Something for the weekend.. The Final Solution

Hello, this weeks weekend suggestion is Michael Chabon's 'The Final Solution'.

In the English countryside an 89 year old man looks after his bees & keeps himself to himself - he is vaguely remembered by the villagers as a once famous detective. What unfolds is a quite bizarre mystery involving an escaped Parrot, a small silent German boy & a motley parade of villagers & outsiders.

I'm afraid I can't share with you one of the great delights of this book. I was given this book purely on the basis that I like Chabon (& I certainly do - see my Telegraph Avenue review for evidence) & I hadn't read it. What neither I nor the person gifting the book knew, is that the central figure of the novel is none other than SPOILER ALERT Arthur Conan Doyle's esteemed detective Mr Sherlock Holmes. Or is it? (Yes it is). Being a fan of Holmes I was certainly intrigued.

So we have a great writer indulging himself in imagining the last case of the greatest ever detective. Holmes (I should say the character is never named) with age has grown quite infirm in body, & to a lesser extent in mind. Poignantly he struggles to remember simple facts & his once crystalline mind is becoming fogged. Chabon humanises the ageing Holmes, making him more fallible than Doyle's original. The relationship between Holmes & the refugee is nicely played & the story itself is intriguing. The main drawer though, as ever with Chabon is the style & the beautifully realised characters. Anyone can enjoy this book but Holmes fans in particular will enjoy the references.

I find myself being a bit of a hypocrite here as I am not a fan of writers continuing other writes tales - I'm thinking of the addition to Douglas Adam's Hitch Hikers books in particular. But Holmes feels more universal & by not naming the character Chabon gives me an out!

So give this a go or even better buy it for a Holmes loving friend who's never heard of it - they will be delighted.

Buy it here

Gary

The business of selling books..

We have an opening for a Manager in our CPI department (corporate accounts). It's a demanding role but if you think you have the right stuff (please read the description below) then send your CV & cover letter to Gary.wigglesworth@blackwell.co.uk. Please be aware only those chosen for interview will be contacted.

                                     *THIS ROLE IS STILL AVAILABLE*

                                                       12/03/2013

Vacancy

Business Sales Manager

Corporate, Professional and Institutions

Charing Cross Road, London

The Role:

We have an exciting opportunity for an individual with strong commercial skills to manage our CPI department.

In this role you will be responsible for managing the team, developing and delivering a

strategy for liaising with all our customers and prospective clients to ensure continued

profitable sales growth.Main Duties:

• Consistently deliver all commercial KPI targets, which include sales and profit targets
• Leading, inspiring and developing the CPI team to deliver exceptional performance and to fulfil their individual potential.
• Developing the commercial and expert/specialist knowledge of your team.
• Management of selected key accounts. Ensure exceptional customer service is delivered to all customers at all times.
• Sourcing and delivering new sales opportunities.
• Ensure all CPI processes are carried out accurately and efficiently.
• Hold professional meetings with existing and potential customers.
• Facilitate the shop and company CPI marketing plan.

Skills/Experience:

• Experience of developing and implementing a local strategy, business plan and tactics.
• A record of business building and identifying and responding proactively to market/trading opportunities.
• Experience of leading, motivating and managing a team to deliver success.
• Accountability for managing a significant budget and strong prioritising and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Able to establish and build strong relationships internally and externally with a wide range of people and institutions
• High levels of confidence and personal energy, a positive ‘can do’ attitude and able to thrive in a high profile role.