Napoleon of Notting Hill by GK Chesterton

I recently read GK Chesterton’s first novel, Napoleon of Notting Hill. It was a quick read, interesting and fast-paced. It follows the life and career of the most unique humorist of England, one Auberon Quin, who was elected by lottery the king of England according to the consummate democracy of his fictional future government. Auberon enjoys making people confounded and annoyed, by being himself completely ridiculous. I have a feeling that this would be an even less popular course in England than in America.

Inspired on a fine evening by a little boy with a wooden sword defending the street of his childhood, King Auberon revives patriotism by designing a heraldry and history of each neighborhood and suburb of London. What he did not anticipate is that, aside from entertaining his whim by appearing before him in uniform, anyone would take him seriously. When Adam Wayne refuses to allow his beloved Pump Street on Notting Hill to be demolished in deference to a highway, he brings his sword to the king and informs his majesty that blood makes all ordinary things and landscapes sacred, and he will risk his own blood to defend his homeland (or city block).

The neighboring businessman and politicians do not take Notting Hill seriously. They don’t take anything seriously, though they are very grim themselves. Read this book for laughter, thought, and inspiration. You’ll never look at your grocery store the same way again.

To God be all glory.