A mysterious illness, called HEROS, is sweeping America. It changes those afflicted, stage by stage, into super-powered costumed crimefighters. Charlie was once one of Britain's favourite TV personalities, known for sneering at the weirder members of society in his cutting-edge documentaries. But now, after a battle with cocaine addiction, he wants to go straight and show his caring side. A programme about this bizarre new disease may be a chance to get his career back on track. As he films and interviews a number of people with HEROS, or Rosies, as they call themselves, Charlie gets close to many of them, perhaps too close, and starts to question his role as a neutral observer. This may well be a career-changing experience, but not in the way he imagined. Whatever You Are is Beautiful is a dark comedy, which celebrates difference and explores the immense human capacity for intolerance. It is both cautionary and joyful in equal measure.
‘Imaginative, entertaining and thought-provoking, Whatever You Are is Beautiful is book with a heart, mind and enviably light hand’
Charles Lambert
‘Richard Blandford’s terrific novel fully embraces the absurdity of our culture’s obsession with superheroes. The result is a story that is fresh, funny, surprising and – oh yes – heroic’
John Higgs
‘Both brilliantly surreal and yet painfully real, Whatever You Are Is Beautiful will draw you in right up to the very last word when you realise that it’s morning, you haven’t slept a wink and you’re meant to be at work’
Tim Ewins
(Published by Eye Books in 2021)
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