A Man of Parts

David Lodge's biographical novel chronicles the prolific life of H.G. Wells, writer of more than 100 books, lover of more than 100 women, and strident Fabian to boot. Narrator Steven Crossley is faithful to the text, giving Wells a tone that is confident and convinced of his own moral righteousness--although he does not have Wells's high-pitched voice, for which we are grateful, given the length of this production. Crossley inhabits a myriad of characters with authentic accents, including Wells's long-suffering and fascinating second wife, Jane; American novelist and critic Henry James; journalist Rebecca West; and Russian (and possible spy) Moura Budberg. Lodge employs the awkward storytelling device of Wells interviewing himself in old age. Crossley is even able to distinguish between the interrogative voice of conscience and the defensive elderly interviewee. A.B. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

September 12, 2011
In this comprehensive, often bland novel, Lodge (Small World) focuses on the extensive erotic experiences of celebrated British author H.G. Wells. As he states in his authorâs note, every character and plot development is non-fiction, and Lodge makes extensive use of quotes from Wellsâs personal correspondence. Unfortunately, the result reads more like a biography than a novel, with a plot that strictly adheres to the chronology of Wellsâs lifeâfrom early boyhood to death. Many of the circumstances and details are salacious, from the protective sheaths which Wells uses to make his philandering possible, to his perennial interest in making love outdoors, to some big cats role-play with writer Rebecca West (he was her Panther, she his Jaguar), with some relevant quotes from their love lettersââI shall lay my paw on you this Wednesday night.â However, the womanizing becomes repetitive, with one too many frigid wives, and too many virgins in need of a sexual education from an older, more experienced lover, all resulting in a certain tedium best suited for readers who are already devotees of Wells or Lodge.