By: Will Clarke
Genres: Contemporary
Posted: December 1, 2005
In the hands of another author, LORD VISHNU'S LOVE HANDLES might have been a dark, brooding psychological thriller. In the hands of Will Clarke, the book is a cynically humorous romp. It's hard to take any book seriously that has the hero running around Disneyworld in a Mickey Mouse suit chasing an insane psychic monk while stoned on painkillers. Thankfully, the author has his tongue planted firmly in his cheek, which makes LORD VISHNU'S LOVE HANDLES a delight to read.
For all its silliness, Will Clarke also manages to sneak in some serious ideas. For all that God refers to himself as "The Blue Motherf*****," LORD VISHNU'S LOVE HANDLES treats the subjects of religion, morality and spirituality with as much seriousness the story will handle. Thought provoking and glib, farcical and profound, LORD VISHNU'S LOVE HANDLES is fantastic, and I can't wait to see what this author does next.
Book Summary
Travis Anderson has a psychic gift. Or so he thinks. So far he's milked his premonitions only to acquire an upper- middle-class lifestyle--pretty wife, big house, and a shiny Range Rover--without having to make any real effort. But recent visions threaten his yuppie contentment. Haunted by omens of impending cancers, stillborn babies, and personal train wrecks, he is compelled to make a series of inaccurate and horrifying prophecies that humiliate him in front of his fellow country club members. The IRS gets Travis's number, too, demanding an audit of his sloppy bookkeeping.
Drowning in mounting financial problems and apparent mental illness, Travis tries booze, pills, even golf to stay afloat, but nothing works. His wife and friends are forced to stage an intervention. Travis is in danger of losing his family, his career, and ultimately, his sanity. That is, until he meets a Hindu holy man in rehab who claims to be the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Suddenly, the tragically shallow Travis is saddled with the responsibility of bettering mankind and saving the world.
Lord Vishnu's Love Handles: A Spy Novel (Sort Of)
by: Will Clarke
Simon and Schuster
June 21, 2005
Featuring: Travis Anderson
304 pages
ISBN: 0743271475
Hardcover