Everyone's Reading Bastard

by Nick Hornby

Newspaper columnist Elaine Harris has always written about her life with husband Charlie. Her editor and her legions of readers count on full disclosure from her, but what no one—least of all Charlie—anticipates, only a week after the couple decide to end their marriage, is the speed and inventiveness with which she begins to try him in the court of public opinion. On Monday morning, it’s a smirk by a forgettable former lover that first clues him in that something’s wrong. Then, before he’s settled in at his desk, another co-worker salutes Charlie with the title of Elaine’s new column: “Bastard!” A quick check online leads him to the column, the subtitle leaving little doubt as to what he’s in for: “Life with an Ex. He’s Gone but Not Forgotten.” Charlie’s only hope is that Elaine will get bored and abandon the weekly column—a colorful litany of his failures as a partner, father, breadwinner, and lover—or that it won’t catch on. But soon enough it’s a multimedia feeding frenzy, and everyone’s reading Bastard!
And for Charlie, that’s a bitch.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Contemporary, Humor, British Literature, Novels, Adult Fiction

29 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Nicholas Peter John Hornby is an English writer and lyricist. He is best known for his memoir Fever Pitch (1992) and novels High Fidelity and About a Boy, all of which were adapted into feature films. Hornby's work frequently touches upon music, sport, and the aimless and obsessive natures of his protagonists. His books have sold more than 5 million copies worldwide as of 2018. In a 2004 poll for the BBC, Hornby was named the 29th most influential person in British culture. He has received two Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay nominations for An Education (2009), and Brooklyn (2015).

Reviews

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

From the little that this book is, it was funny and followed NIck Hornby's true to real life nature style. However this didn't feel like a short story, it felt like the beginning of a book that he couldn't be bothered to finish. The place where it cut off left me feeling...oh, okay. And that was it. If Nock ever makes this a book, I might read it, but it didn't do what a short story should for me.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories are pretty honest. I mean it’s right there in the name. There's some ambiguity, I guess, but they're laying it out in the open more or less. Short stories are short. Many times, I read short stories that are satisfyingly, fascinatingly complete. Whole unto themselves. Perfect little universes called into being at an author’s whim for a reader's delight.

Occasionally, I read a short story that feels short. One that reminds me it's short. One that leaves me wanting for more but not in that tantalizing, show business adage way. And such was the case here. It's classic, pitch perfect Hornby. Maybe a little too perfect -- more on that in a bit – but, still so good I turned the last virtual page repeatedly, in disbelief and a more than a little sad that there was not another. Just when I was getting really interested in what would happen next it was over. This felt more like the preview or sample of a new novel than it felt like a short story.

This isn't to say it's not good, just to say I want another novel by Hornby and this isn't it. And as to being "too perfect" it's possible I've read too much Hornby too fast, or I'm too judgmental, or something, but there's a quality to his work which is very recognizable. Almost -- I hate to say it -- pat.

I know, I know. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. One author strays from his "formula" and I regret the fact he left behind what made him special. Another embraces his voice and I lament the fact that it's all getting a little samey. Oh what a fickle fair-weather fan am I.

Maybe because it was written as a short story it was too concentrated and drew my attention to the similarities among his books. Maybe I just needed to add water. Or maybe I'm biting the hand that feeds me; I might be looking askance at the very qualities that have me begging for more ASAP.

It's just something I thought while reading. Still loved it wholly. Still can't wait for more. Really sweet and fun and enjoyable and a strong reminder of how and why Hornby is one of my favorites.

[Maison Koala · Rating 1 out of 5]

Con il solito mordente ed una leggerezza che, visto il tema, non guasta, Hornby ci regala il dietro le quinte del burrascoso divorzio di Elaine, graffiante giornalista che al marito pensa bene di dedicare una rubrica settimanale, e Charlie, il fedifrago più o meno pentito, più o meno rassegnato.

L'incipit è godibile ma....ma...mi state davvero dicendo che queste sessanta pagine peraltro stampate a caratteri da ipovedenti (lo sono, quindi ringrazio, ma...) sono IL ROMANZO?! Tutto?! Ma se non c'è manco il finale!

Delusione assoluta, perché si legge in mezz'ora, lasciandoti un retrogusto due volte amaro: da un lato c'era davvero del bel materiale per una bella storia succosa, dall'altro la deriva commerciale di Hornby è talmente sfacciata che non puoi soffocare un moto di disgusto. O almeno: io non ci sono riuscita.

Giudizio: PECUNIA NON OLET

[Jessica Fure · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you really say about Nick Hornby? The work's always good; good is his default setting. He ranges from "perfectly fine" to "that is perfect," and "Everyone's Reading Bastard" comes much closer to the latter.

A hundred years from now - and I apologize for this, I really do, but it's true - Nick Hornby will be this era's Mark Twain or Dickens. If you want a look at the ugly, the real, the funny, the un-pretty feeling of being here and now, Hornby will show you his without hesitation.

[Rosver · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really good but saved because of the shortness. The characters aren't interesting or admirable. The story is barely a story. The whole thing would not have keep my interest if it have not ended quickly. Its shortness make me give it two stars.

The main character Charlie is a very selfish, self-centered ass. He had a lot of deprecating qualities and depriving behaviour that makes me loath him in all ways. He lacks self respect or any virtue to latch on. To list from the "story," he is an deadbeat dad, a horrid sex partner, an uncaring husband, a cheater, a womaniser, a whiner and an alcoholic. He is a person I would not like to be associated in any ways. His ex wife, Elaine, is even more so hard get attached to being seen second hand and as unsavoury as Charlie. All other minor character that appear is just as unlovable. I read on without any attachment or investment on the characters. I could barely feel anything for them.

Now the story... or is it a story? There is clearly no definite ending or direction. It has a very unfinished feel to it. Nothing is taken, nothing lost and nothing changed. This 'story' is really nothing more that a long whining of a very fucked up man.

Nothing in this 'story' is really noteworthy, except for its blessed length or lack thereof. The shortness ensure that you don't get bored, alienated, frustrated, etc. by the 'story' and leave with the little good things you are able to get from it without them getting spoiled. So you end up getting mixed feelings after reading it. Any longer and your feelings would have been more definite, and the feelings wont be something good. Its shortness is its greatest asset.

Well, if your a person who likes to listen to your friend's whining about his/her bad days, then this book is for you. It has all the features of a person's whining without the need to get face to face with the said person. You can have your evil amusement over their misfortunes that they had brought on their unpleasant selves.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie and Elaine are getting a divorce. This would be a pretty stressful time no matter what, but Charlie is about to learn one of the great truths of life: don't piss off a newspaper columnist.

Now Elaine is writing a weekly column called, appropriately enough "BASTARD!" And, as the title of this story would lead you to believe, it's a big hit.

I've been a Nick Hornby fan for years, since I read High Fidelity after seeing the movie. He doesn't release books very often (and I accidently read Fever Pitch, not realizing that it was nonfiction and about football---or soccer, as we call it here) so I was very excited to hear about this Kindle single.

Yes, this is a short story (29 pages, according to Goodreads) but beggars can't be choosers and Nick Hornby hasn't released a novel in what feels like forever.

If you're already a fan of his, I think you'll love this story. It's very smart and has a ton of great lines. (Example: "That's what family stories were---amusing accounts of the messes and the fuckups. Take away the love and the laughter, narrate the stories as if the characters had acted with malice and self-absorption and everybody was in a bleak independent film about alcoholism and schizophrenia and child abuse.")

This story (as with most of Hornby's books, especially my personal favorite, About a Boy) is intended for those with a dark sense of humor. If you have that, you'll find this incredibly funny. Otherwise, you'll probably read this with furrowed brow and wondering exactly how anyone could ever laugh at any of this.

Needless to say, I thought it was hilarious. And very true.

Recommended.

[Cronache di Betelgeuse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recensione pubblicata su Cronache di Betelgeuse

Avere un divorzio in corso e una ex moglie giornalista che vuole metterti a tutti i costi in cattiva luce è una situazione veramente disperata. Il protagonista di questa storia si trova a dover affrontare a testa alta una serie di articoli imbarazzanti sul loro matrimonio.

Tutte le confidenze e gli errori che ha fatto come marito e come padre vengono sbattuti in prima pagina, all’interno di una rubrica che attira sempre più seguito. Elaine Harris sa infatti come giocare le sue carte da giornalista, indirizzando il pubblico a suo piacere, rivelando tutte le mancanze del marito e dipingendosi come una povera vittima. Charlie si trova inizialmente a soffrire per ogni articolo pubblicato, ma con il passare del tempo si accorge che, per quanto sia umiliante e imbarazzante, la sua vita deve andare avanti.

Grazie agli articoli conosce una nuova donna e nel rapporto con lei non deve nascondere nulla. Ci sta pensando la sua ex moglie a mettere a nudo tutti i suoi difetti, il suo unico compito è quello di imparare dagli errori del passato e cercare di non commetterli più. Anche se non incontriamo mai Elaine, ma leggiamo solo i suoi scritti, in poco tempo si arriva a odiarla sempre di più. Ciò che sta facendo è un abuso di potere bello e buono, una sorta di vendetta che mette solo in mostra il suo lato acido e, in fondo, di donna incapace di amare e perdonare.

[Sam Quixote · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charlie gets divorced from Elaine and, suddenly free of her ex-husband’s presence, Elaine begins writing about Charlie in her weekly column titled “Bastard” published in a national newspaper. And, much to Charlie’s horror, she is writing about everything – his bad habits, his sexual performance, his parenting faux pas - everything she hated about him and their marriage. And now everyone can read about it!

Nick Hornby’s struck upon an interesting idea for a story but it quickly becomes clear why this became a short story and not a novel – besides the setup, nothing much happens. Charlie is publicly shamed for being an inattentive lover, a less-than-brilliant father, and a philanderer, but otherwise the concept doesn’t advance much beyond the column being published each week and Charlie being embarrassed every time. And then it ends rather abruptly.

I thought the scene where Charlie and Helena, the victim of a competing column written by a vengeful husband called “Bitch”, awkwardly get together in a hotel room one afternoon was funny, and the story is amusing enough for the most part. But it’s not up there with Hornby’s better short story efforts like the brilliant “Otherwise Pandemonium” and “Not a Star”.

[Marc A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Nick Hornby ever since reading his, "High Fidelity" following a viewing of the excelent film made from it (one of the very best film adaptations ever IMO).

This is just a short (maybe too short) Kindle Single that briefly explores a difficut and humiliating life experience (in this case a nasty divorce the gory details of which have gone viral in all the media) from the point of view of the spurned (okay, he cheated) husband of a highly successful writer with a major online blog following. Along the way Hornby explores how so many authors will heartlessly expose not only their own neuroses and most embarrassing foibles to fuel their "art", but all too often also of those who thay have been closest and were/are the most trusting of them as well.

I could not help but note the irony that this piece was published very near the time of the much lamented passsing of Nora Ephron, a paragon of it's thesis if ever there was one.

[Isaac Katzanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trouble with Hornby is that his pace lets you fly through a novel-length book while still maintaining an attachment to the characters. The short story format creates some trouble with this, and leaves the ending feeling a little unresolved in comparison with his longer works. However, the story itself WAS enjoyable, I just wish there could've been more of it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, very entertaining story that feels like the opening chapters of a promising new Hornby novel. Why he cut it off after only thirty or so pages, I have no idea. Definitely worth the .99 cent price tag to download it off Amazon, especially now that they're charging around a gazillion dollars for most of their other Kindle books.

[Marcello S · Rating 2 out of 5]

Driiin!

- Mr. Hornby, si ricorda il racconto che ci deve inviare entro domani? Sa com’è, dobbiamo andare in stampa.
- Ehm, si certo, ci sto lavorando…
- Perfetto, lo aspettiamo!

Ma di che racconto parla questo?! Perché firmo i contratti e poi vado al pub e mi sbronzo e non mi ricordo le cose?
Massì, di solito le storie sulle coppie che litigano e si lasciano e poi forse tornano insieme o forse no mi vengono bene. Ci riprovo.

E invece.
Nick, ti regalo una stella perché in passato di gioie me ne hai date parecchie.
Ma ‘sta cosa proprio non c’ha senso. [53/100]

[Matjaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my cup of tea. It's your basic "man are from mars women are from venus" story sprinkled with 1st world problems.

[Valentina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trovate la recensione anche su http://dustypagesinwonderland.blogspo...


Questo romanzo breve, o meglio racconto – visto che nella versione originale da me letta consta di sole 29 pagine – è tutt’altro che uno scontato resoconto di quanto può essere portata all’esasperazione l’insoddisfazione che si sente riguardo a se stessi quando finisce un amore. Quella che sembrerebbe una storia piena di humor, alla fine non è altro che la volontà di smorzare la tragedia intrinseca nella storia. Non ci sono morti, non ci sono feriti, ma danni alla persona e alla sua reputazione a bizzeffe.
Tutto comincia con la decisione di Charlie e Elaine di divorziare, presa tra le 9,30 e le 10,00 del mattino, dopo aver accompagnato i bambini a scuola. La madre dell’uomo, che non riesce a capacitarsi della cosa, avanza subito l’ipotesi che sia stato il figlio ad esasperare a tal punto Elaine da causare la decisione. In realtà, come spiega Charlie, la colpa potrebbe benissimo essere della donna e una decisione così radicale quale quella di un divorzio non è repentina, ma ben ponderata.
Charlie ci sembra subito la vittima, un uomo che va in giro con la coda tra le gambe, incapace di reagire, se non dormendo un paio di volte con Mary che lo avvisa di essere sulla bocca di tutti. Elaine, infatti, è una giornalista che scrive di tutto, attribuendogli importanza come se fosse una questione personale: poco equilibrata, ha scritto tutto riguardo la perdita della sua verginità, lo stato delle sue pelvi, le sue fantasie sessuali e, soprattutto, il suo matrimonio. Ultima trovata è una rubrica settimanale dedicata a quel “Bastardo” del suo ex marito, volta a svelarne difetti e incompetenze. Charlie ovviamente è basito dalla situazione, ma non intende prendere provvedimenti dal punto di vista legale, e questo perché non è decisamente una vittima inconsapevole: negli anni ha tradito la moglie ripetutamente e, sopraffatto dal lavoro e dal suo ego, ha trascurato i figli. La rubrica ha successo – tanto che “Tutti leggono del Bastardo” diventa un trend su Twitter - e all’uomo viene richiesto di partecipare ad uno show radiofonico, ma nonostante la possibilità di replicare alle accuse della ex, Charlie decide di rifiutare. Nel frattempo nasce una rubrica corrispettiva, scritta da un uomo, volta a denigrare l’ex compagna. I due si incontrano e si scontrano con ciò che conoscono l’uno dell’altro.
C’è ancora tanto da dire, ma rischierei di togliervi la possibilità di leggere la storia, che trovo davvero amara e realistica. Mi ha colpito lo stile essenziale e asciutto di Hornby, che non avevo mai avuto modo di apprezzare prima. Nella versione originale si possono leggere numerosi giochi di parole, ma quello che più affascina è la capacità di partire da una premessa per arrivare ad una conclusione che mette in discussione tutto ciò che si è letto in precedenza. Si arriva a detestare un personaggio, per poi doversi ricredere più e più volte.
Quello che a primo acchito sembra essere una banale storia di ordinaria pazzia, finisce per diventare la dimostrazione di quanto siano fondamentali concetti quali privacy, reputazione e rispettivi limiti. In Italia, probabilmente, Elaine sarebbe stata perseguibile per diffamazione a mezzo stampa, nonostante la realtà dei fatti; in Inghilterra il reato non sussisterebbe proprio in virtù di questo. Inoltre, in queste poche pagine si legge molto dell’animo umano, di quanto sia volubile; posso dire poi che mi ha ricordato il pirandelliano concetto dell’«uno, nessuno, centomila», mettendo in evidenza la possibilità che la versione di noi che mostriamo al mondo spesso non è quella reale.
Nonostante questi lati positivi della storia, non credo che il lettore italiano sia invogliato a godersi questo nuovo racconto di Hornby: mi sembra davvero esagerata una spesa di 9 euro per la versione cartacea e 4,99 euro per l’ebook, quando questo in versione originale è disponibile alla ben più accessibile cifra di 0,99 euro! Avrei preferito acquistare un volume con più storie, oppure una proposta più modica, ma di certo io per prima ho preferito adeguarmi alla versione inglese – che tra l’altro consiglio ha chi ha una conoscenza media dell’inglese come esercizio di lettura. Trovo assurdo che si speculi così tanto sui racconti, e non mi riferisco solo alla casa editrice Guanda, ma anche alle tante altre specializzate nella pubblicazione di storie non più lunghe di cento pagine che si trovano in libreria a non meno di dieci euro. Lo trovo un motivo in più, per il lettore, a dover ricercare un corrispettivo illegale per dover leggere. È anche in questo modo che si aiuta la pirateria.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Everyone's Reading BASTARD" is a short story by the brilliant author, Nick Hornby.

I'm of an age where his novel, "High Fidelity," rang true for me: I could equate my various girlfriends with the music I was listening to at the time, or--in more cases--what I was playing on the radio. (This is why Janet Jackson and Atlantic Starr remind me of Beth and the Little Red-Haired Girl from college--because the songs were in heavy rotation at work, not because I was choosing to listen to them!). OH, and the mix-tapes I made over the years! Worrying about what songs best flowed from one to the other, and which message I was trying to send.

I digress.

Now, being of that same age, many of my friends are getting divorced, some of them with great acrimony and spite. That's what is happening with Charlie and his estranged wife, Elaine. Charlie had committed various sins during the marriage, and Elaine apparently noted each of them, an attention to detail that will really bite Charlie. Why?

Because Elaine is a popular newspaper columnist. As the divorce process begins, Elaine begins writing a Sunday column called, "BASTARD!" Its subject, needless to say, is Charlie. Elaine seems to take great relish in bashing her ex, bringing up things he'd nearly forgotten, slights that seemed minor taken in context, but when they're isolated and sharpened, they prove most effective weapons.

That the marriage was ending was nothing new. Charlie and Elaine had grown apart for years he'd even moved into his own flat, with enough rooms to take his kids on weekends. The kids were hardly surprised either: (When Elaine and Charlie eventually sat the kids down and told them that the marriage was over, Emily, aged nine, said only, “Der.”)

Some weeks, Elaine's legion readers are shocked nearly to hatred with her stories of Charlie. Some weeks, her column is more reflective, and Charlie doesn't look half bad. Most weeks, however, Charlie is Elaine's punching-bag, right there in black-and-white, with a huge headline: BASTARD!

Charlie finds a kindred spirit in a divorced woman called "BITCH!" (Her husband writes for Elaine's newspaper as well).

"Everyone's Reading Bastard" is hysterical in parts, and thoughtful in others. It reflects perfectly society's blood-lust for other people's private foibles, as well as just how destructive the media can be.

The ONLY reason I didn't give this five stars is because I think this would have been an excellent novel. It works as a short story, but there is so much material Hornby could have played with, so many more anecdotes only he could write. I hope he will revisit "Everyone's Reading BASTARD!" someday, and expand it to novel length.

Times are tough for anyone going through a divorce. This story assuages with "Hell, it could be worse" catharsis. I can only imagine how amazingly this story could be realized with another 180 pages.

Recommended.

[Eleni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nick Hornby, you are my hero.
I don’t think I can ever thank you enough for Fever Pitch and High Fidelity (YAY for all the re-reads!)
For sharing your thoughts on The Believer all these years.
For being such a great reader, in addition to being a fantastic writer. And it’s not just what you read. It’s also how you read and write about it!
For tirelessly compiling all these lists of your favourite books, movies and music.
For being such a fierce, frustrated and expressive Arsenal fan like I am.
For your talent in writing simply and breathtakingly beautifully and so so meaningfully.
For your impeccable taste and sense of humour.
For all the digressions and distractions. You make them not only fun, but also necessary.
For the little things. Not all people realize that they matter. You do.
For:
“Have you got any soul?" a woman asks the next afternoon. That depends, I feel like saying; some days yes, some days no. A few days ago I was right out; now I've got loads, too much, more than I can handle. I wish I could spread it a bit more evenly, I want to tell her, get a better balance, but I can't seem to get it sorted. I can see she wouldn't be interested in my internal stock control problems though, so I simply point to where I keep the soul I have, right by the exit, just next to the blues.”

So where is all that here Nick? Where are the lovably flawed characters? The spark? The warmth?? Is seems it’s all gone walkies and as much as I hate to say it, I hope not Everyone's Reading Bastard Nick. Not because there’s something wrong with it. It’s actually alright; fiver out of a ten. But you said it yourself:

“Books are, let's face it, better than everything else. If we played cultural Fantasy Boxing League, and made books go 15 rounds in the ring against the best that any other art form had to offer, then books would win pretty much every time. Go on, try it. “The Magic Flute” v. Middlemarch? Middlemarch in six. “The Last Supper” v. Crime and Punishment? Fyodor on points. See? I mean, I don’t know how scientific this is, but it feels like the novels are walking it. You might get the occasional exception -– “Blonde on Blonde” might mash up The Old Curiosity Shop, say, and I wouldn’t give much for Pale Fire’s chance against Citizen Kane. And every now and again you'd get a shock, because that happens in sport, so Back to the Future III might land a lucky punch on Rabbit, Run; but I'm still backing literature 29 times out of 30.”

So am I Nick, but I’m not sending Everyone's Reading Bastard to the ring. We might get away with it against Oliver Stone. But what happens if we’re paired up with Jim Jarmusch or Wes Anderson? Might as well put the rest of your work on the battling list instead. Then, it's in the bag.

[Mark Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Nick Hornby for years and although 'a short', this story is in typical Hornby fashion. As usual, the characters are believable and not padded out, and he captures urban life with the accuracy of a sniper. The pace is fast and perhaps that is the only downfall as I was kind of left feeling derailed with the ending, which is so abrupt it left me feeling that there should have been more mileage with this one. Everyone's Reading BastardEveryone's Reading Bastard

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh man, what can I say? I love Nick Hornby's books and stories.... This is a short story about a man whose soon to be ex-wife makes a living writing a weekly column about what a horrible Bastard he is.... The funniest part is that he admits to many of the things she accuses him of, and the talent of Hornby is we ALL recognize ourselves in his bastardy. And we feel sorry for him. I love Nick Hornby. Love love love his books! Makes me want to read About a Boy again....

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Charlie's marriage to Elaine breaks down, she gains the ultimate revenge when she starts to write her column 'Bastard!'. Soon everyone's reading it and Charlie finds himself under increasing scrutiny, forcing him to reevaluate his life.

A thought provoking short story from the pen of Nick Horny, this edition comes as a dual language German/English text, allowing readers to brush up on their modern foreign language.

[Chinook · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That's what family stories were-amusing accounts of the messes and the fuckups. Take away the love and the laughter, narrate the stories as if the characters had acted with malice and self-absorption, and everybody was in a bleak independent film..."

An amusing short story. I have a soft spot for Hornby.

[Ffiamma · Rating 1 out of 5]

non è un romanzo, non è un racconto, è un abbozzo non sviluppato e senza storia né approfondimento dei personaggi- che non andava pubblicato.
(da sottolineare il fatto che in uk sia uscito solo in formato elettronico a 0.99 p, mentre guanda fa pagare l'edizione cartacea 9 euro. la vergogna, questa sconosciuta)

[Alessandra Bassi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cattivo e piacevole
La cattiveria di Nick Hornby è piacevole: il protagonista stesso e forse anche l’autore sembrano condividere la disapprovazione generale che lo circonda, descrivendolo a tinte fosche. Salvo poi arricchire il quadro con qualche sprazzo di luce, o almeno di ombre sul resto del mondo, ex moglie compresa.

[Arthur · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. É bom e dá vontade de ler mais, mas não há mais porque a proposta era ser curto mesmo. Pena. Pena, nada: o livro cumpre bem a proposta. Indicaria. Deu vontade de ler mais contos e novelas da editora.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seems like the best start to a Hornby book in years...and then it just ends :(

[Siska · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting storyline, well written, interesting points, but a very weird and abrupt ending, and I happen to just dislike endings like this. It may worth to try other Hornby's books.

[Tessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nick Hornby is always fun to read but from the way he writes his men, I’m getting the feeling he’s probably a dick too.

[Evan Micheals · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the latest of my “read everything” project for Nick Hornby. It is a short story written from the perspective of a man married and the muse of a writer.

The story begins with their separation after many years of having his short falls as a husband and a man pointed out in the most public way. She does the required thing for a self-respecting woman and leaves the “Bastard”.

It portrays both the innocent bystander and the victim of a wreck as he is powerless (or maybe too dignified) to respond. His family, friends, and work colleagues know he is the “Bastard” and he feels judged accordingly. In time he meets “Bitch” whose ex-husband writes the companion piece.

Hornby takes the venting about partners to an extreme and readily exposes the easy architypes the world believes. There is some universal truth at the basis of all architypes, otherwise they would not be easily understood. How to respond to the world when you are not treated yourself, but as the architype? Stoically accept the exaggeration of what is true? How much is it acceptable to vent about your partner (because being the victim of another and accepting suffering is seen as noble in a virtue signalling milieu).

This is a light and whimsical read. The concept could be expanded out and investigated.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

[4.5*]
Sometimes I'm surprised to find out that there is something of Nick Hornby that I haven't read - so it was a pleasant surprise when I found this little gem. It was everything I love about Hornby - straightforward prose, imperfect characters, humor and just realness of the whole thing. It's impressive that he can tackle so many issues in such a short piece of writing - and he tackles them without moralizing or even drawing too much attention to them but you'll see them if you know where to look.
I don't usually share quotes but I really loved this passage:
That's what family stories were - amusing accounts of the messes and the fuckups. Take away the love and the laughter, narrate the stories as if the characters had acted with malice and self-absorption, and everybody was in a bleak independent film about alcoholism and schizophrenia and child abuse.

[Rajul · Rating 4 out of 5]

"That’s what family stories were—amusing accounts of the messes and the fuckups. Take away the love and the laughter, narrate the stories as if the characters had acted with malice and self-absorption, and everybody was in a bleak independent film about alcoholism and schizophrenia and child abuse."

Charlie and his wife Elaine get divorced and Elaine uses him as a raw material for a new column "Bastard" where she talks in detail about his failures and mistakes (including performance in his bedroom)

There is also an Anonymous husband who has started a column Bitch in the same lines as the Bastard for his ex wife.

The Bastard and Bitch meet amd start a relationship. That was the cutest part of it all. People did think that the ending was abrupt but I guess it is more to do with limits of their imagination.

It's a short read, funny at times and also thought provoking.

[𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕮. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book just reminded me how much I hate women. 😂 I get it, she had to make money for herself and so using her ex’s bad habits as content for a nasty news column every week was right for her... but if she really was a talented writer, she wouldn’t need to stoop that low.
Also, she didn’t even think of the fact that those articles will be out in the world forever and her kids will know about it all. What a bad parent.

This book had potential to be funny, impressive, and have a good twist + ending.... but it wasn’t anything like all that. More boring than anything.
Wouldn’t read again. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Seriously, like the ending could’ve been a simple thing like Charlie ending up with “the bitch” Helen.. SOMETHING! But the ending was trash.
Oh well. 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️