Review - Song in the Wrong Key - Simon Lipson

It is the Eurovision Song Contest this week.  The final on Saturday.  This novel is very topical as the main character, Michael writes a song that producers believe to be a winner!

• Publisher: Lane & Hart Ltd (2 April 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0957098707
• ISBN-13: 978-0957098701
• Also available as KINDLE edition

The blurb
Twenty years ago, Michael Kenton harboured dreams of being a pop star until read life got in the way.  But he's content enough, married to the magnificent Lisa with two little girls and a steady if unspectacular career in IT.

But then it all goes wrong and everything he once took for granted is placed in jeopardy. Unemployable and desperate, Michael is thrown a musical lifeline.  It might not square with is precious artistic integrity, but it could be his last chance to put his life back together.

A laugh out loud comedy about love, family, friendship and the vagaries of sudden fame.

Michael's life is ticking along nicely.  Married to Lisa with 2 little girls and a career in IT.  
One day all that changes when he is made redundant at the age of 42.  He knows at his age it will not be easy to find another job.  He takes on the role of looking after the girls whilst job hunting.  As he sits at home all day searching the internet for that elusive dream job, his dreams of being a pop star resurface.  


Michael picks up his guitar and the old talent stirs.  He plays a few 'gigs' in a local bistro just to reignite the passion.  Just as Michael hits rock bottom in the unemployable stakes, one of his 'gigs' brings the opportunity to have one of his own songs entered into the Eurovision Song Contest.


Simon Lipson gives Michael a very honest, if sometimes a little 'too much info', narrative. Michael's highs and lows really do come through in the writing and I felt those moods. I laughed out loud at the very dry British humour and  I rolled my eyes at his 'bloke' behaviour.


This fly on the wall tale of domestic life and marriage is a real page turner that will have readers laughing out loud.


There is adult humour so if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you.


4.5 out of 5 for me!


Review copy.  This did not influence my review in any way.