Gerald Samper #2

Amazing Disgrace

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"The fun is in Hamilton-Paterson's offhand observations and delicate touch in handling his two unreliable misfits as they find each other--and there's lots of it."—Publishers Weekly

Set both in Tuscany and in the trendy haunts of London, this is the hilarious sequel to Cooking with Fernet Branca . The inimitable Gerald Samper is back, with his musings on the absurdities of modern life and his entertaining asides during which he comments on everything from publishing to penile implants, celebrity sportswomen to Australian media moguls. Plus his marvelously eccentric recipes. A smart literary romp featuring a cavalcade of misadventures and memorable characters.

332 pages, Paperback

First published November 1,2006

Places
italy

This edition

Format
332 pages, Paperback
Published
November 1, 2006 by Europa Editions
ISBN
9781933372198
ASIN
1933372192
Language
English

Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 45 votes)
5 stars
19(42%)
4 stars
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3 stars
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45 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Snicker snicker.

There is indeed a whole bunch of really good stuff in this one. It's like a treasure trove of interesting things.

However, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for Marta. She was someone who always brought a unique charm and energy to the situation.

Her presence was missed, as if a vital piece of the puzzle was absent.

Despite all the good that was there, without Marta, it just didn't feel quite complete.

Maybe it's because she had this special way of making everything more fun and exciting.

I found myself constantly looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of her.

But alas, she was nowhere to be seen.

Nonetheless, I tried to make the most of what was there, but Marta's absence still lingered in the back of my mind.

July 15,2025
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Brilliant, as expected. There are plenty of laugh out loud jokes in this. It is marginally less funny than the other two in the series, namely Fernet Branca and Rancid Pansies, but only by a very small margin.

Life Imitates Art: In October 2009, Dame Ellen Macarthur, a solo sailor who has circumnavigated the world, dedicated herself to environmental causes. This shows how real life can sometimes mirror the themes and ideas found in art. Just as in the story or performance, there are moments of inspiration and commitment. Dame Ellen's decision to focus on the environment is a significant one, and it has the potential to make a positive impact on the world around us.

We can all learn from her example and consider how we can contribute to environmental causes in our own lives. Whether it's through small actions like reducing waste or supporting larger initiatives, every little bit helps.

Overall, this combination of brilliant humor and real-life inspiration makes for a truly engaging and thought-provoking experience.
July 15,2025
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Blissfully blithe, Gerald Samper is truly a character to behold. He has an uncanny ability to spot the foibles of others with a laser-sharp eye. However, when it comes to himself, his gaze turns into a rather lazy one.

He is the kind of cheerfully unreliable narrator that one can't help but be intrigued by. In fact, he is worthy of having a shambolic trilogy written about him.

The second book in this potential trilogy seems to have a bit more of a shaggy feel compared to the first. But at the same time, does it also have a slightly more developed plot? It's hard to say for sure.

Everything about this story and Gerald Samper is a bit tipsy, as if it's all happening in a bit of a drunken haze. It keeps the reader on their toes, never quite sure what to expect next.

Perhaps that's the charm of Gerald Samper and his story. It's a wild ride that you can't help but enjoy, even if you're not entirely sure where it's going.

July 15,2025
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Since then, I have looked at my new chapter for Millie with a renewed sense of satisfaction. I am confident that I have created a recognizable portrait of one of the outstandingly bogus characters of our day and age. I'm certain she will read it entirely differently.

In AMAZING DISGRACE, we follow Samper's battle of egos with seafarer Millie Cleat. After he finishes ghost-writing her autobiography, she insists on revisions to reflect her new role as a spiritual leader. We get to meet her hilarious cult of deep-sea fanatics. Samper is torn between publicly humiliating her or accepting a fortune to write her second book.

I read the first book in the series last year and enjoyed it a great deal. However, I thought this book was more consistent and funnier. In CWFB, the chapters alternated between Gerald and Marta's perspectives. Marta was so sympathetic, and Gerald was so ridiculously nasty that it was rewarding to see her escape from him at the end. Here, he is still extremely offensive but becomes a more believable character as we watch him struggle with his shortcomings and develop. As a result, it was all much funnier, especially his pursuit of the male enhancement medical regimen "ProWang Pow-R-Tabs".
July 15,2025
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In places that are absolutely hilarious and wickedly clever or even nasty, this book presented a challenge for me. The reason being that for the most part, nothing seems to happen. It's as if the plot is pent up, just waiting to burst. And then, in the last 25 pages, it all explodes. Suddenly, lots of things occur, and it's a whirlwind of action.

However, Gerry is an outstanding companion and narrator. He's like Bertie Wooster, but with a twist. If Bertie were gay (which is an interesting thought as he might have been), and also quite vicious towards most of his fellow men. On top of that, he has a gift for cooking atrocious food. It makes for a unique and entertaining character, one that keeps you engaged throughout the story, even during those slower parts when not much seems to be going on.

The combination of the slow build-up and the explosive ending, along with Gerry's interesting personality, makes this book a truly engaging read. It's not your typical story, but that's what makes it so special.
July 15,2025
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A queer ghostwriter of second tier celebrity autobiographies leads a rather unusual life. After his house slips into a gulch, he discovers a newfound source of happiness. He loves to cook weird food, which adds an element of eccentricity to his daily routine. Additionally, he has a unique passion for translating nursery rhymes into dinosaur-eese. This strange hobby brings him joy and a sense of fulfillment. Despite the chaos caused by the loss of his house, he manages to find beauty and happiness in the simplest of things. His creativity and determination shine through as he continues to pursue his interests and find ways to make the most of his situation.

July 15,2025
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It's simple. Just read James Hamilton-Paterson novels. He has three novels about a character named Gerald Samper that are not only very funny but also erudite. What's more, these novels have recipes for unique things like badger Wellington and gun-dog pate. The combination of humor, knowledge, and these strange recipes makes these novels truly one-of-a-kind.


His other novels are just as rewarding. They offer a rich reading experience, filled with engaging stories, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're a fan of humorous literature or simply looking for something different to read, James Hamilton-Paterson's novels are definitely worth checking out.


So, don't hesitate. Pick up one of his novels today and embark on a literary adventure that you won't soon forget.

July 15,2025
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He is just too smart for me.

It seems that no matter what I do or say, he always has a quicker response, a more intelligent solution. His mind works at a speed that I can hardly keep up with. Every time we have a conversation or discuss a problem, I feel like I'm constantly one step behind him.

His intelligence is not only shown in his quick thinking but also in his extensive knowledge. He seems to know everything about almost every subject. Whether it's science, history, or literature, he can talk about it with confidence and authority. I can't help but admire his intelligence and feel a little inferior at the same time.

I often wonder how he became so smart. Maybe it's because of his hard work and dedication to learning. Or maybe he was just born with a brilliant mind. Whatever the reason, I know that I have a long way to go if I want to catch up with him.
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