A Class Act

Guardian Rob Beckett explores the differences between his working-class upbringing and his middle-class life in television and comedy in his hilarious book 'A Class Act'. He examines issues such as class, culture, and identity, and why being an outsider is the best place to be.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 12 May 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Rob Beckett, a Guardian journalist known for his quick wit, affectionate nature, and unconventional demeanor, often finds himself struggling to fit in within the middle-class world of television and comedy. While he portrays himself as the quintessential cockney geezer to his friends at the local pub in south-east London, he is actually the theatrical one, a media enthusiast. Even his own wife and children surpass him in terms of social status and sophistication.

In this captivating exploration of class, Rob sets out to understand the contrast between the life he experienced growing up as a working-class child and the life he leads now. He questions whether he will ever prefer a craft beer to a strong lager, when it became commonplace for children to enjoy sushi, and whether he still considers himself to be part of the working class. He also grapples with the embarrassment he feels about his success and wonders if it will ever be acceptable to serve pie mash on a wooden board.

A Class Act takes on the big and small questions, offering a funny, candid, and often moving account of what it means to be an outsider. Rob's unique perspective and relatable anecdotes make him a relatable character, as he navigates the complexities of social hierarchy and embraces his unconventional identity. Through his journey, he discovers that being an outsider may be awkward, but it is also the best (slightly awkward) place to be, as it allows him to see the world from a different perspective and challenge the norms that society has imposed upon him.

In conclusion, A Class Act is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to fit in. Rob Beckett's witty and affectionate storytelling provides a fresh perspective on class and identity, and his relatable characters will leave readers laughing, crying, and reflecting on their own experiences.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008468217