Robin Anderson Author Reviews

Sitting Not So Pretty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Anderson Delivers A Darkly Witty High Society Thriller"

Sitting Not So Pretty by Robin Anderson is a flamboyant and audacious exploration of high society, crime,
and dark humour, all woven together in a tale that is as entertaining as it is shocking. Anderson’s novel is a
wild ride through the lives of the rich and infamous, portrayed with a biting wit and a flair for the dramatic.

The story kicks off with Archibald Ambrose Amberley, a dashing and witty protagonist who finds himself
entangled in a series of bizarre events and eccentric characters. Anderson paints a vivid picture of London’s
elite, where wealth and power often mask a more sinister underbelly. The dialogue is sharp and filled with
innuendos, capturing the essence of each character with precision and humour.

The plot is a satirical take on the high-stakes games played by the upper echelons of society. Anderson’s writing style is rich in detail and often borders on the theatrical, which perfectly suits the over-the-top nature of the narrative. The introduction of crime elements, particularly the “first-nighter fright nights” orchestrated by the enigmatic Alfonso Hernández, adds a thrilling twist to the story, blending dark comedy with suspense.

One of the strengths of the novel is its character development. Each figure, from the suave Alfonso to the flamboyant Archie, is crafted with care, and their interactions are as engaging as they are outrageous. Anderson doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of these characters, which adds depth to the otherwise glitzy setting.

Adding to the novel’s darker elements are the twins, Sled and Dred. These two bring a unique and chilling dynamic to the story. Their imposing presence and sinister behaviour create a stark contrast to the more glamorous settings. Sled and Dred are the muscle behind the sophisticated schemes of the protagonists, and their dark humour and loyalty to the cause make them unforgettable characters who leave a lasting impression. And there’s the menacing twins Louisa and Lawrence, their interactions are deliciously devious and dark, which adds depth to the otherwise glitzy setting.

Sitting Not So Pretty is a novel for those who enjoy their satire with a side of decadence. It’s a book that doesn’t take itself too seriously and invites the reader to do the same. Robin Anderson’s work is a unique blend of comedy, crime, and social commentary, offering a glimpse into a world where the stakes are high, but the players are often playing by their own rules.

In conclusion, it is an engaging read that will appeal to fans of satirical fiction and those who appreciate a story filled with colourful characters and witty repartee. It’s a novel that revels in its excess, making it a memorable, if unconventional, 5-star addition to the genre.

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★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"‘Jump aboard a deftly animated rollercoaster ride!"
Grady Harp, Goodreads and Amazon

London author Robin Anderson has delighted reading audiences with over 30 books to date, and as is always the case, each new novel ratchets him up an additional step on the literary ladder. His life path: born in Scotland, educated in Rhodesia Zimbabwe, living in South Africa then England, gaining insights (and expertise in interior design) at every latitude. But solid as that career journey has been, the real magic Robin owns is his ability to pen novels of literary expertise embellished with a delightfully keen wit.

Simply stated, AI has nothing compared to Robin’s imagination and skill at creating characters: with a subtle wisp of creative artifice innovative eccentrics appear and weave into the humorous epic of SITTING NOT SO PRETTY. What at first appears to be simply a family epic (two underground-style daddies adopting twins and a South African) gradually unwinds into a tale populated by strange and fascinating panoply of characters that accompany this hilarious excursion to the end. And as always, the puns and asides about contemporary idiosyncrasies abound.

As this reader (and fan) has said before, ‘Robin Anderson is a unique writer with no imitators; no one can write hilarious fiction with as many sexy zingers and wild characters as he.’ Celebrate the at times too absent joy in today’s world with an excursion into Andersonland!