Lost for Words is an entertaining satire by acclaimed British author Edward St. Aubyn. In this novel, he sets his sights on the world of literary awards, masterfully poking fun at the whole concept and process of award-giving for literary achievement. We are introduced to the rag-tag set of judges for a fictitious literary award, each with their own foibles and shortcomings and complicated relationships with each other. The excerpts of some of the listed books are the most fun - ridiculous in the extreme, they are great send-ups of the sort of novels that are often hyped by the publishing establishment (e.g., pseudo-exotic "The Mulberry Elephant"; supposedly gritty "Wot u starin at?"; lame thriller "Roger and Out"; "All the World's a Stage, updated Shakespearean theme written from Will's own perspective). Although intelligent and insightful, it sometimes borders on slapstick (e.g., the awards ceremony), At any rate, it's great fun to read.
For a review of the novel from The Guardian, click here: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/may/11/lost-for-words-review-edward-st-aubyn-review-prize-satire
