Up-and-coming junior minister Gregory Buchanan has had a portrait painted of himself by the acclaimed artist Sophie White — a painting she intends to enter in this year’s Archibald Prize. Until then, Gregory has hung it in pride of place on his dining-room wall. It’s a life-sized standing portrait, practically photographic in nature. And it’s a nude.
His wife will be home soon and he thinks the painting will be a pleasant surprise. Even more surprising will be an unexpected accumulation of guests: his sardonic mother, his fundamentalist mother-in-law, his lycra-clad cycling-enthusiast sister, and the state premier, Louisa Wetherly — a senior minister has just resigned in scandalous circumstances, and she needs Gregory to step into the spotlight ahead of the coming election.
It’s going to be a wild afternoon, and an even wilder campaign — to do something about Gregory’s naked ambition.
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Naked Ambition is a ripper of a novel! It’s not often that a book can make you literally laugh out loud, but this one elicited more than a few chortles and chuckles, and even the odd guffaw. The writing is tight and gloriously witty, with beautifully insightful (and hilarious) dialogue that offers a few particularly wonderful one-liners that could be kept in one’s pocket for just the right occasion. Gott is also brilliant at pacing, with each unfortunate turn piling on top of the previous one to add up to a non-stop, breakneck ride saturated with satire. But despite the rather merciless pillorying of the overly ambitious, the obnoxiously pretentious and the tragically oblivious, Naked Ambition is also surprisingly tender-hearted, with a touchingly honest look at family and romantic relationships and offering more than a hint of screwball comedy along the way. Although I’d always expected that I would enjoy this read, I wasn’t prepared for just how much fun it was, nor for the exquisite insight into the foibles and follies of both those few who inhabit the upper echelons and the personal relationships that we can all very much relate to. Samantha, VIC, 5 Stars
What a wildly wacky, witty and entertaining read filled with a group of unique individuals who couldn’t be any more different from each other, from personality to viewpoint. Hilarious dialogue is the driving force of this book, creating a comedic situation in the face of an awkward and potentially career-ending predicament for Gregory, who so happens to put himself in this situation. This book would make a fantastic movie or play, and I suspect on some level, that this was the intention of author, Robert Gott. The writing was cleverly sharp and I learnt a few new words (and artworks!) along the way, helping to elevate the context of particular scenes and make for an incredibly enjoyable read overall. Christine, VIC, 5 Stars
So many laugh-out-loud moments! This book is absolutely delightful. Reminiscent of the Rosie Project series with such colourfully depicted characters. I adored it! Dianne, SA, 5 Stars
Loved it! I read it in one go and thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, even the obnoxious ones, and laughed out loud. It covered the full gamut of egotistical behaviour, sarcastic remarks, criminal acts, political ambition, and sex. The author’s use of somewhat obscure words was at times annoying but overall added to the pomposity of some situations. I would definitely read another of his books, and give this unexpected gem 5 out 5. Sharyn, VIC, 5 Stars
What a delight to read this book, so different from anything else I have read in a very long time. It was playful, irreverent, but mostly laugh-out-loud funny! Gregory Buchanan is a rising star in the ministry of the government of the day. He makes the ill-considered decision to have a larger-than-life nude portrait of himself painted, intending to enter it in the Archibald Prize. The reactions of those near and dear to him are hilarious and the ensuing complications of his poor decision, even more funny. Brilliantly drawn characters who all seem larger than life. Some years ago, I met Robert Gott as he launched his first book in his hometown of Maryborough, so I read this one with keen interest and it did not disappoint. A wonderful, witty romp that is just clever. Robyn, QLD, 5 Stars
Excellent story. Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend. Kathleen, NSW, 5 Stars
If you have a healthy skepticism of politics and political parties, fundamentalist Christianity and the selection process for the Archibald Prize – then this is the book for you! Robert Gott has brought together a wonderful range of characters who will probably reinforce your views on all the above, along with a healthy dose of dark humour! Naked Ambition is literally about a state politician who thought it would be a great idea to get a nude portrait painted of himself in an election year and have it exhibited in the Archibald. For some strange reason, no one seems to have thought it was a good idea, especially members of his family and the premier of his state, apart from the subject and the artist. What follows is a madcap and very easy-to-read story of not only the naked but naive ambition of the politician, but the similarly naked ambitions of his premier, his fundamentalist mother-in-law, and almost every character in the book. It’s a fun read with a conclusion that will satisfy most readers with a sense of humour! Chris, QLD, 5 Stars
This has some many witty one-liners I don’t even know where to start. “Assertiveness is just aggressiveness with its hair combed and its tie straightened”; “He’s not just pushing the envelope – he’s setting it on fire”. Loved this book in its entirety, devoured it in one sitting, and would recommend it to anyone with a shred of a sense of humour! Justine, NSW, 5 Stars
A laugh-out-loud, wickedly funny comedy that I finished in one sitting! Highly recommend for some offbeat entertainment. Rachel, QLD, 5 Stars
I must say that Naked Ambition was one of the best books I have read for a while. Loved the way the author added life to all the characters. The whole concept of the book was intriguing. Why would a politician do that??? I was unable to put the book down, so another all-night read. I am glad I didn’t read this on the train because I did LOL. Just loved it. Will be looking for more books by Robert Gott. Pat, QLD, 5 Stars
What a fun and mad whirlwind of naked entertainment! Funny and shocking all in one, with you wishing you were there in person or a fly on the wall. Well written and captivating in the most entertaining way. Tamara, VIC, 5 Stars
A great read that develops quickly mostly within the confines of a living room! A great read that I couldn’t put down, was easy to read, although a few words I had to Google their definitions! Liked how it was broken up into parts too. Mel, VIC, 5 Stars
Gregory Buchanan is an education minister in a state parliament of Australia and decides to have his portrait painted by renowned artist Sophie White, who intends to enter it into the Archibald Prize. The problem is that it’s a larger-than-life nude! Gregory thinks it’s wonderful and hangs it in his dining room, expecting his wife will be as pleased with it as he is. That afternoon, Gregory’s wife, sister, mother, mother-in-law and boss, the Premier, all gather together in the dining room with very different reactions to the painting. Naked Ambition is a very clever and witty story that will have readers laughing out loud throughout the book. I could see this being a wonderful piece of theatre or even a film. Gott’s sparkling dialogue is a joy to read and the cast of characters are all very well drawn and contribute to making this comedy a rare indulgence in a world filled with frightening events. I thoroughly enjoyed it and devoured it all too quickly. If you’re looking for great laughs in an entertaining story, then this is for you. Barbara, SA, 5 Stars
It has been a long time since I have read a book in one day but this one I did. It involves one politician, Gregory, who is aiming for leadership of the party and has a portrait painted in the nude. The artist wants an Archibald Prize-winning painting and so this was painted with that in mind. Unfortunately, the way it was painted, one’s eye is drawn to the unmentioned part of the body. His wife, mother, mother-in-law, and State Premier are horrified. Joyce, the mother-in-law, is a very fundamentalist Christian with bizarre ideas. What a story it is: funny, serious, sad, adventurous, and political intrigue all at the same time. The one thing that annoyed me in the book was the use of words that I had no idea of meaning. Now, I read widely, and play word games and Scrabble, so I have a good idea of words and their meaning but I felt the author was showing off with words he used when a simple word would just as easily do. This is a book people will love, but for some, I think these words will leave them wondering, how does that fit in with this situation, what does it mean? I give this book five stars though, for a great read, laugh, and insight into political shenanigans. Lyndsay, QLD, 5 Stars
What can I say? It really is “Naked Ambition”! This book has everything, including an off-beat Agatha Christie vibe. An MP decides to have a nude portrait painted to be entered into the Archibald Prize. From there, within minutes of him showing (shocking) his wife with the whole nine yards, we meet all the personalities. Gregory (the MP), his newly pregnant wife Phoebe, his mum, sister, and Phoebe’s mother. The whole book centres around these five, along with some throw-ins and, before we know it, all of a sudden it turns into a “who dun it”! I just loved this book! I found it to be witty, and at times laugh-out-loud. The characters were perfect! Satire, sarcasm, religion, politics, sexuality, crime – you name it, this story has it. As proof that I loved this book, I read it in one sitting. I just couldn’t put it down. Would I have bought this book off the shelf? To be honest, probably not. Will I buy another book by Robert Gott? Bring it on!!! Diane, SA, 5 Stars
Excellent story, kept my interest and could not stop reading. Kathleen, NSW, 5 Stars
Naked Ambition was a hoot! Reading this book was like watching a television sitcom or sitting in the audience at a stage play. The story was entertaining and fast-paced, and I enjoyed the way the author pitted the characters against each other with raw, grating, deeply offensive dialogue. I say offensive, but the offense was directed towards each other, not the reader; as a story, it was clever and very amusing. I enjoyed the book from cover to cover. Marion, VIC, 4 Stars
A more than life size portrait – nude. A sitter who thinks it is a fantastic painting. His family think otherwise. An artist who will do just about anything to get the painting selected for the Archibald Prize. Quite humorous and believeable. The extended family has all sorts of differing views not just on the painting but on life. Makes for a good read. Anne, NSW, 4 Stars
Light and hilarious book, such an easy read, although in saying that I did have to bust out the dictionary a few times. I did find Joyce the preacher a bit annoying at times but all in all I really enjoyed the book. Jen, NSW, 4 Stars
Its a “well hung” portrait and I’m not sure what wife Phoebe thinks is worse… the artist is a young female, or the fact that her hubby is in the middle of election and now everyone will see his bits. What will come of Gregory and his nakedness? Is his prized possession worthy of an Archibald? Sharnee, QLD, 4 Stars
It was annoying, but so very well written, with most adjectives chosen to match the snobbish, upper-class vibe. Witty and wacky and frustrating. This book was pretty funny. To be honest, my humour doesn’t match, but I believe the author was extremely smart all the way along. I fully admit the book drove me a little crazy. It was so cringeworthy! This was immensely clever, well written and biting. Suzanne, NSW, 4 Stars
A new author and genre for me and I was laughing with the antics of the characters in this book. The two mothers, so different in personality, the son who believed in himself, the wife who could see the consequences of his belief. Sally the sister and her cycling uniform, the other characters, made you think, I know people similar to that. I really enjoyed the book and the writing. Well done Robert Gott. Margaret, NSW, 4 Stars
Naked Ambition is a very funny book by author Robert Gott. The characters are larger than life, to the point of absurdity, but that makes for satire, sarcasm, fanatical ideas, family tensions, sexuality and politics, all rolled into one clever story. It really lives up to its title, Naked Ambition with a clever ending that leaves one questioning the whole story. This is the kind of story that would be hilarious on stage or dramatised in a movie. Whilst I am not usually a reader of comedy, I found myself laughing out loud and shaking my head throughout the story at the ridiculousness of much of what the characters were saying. A very light-hearted and easy read! Maree, ACT, 4 Stars
Clever, engaging and lots of laugh out loud moments ! This book was witty and I read it in one sitting. The characters were diverse. The mother-in-law was my favourite! Poppy, QLD, 4 Stars
Naked Ambition by Robert Gott was an interesting read. During the first part of the book, you learn a great deal about the characters and their motives, which can be used to help determine the ‘who done it’ in part two of the book. It is a good book with strong political and religious aspects. Caitlin, QLD, 4 Stars
After reading the first three pages of this book, I immediately fast-tracked Naked Ambition to the top of my #tbr pile. The urgency to continue reading this book was warranted and I have been rewarded with a witty novel with plenty of laughs. The characters are very well written by Robert Gott and I can imagine standing in the room quizzically gazing at the painting which is the focal point of Naked Ambition. Most of the characters are quite unlikeable in their portrayal; however, the sarcastic one-liners and cheeky retorts make me enjoy their presence. This fiction novel of 238 pages is comprised of three parts. It is dialogue driven and a fun whodunit caper. Leanne, SA, 4 Stars
It had so many twists and turns in it, things that I wasnt expecting, and people coming and going. It was such an amazing book; would highly recommended it to anyone that loves a good book but has loads of time, as I couldn’t put it down once I started and hardly anything else got done till the end of the book. Kathy, NSW, 4 Stars
An extremely entertaining farce about the ego of a politician. With an election coming up, Gregory Buchanan decides to have his portrait painted for the Archibald Prize. When he unveils it to his family, they are not pleased due to the fact it is a nude painting. As he is a naive individual, he is unwilling to see that the artist has depicted him in an unglamorous way. When it disappears, he involves the police in its recovery. The book covers the themes of political life, sexuality, religious fanaticism, family tensions and police investigations. Its humour is laugh-out-loud. Although totally absurb, the tale keeps you enthralled until the end. His mother-in-law, Joyce, is a wonderful sendup of Christian fanatics. Very few books live up to their laugh-out-loud claim but this definitely does. Totally enjoyed every minute of it. Annette, ACT, 4 Stars
Naked Ambition is quite a funny book. Gregory Buchanan is the main character he is a junior minister. Well, this is where the title of the book comes into play: a portrait is painted and the artist will be entering the Archibald Prize; the painting is hung in his house. His wife, sister, mother-in-law are astonished by the artwork. An enjoyable book to read. Deborah, NSW, 4 Stars
I can’t say that I loved this book. Whilst it was well well-written and had the occasional funny line, I just couldn’t get into it. I’m glad I read it as it was definitely different to the books I usually read, but it’s not my cup of tea. Kay, QLD, 3 Stars
This book is a very easy read and I finished it in a matter of days. I found it to be a bit lightweight but overall entertaining, witty and well-written. The author does have a tendency to use many uncommon words and I found myself regularly going to the dictionary to check for meaning. I think this book would translate well into a play because of the number of different strong (and somewhat eccentric) characters and the fact that the story is predominately situated in the main character’s house. Robert Gott was able to make wonderful send-ups of a few of the characters, especially Joyce, the main character’s mother-in-law. I am still not too sure about the ending, it did stretch belief for me, but I guess anything is possible in politics. I would read any future books by Robert Gott. Grahame, NSW, 3 Stars
Do we ever really think about how some of the decisions we make in our life may affect others? This is a tale of one decision made by Gregory an emerging state parliament minister and how it would affect those around him, as well as himself. I struggled to find anything to like about any of the characters who in the end had their own agendas. There were glimpses of humor throughout, but these were lost amongst the heated dialogue. The book is definitely a conversation starter, but I may be pushing it a little to say that I enjoyed it. Louise, NSW, 3 Stars
A quick, humorous read about political ambitions gone wrong, zealous religion fanaticism, and art. Fun for a weekend read; won’t be remembered after the fact. Mopsy, VIC, 3 Stars
I spent the first few chapters laughing out loud. Very witty and the characters were nicely summed up with conversations and past stories instead of protracted descriptions. Unfortunately, the story rapidly seemed to descend into a novel mocking Christianity and its values, which seems to be a trademark stance these days. Maybe in another 50 years it wouldn’t be political suicide to mock the Islamic faith in the same way. Who knows? I wouldn’t want the novelist’s views on faith etc to be mistaken for my own, which leaves me in the awkward position of not being able to recommend the book to anyone I know. I think it could very cleverly be put on stage as a play but in the end might leave the audience a little lost as to the point at the very end when it closes. Frances, NSW, 3 Stars
I did enjoy reading the novel, Naked Ambition. It has everything – humour, quirkiness, politics, religion, sexuality, and a mystery crime. It is laced with clever witticisms throughout. Refreshingly, political correctness is not adhered to! To some degree, it reminds me of The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion’s bestseller. Gregory is a vain, openly ambitious, young politician who cannot take sage advice from anyone, even his superior. Phoebe, his wife, adores her handsome husband, despite his foibles, but cannot understand his naivety in politics. He receives no support from his mother-in-law, a religious zealot, whose comments are cruel and laced with sarcasm. His mother and sister love him and are supportive but not with this dilemma, which is polarising the family. Despite Gregory’s lack of awareness that he is responsible for the unholy mess he is in, I had sympathy for him. He doesn’t possess the traits of so many politicians; he wasn’t corrupt, ruthless, conniving, nor was he a liar. Judith, VIC, 3 Stars
Gregory Buchanan is a junior minister in the Government. He decides to have his portrait painted but it is in the nude. He wants to surprise his wife and she certainly is surprised. So are his Christian fundamentalist mother-in-law, his mother who speaks her mind, and his lycra-clad sister. The artist wants to enter the portrait in the Archibald. What will this do to his career? They all go to great lengths to try to prevent this happening but to no avail. Quite a good read. The different characters add to the enjoyment. Vivien, ACT, 3 Stars
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