Synopses & Reviews
This summer London was taken over by a queasy mix of oddly-shaped people who had ravaged their bodies to run a bit faster, or throw things a bit further, and an uncountable army of crocodile-like chancers, brand-managers and corporate cheerleaders. A blameless piece of the East End, at scarcely credible cost, was torn apart to allow this specialised crowd a free rein.
In a fearless piece of writing, Nicholas Lezard gives a blow-by-blow account of what we have all just gone through - the highs and lows, tragedies and triumphs, laughter and tears, and soul-destroying boredom.The Nolympics is a celebration of perhaps Britain's most attractive quality - its intermittent flicker of anarchism, derision and awkwardness. It is a book for anyone who refused to wade into the quagmire of modern sport and who feels that somewhere along the way the Spirit of the Games was smothered by the creepy individuals who squat at the heart of the British state.
Synopsis
Nicholas Lezard loved London. Then the London 2012 Olympics came along. . . Suddenly his beloved city was invaded by über-people in branded sportswear who had contorted their bodies into odd shapes in order to run a bit faster, or throw things a bit further. Not to mention armies of reptilian brand-managers, chancers, and corporate cheerleaders all wanting to cash in, as a blameless piece of the East End was turned (at tear-inducing cost) into one huge folly. In The Nolympics, Nicholas Lezard gives us the perfect antidote to Olympics fever with a hilarious blow-by-blow account of how he survived its highs and lows, triumphs, and soul-destroying boredom. It is a book for anyone who would rather sit in the dark watching TV than ever wave a flag, who was last to be picked for PE, or who just feels that somewhere along the way the Spirit of the Games was smothered by wads of money. It is the only Olympic souvenir you'll ever need.
About the Author
Nicholas Lezard writes for the Guardian, Independent, and New Statesman.