Ramble Book

 

Ramble Book by Adam Buxton (2020 Mudlark, hardcover 368 pp)

 

Previously the co-host of a number of cult UK TV and radio productions, Adam Buxton re-invented himself as the host of an interview podcast around 5 years ago. Now he interviews the famous, not-so-famous and occasionally his friends (some of which are also quite famous). The podcast is where I first encountered Buxton – following David Bowie’s death in early 2016, Buxton produced a several podcasts wherein he tried to deal with the loss of his idol. This book probably wouldn’t exist without the podcast – so much of the style and so many of the references are a direct spin-off of the audio programme. However now its Buxton himself in the spotlight.

The backbone of the book is the story of what happened after Buxton’s father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Hoping to re-establish what had become a somewhat estranged relationship, Buxton moves his father in with him and his own family in their Norfolk home. Things don’t go quite as he’d hoped of course.

In between past and present stories of his father, the author delves back into his own past and tells us tales of his school days, friends, relationships and some unconnected musings. 1980s pop culture and music play a large part including a special focus on becoming and trying to stay a David Bowie fan during that era.

Much like the persona he presents on his podcast, Buxton has such a cheerful and quirky voice in text that you can’t help smiling even when he’s describing his father’s last days and his fears for the future.

Special mention also should be made about the design of this book, from its bright pink cover, internal graphics and magazine-style break-out boxes (where the author digresses off the main text into related thoughts) to the tables and photographs. It’s a handsome hardcover edition, well thought out.

I enjoyed this book and raced through it. However, if you’re not already familiar with Adam Buxton many parts would probably fall flat and simply puzzle or annoy you. So maybe one for fans only.