The Apologist cover art

The Apologist

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The Apologist

By: Jay Rayner
Narrated by: Jay Rayner
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About this listen

Marc Basset, restaurant critic for a national newspaper, has made vitriol his trademark. His vivid cruelty makes his many readers laugh - until a chef roasts himself to death in his bread oven, leaving Bassett’s review of his restaurant stuck to the door. When Marc learns of the chef’s suicide, he experiences a new sensation - remorse. By apologising to the wife and daughter, he begins to experience levels of self-satisfaction that he never thought possible.

©2004 Jay Rayner (P)2015 W F Howes Ltd Literature & Fiction Satire Comedy

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Critic reviews

"A very surprising, very funny book." (Arabella Weir)
"It is a brave writer who apologises for his novel in the preface, but Jay Rayner has apology taped.... The timeliness of the novel is a terrific coup." ( The Independent)
All stars
Most relevant
Wonderful, page-turning story. The food descriptions are mouth-watering, the relationships are plausible.

It seems slightly autobiographical!

Fantastic fun!

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This is an enjoyable and fascinating (for a fan of all things to do with food and drink) romp through publishing and political theory.
I found the ending almost rushed, as if the author was embarrassed by it.
Well read by the author, he makes it seem autobiographical although of course it is a work of fiction, unless like me, you think Jay Rayner has become more mild in his reviews in recent years!

Really? Is that the ending?

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truly awful. a shame A I've loved his other books. but this? just bad. Avoid

Stinker

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