LA's Grumpiest Bookseller Conquers Critics with 'Service'
In his debut novel, John Tottenham delves into the mind of Sean Hangland, a cantankerous 48-year-old who has become a living cliche - the embittered bookseller. With his razor-sharp wit and biting sarcasm, Sean navigates the world of independent bookstores in gentrifying LA, railing against the very people he's supposed to serve.
As Sean grudgingly recounts his miserable existence, from struggling writers to clueless customers, it becomes clear that this is a story about the stasis of life. With over 300 pages of repetitive monologue, Tottenham masterfully enacts the tediousness of Sean's daily routine. Yet, there are moments of dark humor and clever footnotes that hint at the wit and intelligence behind this grumpy character.
Tottenham's prose is surprisingly effortful, with sentences like "Most of my contemporaries had moved on and were now established in their professional, creative and familial lives..." showcasing his tongue-in-cheek style. But beneath the snarky humor lies a nuanced exploration of identity, regret, and disillusionment.
One question remains: what's behind Tottenham's creation of this character? Has he worked in a bookshop? Is it a reflection of his own experiences or simply a clever literary device? Unfortunately, we may never know for sure.
While critics like Colm Tóibín have praised the novel as "a rare comic intensity," others might find themselves struggling to connect with Sean's world. With its contemporary digs and winking references, 'Service' will likely date fast, but for fans of dark humor and biting satire, this grumpy bookseller may just tickle their funny bone.
In his debut novel, John Tottenham delves into the mind of Sean Hangland, a cantankerous 48-year-old who has become a living cliche - the embittered bookseller. With his razor-sharp wit and biting sarcasm, Sean navigates the world of independent bookstores in gentrifying LA, railing against the very people he's supposed to serve.
As Sean grudgingly recounts his miserable existence, from struggling writers to clueless customers, it becomes clear that this is a story about the stasis of life. With over 300 pages of repetitive monologue, Tottenham masterfully enacts the tediousness of Sean's daily routine. Yet, there are moments of dark humor and clever footnotes that hint at the wit and intelligence behind this grumpy character.
Tottenham's prose is surprisingly effortful, with sentences like "Most of my contemporaries had moved on and were now established in their professional, creative and familial lives..." showcasing his tongue-in-cheek style. But beneath the snarky humor lies a nuanced exploration of identity, regret, and disillusionment.
One question remains: what's behind Tottenham's creation of this character? Has he worked in a bookshop? Is it a reflection of his own experiences or simply a clever literary device? Unfortunately, we may never know for sure.
While critics like Colm Tóibín have praised the novel as "a rare comic intensity," others might find themselves struggling to connect with Sean's world. With its contemporary digs and winking references, 'Service' will likely date fast, but for fans of dark humor and biting satire, this grumpy bookseller may just tickle their funny bone.
the bookshop setting is pretty relatable tho i've had my share of awkward customers & annoying coworkers 
btw does anyone no where u can get good coffee in pasadena? 
It sounds like a total snooze-fest. And 300 pages of repetitive monologue? That's just too much. I'd rather have a novel with some actual plot twists or character development. This whole "stasis of life" thing just seems like an excuse for the author to write about Sean's mundane existence. Can't we get something more exciting than that? 
. But what's interesting is how Tottenham expertly balances the humor with some real depth. It's not just a funny rant; it's also a thoughtful exploration of identity, regret, and... well, life in general.
). Will it date fast? Maybe. But I think fans of dark humor will still be laughing long after they finish reading this one.
I mean, who wouldn't wanna read about a grumpy old bookseller? 
. But what I really appreciate is how the book explores deeper themes of identity, regret, and disillusionment... it's not just a funny story, there's substance here too 
. And let's be real, who hasn't had days where they just wanna rant at customers all day? 
honestly i think seans character is kinda the problem here his constant grumpiness makes him hard to relate to, like who can even empathize with someone thats so bitter all the time? 
. And hey, at least the author's trying something new with this book... even if it does feel a bit dated already 
.