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Sex, crime and politics in Hemel novelist's new book
The American elections inspired Hemel Hempstead author John McDonald to write his latest fictional novel, which is a satirical and daring look at US politics.
Chideyes tells the story about a murdering, womanising American senator and ex-football star Maximilian Moeran, who intends to run for White House.
After his conscience is troubled by his sexual affair with a school girl he decides to change but finds that most people preferred the old Max and shun his new persona.
John, 60, from Washington Avenue, said: "I wanted to show that it's the image that is being sold and not the real person. The image is a commodity, which is packaged and sold to the masses, who buy into it. What is really inside doesn't concern the public."
Childeyes incorporates several themes and asks some big questions – all set against the background of American politics and the insider-culture of the most political and media-obsessed town of them all – DC.
John, who has written award-winning television drama, graphic novel scripts for Classical Comics' Shakespeare series, takes an honest and objective look at human relationships with Childeyes.
The Lolitaesque affair between Maximilian and Esm is controversial and taboo-breaking, but it is also treated sensitively and without hysteria.
The world of Washington DC insiders has similar charisma and popular appeal to the world of Hollywood stars, though as yet fairly untapped in literary terms.
He hopes that it will appeal to readers on this side of the pond: "It's not just about US politics. The existential stuff is about the meaning of life. It's not a mainstream novel either so it's hard categorise it."
Childeyes is his third novel. His first one Tribe, was published in America and the screenplay won him the IndieProducer Screenwriters Award, while his second novel Talking to God is attracting attention of movie people.
The book has been published by Gatecrasher Book, which was set up for professional writers who are a bit risque.
It is available from W H Smith, Waterstones, Amazon and Barnes&Nobel.
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Weather for Hemel Hempstead
Sunday 27 May 2012
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