Mentioned this guy over on the awesome thread... It's a worthwhile read. Not a knock-your-socks-off kinda read, but that actually works for a character like Bertish. Like the casual way he goes about his big four dream - Waimea, Todo Santos, Mavericks and Peahi - although he's anything but casual in the water. That is hallowed. He throws in his motivational lessons kinda as an afterthought, like, "oh, ja..." He's more just-peachy than preachy. I liked the book. This one was tough-going, probably a bit rigid in translation, but worth a read if you've any interest in the famous boy reporter or the socio-politico circumstances surrounding his creation (I don't think that - apart from beer, cheese, cycling and choccies - I will ever get the Belgians). Assouline's book is a great addition to any Tintin fan's collection of books about Herge... ...although it's no longer in mine as I gave it to my mate's hubby in Durbs just after I finished it, and he gave me this in turn. Unlike Assouline's sure-footed effort, Thompson's pace of writing is more akin to how Tintin trips through the books. He introduces the quirks of Herge's life like twists to the tale rather than points to push a thesis as Assouline does. Thompson's chapters end with cliffhangers. AN Wilson's quoted critique printed on the cover is spot-on...best read I've had for a while.
