We all have idols.
Five’s idol was Gary Numan, and it was his destiny to become the world’s leading tribute act.
His band, ‘The Romford Bombers,’ became an instant sensation in Essex. On top of the world, Five had no idea things were about to turn savage when a new group, ‘The Storm Troopers’ fronted by Ross, burst onto the scene.
With the Romford and Dagenham Gary Numan Fan Club going into liquidation, they have organized one final competition. The all-time battle of the Numan tribute bands.
Five will do absolutely anything to win it. The problem is, so will Ross.
My Thoughts on Numan Versus Numan
Posts may contain affiliate links or sponsored content. See Disclaimer and Disclosure for more details.
Numan Versus Numan: A Dark Comedy by Nicky Blue is a satirical novel that follows the story of the protagonist, Romford, who is obsessed with Gary Numan, the famous musician from the 1980s. Romford believes that he is the reincarnation of Numan. He is convinced that he can save the world by mimicking the musician’s style and attitude. The novel is a dark, hilarious, and thought-provoking commentary on fandom, obsession, and the human need for validation.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book is how it explores the concept of fandom and how it can turn into an obsession. Romford’s obsession with Numan is not just about the music; it’s about the persona that Numan portrays on stage. Romford becomes so obsessed with this persona that he starts to believe that he is the reincarnation of Numan. Additionally, Romford looks for ways of how he can change the world by imitating his idol. This obsession leads Romford down a dangerous path and how fandom can affect mental health.
Another compelling aspect of the book is how it comments on the idea of validation and how it affects people’s lives. Romford is a man who has never felt like he fits in anywhere. He’s always been an outsider, and his obsession with Numan gives him a sense of purpose and validation. However, this validation comes at a cost, and the novel shows how Romford’s obsession affects his relationships with those around him.
The novel is also a commentary on the music industry and how it can chew people up and spit them out. Romford dreams of being a musician, but he quickly realizes that the industry is not what he thought it would be. The book highlights the harsh reality of the music industry and how difficult it is to make it as a musician, even if you have talent.
One of the most impressive things about the novel is how it manages to balance humor with more serious themes. The book is full of hilarious moments, and the character of Romford is both relatable and absurd. However, at its core, the book is a commentary on mental health, identity, and the human need for validation. The humor in the book is never at the expense of these themes, but rather serves to highlight them.
Overall, Numan Versus Numan is a hilarious and thought-provoking novel. It explores themes of fandom, obsession, and the human need for validation. The book is a commentary on the music industry, mental health, and identity. It manages to balance humor with more serious themes. Further, the character of Romford is both relatable and absurd! The novel is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider. Furthermore, Nicky Blue is an author to watch as his first novel proves to be a story that will make you laugh while also making you think.
Save the Cat! Personal Script Coaching
Every author could use a second pair of eyes to ensure you are writing a world-class novel, or screenplay. No matter if you are brainstorming, troubleshooting, pitching, or producing, the Save the Cat! Personal Script Coaching is designed to keep your ideas organized, inspired, and well-structured. You send in your script, and an expert writing coach will review it and give you feedback. A must for every author!
If you have a book you’d like featured here in the den, please send an email to contact@booksmugglersden.com. We’ll try and get back to you within 7 – 10 business days. However, if you haven’t finished your manuscript but want to market yourself, we encourage you to take advantage of our author interview service. We look forward to chatting with you!