Any really funny comedy novels?

I'm still editing my own comedy novel and it dawned on me that, even though it is my favourite genre of fiction, I have never really read one that has made me laugh out loud more than twice, maybe three times.

I have read Hornby, Lodge, Millington and Beaumont recently. Can anyone recommend me something that is a laugh a minute?

I've read plenty of books that made me laugh out loud (embarrassingly on trains) but I don't think I've ever read a novel that had that effect. The occasional witty line might strike me, but I have to say that I've never really read a very funny novel.

EDIT: What am I talking about? Douglas Adams really makes me laugh, as does P.G Wodehouse.

I have to say I tried reading PGW but I didn't laugh at all.

Douglas Adams... now I imagine he is very funny. Might give him a go

Thanks for advice.

Some suggestions here:

https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/687/

https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/16045

Catch 22 gets my vote.

Thanks... that lists a good bunch of possibles.

I tried reading Catch 22 but did not laugh at that either. I am hard to please though lol.

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchet
Most books by Robert Rankin
Preacher by Garth Ennis & Steve Dillon

https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/21455/

Quote: Greggles @ February 22 2012, 11:56 AM GMT

I have to say I tried reading PGW but I didn't laugh at all.

Douglas Adams... now I imagine he is very funny. Might give him a go

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Adams said Wodehouse was one of his main influences, so you might not find him amusing. The Timewaster Letters by Robin Cooper has plenty of laughs if you're into pranks.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I suppose humour is very subjective.. I think what I like is dark and cynical narrative.

I guess I can just read my own book
(But will look into those suggestions)

Have you read any early Martin Amis? The Rachel Papers in particular is very funny.

I read Time's Arrow at uni... didn't laugh much tho!

Will look into Rachel Papers.

Hopefully Harridan isn't reading this but I read 'Billy Bunter's Postal Order' last night and laughed out loud here and there!

Quote: Marc P @ February 23 2012, 10:33 AM GMT

Hopefully Harridan isn't reading this

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?

Well you told me off re Swallows and Amazons!

Quote: Marc P @ February 23 2012, 10:33 AM GMT

Hopefully Harridan isn't reading this but I read 'Billy Bunter's Postal Order' last night and laughed out loud here and there!

View original

By coincidence, I was just going to post here about Frank Richards and 'the Owl'.