A father is killed. He was the author of a little known series of children's books based on The Darkwood and the adventures (we are not told exactly of what nature) a character loosely based on his son has there. The wood is inhabited by a Mr Toppit who only makes a brief appearance in the last of the series written before the author's untimely death. We are left to assume that Mr Toppitt is in some ways a malign or unpleasant individual in some way although, again, this is only hinted at in this novel. By a series of happenstances, the books become a runaway success as a result of the author's death and the book follows the effects of the sudden fame (and immense fortune) on his family as a result of the success. I was so very excited to read beyond the first chapter which was amazing and I couldn't wait to hear more about the Darkwood and the eponymous Mr Toppit. But as the story progressed I became disappointed. I still give this book four stars for its originality and thoughtful premise, but the execution baffled me at times. I did not understand why we spent two entire chapters on the funeral after-party and discussed menu items. (Was there any point to that at all?) And I was also bitterly disappointed that Martha drops off the face of the earth in a bizarre manner after she storms out of some movie meeting for no reason. What a strange way to exit a character. I also didn't get why the book meandered into Hollywood territory which seemed beside the point. The character of Rachel lacked soul as did the narrator, Luke, but I believe that was partially the point (the family of the famous suffer from living in the shadows being the overall theme of the book). Most of all I was just sad that Darkwood and Mr Toppit wasn't explored in more depth.. it almost felt like the author shied away from what was in the Hayseed Chronicles as he didn't know himself. But still, the writing was sharp and the book kept me interested to the (albeit baffling) end.
What do You think about Mr Toppit Export Ed (2000)?
Heavy on character development, short on plot. I do not recommend it.
—Tom
Not that impressive, this one. what's wrong with me and british-lit?
—madhu
