James Roberts' "Pardon Me"

Title: Humor Me

“Pardon Me” by James Roberts

Reviewed by Shelby Jo

8/1/16

3:46 p.m.

“Pardon Me” is a parody of epic proportions set in Victorian England. The story is told as the defense case in the trial of Madagan Run (pronounced Rhune, as he adamantly tells everyone he encounters). Through Run, James Roberts spins a tale of wild adventures across the British Empire to prove that the protagonist is innocent of treason and indicate just who is to blame.

The brightest element of the book is Run’s witty narration, which provides the true humor of the story, rather than the ridiculous scenarios in which the protagonist continually finds himself. In these scenarios, humor clearly takes precedence to plot, as the reader suspends all belief to extort a chuckle or two. Roberts’s prose saves the day, again; the characters’ quick dialogue and Run’s witty interjections make even the most bizarre scenes bearable and keep the reader searching for the true plot.

The story unfolds artfully, albeit slowly and lengthily, beginning with Run’s supposed crimes and revealing in reverse how he is always in the wrong place at the wrong time. This format keeps the reader guessing and eager to learn more, as well as curious as to how Her Majesty, Queen Victoria, will ultimately rule on Run’s case. Roberts populates Run’s tale with hilariously one-dimensional characters—each more crazy and entertaining than the last and each presenting a unique obstacle that Run must blunder through to complete his adventure.

“Pardon Me” fills a void for a niche audience, providing the humor often lacking in stories about history or culture. Of course, the book is by no means factual, but it is littered with references to real historic figures and events—the “pop culture” references that seem to be mandatory in any work of humor.

I give “Pardon Me” 4 out of 5 stars.

Read Away!

Shelby Jo