I bought this book some time ago and found that I had three Helprin novels on the shelf and had yet to read anything by the man. I’m so glad I finally did as this novel was really lots of fun. Tale of two bumbling oafs in the Royal Family sent off to “conquer America” and stop embarrassing themselves. In the tradition of comedies of manners, or Tristam Shandy. While the subjects, and many of the periphery characters, are soundly mocked, there are also beautiful, poetic, descriptive passages as they make their way through America…very hard to resist a road trip after this one!

There are so many funny moments, and there is also a very tender love story as the Prince and his wife finally come to know each other. There are also a lot of really funny “Who’s on first?” moments, particularly when they meet up with politician Don Knott. “Are you x(whatever)x?” “No, I”m not.” “No, I’M Knott.”

Thoroughly enjoyed it.