King size dilemma

How many novels can you think of that are based around tobacco or the tobacco industry?

The obvious one is Thank You For Smoking by Christopher Buckley, a wonderful satire whose central figure, Nick Naylor, is spokesman for Big Tobacco in America.

Thank You For Smoking works because it’s beautifully written, very funny, and most of the characters - including Naylor - are reasonably plausible.

The story is also within the bounds of probability until [spoiler alert] it takes a weird turn and becomes a slightly surreal black comedy.

In contrast, James Glover’s King-Size Baron (‘published independently’) is quite possibly the most preposterous book I have read on any subject.

A UK tobacco smuggler aims for the big time, but he has a secret agenda.

To the British media he is known simply as The Baron. An international tobacco smuggler who has eluded the authorities and created a multi-billion pound empire.

Set against a backdrop of real-life events ... the drama culminates with the exposure of a major corporate conspiracy that has serious implications for our present-day world.

What can I say? If you’re a tobacco company executive look away now!

On the other hand:

The fast-flowing narrative will be especially appreciated by the travelling book reader who has 4 hours to kill and wants to get to the end before he/she reaches her destination.

Remarkably this is true. For all its faults, and there are many, I read King-Size Baron in a single afternoon and evening. I don’t think I have ever read a book that quickly.

So here’s my dilemma. I cannot in all conscience recommend it because it’s hokum from start to finish.

And yet, there’s no denying it, I did rather enjoy it!

Available on Amazon, if you’re interested.