I See London, I See France...

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A Novel by Neil Hummasti

An eccentric American family led by a precocious 12-year-old prodigy named Victor takes a European vacation and the continent will never be the same. Enjoy the Poppers' zany adventures as they sleuth out a mystery in this comic novel by Neil Hummasti.

Other publishers raved about it!

" ... charming and pretty hilarious. I've been enamored enough with the pure verve of the writing to keep going despite the outlandishness of the story."
G.P.PUTNAM'S SONS

"This is a high-energy story and Mr. Hummasti is a talented author."
WILLIAM MORROW

"Hummasti is a unique talent - both amusing and quirky."
DOUBLEDAY

"I found it hysterically, laugh-out-loud funny, and I thought the writing was razor-sharp and extremely witty. It was so well written with such engaging characters."
THOMAS DUNNE BOOKS

In 2011, Astoria resident Neil Hummasti died from cancer. He left behind over half a million words of unpublished writing, perhaps the greatest trove of its kind in Oregon literary history. Svensen Pioneer Press presents phase one of publishing Neil's writing.

Download Excerpt from Chapter 1

Neil Hummasti's Query Letter
to a Literary Agent

November 6, 2000

Laura Langlie
Kidde, Hoyt & Picard
335 E. 51st St.
New York NY 10022

Dear Ms. Langlie:

I have recently completed a comic novel. I would like to have access to the larger publishing houses, and I am painfully aware of the fact that most of the major firms will consider new manuscripts only if they are (1) submitted by reputable agents or (2) written by people who have disgraced themselves publicly. I have no notoriety to speak of (unless going to Traffic School with Ken Kesey counts), so I can only hope to enlist the help of a reputable agent.

I have deliberated long and hard on the formula for finding a good agent. Here is the winning syllogism I finally came up with: (a) You are the agent of Eric Pinder. (b) I once went to Traffic School with Eric Pinder. (c) Therefore, something astral may be going on here. I decided to write to you to see if you've been getting the same vibes.

Publishers' Comments About
I See London, I See France...

The following are some examples of various publishing houses’ responses to I See London, I See France...:

PENGUIN GROUP: “...some charming elements here and I like the premise very much.”
G.P.PUTNAM'S SONS: “...charming and pretty hilarious. I've been enamored enough with the pure verve of the writing to keep going despite the outlandishness of the story.”
FARRAR, STRAUS & GIROUX: “Hummasti writes well.”
THOMAS DUNNE BOOKS: “I was quite torn upon reading the novel, and I got a second read to help me decide. I found it hysterically, laugh-out-loud funny, and I thought the writing was razor-sharp and extremely witty. It reminded me of one of Tom's books, THE PARROT'S THEOREM, and I can really see what you love about it as Neil's writing is so very appealing. It was so well written with such engaging characters.”

Afraid of Goosequills

The Wit & Wisdom of Neil Hummasti

I See London, I See France...