Kidnap Fury of the Smoking Lovers

“It is, in essence, a joyous book. The conclusion possesses a type of deliverance and redemption which lifts and expands; why this needs to take place at RS Thomas’s house above Porth Neigwl (unnamed, but easily recognisable) I don’t know, but it somehow fits. Such are the mysteries of story-telling, as baffling and beatific as love between two ostensibly oppositional people, or the fidelity of a mongrel dog, or even in ‘eyebrows like panic in a wire factory’. He can write, Pete Benson. We’re lucky that he continues to do so.”

“The premise of Kidnap Fury Of The Smoking Lovers may not seem unique – scorned husband, younger lover, wantaway wife – however, the plot features a wealth of drama, complex characters and extreme situations. The relaxed pace and humorous output all combine in such a way that lends itself to the author’s nuanced style of writing that works extremely well. Engaging and entertaining, it’s the perfect read to provide a bit of escapism.”

“As in his previous books, Kidnap Fury of The Smoking Lovers showcases Benson’s gift for the gab… they are quick and easy reads, this one more than most. A tabloid headline turned against itself, Kidnap Fury of The Smoking Lovers is about knowing when to say fuck you and fuck off and when to shut up, shut down and lose yourself in love. It raises you up on its shoulders and carries you away. Quick and easy, but not easy easy. Simple not stupid, stupid. It’s so difficult to do that. Stripping things out to leave just what’s required. Kidnap Fury of The Smoking Lovers then is the sound of a Modernist doing improv. Blowing wild and searching for peace.”