Kingston College GCSE English lecturer SIMON CORBIN recently released his fifth novel, I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY, in both paperback and Kindle formats on Amazon. Simon faced a number of challenges in completing this book – having gone blind four times during lockdown and enduring multiple surgeries on both eyes at Moorfields Eye Hospital to save his sight.
“This particular novel has been a labour of love,” said Simon. “Having gone blind four times as the book reached its completion, I did wonder if it – or indeed I – would ever see the light of day! Regaining my sight has been like being given a second chance at life and a percentage of author’s profits from this novel will be gratefully directed to the Moorfields Eye Charity.”
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY was conceived as ‘the definitive novel of the 1980s.’ Set in 1987, the narrative follows the misadventures of a tight-knit clique of characters as the AIDS epidemic casts its terrible shadow, conspicuous consumption defines the Square Mile and The Great Storm approaches. Against this backdrop, All-American ‘gal about town’, Jenna Halston, courtesan to one of London’s foremost patricians – wealthy cigar importer Sir Gerald Quine – grows bored of her life of expense accounts and fine dining. When Sir Gerald leaves the UK on business, Jenna risks all for a brief but liberating dalliance with a young book illustrator, Ludo Nixon. However, it’s not only Sir Gerald whom Jenna must deceive – Gerald’s dissolute son, Ralston, and burly ‘fixer’, Ray Finlay, also have designs on the beguiling Miss Halston. Mayhem – and murder – ensue.
I SHOULD BE SO LUCKY revisits - and lays bare - the hedonistic 1980s in a thrilling tale of London noir.
