'The First Casualty'

Review

The First Casualty
by Ben Elton

2005

I read this book in 3 days over the Christmas period and it was such a fast, easy read that I'd almost completely forgotten to write something about it. First off, what another brilliant literary offering from Elton. He really is one of my favourite authors and I've come to appreciate his intricate way of preparing a story.

Set during World War One, this book deals with the almost absurd notion of a murder investigation on the Western Front. There is death and carnage all around yet a London policeman, a conscious objector, is sent to unravel the mystery.

Ben Elton has a way of telling a story and involving every aspect of human interaction in amongst the drama and intrigue. There are no one fit stereotypes he likes to go with, they appear as believeable characters, with as much depth and human fault as in real life. His storytelling is aimed at everyone, not a select few, and for this you can see why his previous successes have been so well received (esp. the tv shows).

The twists and turns keep you reading on, ploughing through details which suddenly turn on their heel and happily lead you down the garden path before revealing their true outcome. I love being tricked when I'm reading, even in an age where we think we've seen it all before.

And the complex weave of human existence is ever present in his novels. Poor man alongside the rest, a seemingly insignificant character bumbling into the path of the main storyline. Even the actions and repercussions of a removed character, how they change the plot for better or worse. I love it.

Another great Elton book is High Society. Get into it!