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The following article is excerpted from Socialist Worker (Canada) October 1993.
Subs can be obtained by writing to Socialist Worker, PO Box 339, Station E,
Toronto, Ontario Canada M6H 4E3. (Prices per year: Regular subs $20.Can;
Institutions and Supporting $16; US and Overseas $20)
 
                         Wishing and Hoping
                         ------------------
 
Book review: The Laughter of Heroes by Jonathan Neale (London: Serpent's Tail
Press, 1993).
 
Review by Janice Kirk
 
Jonathan Neale works as a counsellor at an HIV education centre in London,
England. He is also a member of the Socialist Workers Party, the sister group
of the International Socialists. The Laughter of Heroes ishis first novel.
  It is the story of John, a young man dying of AIDS
  This is not a subject that lends itself well to humour, yet Neale dares to
try. And he pulls it off brilliantly.
  John, a puppeteer, is dying. His last wish, confided only to his favourite
puppet, Andy, is to go to Tibet and die alone in the mountains.
  His friends have a different idea. They think he wants to go to Disneyland.
Despite the fact that John is horrified at the idea of dying at Disneyland,
he keeps his real wish a secret and goes along with his friends' plan to make
them happy. Besides, Andy wants to meet Mickey Mouse.
  The Laughter of Heroes is a story of wish-fulfilment.
  It is a story of magic and dreams come true. But the biggest wish, the wish
to live, cannot be realized. It is also a realistic tragedy.
  The Laughter of Heroes is also a political book. It is an excellent example
of the meeting of art and politics. Such a synthesis is not easily attained
and it is testimony to Neale's politics that he has achieved this combination
so admirably.
  Socialist views of class, race and gender run through the entire narrative,
but with such subtle conviction that Neale's characters do not need to
preach.
  Neale's writing style is simple and crisp. The short clipped sentences are
well suited to his humour. Unfortunately, the text at times lacks the polish
necessary to keep the short sentences running smoothly, and some uncomfortable
choppiness does occur.
  This is a beautiful book. It is inspiring, optimistic, funny, courageous and
profoundly sad. It is a book about real heroes.