When Henry First enters his restaurant into a competition that he cannot win, only a miracle -- or a chance discovery -- might save him.
Henry First is a darkly funny and multi-layered novel. It is a fast-paced story where people do despicable things to one another . . . all in the service of a jolly good meal.
‘an entertaining, darkly satirical novel . . . readers will enjoy peeling the layers to get to the core of the author’s witticisms’
'Laced with potent dark humor, this entertaining yet often disturbing novel crosses the fine line drawn between satire and realism. Fine cuisine and morbid excess create an exquisite word parfait in this sardonic look at the competitive world of gourmet cooking. In this complex recipe for literary success, Basil Lawrence steeps myriad ingredients in a broth so rich that Henry First may require a second reading for hidden nuance.'
‘Simultaneously funny, dark, and stomach-turning, Henry First is a captivating commentary on our fame-obsessed culture. Highly recommended for those who like their social commentary with a little bite’
‘A restaurateur takes desperate measures in Lawrence’s delectably dark debut novel . . . The show must go on and does, with deliciously droll scenes . . . wickedly comical moments . . . snappy dialogue . . . The tone is surprisingly light, like an airy soufflé.’
'a dark satirical commentary on the absurdities of contemporary first world society’
‘Basil Lawrence has a unique writing style, and a comedic flair that works wonders throughout this novel . . . By using references to real life history and also to literature, the author has created the kind of book that makes the reader feel as if they are perhaps smarter than they actually are. A joy to read, a book that brings about plenty of laughs, and a well constructed story from beginning to end, Henry First is the kind of book that we’d like to discover more often.’
'a great book for clubs and classes; there are plenty of questions to ponder when the novel ends'
