Leading the Cheers: A Novel

First, the book depicts a 30th high school reunion which takes place in 1998. Throughout the story, however, the narrator comments on the 1996 Presidential election (largely through reference to Rush Limbaugh commentaries) as if it is occurring while the action of the book is taking place when this obviously is not the case.

Second, although the book is set clearly and explicitly in Michigan, there are several geographical/spelling errors. "Cranbrook" is not spelled "Cranbrooke," nor is the suicide doctor's name spelled "Kervorkian." Finally, at one point the author situates the fictional town of Hollybush at the intersection of Interstate 97 and State Route 23. A few pages later, I-97 becomes I-95. Unfortunately, neither of these interstates is located in Michigan. I realize that this is a work of fiction, which leaves the author free to invent details. By choosing to give the story a concrete geographical setting, however, he destroys its verisimilitude with these kinds of sloppy mistakes.

Based upon these and a few other errors not worth dwelling on here, I think Mr. Cartwright and his editor should have a heart-to-heart talk before his next novel is published.


Reality and the past as we remember it   February 4, 2000
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

This Whitbread Prize winning novel by Justin Cartwright is bang up-to-date in its modern day references but does a wistfully nostalgic take on the story of Londoner, Dan Silas, a middle aged and temporarily retired ad man, who returns to Michigan, USA to attend and deliver a speech at a class reunion organised by his mates. Expecting a gentler and kinder place than his abode across the Atlantic, Dan discovers to his surprise that life has thrown a few curved balls at his buddies in the intervening years. His best friend, Gary, has lost his mind and now lives in a world of his own, imagining himself a descendent of a red Indian tribe. His ex-girlfriend, Gloria, has lost a teenage daughter (whom she claims was fathered by Dan) to a serial killer. Even the past, as he recalls it, doesn't quite reconcile with their version. As Dan treads the path of self discovery, he realises that there is no real logic to life. Is Gary's spiritual domain, in which life and death co-exist in a continuum, so absurd ? Perhaps not. How about Gloria's insistence in Dan's paternity when this belief flies in the face of all evidence ? Cartwright's prose reeks with irony. He writes in a very readable style, though the proliferation of names and places only served to distract. There are at least two high points in the novel. Dan's interview with the serial killer is chilling and brilliant in its economy. Gary's well thought out plan for Dan to regain lost antiques from the British Museum is touching in its quiet intent and a masterful stroke. I found "Leading The Cheers" a very good read. Highly recommended.


Witty account by English writer of small town America   October 11, 1999
I read this book last year while I was living in London. It was a best seller there and won the Whitebread prize which it fully deserved. It is a surprising and amusing take on living in small town America, full of twists and turns and truly delightful. I cannot recommend it too highly.


Overly Nostalgic but a good read   September 21, 1999
A bit over nostalgic, and unbelievable but I am not sure that is the point. It carefully allows the reader to develop an understanding of characters without too much character development - this would fit in perfectly with the concept of the book. How much of what we live is developed outside of reality. It is interesting enough, and there is plenty of things to ponder - namely your place, your life, and what things have happened.. Anyone going to a reunion should read this book. It is somewhat shallow - probably suited to those looking for a nice, short stroll of a book that is entertaining and amusing.