Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody

By: Michael Gerber

Narrated by: Christopher Cazenove

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

Warning: This isn't the real thing...it's funnier!

"Stop that movie," Headmaster Alpo Bumblemore said, "or Hogwash is history!" After someone sells directions to the school to a sleazy Muddle tabloid, Barry Trotter, Ermine Cringer, and Lon Measly are hauled out of retirement to face their toughest challenge yet. Not only do the 22-year-olds have to elude packs of rabid fans, outwit Barry's sponging Uncle Serious, and vanquish their old foe Lord Valumart, they have to face the most powerful enemy of all: Hollywood!

This audiobook has not been authorized or endorsed by J.K. Rowling or the publishers of the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter is a registered trademark of Warner Bros.

©2001 Michael Gerber (P)2002 New Millennium Audio, All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"Funny and sharp....In its bratty way, Barry Trotter is as energetic and imaginative as the books that inspired it." (Kurt Andersen, Spy Magazine co-founder)
"Gerber's affectionate, giggle-inducing send-up is one giant step toward restoring the somewhat debased art form known as 'parody.'" (Sean Kelly, former editor, National Lampoon)

Major disappointment

I did not have high expectations for Barry Trotter, but I was still disappointed. It is not funny or clever, or even interesting. I listened for about an hour and that's all. I suggest trying a different book.

Barry Trotter and the Unauthorized Parody

If you are a true Harry Potter fan you would "LOVE" this book. A wonderfully woven and spun tale, which I'm sure will have the "Hackels" of J.K. Rowling up! A great BOOK, I would say read it and be prepared to LAUGH. Along the lines of George Carlon with the most irreverent humor poking great fun at the Potter franchise.

Wildly hilarious!

I'm a huge fan of Harry Potter, but I don't honestly think you'd need to be one to 'get' this book. The Potter phenomenon is skewered left, right, and centre, and I laughed right out loud several times (which, since I listen to my books at the gym, is embarrassing. :)

Poor

Love a good parady. Too bad this wasn't one. I kept listening thinking it would get better but it never did.

Not What I Expected, But A Great Laugh Nonetheless

I searched for "harry potter" on audio when it first came out, and it wasn't yet available. This parody was the only thing in the Audible catalog! I got it for my daughter, anyway, who was obsessed,and she loved it. Your precocious twelve year old will love it, too.

If Zero stars were an option . . .

I'd pick it for this book.

I'm an educated, well-read 44 y/o male who enjoys a good British farce, satire, and smart wordplay. And, even though I'm a big Harry Potter fan, and also like a good satire -- no cow is too sacred to butcher.

But please -- this is none of those things.

It's a huge disappointment in all regards. It is neither clever nor well written, and after 15 minutes I found myself just wishing it'd just be over. I found myself trapped, though, in a situation where this was the ONLY thing that I had to listen to. Even then, it was painful.

One of my children (age 13) happened to overhear just a few minutes when he picked up my iPod and commented, "Even with all the weird stuff you listen to, dad, that's just bizarre." Out of the mouths of babes . . . .

From a person who is so addicted to reading that he's been known, in a pinch, to read the owner's manual to a lawn mower, a homeowner's insurance policy, and the back of a cereal box, I have to say that this is without a doubt one of the worst things I've ever run across. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

Cheap and tawdry

This is a tired, overblown attempt at a parody that fails because it bears little resemblance to the original tale. The parody Harry is a low-life who hustles, smokes, and has no life, much less interesting adventures. A real parody captures the essence of the original and tweaks it, usually just enough to make it humorous. If you like fart jokes, this book is in your style.

Terrific! An absolutely magnifecent book!

This book is great! It completely destroys the harry potter franchise, but does so in a completely original and hilarious way! Colourful references and (language)bring reality to the Hogwash scene. I give this book SIX stars.

It's so stupid..it's funny...

This is the best book I've ever heard...because it's sooo funny..I am 11 years old..and if you love harry potter and like funny things...this is the best! I've listened to it 3x times.

Very Nothing

I'm not sure who this was written for, but it wasn't me. I've enjoyed the Harry Potter books and movies. I thought I would enjoy a parody. However, it is filled with puns and inside joke that only the very obsessed could enjoy. If you are younger than twelve - or if your maturity level is less than that of a twelve year old, you'll probably enjoy it. If not, even though it's cheap, resist the urge.