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If ever a Book deserved publishing, then this is it. J.P.Donleavy would be proud to have written it. I am completely hooked.
Superb. This should be read out on Radio 4 (to those for whom that is meaningless, it's a BBC station), and if, sorry, WHEN it's published, I'll buy it. Backed with great pleasure and the intention of reading more...
This is hilarious stuff. What a great voice! And Chapter 33's Christmas Eve church fantasy - that alone warrants the price of admission. Well done, sir!
I have now read bits of many books on the Harper Collins site and am sorry to say that most of us are wasting our time, always supposing we had something better to do with it, not necessarily a safe assumption... One exception is David Sherrington whose 'Age of Bewilderment' is tremendous. Witty, painfully acutely observed, for some reason it is at number five-hundred-and-something. Have a look: I assure you that, for once, you won't be wasting your time!
Oh heavens, I Love it! Perhaps we have a great deal in common. Maybe age. We both like music, but I suspect you actually learned to read bass clef. Your writing is completely entertaining. It is rather difficult to find truly entertaining writing, so yours is part of a hidden minority. Keep up the good work... Good grief, I must back you, I really must.
Brilliant. I totally sympathise with the main character, who has a healthy sense of humour yet lives in a humourless world. So many wonderful images here - I love the idea that Bono is an ' i ' short of a dog biscuit. Your observations on modern society are spot on. Outstanding.
Hilarious - have you put this out as a blog yet? Terrific stuff, very Funny observations. I, too was puzzled by E-On's "let's not burn any more electricity - it doesn't matter to us as we're charging you through the fucking nose anyway" campaign. Spot-on observations, though I would argue that the guitar face has helped me become a better player over the years, if not quite a valued friend. The other thing this reminds me of is the house on the left as I go over the hill from the train station each night; a guy who lives there is always playing his saxophone, every night, and he has a giant model ship in his window. It makes me feel calm after another day at the slaughterhouse. I'm delighted to recommend this, and shall be six-starring it and plugging it on the forums. I'll call it "Sax and the city" - apologies in advance.
It is so easy to fall in step with this discourse, reaching, as I am, toward 69. My initial thought was this diary form would soon bore me, but, of course, I was wrong, because the author's engaging style moves quickly with wit and provocative situations that are here and gone as he moves throughout his weeks and the reader moves through the pages of his current life. The delicate humor - the teacher convinced he was a plumber, the grimaces on young guitar players, the soft pronouncements about the changes in education and social life in general. This is truly an age of bewilderment, a mature and sometimes puzzling walk through changing time and our place in it.
I love this... not since Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole have I been so amused.The characters are realistic and it makes you realise that the world really has gone mad. And words, so many proper words! I look forward to the weekly episodes with great anticipation.. and yes, wouldn't it make a fabulous 'Book at Bedtime' on Radio 4
Found your book on Timothy F J's shelf and am so delighted I did, as it is absolutely the sort of humorous writing I enjoy! As the partner of an aging blues/jazz/rock musician (who supported Status Quo on their December tour last year, as it happens : - ) ) I can relate to so much of what you write, right down to the Dennis The Menace socks. Those pained expressions you mention musicians pulling I call "orgasm faces", for example. Solo-ing jazz guitarists are also rather prone to them. Do you use cheese graters, btw? I can't get my partner to interact with sharpish kitchen implements for love nor money.
Backed with great pleasure and a five star rating!
Absolutely love your work, hysterical, warm, funny, realistic, so genuine...I have noticed all the "embryos" as i now call them in my supermarket too!! Terrific writing, so descriptive. When you had your Ireland break, your description of the sights, and weather, and little cottage made one feel they were there. Can't wait for the next instalment, and future liaisons with Cordelia! Wonder if Little Owl reads these too?
I rank this with the likes of David Sedaris… Perhaps even a bit more consistently funny than Sedaris. Like Sedaris, David Sherrington twists common, everyday things into a rare and hysterical perspective. AGE OF BEWILDERMENT is relentless, chapter after chapter… I smiled, grinned, and laughed (out loud) through chapter one… but of course your typical humor book will have all the best stuff packed up front (my thinking) so I read the next chapter, with the same results… and the third too. I dipped into later chapters, seven and eight. Ah! Nothing is sacred, the way I like it... so much more to laugh about. It reminds me of when I was a wee little sprout, back in Indiana, hanging with friends, drinking beers and laughing to tears and pain at an endless barrage of miraculous wit. I mean, where does it all come from? David Sherrington seems to have tapped into that cosmic river of irreverence. I’m sorry, but something is really bothering me. I’m trying to write a comment about a funny book here, and I can’t stop thinking about the comment below… I mean no disrespect, but, “toddler with eye-liner?” ( another reader had suggested "toddler" was better than "embryo") I laughed at “embryo with eye-liner.” I love it! Embryos are a bit like monkeys… always good for a laugh.
But seriously, I completely enjoyed what I’ve read of Age of Bewilderment. It will have a place on my shelf for a while. I’ve got the word, “saidasked” stuck in my head now.
Witty, witty, witty. I loved this. I rationed myself as I will definitely buy this book when it is published, as it surely must be. Observations are spot-on and so cleverly made. In the hope of not appearing too uncritical (but really, it's a struggle) - I thought the 'embryo with eye-liner' would have been better as something less difficult to envision - 'toddler with eye-liner' or something.
It's simply great.
The wry, caustic wit in the very opening to Age of Bewilderment hooked me as humour, as a bait, will do it every time. And this lure is irresistible, trust me. I know humour is not the same as wit but this author is adept at providing the right blend of both in virtually every paragraph which is no easy task over the course of a book.
The reverse reflections and slightly askew perspectives make for original and amusing takes.
I have just finished reading all 35,011 uploaded words of your fine book and it has left me depressed. It is as funny as anything I can remember reading, and has brought home to me how unlikely it is that I will ever be published. If you don't mind me asking, have you had any encouraging words from Agents or Publishers? If not, I might just as well pack up and go home. I don't often LOL when reading, but Little Owl, swearing Parrots and threatening Cross-bow fire had me in hysterics. You have a level of acerbic wit that most of us can only dream of. Hilarious.
I read your first two chapters and I have to say I laughed out loud several times - this is hysterically funny. I realize this is fiction but I want to hang out with the narrator of this diary! "An embryo with eyeliner... a pedophyles urine? - I will never look at my beloved glass of Pinot that same way again. The tongue in cheek humor - funeral for a brother mauled by circus lions - hello - if you were a newpaper columnist I run daily to the newsstand and go directly to your byline! You could easily do columns but all compiled into one book is such fun and never gets old even though the characters do! Easy to back this and I’d buy it if it were in print. Cant wait to return later for more of this gem!
I do like the concept for your book - a diary. This is unique and well done. You have crafted a most interesting storyline which is witty, sarcastic at times as well as being sprinkled with delicious humour. Your first person narrative voice resonates with authenticity and all of this coupled with your descriptive writing style makes your work a pleasure to read.
This is very funny and i will definitely read more later. Great opening. I like the reference to Eric Clapton giving it some welly.
I almost had my eye taken out by a bungy strap, so i appreciated that one, too.
Dennis the Menace socks -- I'd forgotten about those.
Brilliant reference to a Tibetan funeral minus the vultures.
Shards and Brint -- I know them!.
I liked Tubular Bells myself (well, the famous bit, anyway)
So enjoyable with the details that come from the narrator's observations. I can see him going about town, flinching at the embryo check-out girl, humming Star Wars. Especially liked his sensitivity to sound – Virginia Woolf expressed annoyment at churchbells – and the comments about musicians. I also feel that he’s going to run into a former musician friend one of those days. Colorfully written.
Thoroughly enjoying this - clever, funny, conversational - I'm totally engrossed
What a refreshing voice you have. I like this.
Ah the bittersweet commentary on the rest of the world - when you feel left behind or better yet, glad you are but miss someone to relate to. Humorous, insightful. The narrative is well done.
David Sherrington, what a wondrous manuscript! I have already backed it - and left you an earlier note, but I have now spent my entire evening (it's midnight!) reading through to the last chapter - and I will eagerly await other chapters
Some of my favorite bits:
1. The Greek Chorus "He's on the train."
2. Thelma reminds me of a centaur.
3. You know where you are with a banana.
4. "It's a sausage, Jim, but not as we know it."
5. Then I remember The Troggs.
6. "You might know her Dad, Mate, but remember I saw her first."
These are only a few. This book should do very well - try not to make us wait too long for the rest. I am eager to purchase hard copies to give to friends.Congrats!!!
This is a delightful, humorous story told by a character that I think I would like very much if I met him in real life. I especially loved the ..."embryo with eyeliner and attitude." Don't we all know those people who populate check-out stations and counters? This book should do very well - I am counting on it. And I will be back to read more. Thanks for bringing this kind of pleasure to a dull evening.
I love this, the cultural backgrounds the authenticity and most of all the dry sense of humour, yet what you write people can relate to, the ambiguity of church bells, the lottery etc. People can connect to so many of the musicians and yes even barn eggs it does cause people to think. I love your wit , love the nostalgia, and this is a very enjoyable read.
David casts a caustic eye over what passes for normal life in this our 21st century and finds tiny pearls of humour in the most banal of clams.
Hugely entertaining David. These are real situations that constantly question the absurdity of life, and you've done it in a very humorous way that is never forced upon the reader. You've pointed out some excellent paradoxes with modern life (energy companies saying it's we individuals that are buggering up the planet, and Bono's rather hypocritical take on things, to name a couple.
I wish there were more 'real' stories like this, and that this site wasn't so crammed with Dan Brown and JK Rowling wannabees.
A very enjoyable read, and a hilarious send-up of modern British Life. One of the best things I have read on Authonomy.
Yes, children, even rock’n’rollers wash their underpants. Funny, funny, Brit stuff, Mr. David Sherrington, and I laughed my head off regarding Eric Clapton on Tuesday, and I just opened the book. “…little more than an embryo with eye liner and attitude.” David, stop, I’m screaming with laughs and need to read a little Gibbon to relax. Don’t give it a rest, Dave, keep playing, and write on about The Stones. If they were such bad boys, why are they still here jumping around like kangaroos at age 101? Poor Brian. “Gas band man.” Mick got that one right, Dave. You are a gas, gas, gas.
Good stuff Dave. Lovely bounce to your writing and I liked 'saidasked', sums up nicely the annoying habit of ending eveything like a stupid question. Your writing is a welcome antidote to the 'you must listen to me culture' that surrounds us. Or is it that we are getting to old
This diary is laugh-out-loud funny and well observed, and will find resonance in everyone of a certain age. I have no doubt this WILL be published, and will also be a very funny Channel4 tv series.
This is a brilliant weekly diary that has kept me amused and i now look forward to the weekly posting with enthusiasm - the wit and observations of people and society are hilarious - sort of up market news of the world .
I love the sense of humour. This appears to be missing in most books. My favourite is Cordelia's comment 'You been shaving in the dark then?' Nicely written, easy to read and highly entertaining.
LOVE EVERY thing about this book and as a musician playing sax and clar carn relate to his every; thoughts,yes we have all seeing guitraists pulling faces in agony . but how can we as you say ' make faces with a mouthpiece stuck into your face' its a smart funny and edgy read written diary form and is a page turner.
This is a wonderful book, it made me laugh out loud many times. Backed and starred. I wish you the very best of luck with this. I would definitely buy it. Yours Bea
Read this with increasing horror as it dawned on me that though I am a bit younger than the author I found a lot of relevance here! Laugh out loud moments and as for his views on modern culture, very near the bone and the mark! Starred, regards, Mark
If ever a Book deserved publishing, then this is it. J.P.Donleavy would be proud to have written it. I am completely hooked.
Superb. This should be read out on Radio 4 (to those for whom that is meaningless, it's a BBC station), and if, sorry, WHEN it's published, I'll buy it. Backed with great pleasure and the intention of reading more...
This is hilarious stuff. What a great voice! And Chapter 33's Christmas Eve church fantasy - that alone warrants the price of admission. Well done, sir!
Oh heavens, I Love it! Perhaps we have a great deal in common. Maybe age. We both like music, but I suspect you actually learned to read bass clef. Your writing is completely entertaining. It is rather difficult to find truly entertaining writing, so yours is part of a hidden minority. Keep up the good work... Good grief, I must back you, I really must.
Brilliant. I totally sympathise with the main character, who has a healthy sense of humour yet lives in a humourless world. So many wonderful images here - I love the idea that Bono is an ' i ' short of a dog biscuit. Your observations on modern society are spot on. Outstanding.
My dear David - what a hoot! I laughed out loud: '...one short i of a dog biscuit', forsooth! Am putting this on my bookshelf immediately. I simply cannot understand why this hasn't been pubished already; were I a wealthy woman, I would be compelled to open my own publishing house. As a poverty stricken woman, I shall merely vent my spleen. All the best with this book, from Irene
Hilarious - have you put this out as a blog yet? Terrific stuff, very Funny observations. I, too was puzzled by E-On's "let's not burn any more electricity - it doesn't matter to us as we're charging you through the fucking nose anyway" campaign. Spot-on observations, though I would argue that the guitar face has helped me become a better player over the years, if not quite a valued friend. The other thing this reminds me of is the house on the left as I go over the hill from the train station each night; a guy who lives there is always playing his saxophone, every night, and he has a giant model ship in his window. It makes me feel calm after another day at the slaughterhouse. I'm delighted to recommend this, and shall be six-starring it and plugging it on the forums. I'll call it "Sax and the city" - apologies in advance.
It is so easy to fall in step with this discourse, reaching, as I am, toward 69. My initial thought was this diary form would soon bore me, but, of course, I was wrong, because the author's engaging style moves quickly with wit and provocative situations that are here and gone as he moves throughout his weeks and the reader moves through the pages of his current life. The delicate humor - the teacher convinced he was a plumber, the grimaces on young guitar players, the soft pronouncements about the changes in education and social life in general. This is truly an age of bewilderment, a mature and sometimes puzzling walk through changing time and our place in it.
I love this... not since Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole have I been so amused.The characters are realistic and it makes you realise that the world really has gone mad. And words, so many proper words! I look forward to the weekly episodes with great anticipation.. and yes, wouldn't it make a fabulous 'Book at Bedtime' on Radio 4
Found your book on Timothy F J's shelf and am so delighted I did, as it is absolutely the sort of humorous writing I enjoy! As the partner of an aging blues/jazz/rock musician (who supported Status Quo on their December tour last year, as it happens : - ) ) I can relate to so much of what you write, right down to the Dennis The Menace socks. Those pained expressions you mention musicians pulling I call "orgasm faces", for example. Solo-ing jazz guitarists are also rather prone to them. Do you use cheese graters, btw? I can't get my partner to interact with sharpish kitchen implements for love nor money.
Backed with great pleasure and a five star rating!
Absolutely love your work, hysterical, warm, funny, realistic, so genuine...I have noticed all the "embryos" as i now call them in my supermarket too!! Terrific writing, so descriptive. When you had your Ireland break, your description of the sights, and weather, and little cottage made one feel they were there. Can't wait for the next instalment, and future liaisons with Cordelia! Wonder if Little Owl reads these too?
I rank this with the likes of David Sedaris… Perhaps even a bit more consistently funny than Sedaris. Like Sedaris, David Sherrington twists common, everyday things into a rare and hysterical perspective. AGE OF BEWILDERMENT is relentless, chapter after chapter… I smiled, grinned, and laughed (out loud) through chapter one… but of course your typical humor book will have all the best stuff packed up front (my thinking) so I read the next chapter, with the same results… and the third too. I dipped into later chapters, seven and eight. Ah! Nothing is sacred, the way I like it... so much more to laugh about. It reminds me of when I was a wee little sprout, back in Indiana, hanging with friends, drinking beers and laughing to tears and pain at an endless barrage of miraculous wit. I mean, where does it all come from? David Sherrington seems to have tapped into that cosmic river of irreverence. I’m sorry, but something is really bothering me. I’m trying to write a comment about a funny book here, and I can’t stop thinking about the comment below… I mean no disrespect, but, “toddler with eye-liner?” ( another reader had suggested "toddler" was better than "embryo") I laughed at “embryo with eye-liner.” I love it! Embryos are a bit like monkeys… always good for a laugh.
But seriously, I completely enjoyed what I’ve read of Age of Bewilderment. It will have a place on my shelf for a while. I’ve got the word, “saidasked” stuck in my head now.
Witty, witty, witty. I loved this. I rationed myself as I will definitely buy this book when it is published, as it surely must be. Observations are spot-on and so cleverly made. In the hope of not appearing too uncritical (but really, it's a struggle) - I thought the 'embryo with eye-liner' would have been better as something less difficult to envision - 'toddler with eye-liner' or something.
It's simply great.
The wry, caustic wit in the very opening to Age of Bewilderment hooked me as humour, as a bait, will do it every time. And this lure is irresistible, trust me. I know humour is not the same as wit but this author is adept at providing the right blend of both in virtually every paragraph which is no easy task over the course of a book.
The reverse reflections and slightly askew perspectives make for original and amusing takes.
I have just finished reading all 35,011 uploaded words of your fine book and it has left me depressed. It is as funny as anything I can remember reading, and has brought home to me how unlikely it is that I will ever be published. If you don't mind me asking, have you had any encouraging words from Agents or Publishers? If not, I might just as well pack up and go home. I don't often LOL when reading, but Little Owl, swearing Parrots and threatening Cross-bow fire had me in hysterics. You have a level of acerbic wit that most of us can only dream of. Hilarious.
I read your first two chapters and I have to say I laughed out loud several times - this is hysterically funny. I realize this is fiction but I want to hang out with the narrator of this diary! "An embryo with eyeliner... a pedophyles urine? - I will never look at my beloved glass of Pinot that same way again. The tongue in cheek humor - funeral for a brother mauled by circus lions - hello - if you were a newpaper columnist I run daily to the newsstand and go directly to your byline! You could easily do columns but all compiled into one book is such fun and never gets old even though the characters do! Easy to back this and I’d buy it if it were in print. Cant wait to return later for more of this gem!
I do like the concept for your book - a diary. This is unique and well done. You have crafted a most interesting storyline which is witty, sarcastic at times as well as being sprinkled with delicious humour. Your first person narrative voice resonates with authenticity and all of this coupled with your descriptive writing style makes your work a pleasure to read.
This is very funny and i will definitely read more later. Great opening. I like the reference to Eric Clapton giving it some welly.
I almost had my eye taken out by a bungy strap, so i appreciated that one, too.
Dennis the Menace socks -- I'd forgotten about those.
Brilliant reference to a Tibetan funeral minus the vultures.
Shards and Brint -- I know them!.
I liked Tubular Bells myself (well, the famous bit, anyway)
So enjoyable with the details that come from the narrator's observations. I can see him going about town, flinching at the embryo check-out girl, humming Star Wars. Especially liked his sensitivity to sound – Virginia Woolf expressed annoyment at churchbells – and the comments about musicians. I also feel that he’s going to run into a former musician friend one of those days. Colorfully written.
Thoroughly enjoying this - clever, funny, conversational - I'm totally engrossed
What a refreshing voice you have. I like this.
Ah the bittersweet commentary on the rest of the world - when you feel left behind or better yet, glad you are but miss someone to relate to. Humorous, insightful. The narrative is well done.
David Sherrington, what a wondrous manuscript! I have already backed it - and left you an earlier note, but I have now spent my entire evening (it's midnight!) reading through to the last chapter - and I will eagerly await other chapters
Some of my favorite bits:
1. The Greek Chorus "He's on the train."
2. Thelma reminds me of a centaur.
3. You know where you are with a banana.
4. "It's a sausage, Jim, but not as we know it."
5. Then I remember The Troggs.
6. "You might know her Dad, Mate, but remember I saw her first."
These are only a few. This book should do very well - try not to make us wait too long for the rest. I am eager to purchase hard copies to give to friends.Congrats!!!
This is a delightful, humorous story told by a character that I think I would like very much if I met him in real life. I especially loved the ..."embryo with eyeliner and attitude." Don't we all know those people who populate check-out stations and counters? This book should do very well - I am counting on it. And I will be back to read more. Thanks for bringing this kind of pleasure to a dull evening.
I love this, the cultural backgrounds the authenticity and most of all the dry sense of humour, yet what you write people can relate to, the ambiguity of church bells, the lottery etc. People can connect to so many of the musicians and yes even barn eggs it does cause people to think. I love your wit , love the nostalgia, and this is a very enjoyable read.
David casts a caustic eye over what passes for normal life in this our 21st century and finds tiny pearls of humour in the most banal of clams.
Hugely entertaining David. These are real situations that constantly question the absurdity of life, and you've done it in a very humorous way that is never forced upon the reader. You've pointed out some excellent paradoxes with modern life (energy companies saying it's we individuals that are buggering up the planet, and Bono's rather hypocritical take on things, to name a couple.
I wish there were more 'real' stories like this, and that this site wasn't so crammed with Dan Brown and JK Rowling wannabees.
A very enjoyable read, and a hilarious send-up of modern British Life. One of the best things I have read on Authonomy.
Yes, children, even rock’n’rollers wash their underpants. Funny, funny, Brit stuff, Mr. David Sherrington, and I laughed my head off regarding Eric Clapton on Tuesday, and I just opened the book. “…little more than an embryo with eye liner and attitude.” David, stop, I’m screaming with laughs and need to read a little Gibbon to relax. Don’t give it a rest, Dave, keep playing, and write on about The Stones. If they were such bad boys, why are they still here jumping around like kangaroos at age 101? Poor Brian. “Gas band man.” Mick got that one right, Dave. You are a gas, gas, gas.
Good stuff Dave. Lovely bounce to your writing and I liked 'saidasked', sums up nicely the annoying habit of ending eveything like a stupid question. Your writing is a welcome antidote to the 'you must listen to me culture' that surrounds us. Or is it that we are getting to old
This diary is laugh-out-loud funny and well observed, and will find resonance in everyone of a certain age. I have no doubt this WILL be published, and will also be a very funny Channel4 tv series.
This is a brilliant weekly diary that has kept me amused and i now look forward to the weekly posting with enthusiasm - the wit and observations of people and society are hilarious - sort of up market news of the world .
I love the sense of humour. This appears to be missing in most books. My favourite is Cordelia's comment 'You been shaving in the dark then?' Nicely written, easy to read and highly entertaining.
LOVE EVERY thing about this book and as a musician playing sax and clar carn relate to his every; thoughts,yes we have all seeing guitraists pulling faces in agony . but how can we as you say ' make faces with a mouthpiece stuck into your face' its a smart funny and edgy read written diary form and is a page turner.
This is a wonderful book, it made me laugh out loud many times. Backed and starred. I wish you the very best of luck with this. I would definitely buy it. Yours Bea
Read this with increasing horror as it dawned on me that though I am a bit younger than the author I found a lot of relevance here! Laugh out loud moments and as for his views on modern culture, very near the bone and the mark! Starred, regards, Mark
