Recommendation: "The Best Book in the World" by Peter Stjernstrom Translated by Rod Bradbury

Titus Jenson is a writer who has seen better days; working the festival scene with humorous readings of other people’s work, his unhealthy lifestyle is starting to catch up with him. When he and the young and successful romantic poet Eddie X indulge in post-performance drinks, they come up with the idea of creating the best book in the world. However, in the cold light of day, only one of them will be able to produce this career-defining work…

The Best Book in the World is a witty tale of competition and sabotage. Stjernstrom is able to satirise the publishing world with great skill, and there are moments where the book is laugh out loud funny. The plot is fast paced and farcical with publishers making use of unbelievable, high-tech methods to protect their manuscripts and ensure their authors are sticking to the clean living lifestyle they promised. It is not surprising to read that the author came to writing after a career in finance as this novel offers a fresh perspective on the literary world.

The characters are bizarre and cartoonish but this works within the context of the book, which is quite ludicrous in places. The novel ends with a predictably weird twist leading to a conclusion which is amusing, if a little confusing for some. It may not be the best book in the world but it’s a highly entertaining read.

This piece was commissioned by Book Trust and first published here.

Buy the book: The Best Book in the World
Buy for kindle: The Best Book in the World