By Lee Henshaw
“Like some stoned new Kerouac…” says the review on the cover of the book. And its true in the fact that it is reminiscent of On the Road, but differs greatly in the fact that it is hugely funny, engaging and endearing even.
It was the title of this book that caught my eye. I’m a sucker for titles, as most readers are I imagine.
This book traces the travels of the “three Macc lads” in New York one year, “three Macc lads and a shandy drinker from Cambridge” in Mexico the next year and finally, a trip to Venezuela, this time the “three Macc lads” and girlfriends.
Liam Kerby is a writer and wants to publish a classic. Liam’s Brother James is a proprietor of a Joinery Company called ‘Peachyface Joiners’. And Ed Lover is smitten with a girl called Ursula Paradise. These are the three Macc lads.
Liam loves his Brother James. Brother James gets mistaken for a woman a lot. And Ed Lover has a great name. From being lumbered with big, ugly Mrs.Buckle in New York to having a piece of luggage ripped open by a couple of pugs in a mate’s girlfriend’s parents’ house in Washington; from drinking tequilas that were 5% alcohol and 100% aphrodisiac to checking for “normal poos” in Mexico- Queerfish is a hilarious read. Characters come and go through out the book but none that really make any lasting impression. Its difficult to decide which one of the Macc lads is my favourite. They’re all adorable and their shared chemistry enviable yet likeable.
There is an unrelenting passion in Lee Henshaw’s narrative but unlike Kerouac, the shared experience of the 3 adds personality which brings the book to life!