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W I G N A L L
Some years ago I read “The Restraint of Beasts”, the first novel by Magnus Mills. It took an unpromising subject matter – the mundane life of three fencing contractors – and spun comic gold from it. It’s apparently being made into a film at the moment, but I’d recommend the book first.
I’ve been tempted by some of the author’s subsequent books but have only just got around to reading another with his most recent, “Explorers of the New Century”, and it’s quite wonderful.
People who like Glen Baxter cartoons or who fondly remember Michael Palin’s “Ripping Yarns” will love this from the start because the premise lies in Boys’ Own Adventure territory. Two teams – one which might be Swedish led by Tostig, the other which might be English led by Johns – arrive on a barren shore and set off along different routes with the aim of being first to reach the Agreed Furthest Point.
Of course, there are echoes of another Scandinavian/British race, that to reach the South Pole at the beginning of the 20th century, and this book captures all the admirable qualities as well as the grand folly and petty madness that fuelled the great age of exploration.
But as with Mills’ debut, there’s more to it than first meets the eye. Both parties are accompanied by pack mules and these prove central to the story in more ways than one. It would be churlish to give away any more, but suffice to say this is a hugely entertaining but also thought-provoking book and in its understated way, it also has one of the best and most satisfying final paragraphs I’ve read in a long time.
April 21st, 2006 at 6:59 pm
I have enjoyed a couple of Mills’ short works as well; but not this one. I have read Three To See The King and The Scheme for Full Employment.
I am envious of his minimalist abilities. To write such clever expositions of human nature in such short works is reflective of real talent.
April 21st, 2006 at 10:24 pm
Actually, Kevin, that ties in with what Ray Banks said to me about Mills. There’s no fussiness to his work, it doesn’t need to declare its intelligence from the rooftops, and as a result, it’s what all literary fiction should be like. He also satisfies one of my key criteria – he never forgets he’s telling a story.
April 28th, 2006 at 11:04 am
Magnus Mills is a god round these parts. Obviously everyone should read all of his books, but my favourite is probably ALL QUIET ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS.
September 30th, 2006 at 12:50 pm
“Explorers of the New Century” is wonderful. Though I’d ignore the blurb and reviews which identify it as a comedy. It’s funny-wry-smile rather than funny-ha-ha. And it’s a far more subtle allegory, methinks, than some think (cf the Daily Telegraph review)