IN THIS BOOK, former journalist and occasional broadcaster Philip Algar offers an imaginative and satirical account of politicians, their behaviour and policies and the reaction of the public in the early days of the corona crisis. In writing this book, the author emphasises that he does not underestimate the tragic impact of corona nor does he belittle the disease, unlike some international leaders. Instead he takes some real incidents, exaggerating the potential impact and invents almost plausible stories.
For example, he reveals, exclusively, how President Trump decided to blame the World Health Organisation and explains why there was a shortage of dogs in the UK. Why were Irish mountain climbers victimised and how might Sir Humphrey Appleby have reacted to government slogans? Why were some Mexicans disappointed when they learnt what was disallowed under the heading of essential items?
Why did some rare bats become even more rare and why did a lake and beach change colour? Why did thieves want government financial support? Why was it so difficult to visit the local pub? How did cyclists imperil road safety and cause pollution? How did a radio broadcast give a totally wrong impression and why did some presenters arouse ire because of the condition of their homes? Why did children fear an invasion from space and what happened to subtitles when a government minister was speaking to the nation? How did some press conferences go seriously wrong? All this, and more, is revealed in this book which is intended to provoke a smile in these dark times.
