THE enduring, eternal splendour of the American Dream is that it means whatever someone wants it to mean. It speaks seductively to its pursuers about freedom, validation, transformation, and it hangs invitingly in the consciousness like a ripe and rosy apple from a branch just out of reach, yet almost within reach, just stretch that little bit further . . . grasp it, and your life will be changed.

Life has certainly changed for Ben Curtis. That much is apparent from his carefree instruction to call for an interview whenever you like because I’m free all day. Before he began following this particular dream, how often was there time to put his feet up on a Monday morning, squander half an hour on the Fourth Estate?