In the novel Audrey by Sean-Paul Thomas, Joe seems like an ordinary bloke. He lives in Edinburgh, Scotland and earns a wage working as a plumber. He spends a lot of time with his best mate, Colm, and they frequent karaoke bars.
But scratch the surface, and Joe has quite the tale to tell. As the story commences, Joe has just been released from prison for a crime we learn about later in the book. Joe also has a very bitter ex-wife who won’t let him see their little girl. This is devastating to Joe.
But Joe does have one bright spot in his life-the movies. And he isn’t just content to watch the latest flicks at his local cinema. He wants to be part of motion picture glory. An aspiring writer since childhood, Joe writes movie scripts in his spare time. He desires to be a screenwriter and see his work emoted on the silver screen.
One evening Joe drags Colm to the Edinburgh Film Festival where they view a French film. One of the film stars is Audrey Beart, a woman of a certain age. Joe finds him smitten by Audrey, and is thrilled when after a Q & A session once the film is over, Audrey agrees to go home with him. They spend one very passionate night together, and Joe is over the moon.
However, this isn’t a typical one night stand. Joe soon ends up in Paris where he tries to fit into Audrey’s crazy world. Being in Paris and having Audrey as a muse inspires Joe to become more devoted to his writing. He spends many days pounding away at scripts, hoping one will become a movie on the silver screen.
Being with Audrey is never dull. She’s a woman who has experienced a few things. She drinks and smokes too much, and at times is way over the top. But Joe is in love so he can’t help but get wrapped in all the craziness. But no matter what, Joe is determined to make their relationship work. But is Audrey?
Through Audrey, Joe meets all movie people. Some are willing to give Joe a chance and some just dismiss Joe as a “mere plumber.” And in one horrific situation, Joe has to save Audrey from the evil clutches of one of Audrey’s former lovers.
Will Joe and Audrey’s love stand the test of time? Well, that’s to be found out. But no matter what, Joe has found an inner confidence to express himself as a writer. Perhaps he also has the confidence to make amends with his ex-wife and rekindle his relationship with his daughter.
Despite his faults, Joe is a guy you can’t help but root for. And though Audrey can be a Manic Pixie Dream Girl gone to seed, you understand how she has emboldened Joe. The book Audrey is a delightful look at two very different people and the worlds they inhabit.
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