I liked the way this book and the main characters all developed and the storyline was credible and moved along very well.

My lasting impression of this book won't be the way the post office was taken over by a not very nice chappie; but that Palin himself seems to sit four square as the main character. The knowledge of Hemingway and his works that was liberally spread around this book was real knowledge taken from someone who has clearly read, learned and appreciated everything that Hemingway had to offer. I even have the feeling that Palin owns THAT chair: the chair that is at least partly central to the plot.

Drop the comedy tag and approach this as a good read and you'll enjoy it I'm sure.


Postman takes on privatization   December 8, 1999
 2 out of 5 found this review helpful

A very disappointing book, despite some excellent dialogue but I found it dull, predictable and very thin on laughs. I would not recommend it, as there is better stuff out there.


A Totally Compelling Read   September 12, 1999
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Typically Palin in his best 'Ripping Yarns' hero role. Martin Sproale is a seething mass of frustration masquerading as a lowly Post Office counter clerk. Full of humour, pathos and a scathing view of how progress affects the life of small town England. Couldn't put it down.