The problem with popular comedians writing books is that everyone expects them to be laugh-out-loud funny. I can see people being disappointed with History because it isn't an obvious comedy novel. It's dark humour and it feels very British in its use of awkwardness and subtext. I didn't go into this expecting it to be a laugh riot because the blurb suggested it would be a tragicomic story. So, I wasn't too disappointed by the lack of obvious jokes. However, I still don't think this was everything I hoped it would be. Yes, it was well-written and the characters seem grounded in reality. I think it was a bit underwhelming. It takes a very obvious path, which isn't always a bad thing. I just don't think it really adds anything to the conversation about mental health. This is a book that doesn't really stand out from all of the other books about middle-aged people suffering from depression and a stale marriage. Still, I think it's a fun book and it certainly does manage to find some humour in the situation.

Clive Hopgood is a history teacher at a private school. He hates the job, he hates the students and he hates most of his colleagues. It's something that is causing problems in his personal life as his wife becomes more and more frustrated with him. Everything comes to a head following an incident near the end of term and a disastrous family holiday in France. Meaning Clive must deal with the consequences of his failings as an educator, a husband and a father. What he doesn't seem to understand is the role he's playing in his own downfall. Will Clive realise what is right in front of his face and help save his career and his family before it's too late?

Obviously, Clive is a difficult character to like most of the time. He's self-obsessed and oblivious to the people around him. You'll be frustrated about his lack of self-awareness and his intense self-pity. He is also a sympathetic character and is clearly suffering from some sort of depression. I don't think this is necessarily the best portrayal of mental health issues in middle-aged men but it does give him some depth. It means that you're able to switch between laughing at his misfortune and feeling sorry for him. You can dislike him before wanting to hug him. It's not the greatest characterisation ever but it's better than a lot of writers manage.

This is an interesting book and one that I did enjoy listening to. I can't promise that it will stick with me for too long and I'll probably struggle to remember the plot by the end of the year. Still, it's a quick read that doesn't require a lot of effort. There's a lot to be said for a book that you like reading whether or not it's the greatest thing you've ever read. Jupp is good at writing and is way above a lot of other celebrities who have started writing novels. Unfortunately, I think the pacing is a little off at times and he spends time on a few plots that don't go anywhere. Still, I'm glad I finally got around to it and I'd probably read something else written by the comic.