He Used Thought as a Wife: An Anthology of Poems & Conversations (From Inside)

I saw this in the Times non fiction list and yet to me it seems to me to be a fabulous fiction disguised as a journal. It is an epistolary collection of poems, prose and scripted dialogue. It is a funny, sad and wry look at a year told by Tim Key with his extraordinary skill and writing talent. I like the fact that the dialogues can be read as stand alone pieces and yet both ground and move the story on. I also suspect the dialogues, while rooted in reality, are like the author's reality in lockdown, somewhat exaggerated and certainly entertaining. You feel the author's claustrophobia and enjoy his fantasy escapades. You begin to feel close to the characters, the family and friends he cannot meet face to face in lockdown and who people the book and his mind. The short and often political poems often made me laugh out loud and they introduce a real pace and chronology to the book. The book is beautifully designed and good to hold. The kindle version, which I have also bought, does not disappoint. It maintains the quality of design and the stunning illustrative font. It can also have the font enlarged for my ageing eyes!

I bought this on kindle and half way my first read through I ordered the paperback. I realised I wanted to keep this book and reread again and again. Funny, clever, superbly designed. I will be recommending this book to everyone.

I really enjoyed this (and book two, which I accidentally read first!) and I hope there will be a third one in the series because trollies are better than duos. Really enjoyed the poems disperse throughout the conversations. The artwork makes the book really special.

Initially purchased for a friend but before handing it over I read a couple of pages and have now purchased it myself. I really think the book is a spot of genius from Tim Key, not only is it clever it is also beautiful put together and would make a handsome addition to any bookshelf

What is asked for

Fantastically written book. I don’t think I’m a good enough writer to explain what it does so well. Some hilarious bits, plenty that made me sad when I remembered going through the same things. I’d highly recommend

This book lingers on the mind long after putting it down. A great insight into 2020 lockdown and most readers should be able to relate to certain aspects contained within.I seldom leave reviews but have bought a number of copies as gifts. Not only is the design and quality of the book itself wonderful but has been read by friends and family who would have quite easily overlooked such a publication. Buy it now you won't be disappointed!

Content of the book is fantastic. However print I got from Amazon missing 15 pages. Went: 1-69 then 54-68 (duplicating previous pages) then jumped to page 85. Looking forward to the follow up from Tim Key but will buy direct from his website rather than Amazon next time.

Beautifully designed and incredibly funny. If you like Tim Key, there's no excuse for not owning this book. If you don't know Tim Key's other work, there's no excuse for not trying this book out immediately.

I didn’t think I’d ever enjoy a book about you know what, but this is perfection. Funny, sad and tantalising. Thanks Key.

Classic key