Inconceivable

In the late 1990s, a time when everyone still thought dial-up internet was the height of technological advancement and that wearing flared jeans was a daring fashion statement, Ben Elton graced the literary world with "Inconceivable." This particular tome, published by the esteemed Black Swan, offers a hilariously chaotic take on the grand notions of family, identity, and the modern-day conundrum of reproduction—because who doesn’t think about procreation while sipping on a lukewarm cup of tea?

Picture this: a world where the quest for parenthood is akin to navigating a never-ending episode of a reality TV show, complete with unexpected twists, dramatic confessions, and perhaps an oversized prop of questionable significance. Elton, known for his sharp wit and satirical genius, takes readers on an uproarious odyssey through the maze of modern relationships and the absurdities that ensue when love and biology collide. In a narrative that feels like it’s been spliced together from the best bits of a sitcom, our protagonist wrestles with the perplexities of conception—because if there’s one thing we all know, it’s that having a baby is as easy as pie, right?

As the pages turn, expect a riot of characters who are as colorful as they are dysfunctional. There’s the well-meaning couple with an inexplicable amount of IKEA furniture that may—or may not—have come with a manual on how to raise a child while maintaining one’s sanity. Then, of course, there’s the eccentric aunt who seems to have mislaid both her marbles and her sense of decorum. This delightful cast stumbles, fumbles, and bumbles their way through hurdles as practical as a broken blender and as profound as existential dread, ensuring that readers are both entertained and mildly baffled.

As you read on, you’ll find yourself sharing in the often absurd, sometimes touching, but always ironic experiences of those grappling with the ins and outs of modern-day parenthood. The irony is palpable, as Elton lays bare the societal pressures that come with the territory—because nothing says “I love you” quite like an overcomplicated birth plan and a subscription to a parenting magazine. With a sharp tongue and a satirical eye, he invites us to laugh at the tangled web of expectations and mishaps that accompany the journey of starting a family in an era that was anything but straightforward.

But let’s not forget the remarkable style in which Elton writes. His prose dances across the page like a bewildered pigeon in Trafalgar Square, awkward yet oddly captivating. You’ll find yourself chuckling at his keen observations while simultaneously questioning your own choices—like why you decided to pick up a book from the bargain bin instead of, say, a self-help guide on ‘How to Cope with Life’s Inconceivable Moments.’

Condition: Used. You may find the occasional coffee stain or dog-eared page, likely from a previous owner who was so engrossed in Elton’s wit that they forgot to keep their thumb away from the hot mug. The cover shows signs of wear that only enhance its character—like a badge of honor for the book’s many escapades across crowded trains and cozy cafés. Each page has absorbed laughter and contemplation, and offers you the chance to join in the fun of a well-loved literary companion.

So, if you’re in the mood for a humorous exploration of the absurdities that life tosses our way—especially regarding the inconceivable act of creating new life—then this book may just be the companion you didn’t know you needed. Let Elton lead you through the raucous landscape of parenthood, one laugh at a time, and remember: being a grown-up is overrated, but reading a second-hand book from Crappy Old Books? Now that’s a truly wonderful idea.

Keep browsing: See more Humour books Other books by Ben Elton