Ben Elton's Identity Crisis

[TheOnlyLivingBoyInNewCross]

Has anyone else read this? Am reading it now - a satirical reflection on today's society with a particular focus on gender identity and social media.

I've just got to the bit where Mumsnet gets name-checked: after a trans woman is murdered, there's a thread on MN asking why this murder gets more attention than the murders of "ordinary women" and then an online campaign forces MN moderators to ban the phrase "ordinary women" as hate-speak.

I did pause to reflect on this passage, where the protagonist is thinking about the character who is very clearly based on Germaine Greer:

"Even five years earlier no one would have imagined that a whole generation of women with vaginas would unite in defence of women with penises to take down a woman with a vagina who had previously been a feminist icon."

[Erythronium]

"Even five years ago" - too true. It's happened so very, very quickly.

Ben Elton a terf? It appears in the most unexpected places.

"Women with penises" is a good phrase. I'm thinking I like "women with testicles" too, as it sounds more unexpected.

[AncientLights]

Have you a link, OP? I googled it and get some old pop song reference, but not quite as old as the S&G classic 'The only living boy in New York'.

[newtlover]

when was this written?
it takes a while to write a novel I imagine

[Destinysdaughter]

I bloody love Ben Elton! He's a really underrated contemporary novelist IMO and he's written many books which were really perceptive and on the money in nailing what's going on in the zeitgeist, issues about celebrity, privacy etc.

I've seen him interviewed about this current novel and have just got it on Audible, can't wait to actually listen to it, especially as he's narrating it himself. Apparently his wife told him not to go near the trans stuff, but he's not exactly someone who's scared of controversy in his career. Can't comment on it any more as not read it yet but hoping he won't let me down!

[Destinysdaughter]

Here's a link to Amazon reviews

www.amazon.co.uk/Untitled-book-2-Ben-Elton/dp/0593073584/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?s=gateway&keywords=ben%20elton%20identity%20crisis&sprefix=ben%20e&qid=1561413298&sr=8-1&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[StealthPolarBear]

Not seen this but nive liked his other books, this should be good

[KatvonHostileExtremist]

He writes Upstart Crow too, I often think that's gc. I do love him.
I've ordered the book

[MenuPlant]

Wow interesting.
I might buy it thanks :)

[AlwaysComingHome]

I don’t think this is out in paperback yet, is it?

I’m looking forward to reading it. He smuggled some GC into Upstart Crow so it doesn’t surprise me there’s some in Identity Crisis.

[TheInebriati]

Its on Amazon on Kindle and 2nd hand paperback.

[newtlover]

I love Upstart Crow
I wonder how many more episodes there can be?

[EweSurname]

I remember reading "Chart Throb" where there was a transsexual judge who if I remember correctly, had transitioned for notoriety. It's been ages since I read it so I might be misremembering!

[ZebrasAreBras]

I've read a good few Ben Elton novels, and I'm not remotely surprised he's gender critical - similar to glinner, I'd think. Capable of critical thought, and not giving a crap if they're not following the woke line. He's underrated because he's seen as a shouty, lefty comedian.

Stark and Gridlock will probably both happen in reality. Or maybe This Other Eden. I find his novels perceptive, funny and frightening.

[terfsandwich]

There was a great novel about social media lynch mobs. An interesting dystopia that was prescient of black mirror.

[terfsandwich]

Can't remember what it was called though.

[ZebrasAreBras]

Meant to add, so yes, I'll add this to my reading list.

He also wrote Blind Faith which is far from his best - but strangely prescient.

[TinselAngel]

Ben Elton is GC? Woohoo!!!

[TinselAngel]

I love his books and his stand up

[EweSurname]

Should have said, the transsexual judge was a judge of an x factor type show and not a court of law!

[ErrolTheDragon]

I've just got to the bit where Mumsnet gets name-checked: after a trans woman is murdered, there's a thread on MN asking why this murder gets more attention than the murders of "ordinary women" and then an online campaign forces MN moderators to ban the phrase "ordinary women" as hate-speak.

Is he an MNer?

[ZebrasAreBras]

His wife might be. Didn't they have IVF twins?

[plattercake]

Ooh, must read this :)

I was only thinking of his novel Stark the other day and want to re-read it.

I also love Upstart Crow. And picked up GC moments too :)

I'd be really unhappy if he turned out to be an arse.

[Jasging]

Glad he has a new book out and he is a great observationist. May be worth re-reading High Society with all the shenanigans in politics at the moment as well!

[AlwaysComingHome]

Didn't they have IVF twins?

That’s conceivable.

[AlwaysComingHome]

IIRC, the film changed the title to the more moron-friendly Maybe Baby