There's a Porpoise Close Behind Us, by Noel Langley

Recently I was given a copy of Noel Langley's 1936 comic novel, There's a Porpoise Close Behind Us, the title taken from the Lewis Carroll poem, "The Mock Turtle's Song". From memory, Noel Langley was born and raised in South Africa, then travelled to England to work as a playwright. His work on the stage led to him being asked to write a screenplay for the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. There's a Porpoise, one assumes, was based on his London experiences. The novel concentrates on two innocents, Robin Gardner and Diana Shand. Both are in love, but need money to build the beginnings of a life together. Surrounding them are a host of predatory characters - actors, financiers, directors and theatre reviewers. Robin has written a play he hopes will help solve their financial problems, but there a multiple difficulties getting the production off the ground. In fact, there are multiple saboteurs working to ensure the play's doom. 

Noel Langley has a natural flair for comedy writing, and there is plenty of sparkly dialogue and witty turns of phrase. Think P.G. Wodehouse and Nancy Mitford. Porpoise is also quite outre in that it has many gay characters, depicted as sexually adventurous and ruthless. In fact, I don't think I've read a novel from this period that has so many openly and unapologetically gay characters. It's quite dizzying in parts. 

The only downside is that the novel's plot feels contrived and quickly cobbled together. It's a book that is dated, but a lot of fun nonetheless. An entertaining little window onto British life some 90 years ago.