Review of Randy the Irresistible

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Sherry Wilson 1
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Review of Randy the Irresistible

Post by Sherry Wilson 1 »

[Following is a volunteer review of "Randy the Irresistible" by S M Goodier.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The preface explains where Randy the Irresistible (Randy Love, the protagonist) comes from; it describes his family. Then, the book starts by describing Randy's situation today. He does temporary jobs, he lives at home with his dad, but he yearns for personal space. When he finally finds a place of his own he gets involved in a rocambolesque adventure and escapes running. Further unsuccessful amorous adventures follow. Fortunately, there is Michael who tries to prod Randy into more productive activities, like getting a regular job. Randy's job-agency friend finds him work in a building society bank, but he still does the odd temporary job. On one occasion, working as bar staff at a lavish wedding, he makes off with two dozen bottles of Moet Chandon which he plans to sell. Nobody notices. The rest of the wedding party is indulging in excessive drinking and general debauchery.

Randy is bored at work. Amusement arrives in the form of a challenge regarding his fellow worker's ample bosom. Despite this low-level entertainment, Randy is maturing: he has a full-time job and his own living quarters. But he feels put-upon; he wants revenge for imagined wrongs. He takes solace in nights out with his mates, chatting up girls. These drunken “pub crawls” usually end up badly. After the last colossal hangover, our protagonist decides to better himself. He studies hard to pass an all-important exam that should land him a better job in a high-level bank. He makes arrangements to sit the exam while staying with his brother in London. This London weekend is full of eventful episodes: the fancy “do” organised by his brother; the romantic encounter with Nicky; the exam.

In London, Randy settles into a new flat and a new job. He soon has to move, having overstayed his comfortable but temporary accommodation. At work, he has to cope with awkward customers and, here it is again, boredom. He gets into a ticklish situation at his new digs but soon finds another place and moves again. He acquires new flatmates, a motley bunch with the bossy one in charge. Randy makes a play for the prettiest girl. Unsuccessful. Here, Randy's antics hit a low point. He has to move again, which he does when nobody is around. He reluctantly moves in with his girlfriend. Now, we get to see the garrulous girlfriend in all her bossiness. Stress! Randy slowly activates his “move-out” plan. He finds a new flat and flatmate, breaks up with Nicky and spends Christmas with his dad. Finally, Randy sees reason and does what he should have done all along: think. And listen. After listening to his sister, behaving correctly with his brother's family and giving deep thought to wise Michael's advice, he matures. We know he will have relapses, but there are signs that he will shape up. It all ends (happily?) when he gets to appreciate Nicky. Maybe this is a love story.

The author, S M Goodier, immediately plunges the reader into Randy's adventures. And a rip-roaring frolic it is! And full marks for an apt, witty, thought-provoking, could-be-happy ending. I like the well-depicted characters: I particularly like Michael. He is a deep-thinking, goading, play-cat-and-mouse provocateur. A character we cannot get enough of. And Randy, the protagonist? Goodier makes us accept, even applaud, this vain, unscrupulous, arrogant, opportunistic, immature ne'er-do-well. For example, in a job interview, when asked about his skills: “Randy considered himself pretty fantastic in bed, and he could down a pint in less than five seconds . . .” This rollicking list of “assets” probably sums up Randy's mind. The silly schoolboy-prank side of him is still in command. But the reader willingly suffers this insufferable character. There is just enough wit and sympathy in his misadventures to make us care about him and avidly continue reading.

There are a couple of dismally gross episodes, and the language is, at times, pretty vulgar. However, this is in keeping with the characters. Sex is mentioned frequently but generally tastefully, although there are a couple of somewhat explicit scenes. The abundance of very British vocabulary/slang might present problems (who is Dell Boy?); fortunately, there is a glossary.

The protagonist, Randy, employs witty repartee in conversation; he has a store of improbable adjectives waiting for action. This wittiness partly explains his (and the book's) irresistible charm. However, his actions betray Randy as a bit of a scoundrel, or worse. Readers are intrigued; they are delighted to follow, and chuckle at, his misadventures. Randy the Irresistible rates a well-deserved four out of four stars.

Boisterous and bold, the book will appeal to adult readers. Keeping in mind the sexual content and presence of profanity, I would say Randy the Irresistible is appropriate only for mature readers. The ever-present wit and humour will get many adult chuckles.

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Randy the Irresistible
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NancyDrew12
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Post by NancyDrew12 »

This novel sounds very interesting. I love a good adventure and Randy seems to be having a lot of them. Good review! :D
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Kira Bonita Reece
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Post by Kira Bonita Reece »

This is a very interesting, transitioning-to-adulthood book. Your review does the book justis! Excellent review
Sherry Wilson 1
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Post by Sherry Wilson 1 »

Yes, indeed. The passage-into-adulthood adventures are described with such wit and sympathy that even the most scandalous episodes are perfectly acceptable and make us smile. A fun book.
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