Freddy and Fredericka

by Mark Helprin

Freddy is the Prince of Wales, and Fredericka is his dippy, Diana-like wife. Freddy is the intellectual, but is often caught by the press in absolutely inane (and insane) situations. His wife, on the other hand, never reveals her empty-headedness to the public. Somehow, the press always makes her look good.

Anyway, before Freddy can become king (kings are not born, they are made), he must accomplish a task involving a certain falcon. And things aren't looking good for Freddy. Adding the bad press coverage to his falcon failures, Freddy does not appear to be the most promising future King of England. He appears to be a buffoon.

What follows is the making of the king. F and F engage in a series of adventures across the United States, in the hope of conquering the colony. Their experiences are hilarious, including their stay in Chicago. It is there that F and F work at Anglo Saxon Times (a place that we fondly refer to as The Joust). To give away anything else would spoil this rollicking ride. I laughed out loud while reading this fine novel. I would recommend this to anyone who wants/needs to laugh. With the constant play on words, I would imagine that this would make an excellent audiobook.

9/14/06