‘Art is despair with dignity’

The Aerodynamics of Pork

The Aerodynamics of Pork

Patrick Gale

Patrick Gale’s first novel is suffused with heady wish-fulfilment as two contrasting love stories entwine in the space of one simmering summer week.

WPC Mo Faithe is overcome with lust while investigating a series of violent attacks on newspaper astrologers. Meanwhile in Cornwall, the Peakes are conducting their annual music festival, the cue for their two ‘children’ – Seth, a young violin prodigy, and Venetia, a highly-strung scholar – to embark upon a voyage of self-discovery. As Seth sets out in hot pursuit of unconventional romance on the cliff-tops, the virginal Venetia displays every symptom of an immaculate conception.

Reviews of The Aerodynamics of Pork

    • ‘It is packed with arch dialogue, affectionate caricatures and the feigned good humour more commonly found in memoirs written by chauffeurs of the famous.’ Observer
    • ‘A sad, funny and deeply searching novel. Plotting, characterisation and dialogue quicken the reader’s pace, just as the delicacy of the unfolding love stories quickens the heart.’ Publishers’ Weekly
    • ‘A real craftsman, a master storyteller.’ Independent on Sunday
    • ‘Gale’s concoction is irresistible: modern relationships with period charm. I couldn’t have liked it more.’ Armistead Maupin

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