LiteratureNice Work’ by David Lodge was first published in 1988 and was, a few years later, adapted successfully for television. Lodge, once a Professor of English at Birmingham, is well versed in the comedy and high seriousness of academic existence. Fervent feminist lecturers, slick administrators, ‘washed-out’ professors, abstruse methods of literary criticism are all grist to his mill. But academe is just one half of the story. The other half, described in convincing detail, is that of the heavy industry of Birmingham (Rummidge). The two worlds meet, clash and eventually achieve mutual understanding in the persons of Vic Wilcox and Robyn Penrose. Vic manages a steel factory;Robyn lectures on the 19th century ‘industrial novel’. It is Industry Year Shadow Scheme 1986 when university meets industry. Here Vic receives his news: ‘The name of your shadow is Robin Penrose.’ ‘A medic?’ ‘No.’ ‘Not a shrink, for Christ’s sake?’ ‘No, I understand he’s a lecturer in English Literature.’ ‘English what?’ Robyn is young, attractive and an idealist. Until he meets her, Vic doesn’t realise Robyn is female. Vic is older, married, tied to his job and pragmatic. Read this ‘funny, intelligent social comedy’ to discover more about their relationships. John |