Description
A retired academic is called to a remote university to speak as the replacement for an old friend recently deceased in unusual circumstances. The Stand-In is a transcript of these lectures, revealing a sophisticated tale of art, fame, and adultery that unfolds through rambling anecdotes and flashes of scholarly grandstanding. Fiercely funny and bitterly ironic, The Stand-In has been called the best academic doppelgänger story since Nabokov’s Pale Fire.
PRAISE FOR THE STAND-IN
“David Helwig is one of Canada’s most unsung writers, talent-wise. The Stand-In is not only a witty, eloquent and satirical impromptu, but an artfully regulated romp…a triumph of comic exposition.”
—Toronto Star
“Helwig superbly explores complex philosophical ideas. His style is engaging and informing, his sense of dialogue extraordinary.”
—The Winnipeg Free Press
“An amusing and unique book.”
—Consumed by Ink
