THE AFRICAN SAFARI PAPERS

A first-class African safari goes awry in myriad ways in Sedlack's dark, edgy tragicomedy of a debut, which was shortlisted for the 2002 Commonwealth Prize. Richard, the petulant, over-sexed, drug-addled 19-year-old son of Ted and Janet Clark, narrates the riotous journey via meticulously crafted and occasionally malicious journal entries ("Piss, gloom and the fuck of it all" begins an early one). Richard is full of self-loathing, much of it inspired by his disfiguring harelip; he can't stand his parents either, whom he sees as insipid examples of all that's wrong with the world. The elder Clarks have problems of their own: wealthy Ted is an alcoholic bully who can't cope when things go awry, while depressed and anxious Janet refuses medication and, as the trip continues, slips deeper into insanity. Complementing this hapless trio is Gabriel, their driver, who attempts to help the Clarks find peace with the world by applying a little African mysticism, much of which backfires. Richard relates their various adventures in hotels and safari lodges with an alienated but compelling wit—and a sharp honesty, too, as he slowly reveals devastating truths, not only about himself and his parents, but also about the deadly result of programmed expectations. This biting and sometimes disturbing novel is a captivating debut. Its political incorrectness and occasional sophomoric flights of philosophical fantasy will alienate some, but Richard's voice is brilliantly keen and winning, and he chronicles wild experiences and dysfunctional behaviors with irresistible verve. (Sept.)

Forecast: The African Safari Papers was gleefully reviewed in the U.K. (the Globe and Mail called it a "glorious fart in the face of the politically incorrect") and booksellers might do well to pitch it to 20-somethings looking for a newer, tougher Holden Caulfield; older readers will catch echoes of Sue Townsend's Adrian Mole diaries.