Reading “These Foolish Things” was a truly special experience for me. The author, Ken Heather, was my economics lecturer a few years ago someone I have always admired and who has remained a dear friend ever since. Opening this book felt almost like stepping back into his lectures again, only this time through the lens of fiction.

At first, I found the beginning a little chaotic, with a variety of short, seemingly unconnected stories. Perhaps part of this came from the fact that English is not my native language, and I’ve grown more accustomed to reading American English over the years than British English. But soon, everything started to come together and when the love story began, I was completely hooked. I’ve always loved love stories, and this one brought warmth, structure, and a lovely sense of continuity to the book.

One of the most delightful moments for me was the chapter about Keith’s visit to my home country, Bulgaria. I laughed out loud reading those pages I had heard some of these stories in person and seeing them written down made me relive the wonderful memories of my student years and of Ken’s visits after I became an alumna.

Overall, I especially enjoyed the second part of the book, which focuses more closely on the main character and his relationship. It felt more personal, more emotional, and much easier for me to connect with.

Reading These Foolish Things was not just about enjoying a good story it was also about revisiting cherished memories and recognizing familiar scenes through the eyes of someone I deeply respect. A heartfelt and nostalgic read that I will treasure for a long time.

A highly readable and entertaining book. With its satirical wit and observational humour These Foolish Things is in the tradition of comic campus novels by authors such as Kingsley Amis and David Lodge. In writing about academic life Ken Heather is commentating on a world which he has inhabited for many years. Hence, many of the hilarious incidents described are grounded in actual events. At the same time the narrative provides penetrating insights into the changing supply of and demand for higher education in recent decades. In some respects, these changes are shown to have been a mixed blessing for both the providers and their students.

Ken Heather’s novel, “These Foolish Things,” captures some real anecdotes of the genuine nonsense and absurdities which litter academic life, whilst providing some fascinating insights into economics, even for those who have never studied the subject, or even had a college education.

Ken Heather’s book “These Foolish Things”, set in the intriguing world of higher education, entertains, informs, and amuses in equal measure. The intricacies of the politics of a large educational establishment are laid bare, as are the pitfalls and dividends of interpersonal relationships in the workplace.

A novel novel indeed!