybe I found this book more approachable because I felt a connection with two of the stories that made them more personal to me.
The first piece is set in Perth and some of the slightly cynical comments about the city tied in so well with the thoughts I'd had when I visited there that it had me laughing out loud.
There were also a few moments in the second story that also rang a bell with my own thoughts and feelings on certain subjects.
Dave Franklin's writing style has also grown on me. At first I found the extensive use of 'written out' accents and slang tiresome to read but after a while I stopped noticing them so much and could concentrate more on the stories themselves.
None of Dave Franklin's characters are particularly likeable but I have come to the conclusion that that is intentional.
These books are written with a certain sense of cynacism but, taken in the right way, are still an enjoyable and interesting read.
October 22, 2010
This book was really funny and often made me laugh out loud.
I thought the protrayal of the characters was very realistic and I liked the dialogue.
Free copy won from Goodreads First Reads
I thought the protrayal of the characters was very realistic and I liked the dialogue.
Free copy won from Goodreads First Reads
Want to Read
December 19, 2010Reading the first story out of three - started 11/12/10 - finished 19/12/10 - 3 stars
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews