Book Review and Preview: Man Vs Child by Dominic Knight

I'm taking part in the blog tour for the recently published book Man Vs Child by Dominic Knight.

This is Dominic's third book, he's also a comedy writer, radio broadcaster and Chaser co-founder.

 

 

This is an autobiography of Dominic Knight an Australian guy in his early 30s, who works at a radio station by day and follows his passion for stand up comedy by night.

When Dom's friends pair up and start families he finds himself surrounded by couples with snotty nose kids and a totally different lifestyle which leads him into writing material for his Man Vs Child comedy skits. I think we've all been in that situation at some time or another, and for myself personally being childless I could really relate to Dom's thoughts and humour about parenthood. The story continually goes back to the internal debate of whether Dom wants to have kids, grow up, and stop being a kid himself.

Things start to change on the romance front when Dom runs into his high school sweetheart Penny who has a 1 year old son Lloyd. The more time Dom spends with them the more he realises the whole kid thing isn't so bad after all. There is a lot of vulnerability and understanding that comes from this part of the story and I really felt for Dom.

The insight into life at a radio station I found really interesting to know what happens behind the scenes with our on air celebrities. Same goes for the stand up comedy shows, of which I have been to quite a few and felt like I was sitting there with Dom at the cabaret table with a bottle of wine ready to laugh and encourage those brave enough to stand up on stage for the benefit of our entertainment.

The novel is written in a very simple and easy to follow style, the characters were described well and I felt like I knew them and could relate to them. Dom was like listening to a mate tell me funny stories or run down on conversations and things that happened, it was a very relaxed read. True to Dom's comedy background the novel was funny, witty, and very cheeky, I found myself grinning like an idiot on public transport on more than a few occasions.
 

I recommend this book to young Australians who would like to know a bit about Sydney's radio and comedy scene. I would also recommend it to men (and women) who are unsure if they want to start a family, it gives some great points from both sides of the fence but in a laid back approach so you don't feel like you're getting a lecture.

 

I give this book 4 stars

 

Jarrah Jungle's Star Rating:

1 Bad - I'd rather eat brussel sprouts topped with anchovies than read this again
2 Not Good - I'd rather watch re-runs of Neighbours than read this again
3 Ok - I'm sitting on the fence - its not great but not terrible either
4 Good - I'd pass up a pack of tim tams for this read
5 Great - I'd pass up a date with Johnny Depp for this read

 

Man Vs Child can be purchased from Random House Australia here.

Sharing my book review on Random House here and Good Reads here

Disclosure: Random House and NetGalley partner with bloggers such as me to help promote their product. As part of this promotion I was given this book published by Bantam Australia to review. I have not received any payment or compensation for this review. I have not been told what to say about this product, I am free to form my own opinion and share them in my own words. All opinions are my own.

 

[Image via RandomHouse]

 

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