I do think you have pinpointed what can be a weakness of comic novels though – if it is played too much for laughs it can get in the way of really empathising and caring about the characters.

I just read a novel by Carl Hiassen with my mystery discussion group – and he writes very funny crime novels usually based in Florida and with a strong environmental theme. They are funny, but somehow I never really care for them that much.

I think that’s what works about dinnerladies for me. The humour is sometimes gentle and sometimes sharp, but there’s also real human beings to empathise with, with real feelings, and that’s what makes it so special.

I do think you have pinpointed what can be a weakness of comic novels though – if it is played too much for laughs it can get in the way of really empathising and caring about the characters.

I just read a novel by Carl Hiassen with my mystery discussion group – and he writes very funny crime novels usually based in Florida and with a strong environmental theme. They are funny, but somehow I never really care for them that much.

I think that’s what works about dinnerladies for me. The humour is sometimes gentle and sometimes sharp, but there’s also real human beings to empathise with, with real feelings, and that’s what makes it so special.

That’s the thing though, isn’t it. I think it helps to be funny even about the most serious subjects. When I was in therapy I was told off for it – but sometimes it’s only by laughing at things that we can cope with them.

I do absolutely admire that ability to stand up and speak in front of people though. Even if you didn’t work out as a stand up comedian, I so envy you that courage. In my novel I made my poor main character have to give a speech, and then when I looked back I realised I’d even fluffed writing about it!

That’s the thing though, isn’t it. I think it helps to be funny even about the most serious subjects. When I was in therapy I was told off for it – but sometimes it’s only by laughing at things that we can cope with them.

I do absolutely admire that ability to stand up and speak in front of people though. Even if you didn’t work out as a stand up comedian, I so envy you that courage. In my novel I made my poor main character have to give a speech, and then when I looked back I realised I’d even fluffed writing about it!

Those who inject a sense of the ridiculous into what the rest of us accept as ‘normal’ get my vote. Bob Newhart was brilliant – this clip is just over 5 minutes – worth it if you haven’t come across it before – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVaeKVSddHA&feature=related – Dave Allen and Billy Connolly are two more of several that tickle me along similar lines.

I used to enjoy Cheers though, as with the Newhart clip, I found the canned laughter of the ‘live’ studio audience got up my nose a bit.

I can’t ‘do’ funny. When I am amusing it’s always by accident, so I admire those who appear to be able turn it on at will and almost always hit the mark!
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks

Those who inject a sense of the ridiculous into what the rest of us accept as ‘normal’ get my vote. Bob Newhart was brilliant – this clip is just over 5 minutes – worth it if you haven’t come across it before – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVaeKVSddHA&feature=related – Dave Allen and Billy Connolly are two more of several that tickle me along similar lines.

I used to enjoy Cheers though, as with the Newhart clip, I found the canned laughter of the ‘live’ studio audience got up my nose a bit.

I can’t ‘do’ funny. When I am amusing it’s always by accident, so I admire those who appear to be able turn it on at will and almost always hit the mark!
Twitter: Linda_Mattacks