Kingdom Come
Today I finished reading the book Kingdom Come by J. G. Ballard.
The story revolves around 42 year old, divorced, recently fired advertising executive Richard Pearson, who lives in London and whose father was jsut killed in an apparently random shooting in the new Metro-Centre shopping mall in the town of Brooklands on the outskirts of London. The prime suspect, a discontented, eccentric loner, is arrested, but quickly released on the evidence of the local 'pillars of the community'. Pearson becomes consumed with discovering the truth, but soon discovers that Brooklands, with it's glittering shopping mall and militant sports clubs, has some very dangerous secrets to hide.
The book revisits typical Ballard themes, most notably the potential for extreme violence and insanity that hides just behind the comfortable facade of English middle class life. in his world boredom, and not money, is the root of all evil. The book is beautifully written with plenty of the Ballard's trademark dark humour, and dazzling writing. The story is also an involving mystery, although the plot is often slowed down by Ballard's habit of having the characters discuss his philosophical theories.
It was another extremely dull day at work, with the usual trivial diversions. For instance someone said that she thought the abbreviation "GSOH" (Good Sense Of Humour) in personal adverts stood for "Gas Central Heating". After work I went for a quick drink with my friend Joe, which of course soon turned into four pints.
The story revolves around 42 year old, divorced, recently fired advertising executive Richard Pearson, who lives in London and whose father was jsut killed in an apparently random shooting in the new Metro-Centre shopping mall in the town of Brooklands on the outskirts of London. The prime suspect, a discontented, eccentric loner, is arrested, but quickly released on the evidence of the local 'pillars of the community'. Pearson becomes consumed with discovering the truth, but soon discovers that Brooklands, with it's glittering shopping mall and militant sports clubs, has some very dangerous secrets to hide.
The book revisits typical Ballard themes, most notably the potential for extreme violence and insanity that hides just behind the comfortable facade of English middle class life. in his world boredom, and not money, is the root of all evil. The book is beautifully written with plenty of the Ballard's trademark dark humour, and dazzling writing. The story is also an involving mystery, although the plot is often slowed down by Ballard's habit of having the characters discuss his philosophical theories.
It was another extremely dull day at work, with the usual trivial diversions. For instance someone said that she thought the abbreviation "GSOH" (Good Sense Of Humour) in personal adverts stood for "Gas Central Heating". After work I went for a quick drink with my friend Joe, which of course soon turned into four pints.
posted by WildatHeart87 at 3:23 PM
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