Biche

by Stephanie Theobald

Already being put into pre-production by BBC2, Stephanie Theobald’s debut novel tells the story of George, a struggling freelance journalist
who co-habits with friends Bet and Ann in one of Paris’ rather less salubrious quartiers. A self confessed addict to one-night stands, George hopes her sloppy liasons with members of both genders will keep her libido in check and provide endless amusing anecdotes for the rest of the Gang (that is; Bet, Ann, campy wannabe designer Holly and his flatmate Alex) until she’s twenty six, at which point the One will leap into her life and whisk her away from her grotty flat. Until then, however, the Holy Trinity of ‘rogering, rimming and rooting’ will keep her sane and maybe even get her that editor’s job at the Herald Tribune.

In its faintly bohemian setting and larger-than-life characters,‘Biche’ brings to mind Armistead Maupin’s ‘Tales Of The City’ series; and its similar gossipy, soap-opera quality and witty banter make it just as addictive. George’s relationship neuroses may whiff a little of chick lit; but she’s no Bridget Jones, being likeable - funny, humane, streetsmart and crucially, one imagines, good to know in times of adversity, weeping and heavy drinking. A decent bisexual heroine, methinks
(although she never actually uses the ‘b’ word to define herself). Besides, the sex is too seedy, dank, and leaves too many weird stains on the bedsheets to ever fit snugly into that much-maligned genre. In short, it’s real. Too damn real for its own good sometimes, as without wishing to give too much away, for George, happiness is usually elusive – a few more highs are really needed to balance out the all-too-depressing lows.

Still, at least you can console yourself with the fact that the telly series is bound to do for bisexuals what Queer As Folk did for the gay community; and for that, Ms Theobald, more power to your elbow.

Amy