When I first read about 'Number Ten' in the reviews, I thought: "Hey, that's going to be another great laugh." And don't get me wrong, it is. Just as "The Queen and I" it makes one of our Great go out and discover the real country, which they had forgotten was there. But the reviewers who thought this book only 'hilarious' should go out there themselves again, because there is so much (too much?) truth in it. The hospital scene will be deemed true by most people who have ever been to a casualty department, and - to be honest - makes you sad as it is far from satire. It makes you wonder, if this book with a PM in drag may not show us a mirror image of Britain today just as well as a brilliant parody of the Blair government. There are parallels to Pat Barker's "Liza's England". The council estate in Leeds reminds one of the estate Liza is living on, just as ramshackle and killing off all dreams of a better life. Sure enough twenty pounds might help for the moment, but does it do anything towards a future?
Just read the book again and try to read over the funny bits for once.
But: An immensely enjoyable read all the same. Isn't that what books should do for us? Give us a good hearty laugh and then make us lean back and think... Unfortunately, the people who should read it probably won't.