Matthew Steeples reviews Steven Berkoff’s first novel: ‘Sod the bitches!’ whilst the author shares his take on it in a video exclusive
We all complain about the bastards and bitches that plague our lives but those in Steven Berkoff’s first novel truly take the biscuit.
Featuring a central character whose life as a London based actor undoubtedly takes elements of Berkoff’s own, this 248-page story is both gritty and raw. Not for the faint hearted and peppered with expletives, the story is set across several decades in London and explores intertwined relationships with critics, spouses and lovers. Obsession and anger are tempered with amusing mockery of the press, the cult of celebrity and the “stiff bodiced, stiff necked… fear-ridden” British populace. Whilst Berkoff tells it like it is, he also isn’t afraid to graphically explore both sexual pleasures and frustrations.
Tellingly, the central “bitch” alludes to many of her type and though readers might expect a certain inevitably in the ending, they should be prepared for one that’s very different. Beware of the bitches; bitches beware.
Sod the bitches! by Steven Berkoff, Urbane Publications. To buy a copy click here. The first 100 copies ordered, signed by Steven, are available at the reduced price of £10 including postage.
Watch The Steeple Times’ exclusive video interview with Steven Berkoff about Sod the bitches! by clicking here.
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