Synopses & Reviews
Xavier Ireland is the assumed name of a radio-show host with a devoted following of listeners riveted by the sleepless loners who call in throughout the night to seek his advice. Off the air, he leads a low-key life of avoiding his neighbors, playing Scrabble, and maintaining an awkward friendship with his cohost, Murray. But his life begins to change when he meets a cleaning lady named Pippa, who becomes a constant, surprisingly necessary presence in his life as he starts facing up to his past and discovering solace and redemption in the most unexpected places. British comedian Mark Watson’s North American debut humorously and poignantly explores life and death, strangers and friends, heartache and comfort, and whether the choices we don’t make affect us just as powerfully as the ones we do.
Review
‘This is a moving story with a twist about how our lives touch others in ways we don’t even realise. If you loved
One Day by David Nicholls, this is for you – and will stay with you long after the last page’
Cosmopolitan, September Issue
‘This is funny but also sharply observed and unexpectedly moving…The connections are ingenious and there are some very dark undertones, admirably handled’
The Times 14/8
‘As with his previous work, Watson’s prose is realistic, gently paced and occasionally tantalising. But most of all it demonstrates again the comedian’s skill at neatly capturing the alienation of city life – and how those in close quarters can communicate frequently and yet say nothing at all’
Metro 19/8
‘Since his impressive debut, Bullet Points, Watson has demonstrated that comedy is not his sole talent. ‘Eleven’ is an intelligent, witty and heart-warming tale with a significant, if familiar, message – and his most accomplished book to date’
Time Out 19/8
‘Witty and beautifully written’
Hot Stars, OK! Magazine 21/8
‘My hols – The Comedian Mark Watson feared for his life in Kenya, met aliens in Germany and had his dream meal in Melbourne’
Interview with Caroline Rees, The Sunday Times 15/8
Review
“Funny, sharply observed, and unexpectedly moving… The connections are ingenious and there are some very dark undertones, admirably handled.” —The Times (London) “A moving story with a twist about how our lives touch others in ways we don't even realise. If you loved One Day by David Nicholls, this is for you—and will stay with you long after the last page.” —Cosmopolitan (UK) “A richly comic but intuitive novel. . . both funny and touching.”—The Bookseller (UK) "Smoothly written, Watson's latest novel proves he has a gift for tender prose and emotive storytelling... an intelligent, witty and heartwarming tale with a significant message -- and his most accomplished book to date"--Time Out (London) "There are eleven good reasons to read this fine, funny, classy book – and those are just three. You'll find the others for yourself..."--Danny Wallace, author of Yes Man "A seriously good book by a very funny man"--Metro (UK) “Brilliantly hilarious and hilariously brilliant.”—Stephen Fry “I hugely recommend. Gentle, compassionate, unusual, and thought-provoking. Expected a fun read and got something better.” --Chris Cleave, author of "Little Bee"
Review
“Funny, sharply observed, and unexpectedly moving… The connections are ingenious and there are some very dark undertones, admirably handled.” —The Times (London)
Review
“A moving story with a twist about how our lives touch others in ways we don't even realise. If you loved One Day by David Nicholls, this is for you—and will stay with you long after the last page.” —Cosmopolitan (UK)
Review
“A richly comic but intuitive novel. . . both funny and touching.”—The Bookseller (UK)
Review
"Smoothly written, Watson's latest novel proves he has a gift for tender prose and emotive storytelling...
Review
"There are eleven good reasons to read this fine, funny, classy book – and those are just three. You'll find the others for yourself..."--Danny Wallace, author of Yes Man
Review
"A seriously good book by a very funny man"--Metro (UK)
Review
“Brilliantly hilarious and hilariously brilliant.”—Stephen Fry
Review
“I hugely recommend. Gentle, compassionate, unusual, and thought-provoking. Expected a fun read and got something better.” --Chris Cleave, author of "Little Bee"
Review
"The ghost of Hugh Grant lurks within the pages of this novel, a pleasing London-set romantic comedy complete with a cast of quirky supporting characters."--The New York Times
Review
"Smoothly written, Watson's latest novel proves he has a gift for tender prose and emotive storytelling... an intelligent, witty and heartwarming tale with a significant message -- and his most accomplished book to date"--Time Out (London)
Synopsis
From British comedian Mark Watson, the story of a related cast of characters around London, connected by a popular late night radio call-in show host.
About the Author
Mark Watson is one of Britain’s most popular young stand-up comedians. His comedy shows have won, among others, the Daily Telegraph Award, Time Out Best Stand-Up Award, Edinburgh Festival Panel Prize, and best shows at the Adelaide and Sydney Festivals. He has performed at every major international comedy festival and in more than twenty countries. He made comedy history at the Edinburgh Festival by performing for 24 hours, solo and without a break. He is a regular on many British TV shows and has his own highly successful BBC Radio 4 series, Mark Watson Makes the World Substantially Better. He is the author of the novels Bullet Points and A Light-Hearted Look at Murder, and the non-fiction title Crap at the Environment. Mark Watson lives in London.