To say I was underwhelmed by this novel is an understatement. The novel is billed as "a story brimming with irony and humour". I didn't laugh, let alone smile to myself. The irony (I must be thick), I'm still trying to get a handle on it. I found the novel tedious, monotonous, flat, uninspiring and pedestrian.

In the authors defence, this may be one of those novels that's cultural specific. I've seen my fair share of American films portraying college life on Australian television but not having lived the life of an American College student, I may not be in a position to savour the irony and humour of Deconstruction Acres.

The plot's fairly simple, Underdog (don't laugh, it's the main characters name) a townie starts life as a freshman at Jasper College, a fictitious midwestern college town. Our hero crosses swords with celebrity Professor Race Fletcher, author of a book that "deconstructs" the Green Acres Television show. He gets involved in pitched battles with the corrupt College President and administration. All the while he is trying to establish a relationship with Ione Twayblade, a very troubled character. Underdog a progressive, fights the good fight and wins the day by perfecting his invention, the calliope, (an interesting musical instrument), marries Judy Baine, Ione Twayblades stalker and moves to Ashland an artistic community.

If you live in the good old U.S. of A. and have experienced college life, this book may bring tears to your eyes as you relive life in your freshman years. If you don't live in the U.S. of A. and haven't experienced college life, I don't believe this book will do anything for you.

If you are addicted to American college movies and live outside of the U.S. of A, you may also be tickled by the twists and turns of Deconstruction Acres.