The Trials of Max Pipe

Max Pipe is tormented by an unconscious desire to create art – exuberant art filled with life, unicorns and sex – but the bromidic advice of his father and noted biologist Rudi Pipe weigh heavily. “Never, smallish Pipe, was there a place at the board table for a mime.” So Pipe of Martino & Umberto in Catania, doggedly fends off venal Sicilian colleagues and multifarious intrigues, spies and assassins; struggles with his infatuation for the lovely Luisa; whilst overseeing the construction of a revolutionary but ultimately doomed warship for the Italian Navy; before freeing himself at last, as Pipe the artist. Max Pipe is hero and imbecile, brilliant artist and buffoon, who wants what most of us want - self-realisation and yes, love. Those who don't seek these things, and there are many still among us, are likely trapped - devoted to the making of kettles, shampoos or heaven's knows, cat biscuits, that may yet become weapons of personal or even mass destruction. These benighted souls above all, could well benefit from infection by this book. And a most gratifying experience they may find it to be...or not.