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Skios

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( 4,165 ratings, 756 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Skios by Michael Frayn is a comedic novel set on a Greek island, where a series of mistaken identities ensues. Planned academic lectures and personal histories intertwine chaotically when a suave imposter arrives, leading to humorous mix-ups with guests and hosts alike. Amidst the idyllic setting, tensions and personalities clash, revealing the absurdity of miscommunication and the unpredictability of fate.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate witty comedies that involve mistaken identities and satirical takes on academic conferences. This story blends humour and chaos as characters find themselves in unexpected situations, offering a delightful commentary on human behaviour and society's eccentricities.

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Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, a story of mislaid identity, misdirected passion and miscalculated consequences.

Longlisted for the Man Booker Prize, Skios, Michael Frayn's most recent novel, is a story of mislaid identity, misdirected passion and miscalculated consequences.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On the sunlit Greek island of Skios, the Fred Toppler Foundation's annual lecture is to be given by Dr Norman Wilfred, the world-famous authority on the scientific organisation of science. He turns out to be surprisingly young and charming — not at all the intimidating figure they had been expecting. The Foundation's guests are soon eating out of his hand. So, even sooner, is Nikki, the attractive and efficient organiser.

Meanwhile, in a remote villa at the other end of the island, Nikki's old school-friend Georgie waits for the notorious chancer she has rashly agreed to go on holiday with, and who has only too characteristically failed to turn up. Trapped in the villa with her, by an unfortunate chain of misadventure, is a balding old gent called Dr Norman Wilfred, who has lost his whereabouts, his luggage, his temper, and increasingly all normal sense of reality — everything he possesses apart from the flyblown text of a well-travelled lecture on the scientific organisation of science.

Skios is a delightful comedy of errors, filled with humour and intrigue, exploring themes of identity and deception amidst the enchanting backdrop of Greece.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Skios by Michael Frayn has been lauded for its expert blend of farce and satire, drawing praise as a masterfully crafted comedy that keeps readers entertained with its intricate plot and engaging storytelling. Critics highlight Frayn's skill in handling the complexities of mistaken identities to create a hilarious and engaging narrative. The novel's fast-paced, delightful chaos and witty construction make it an appealing read, especially for those seeking a humorous escape.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571281459

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 April 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 125.0mm

Height: 199.0mm

Weight: 228g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Michael Frayn was born in London in 1933 and began his career as a journalist on the Guardian and the Observer. His novels include Towards the End of the Morning, The Trick of It and A Landing on the Sun. Headlong (1999) was shortlisted for the Booker Prize, while Spies (2002), won the Whitbread Novel Award. His fifteen plays range from Noises Off to Copenhagen and most recently Afterlife. He is married to the writer Claire Tomalin.

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