A Review By Emma Sothcott

Nicholls originally studied at Bristol University, on their renowned English Literature and Drama degree course. He was at first more focused on acting, but having eventually burnt  out the theatrical flame, he then began to write screen plays for well known television shows and production companies, such as the 90s drama ‘Cold Feet’ and Tiger Aspect productions.

He gained a huge love of writing after this first taste of success and so began to write ‘Starter for Ten’ his debut novel, a comedy  about young Brian Jackson, a lower class citizen who dreams of appearing on esteemed televised quiz ‘University

Challenge’ after having watched it with his father whilst growing up. However Brian’s ‘Challenge’ gets a lot harder to complete as distractions spring up every which way throughout his journey to the top.

After noticing the film version I decided to read the book before watching it (as should always be the order). It instantly appealed to me because I, rather humiliatingly for a 17-year-old girl, sit watching University Challenge most Mondays shouting incorrect answers at Paxman; only to have him shatter my personal dreams of being University challenge champion every five seconds. So, in short, I empathised with Brian’s struggles.

With questions like those featured on the show at the beginning of every chapter, Nicholls keeps you on your toes. However, non- University Challenge addicts mustn’t be put off. The novel is, put simply, a wonderful, funny, heart-warming story.