In this larkish first novel by former British pop star Wener, her second book to be published in the U.S. (after The Perfect Play
, 2004), the author trains her razor-sharp wit on the transition between postadolescent drifting and adulthood. Inveterate loser Danny—formerly Steve—McQueen plays guitar in the rock 'n' roll outfit Dakota; though the band's big break has always been just around the corner, this time they may stumble upon fame. But Danny's girlfriend, Alison, has professional aspirations and isn't sure she can stay with a man who works in a video store in order to free up time for fruitless dream chasing. She once wanted to be Agatha Christie, but she traded in childhood fantasies for good old adult stability, and she thinks it's time Danny did, too. As the pair drift apart, she gives him six months to break into the music business before giving it up altogether, if he wants her in his life. The story doesn't range far from the High Fidelity
template, but Wener paints a smart, funny picture of a man kicking and screaming his way into adulthood. Moreover, Wener crafts her tale of a guitar-playing Peter Pan with a kind eye that allows readers to see themselves in Danny, even as she takes an honest look at his self-absorption, irresponsibility and fears of growing old. Agent, Hannah Griffiths at Curtis Brown (U.K.). (Mar. 21)
