Literary Fiction

Book Review: The Quiet Ones (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER #1) by Adam Fike

Categories crime, Horror, Literary Fiction, noir, psychological thriller, Surreal Fiction, ThrillerLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Quiet Ones (PEOPLE MAKING DANGER #1) by Adam Fike

Book Details:

Author: Adam Fike
Release Date: 19 March, 2021
Series: PEOPLE MAKING DANGER
Genre: Literary Horror, Psychological Horror, Crime-Thriller, Noir, Horror
Format: E-book 
Pages: 66 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
SUBURBAN THRILLER. When a young girl goes missing, families fall apart and neighbors grow together with the help of their friendly local serial killer.
PEOPLE MAKING DANGER is a collection of quick, fun, three-act, feature-length stories, full of suspense, surprises and dark humor. All told in the present tense. Like reading a movie.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Adam Fike’s The Quiet Ones is a sinister slice of small-town noir with a macabre twist: neighbors who “grow together” under the shadow of a serial killer. Set in the sleepy but unsettling town of Clearfield Falls, the story layers the ordinary things like funerals, lawn services, and office gossip with the grotesque, where bodies double as fertilizer and everyday people reveal darker impulses. The writing blends dark humor with chilling violence, making the mundane (like mowing lawns or family dinners) feel like it’s always one step away from horror.

What stands out most is the interplay between banality and menace. Characters like Ruth, who hides behind oversized glasses, and Junior, the deceptively gentle gardener, embody the theme that danger doesn’t always roar, sometimes it whispers. Fike’s pacing is cinematic, cutting between suburban kitchens, cemetery burials, and sinister sheds with a rhythm that keeps readers uneasy yet hooked. While the sheer length of descriptive passages and overlapping storylines could overwhelm some readers, the atmosphere is thick, immersive, and undeniably memorable.

Overall, The Quiet Ones succeeds as a dark, satirical portrait of community and complicity. It’s a story that asks unsettling questions about what people are willing to ignore to maintain comfort, and whether monsters are truly outsiders or simply the neighbors we never look at too closely.

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Book Review: A New Life by L J Ambrosio

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: A New Life by L J Ambrosio

Book Details:

Author: L J Ambrosio
Release Date: 21 July 2025
Series: Reflections of Michael Trilogy (Book 3)
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 166 pages
Publisher: Louis Ambrosio
Blurb:
From America to the streets of Paris, A New Life follows two friends as they navigate grief, love, and self-discovery in a city filled with history and hope. A New Life is a story that lingers long after the last page. In the shadow of personal loss, two men journey from America to Paris in search of healing, purpose, and a place to belong. Set against the romantic backdrop of Shakespeare and Company bookstore, A New Life is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the transformative power of friendship, literature, and new beginnings.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

A New Life by L.J. Ambrosio is the third book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy. It is one of those deep, philosophical books that doesn’t merely tell a story, it makes you to pause and listen. It’s a meditation on grief, friendship, memory, and the philosophical pursuit of freedom, wrapped in the intimate bond between two men, Ron and Louie, as they go through life in Paris after profound personal losses.

At its core, this novel isn’t plot-driven; it’s character-driven, emotion-led, and deeply poetic. Author Ambrosio invites us into the world of Shakespeare and Company as a sanctuary, a home for the broken and the brilliant. Through rich, dialogue-heavy scenes and introspective monologues, we witness Louie and Ron as they rebuild their lives and identities in the wake of death, trauma, and exile.

What I found particularly compelling is Ambrosio’s ability to layer personal grief with historical and literary subtexts. Through references to St. John of the Cross, Virginia Woolf, Hart Crane, and Sylvia Beach, the novel situates its characters within the lineage of great thinkers, artists, and seekers, many of whom were outcasts in their own time. This intertextual depth lends the book a haunting resonance, reminding us how art often emerges from profound solitude.

Louie, who is at once fragile and radiant, feels like a character born out of longing. His bond with Ron is tender, real, and beautifully undefined; it resists the binaries of friendship and romance, instead embracing something more nuanced: chosen kinship. Other secondary characters add their own textures to Louie’s emotional backdrop, shaping his growth and reminding us that human connection is always political and spiritual.

This book isn’t for readers who crave fast pacing or traditional plot arcs. It’s for those who enjoy wandering thoughts, philosophical digressions, and the meditative rhythm of characters sitting in cafés talking about art, grief, and the unknowable future. It’s a novel that asks you to slow down and feel rather than simply read.

There are moments where the prose becomes slightly repetitive or self-referential, but even that feels intentional, as if echoing the loops of memory and grief the characters are caught in. And there’s something profoundly healing in that.

Overall, this is a book about remembering, and in remembering, beginning again. Author Ambrosio gives us a novel of resistance; the resistance of the artist, the queer body, the intellectual, and the survivor. And in doing so, he leaves us not with answers, but with a space to contemplate our own “new life,” whatever that may mean.

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Book Review: Tokyo Tangents by Robin S. Hasuki

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Magic Realism, noir, slice of life, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Tokyo Tangents by Robin S. Hasuki

Book Details:

Author: Robin S. Hasuki 
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Surreal Fiction / Magical Realism, Contemporary Fiction, Slice-of-Life Fiction, Japanese-Inspired/East Asian Literature
Format: E-book 
Pages: 321 pages
Publisher: JCA Press
Blurb:
Tokyo Tangents is a quietly haunting, speculative fiction novel, laced with Japanese pop culture and metafictional nudges. Fans of Haruki Murakami, Makoto Shinkai, Andy Kaufman, or David Mitchell will feel right at home in this dreamlike Tokyo, where nothing is ever quite what it seems.
In the neon-lit party districts, between chiming convenience stores and countless hole-in-the-wall eateries, hidden histories lurk in every back alley. On the sweltering city streets, two strangers stumble upon a mystery that stretches far beyond their understanding of themselves and their place in the world.
A fading pianist, haunted by the weight of a crumbling career. A pharmacist, driven by the ghost of a brother long lost.
Linked by a fleeting encounter and an inexplicable connection, they begin pulling at threads that unravel long-buried secrets—about their families, their pasts, and the seemingly solid seams of the universe around them.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

If Murakami were a bit more playful and less obsessed with wells, you might end up with something like Tokyo Tangents. Robin S. Hasuki has crafted a quietly surreal, oddly poignant picture of Tokyo, woven together through tales of commuters, piano players, secret doors, and mysterious women who vanish into the city’s folds.

This isn’t a book you read in a single sitting. Rather, it’s one you slip into, chapter by meandering chapter, much like wandering through the back alleys of Tokyo itself. Author Hasuki excels at capturing the ennui and madness of modern urban life, giving us characters whose loneliness feels tangible, yet whose eccentricities spark genuine curiosity.

What really worked for me was the understated humor and the surreal, almost dreamlike unfolding of the plot. The writing is restrained yet richly atmospheric, striking that uniquely Japanese balance between the absurd and the subtly melancholic. The intersections between characters, the piano player with his secret job and the pharmacist haunted by a family heirloom, feel like disparate threads that somehow harmonize by the end.

It’s not without its imperfections. Some parts stretch longer than necessary, and there are moments when the pacing lags, perhaps intentionally to reflect the monotony of daily life, but it risks testing the reader’s patience.

Still, Tokyo Tangents is a book for those who savour atmosphere, character introspection, and stories about the unnoticed magic tucked into the cracks of everyday existence. A charming, subtle, and strangely affecting debut.

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Book Review: Ivan, Boris and Me by Suze Leonie

Categories Comedy, Contemporary Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Ivan, Boris and Me by Suze Leonie

Book Details:

Author: Suze Leonie
Release Date: May 1, 2024
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Comedy-Drama
Format: E-book 
Pages: 219 pages
Publisher: Fidessa Literary
Blurb:
Illustrator Elodie Ginsburg and her spendthrift best friend, Boris, are inseparable. Taking care of an audacious yellow-haired clown in a red-and-white-striped onesie and oversized black shoes can be a challenge. However, Boris means the world to Elodie. He is a handful, but he’s her handful. Their symbiosis is disrupted when Ivan Lennard, a former professional cyclist with a closely guarded secret, moves into the house next door and becomes a regular occurrence in their lives. Each encounter is a catalyst for Boris to spiral more out of control and increase his outrageous demands, until Elodie finds herself at a crossroads and has to make the most difficult decision she’s ever made.

“A stylish parable about the disconnect between inner and outer worlds.”
— Kirkus Reviews

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Suze Leonie’s Ivan, Boris and Me is a whimsical, whip-smart, and refreshingly unconventional story that’s as colorful as its cover suggests. It’s a delicious blend of chaotic friendship, identity crises, and the beautiful messiness of adulthood. This book thrives on character over plot — and what unforgettable characters they are!

The story’s narrator is neurotic, sincere, and effortlessly funny, making her way through life with two eccentric friends, Ivan and Boris — who are not just foils, but deep reflections of her fractured sense of self. The novel feels like an extended existential stand-up routine, complete with emotional gut-punches when you least expect them. It reminded me of the raw vulnerability in modern literary fiction, but with the comic sharpness of a Wes Anderson screenplay.

What works incredibly well is author Leonie’s voice — self-aware and brutally honest — capturing the absurdity of daily life and the unraveling of one’s sense of purpose. There’s a certain European charm and melancholy in the backdrop, and the prose carries a lyrical cadence even when it’s describing the mundane.

If I were to nitpick, the pacing occasionally falters in the middle, where introspection teeters on indulgence. But honestly? That’s a small price to pay for a narrative so richly textured, funny, and authentic.

It’s an unclassifiable gem — part literary fiction, part comedy of errors, part psychological excavation. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven stories brimming with wit, self-discovery, and emotional nuance.

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Book Review: Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater by Suze Leonie

Categories Dark Fiction, Fantasy, Literary Fiction, Magic Realism, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater by Suze Leonie

Book Details:

Author: Suze Leonie
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Magical Realism, Contemporary Fantasy
Format: E-book 
Pages: 161 pages
Publisher: Fidessa Literary
Blurb:
When famous new media artist Eli Schmidt inherits a mysterious chest from his emotionally detached grandmother that he is instructed not to open, he can’t curb his curiosity. Inside, he finds a lost and lonely doll named Devorah, who begins to heartbreakingly scream for the love of her life, Yonah. Wishing he had obeyed orders, Eli has no choice but to go on a journey to reunite the pair. To his great distress, this means he must give up his treasured peace and quiet and do what he loathes the most: interact with other people. While Eli desperately tries to break free from this burden, Devorah amplifies her control, embroiling him in a battle that will forever change the course of his life.

“A playful brew of madcap humor and inventive intelligence.” — Kirkus Reviews

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater by Suze Leonie is a whimsical yet poignant tale that effortlessly blends elements of magical realism with a reflective exploration of artistic legacy and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant yet meticulously portrayed European art scene, author Leonie’s writing is thoroughly captivating.

At the heart of the narrative are Yonah and Devorah, two exquisitely crafted puppets whose destinies are intricately woven into the life of Eli Schmidt, an eccentric artist grappling with familial expectations and his grandmother’s complex legacy. The author expertly explores the enchantingly surreal as well as the achingly human parts, crafting characters that resonate with genuine emotion and vulnerability.

The plot intricately unfolds as Eli embarks on an ambitious and sometimes perilous quest to reunite the puppets and restore their music theater. Through Eli’s transformative journey, the author beautifully articulates themes of obsession, identity, and the power of art to both imprison and liberate. The novel’s richly descriptive prose brings every scene to life, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and emotional backdrop Eli traverses.

While the pacing occasionally wavers due to moments of introspective depth, the author’s narrative ultimately thrives because of its thoughtful exploration of deeper truths beneath the fantastical veneer. The humor is sharp and well-placed, often balancing the more intense moments of emotional and psychological exploration.

Overall, Yonah and Devorah’s Traveling Music Theater is a captivating read, expertly crafted by author Leonie with care and sophistication. It’s a heartfelt testament to the enduring power of storytelling, heritage, and the inextricable bond between creator and creation. I highly recommend it to readers who appreciate profound narratives wrapped in whimsical charm.

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Book Review: Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState by Karen Chase

Categories Literary Fiction, noir, Surreal Fiction1 Comment on Book Review: Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState by Karen Chase

Book Details:

Author: Karen Chase
Release Date: May 1, 2025
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 194 pages
Publisher: Guernica Editions
Blurb:
These two stories explore love and beauty in the context of fear and threats. Jamali Kamali is a book-length poem about two men who lived in 16th century India. Little about them is known but they are buried together in a small tomb in Delhi. For hundreds of years, the story that these men were lovers has been passed down through the generations. Jamali Kamali is a fictional account of their love, longing, separation, and death.  ZundelState, a novella in verse, takes place a thousand years in the future in a repressive land where history is banned, and dreaming has vanished. Joe, a lover of history, is rebellious and secretive. Marianna is a model worker for the State where she works in the HistoryShit Apparatchik Division. They fall in love against all odds. These two tales of outsiders, one from the distant past and the other from the far-off future, echo and reflect upon each other in surprising ways.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Karen Chase’s Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState is a mesmerizing literary experience that beautifully intertwines past and future, poetry and prose, historical imagination and speculative vision. Chase presents readers with two distinct narratives, each uniquely powerful in its exploration of love, identity, and time.

The first narrative, Jamali Kamali, is a vivid and lyrical epic poem inspired by a visit to the tomb of the Sufi court poet Jamali and his enigmatic lover Kamali, located near Delhi. Through captivating and emotionally charged verses, Chase resurrects the love story between these two figures from 16th-century Mughal India, enveloping readers in a sensual exploration of forbidden passion and tender intimacy. Her poetry beautifully balances delicate imagery—of moonlit rendezvous, exotic fragrances, and the haunting cries of distant wildlife—with profound emotional depth. The powerful dynamic between Jamali and Kamali transcends historical limitations, speaking eloquently of longing and societal constraint.

In contrast, ZundelState, set in the speculative year 3090, employs poetic prose to craft a novella that imagines a world where individual identity clashes with oppressive societal constructs. Chase deftly explores the profound tension between public life dictated by authority and the fiercely guarded privacy of personal spaces. Marianna, a young artist, and Joe, a seeker of historical truths, represent a timeless struggle against conformity and control. Their stories intertwine mysteriously, driven by their shared ancestry and an enigmatic, almost mystical connection. The narrative is imbued with philosophical reflections on the fluidity of time, the significance of art, and the potent resilience of human consciousness.

Together, these two narratives complement each other brilliantly across centuries, creating an immersive experience that defies traditional categorization. Chase excels at blurring the line between reality and imagination, fact and fiction, ultimately compelling readers to question the nature of historical truth itself.

A highly recommended read for those who savor poetic beauty, historical intrigue, and thought-provoking speculative fiction, Two Tales: Jamali Kamali and ZundelState is a literary gem that elegantly captures the infinite complexities of love and identity across time.

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Book Review: The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello

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Book Details:

Author:  Rich Marcello
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Climate-Fiction, Drama
Format: E-book 
Pages: 332 pages
Publisher: HarvardTown Press
Blurb:
The Means of Keeping is a profound exploration of grief, friendship, and the indelible impact of climate change on personal and global scales. Set in a near-future America, the novel follows Tereza Allard and David Luca, two lifelong friends in their forties shattered by a climate crisis-induced tragedy that claims the lives of their families. The evolving dynamics between these characters against the pressing issue of climate change provide a rich narrative ground, exploring the intersections of personal loss, love, renewal, environmental activism, and the search for meaning in a world on the brink of unrepairable catastrophe.

With a narrative style that blends the introspective depth of Kazuo Ishiguro’s works with the environmental consciousness of Barbara Kingsolver, The Means of Keeping is aimed at readers who appreciate books that not only tell a compelling story but also reflect on the larger issues facing humanity today. With haunting prose and evocative imagery, the novel challenges us to imagine a future where love, resilience, community, and the fervent desire to protect our planet become the means to reclaim our shared humanity. May our children inherit not only a healthier planet but also an indomitable spirit to prevail against all odds.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello is a beautifully penned novel that resonates deeply with our current environmental and emotional situations. Author Marcello skilfully captures the complex web of human emotions against the stark backdrop of a climate-ravaged world, crafting a poignant story.

The main characters, Tereza and David, are developed with remarkable depth and realism. Their journey through grief and towards healing in the wake of a devastating climate crisis-induced tragedy is both heart-wrenching and beautifully depicted. The personal losses they endure are a microcosm of the global catastrophe unfolding around them, making their story a powerful allegory.

The author’s ability to intertwine personal and global tragedies is quite impressive. The exploration of love, renewal, and environmental activism is beautifully woven into the story, making The Means of Keeping a significant commentary on the times we live in. The novel does not just tell a story—it also poses urgent questions about the future of our planet and the legacy we wish to leave for future generations.

Overall, The Means of Keeping is a book that deserves a place on the shelves of anyone who values deeply moving narratives intertwined with significant contemporary challenges. Author Rich Marcello has not only written a book that entertains but one that also enlightens and inspires.

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Book Review: Exiles (Reflections of Michael Trilogy Book 3) by LJ Ambrosio

Categories coming-of-age, Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction1 Comment on Book Review: Exiles (Reflections of Michael Trilogy Book 3) by LJ Ambrosio

Book Details:

Author: L.J. Ambrosio
Release Date: May 21, 2024
Series: Reflections of Michael Trilogy (Book #3)
Genre: Literary Ficiton, Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 216 pages
Publisher: Film Valor
Blurb:
In this final book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy, Michael’s wish was for Ron to exile himself in the heart of Paris with its beautiful culture and citizens as they protest and fight for the soul of the city. Ron’s journey is met with life-affirming friendships and lessons along the way.
A story that began with A Reservoir Man, and continued in Reflections on the Boulevard, concludes with this final book, Exiles.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Exiles by L.J. Ambrosio is the concluding book in the Reflections of Michael Trilogy. It is the triumphant culmination of an emotional journey through love, loss, and self-discovery. And the best part about this book is the backdrop it is set against—Paris.

Author Ambrosio’s storytelling power shines brightly in Exiles as he weaves together themes of redemption, cultural richness, and the beautiful power of human connection. Ron’s exile to Paris becomes a transformative experience, where the city itself becomes a character—its streets pulsating with the energy of revolution and renewal. The characterisation is full of life and makes the reader want to root for Ron, the protagonist, through his poignant journey.

Exiles is a brilliant book that will leave you spellbound with its emotional payoff. Author Ambrosio’s finale to the Reflections of Michael Trilogy is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literary fiction that speaks to the soul.

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Book Review: Legacy of the Third Way by Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi 

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Book Details:

Author: Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi 
Release Date: March 6, 2024
Series:
Genre: Philosophy, Literary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 271 pages
Publisher: Kundi House Publishing
Blurb:
I should not be alive today. I was supposed to be a stillborn, destined for death upon arrival. Whenever I felt sad or depressed, my mother would remind me to be grateful for every day of life and to face life’s challenges with a smile. It was easier said than done.
∞∞∞
“I need some guidance. How will I finance my college tuition? I mean, who will give a job or scholarship to a convicted criminal? Will I be able to get a job after I graduate?” Alex’s concerns reopened my still-fresh wound.
∞∞∞
This compelling novel immerses readers in a world of political intrigue and societal change, where traditional ideologies collide with the relentless forces of progress. Through the eyes of Sher Shah, a family man thrust into the spotlight, the narrative unfolds, weaving a gripping tale of power, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit. ‘Legacy of the Third Way’ is a thought-provoking exploration of ideology and reality, offering a riveting blend of speculative fiction and social commentary.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Legacy of the Third Way by Abdul Quayyum Khan Kundi is a wonderful book in which I found myself drawn into a world where political intrigue and personal struggle intertwine to create a compelling narrative. Through the eyes of Sher Shah, Kundi deftly explores themes of power, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit, inviting readers to ponder the complex intersection of ideology and reality.

One aspect of the novel that particularly stood out to me was Kundi’s skilful portrayal of the protagonist’s internal turmoil. As Sher Shah grapples with questions of identity and purpose, Kundi deftly navigates the complexities of his character, allowing readers to empathise with his struggles and triumphs. The juxtaposition of Sher Shah’s personal journey with the larger political landscape adds depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple tale of societal change.

In addition to its engaging narrative, Legacy of the Third Way also serves as a thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues. Kundi’s exploration of the tension between tradition and progress offers valuable insights into the challenges facing societies in an ever-changing world. Whether grappling with questions of justice, equality, or the nature of power, the novel prompts readers to reflect on their own beliefs and values, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in social and political issues.

Overall, Legacy of the Third Way is a captivating blend of literary fiction and social commentary that offers both entertainment and insight. With its richly drawn characters, immersive storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they’ve turned the final page.

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ARC Review: An Enemy Like Me by Teri M Brown

Categories Historical, historical-fiction, Literary Fiction, Teri M. Brown3 Comments on ARC Review: An Enemy Like Me by Teri M Brown

Book Details:

Author: Teri M Brown
Release Date: 24th January 2023
Series:
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Generational Fiction
Format: E-book
Pages: 328
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
How does a man show his love – for country, for heritage, for family – during a war that sets the three at odds? What sets in motion the necessity to choose one over the other? How will this choice change everything and everyone he loves?
Jacob Miller, a first-generation American, grew up in New Berlin, a small German immigrant town in Ohio where he endured the Great Depression, met his wife, and started a family. Though his early years were not easy, Jacob believes he is headed toward his ‘happily ever after’ until a friend is sent to an internment camp for enemy combatants, and the war lands resolutely on his doorstep.

In An Enemy Like Me, Teri M. Brown uses the backdrop of World War II to show the angst experienced by Jacob, his wife, and his four-year-old son as he leaves for and fights in a war he did not create. She explores the concepts of xenophobia, intrafamily dynamics, and the recognition that war is not won and lost by nations, but by ordinary men and women and the families who support them.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

An Enemy Like Me by Teri M Brown is a beautiful historical fiction novel that tells the story of Jacob Miller and how being a true patriot brings him face-to-face with a truth that can shatter anyone’s world: that he is more similar to the enemy that he’d been fighting with than the people he was fighting for. An Enemy Like Me is a beautiful exploration of 2nd, 3rd and even 4th generation immigrants who face discrimination based on their looks, family origins, accent, etc. albeit in different intensity at different times in history.

This story is about a soldier who is trying his best to fight for the country he currently lives in, yet battling emotions, imagining that his previous generations were part of the country that he was fighting with and how this has a profound impact on him. This book also explores the perspective on war from different generational views, providing readers insights into how different people, at other points in time, think about the same historic events and issues that had a great impact on their lives.

An Enemy Like Me explores a lot of themes which will resonate with most readers of historical, literary fiction and war fiction genres. So I’d like to recommend it to all the readers as this book has a lot to offer to all of its readers.

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Book Review: When We Lost Touch by Susan Kraus

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Susan Kraus, women's fictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: When We Lost Touch by Susan Kraus

Book Details:

Author: Susan Kraus
Release Date: 29th October 2022
Series:
Genre: Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 515 pages
Publisher: Flint Hills Publishing
Blurb:
Grace, a family therapist, returns from a cruise to find that life has been upended by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her daughter’s graduate program goes virtual, and her 11-year-old grandson on the spectrum is home 24/7 with school by Zoom. Her best friend, Katrina, contracts the virus early on but isn’t recovering. On top of that, Grace is called to facilitate a COVID grief group, whose members express rage and sadness at the senseless deaths of people they love.
Meanwhile, Molly and Mike forge a long-distance friendship over Zoom. A young couple, Zed and Cherry, finds validation and connection in QAnon. And on another front, Theo, a respiratory therapist, questions the ethics of keeping oxygen-starved patients alive.

When We Lost Touch is contemporary historical fiction set during the first 18 months of a deadly pandemic. Ordinary people lose touch with friends, family, reality, and truth as they’re caught in a war zone where most of the casualties are taken down by friendly fire. Kraus expertly weaves stories that portray life during a pandemic, providing a gripping, nuanced look at political, social, and medical challenges. 

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

When We Lost Touch by Susan Kraus is a work of contemporary literary fiction in which the author has explored the toughest time we all had to go through during the endless months that turned into two horrendous years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this book, several stories are told from different point-of-views covering a wide range of emotions and situations that different people had to go through during the pandemic when we all were cooped up inside our houses and the only means of communication was the internet. There is a wide range of emotional aspects covered in this book and it makes it a really interesting and very relatable read.

The writing is good and it can clearly be noticed that the author has drawn upon her extensive experience of being a therapist and working in clinical surroundings. These two factors add a sense of reality to the whole book making it a tremendously relatable read.

I’d recommend this book to all readers of women’s literature and to literary fiction enthusiasts.

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Book Review: Infernal Relations: A Quintessential English Comedy by P.S. Rover

Categories Comedy, Humor, Literary Fiction, P.S. RoverLeave a Comment on Book Review: Infernal Relations: A Quintessential English Comedy by P.S. Rover

Book Details:

Author: P.S. Rover
Release Date: 4th April 2022
Series:
Genre: Literary Comedy, Humour
Format: E-book 
Pages: 270 pages
Publisher: Forte Books
Blurb:
Eloping Has Never Been So Criminal
Another academic season is in the offing at Lockwood Institute, the eclectic finishing school for those who’ve been barred elsewhere. When Spencer and his interloping cousin, Monty, are summoned back for a special assignment they quickly find themselves in the thick of it with a trophy-hunting Brigadier on a quest to slay a mysterious beast, while his daughter, Natalia, proves a temptation too much for the fantastical Monty. This heady concoction provides the perfect ingredients to rock institute life to its foundations.

As one staggering revelation unfolds after another, does Spencer have the fortitude to cope? Monty couldn’t possibly have done what people think, could he? Is he culpable? Is he capable? As Spencer desperately tries to pull Monty’s chestnuts out of the fire, a head-spinning discovery awaits them. Skulduggery is afoot!

“It IS funny. Just what we all need”

Cassandra Clark (Acclaimed author of the Brother Chandler trilogy and more.)

“A great story.” 
– LoveReading

“An intricate and well-written book. Filled with atmosphere … I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to other literary fiction fans.” 
– LoveReading

“The beauty of this book is in the writing. Rover has a wonderful way with words and I found myself laughing out loud at several lines where Spencer gave his unusual views on life around him. I thoroughly enjoyed Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover which I have awarded 4.5 stars.”
(Whispering Stories) 

“Rover is excellent at crafting unique sentences … with a poetic touch… Readers will leave the book impressed by his ability to squeeze all the juice out of the English language.” 
(Independent Book Review)

“A rollercoaster ride” 
(Independent Book Review)

This book will especially delight fans of:
The Ransom of Red Chief (O’Henry), The Harpole Report (J.L. Carr), The Ascent of Rum Doodle (E.W. Bowman), Diary of a Nobody (Grossmith), Augustus Carp Esq., James Thurber, Mark Twain, Wodehouse.

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Infernal Relations by P.S. Rover is a brilliantly crafted booking roaring with intricately woven English humour.

I recently happened to re-read The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer for my book club’s genre challenge and reading this book right after that one was like stepping into a different version of the same book. I don’t mean that both the books are the same, but what I do mean is that the author of Infernal Relations heavily draws from the sense of nostalgia that is invoked while reading Mark Twain’s masterpiece. I might not have noticed it so acutely had I not just finished re-reading TDOTS right before picking up this one! But I am glad that happened because it made the reading experience of this book even more enriched. The differences in both the books were pretty evident and both the books are very different, yet they are very similar (again you’d notice it only if you’re very observant or, like me, had recently, read both the books so close to each other.)

Moving on from comparing the two books, I loved this book a lot. The writing was marvellous and I enjoyed the lyrical quality of the prose, which is so rare these days, to find in contemporary fiction. I liked how the author used his brilliant sense of humour and an acute sense of using phrases to his advantage to bring out the subtlety of satire in the best possible ways. I chucked more than I was expecting and giggled probably more than I should have. The story had a great flow and the pacing was really good and kept the flow very smooth. I enjoyed reading this book right from the beginning to the very end.

I am not a literary expert, although I am somewhat of a self-proclaimed book aficionado, and hence I’d like to say that, for me at least, the author’s style resembles a lot to that of the revered Mark Twain and therefore, I really really enjoyed his writing and in fact, I am looking forward to reading more of his works in the future (hopefully soon!)

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Book Review: Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown

Categories Historical, Literary Fiction, Teri M. Brown, women's fiction3 Comments on Book Review: Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown

Book Details:

Author: Teri M. Brown
Release Date: 5th January 2022
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 334 pages
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Blurb:
A Ukrainian rebel. Three generations of women bearing the consequences. A journey that changes everything.
When Ivanna opens the door to uniformed officers, her tranquil life is torn to pieces – leaving behind a broken woman who must learn to endure cold, starvation, and the memories of a man who died in the quintessential act of betrayal. Using her thrift, ingenuity, and a bit of luck, she finds a way to survive in Soviet Ukraine, along with her daughter, Yevtsye. But the question remains, will she be strong enough to withstand her daughter’s deceit and the eventual downfall of the nation she has devoted her life to? Or will the memories of her late husband act as a shadow haunting everyone and everything she loves, including Ionna, the granddaughter that never knew him?

In Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, Teri M. Brown explores the tenacity of women, showing that even in grueling circumstances, they can, and do, experience all the good things life has to offer – compassion, joy, love, faith, and wonder.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Sunflowers Beneath The Snow by Teri M. Brown is a beautiful book about love, courage, compassion and faith.

This book covers the time period from 1973 to 2021 – taking the readers through the lives of 3 generations of women facing the most harrowing of situations that life has to offer but yet, somehow, never give up or lose sight of what is important. Author T.M.Brown takes the readers through a plethora of events that this book showcases, Right from living under communist rule to facing the punishment for a betrayal committed by one of the family members and the rest having to live with the consequences.

This is an epic family saga that is beautifully written and intellectually expressed. I would strongly recommend it to all readers of historical fiction, women’s literature and literary fiction about families under the communal rule. This book is is a must read!

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Book Review: 50 States: A Collection Of Short Short Stories by Richard R. Becker

Categories Literary Fiction, Non-Fiction, Richard R. Becker, Short-Stories, slice of lifeLeave a Comment on Book Review: 50 States: A Collection Of Short Short Stories by Richard R. Becker

Book Details:

Author: Richard R. Becker
Release Date: 21st June 2021
Genre: Short Story Collection, Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 358 pages
Publisher: Copywrite, Ink.
Blurb:
50 States is a debut collection of short stories that reflect on the human condition. The book spans several literary genres, moods, and situations across the American states between 1955 and 2020.
Two runaways cross paths in a Tennessee bus station with only one ticket between them. A middle-aged man in Illinois eyes the daily grind of a young basketball player who never boards the school bus. A family sees looters racing toward their home as they escape an Oregon wildfire. 
These and 47 more stories make up the collection. Together, they provide a sampling of the American experience over the last 60 years, similar to the Spoon River Anthology by Edger Less Masters or The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer with more diversity. 

You can find 50 States here:
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Barnes & Nobel | Books-A-Million | Apple (with graphics) | Apple (with aoutflow) | Google | Google (with aoutflow) | Target | Blurb | Kobo | Odilo | E-Sentral | Ciando

Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

50 States: A Collection Of Short Short Stories by Richard R. Becker is an impressive short story collection that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

In this short story collection, author Becker has written about stories set in 50 different states in the US. But that is not the best part, the best part is that he has totally broken all the stereotypes related to every state and has written about rich and meaningful experiences of a variety of diverse characters and that is what makes this book so special.

I would like to congratulate the author for writing such good characters that were relatable and felt very real. All the stories are great and I would definitely recommend this collection to all short story readers as well as lovers of the slice-of-life genre.

Video Review

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ARC Review: Cenotaphs by Rich Marcello

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Rich Marcello, RomanceLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Cenotaphs by Rich Marcello

Book Details:

Author: Rich Marcello
Release Date: 26th July 2021
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Slice-Of-Life, Literary Fiction, Romance
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 200 pages
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Blurb:
AFTER A CHANCE MEETING, AN OLD MAN AND A MIDDLE-AGED WOMAN CHART AN UNCONVENTIONAL PATH FORWARD.
When Ben Sanna, a contemplative retiree with a penchant for helping people, and Samantha Beckett, a secretive New York City hedge fund manager, meet by chance in a small Vermont town, they enter into a tenuous relationship. Over several weeks, Samantha and Ben open their pasts inch by inch, sift through their futures consciously, and come to terms with the strength and depth of their bond. A meditation on redemption told in alternating chapters of musings and scenes, Cenotaphs is about platonic love; the ways we close ourselves off in reaction to pain and what happens when we open ourselves up again; and the deep, painful legacy of loss.

Book Review

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
Watch this review on my YouTube channel

Cenotaphs by Rich Marcello is a beautifully written book about platonic love. It is an unusual love story about a retiree and a girl who is decades younger than him.

The characterisation was brilliant and helped me feel a strong connection to the main characters, Ben and Samantha. The writing was great and complimented the story beautifully. The concept is unique and engaging and the execution of the plot was flawless.

I’d highly suggest this book to all readers, especially those who like a well-written love story that goes way beyond the normal conventions and explores the depth of characters’ emotions.

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ARC Review: Burly by Paul Drewitt

Categories Literary Fiction, Paul Drewitt2 Comments on ARC Review: Burly by Paul Drewitt

Author: Paul Drewitt
Release Date: 
Genre: Literary Fiction
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 226 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:

Book Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Burly by Paul Drewitt is a beautifully written book with honest prose and an excellent plot.

I was hooked right from the stat and was thoroughly engrossed in the story till the ending. I really liked this book and was able to relate to all the characters as well. But for me the best part about the book is the narrative style of the author.

I’d recommend this book to all readers, especially to those who prefer reading literary genre.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon (after the book’s official publication date.)

Book Review: The Greatest Game by Greg Rajaram

Categories Drama, Greg Rajaram, Indian Literature, Literary Fiction, Philosophy, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Greatest Game by Greg Rajaram

Author: Greg Rajaram 
Release Date: 15th April 2021
Genre: Philosophy, Drama, Literary Fiction, Surreal
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 242 pages
Publisher: –
Blurb:
Ever since humans became self-aware, we have struggled to find the meaning of life. The price we paid for becoming intelligent was to become painfully ignorant of the difference between good and evil.

Adi, a 10-year-old boy, works together with two old philosophers as they try to unravel the prophecy of a promised King. With insatiable curiosity, Adi must work with the wise men as they rationalize with each other on why and how humans became intelligent. Together they attempt to answer some of the most profound questions related to existence. Does evolution end with human beings or is there an ‘Overman’ who can reach evolution’s pinnacle? Will this Overman be able to define values for humankind?
Centuries later a young boy promises his mother that he will always uphold the love that she has taught him. It is a promise that drowns him in the nectar of the gods. Krish grows up to be an engineer and joins a team of scientists as they try to create artificial consciousness in a machine.
Krish soon realizes that he has a bigger fight on his hands. A fight to preserve love in a desolate world. His quest for true love ultimately leads him down a path where he comes face to face with a fearsome snake delivering a kiss of death.
Humans have come a long way by questioning the nature of objects around us and pushing the limits of our intelligence, but it’s now time that we ask the greatest question yet: when does intelligence transcend to become consciousness?

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

The Greatest Game by Greg Rajaram is a philosophical read with complex characters and plotline that will leave you introspecting about life and everything else in its wake.

This book a very fresh take on a concept well-loved and widely accepted therefore it was very interesting to read this book. I liked the author’s narrative style and the fact that the book was layered with complexity, intrigue and knowledge very well. I also liked the characterisation as they were all well-developed and rounded characters.

I’d recommend this book to all readers, especially to readers of philosophical fiction.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Book Review: Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Humor, Jake Camp, Literary Fiction, PhilosophyLeave a Comment on Book Review: Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp

Author: Jake Camp
Release Date: 16th February 2021
Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Satire, Dark Humour
Format: E-book 
Pages: 254 pages
Publisher: Pski’s Porch Publishing
Blurb:
A sunset wedding in Kona. An ugly secret discovered on an iPhone. Experimental philosophical marriage counseling. Time travel. Diver Neurons and Angel Neurons separated by Sea and Sky. Banshee and the Sperm Whale takes the reader on a journey into the unconscious mind of Martin, a biracial chef from Denver who suffers from a particular kind of overabundance. Along the way, a modern allegory unfolds, and everyday notions about self-knowledge, the nature of good and evil, and possibility of finding meaning and spiritual significance in the face of inexorable uncertainty are turned inside out.

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Banshee And The Sperm Whale by Jake Camp is a beautiful book full of deep and colourful ideas and concepts.

I absolutely loved this book because the author skillfully dissected a wide range of emotions. This book was so different from other contemporary literary fiction reads that I was overwhelmed with the joy of having found this gem of a book! I am truly grateful to the author for writing this brilliant book and letting his readers experience the dual nature of reality.

This book has a beautifully complex plot along with a well-written story that is highlighted by profound and introspective satire and an array of multi-layered characters. What else can you possibly ask for?

I’d recommend this book to all readers. This book is a must-read!

You can also read this review on Goodreads.

Book Review: Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe

Categories Historical, Literary Fiction, Pramudith D. Rupasinghe, Sri Lankan LiteratureLeave a Comment on Book Review: Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe

Author: Pramudith D. Rupasinghe
Release Date: 29th April 2018
Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction, Sri Lankan Literature
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 272 pages
Publisher: Vor Press
Blurb:
In the serene tempo of classical Soviet literature charmingly merged into modernity, Bayan is a unique blend from among the work of Pramudith D Rupasinghe. 
Bayan begins in the sunny Ukrainian summer and ends with a hidden, deeply meaningful message. It is not only the story of a strange, bearded old man who finds solace and a soulmate of sorts, in a traditional string instrument, while facing a common narrative of his era; it is a commentary on life, and a celebration of the ultimate coming of age. 

It juxtaposes the failure of physical strength and faculties to the accumulation of immense emotional fortitude. It lulls you into feeling safe in spite of the passing of transient seasons, the waning of political ideologies and the inevitable disintegration of the corporeal being. 
Bayan tells about changing world`s order, revolutions and the ravages of time, the music of life will go on.

Bayan is the only novel by a Sri Lankan author to be translated into Polish, Ukrainian, Burmese and Hungarian languages. And its German, Russian, Hindi and Sinhala translations have been added among the books of Sri Lankan authors translated into other languages. 

Review

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Bayan by Pramudith D. Rupasinghe is a beautifully written book full of, and highlighting, a wide spectrum of emotions and emotional sensibilities.

It is difficult to summarise my opinion of reading this beautiful book because it was nothing short of an out-of-the-world experience and simply cannot be expressed in words. This book takes you on a journey to a time and place where you’d be struggling between contrasting emotions of wonder and revulsion. It is not an easy feat to write about the times of war and the post-war world because they both are two subjects that need a very good, and thankfully, Dr Pramudith – the author, did it so wonderfully well that I was left in awe.

This book is written beautifully well, interspersed with odd letters and poems, which made the experience of reading this book even more realistic. The characterisation was brilliant and I ached and pained for the plight of the characters. This book not only helped me understand the emotional background of many people who might have experienced the events told in this book but also made me reflect on the present times and how far the world has changed today from those of the earlier times.

This is a very good book that I will recommend to all readers, of all genres because it is an experience that no one should pass on.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

ARC Review: Dead Fish And What the Blue Jays Know by Debbie Ann Ice

Categories Debbie Ann Rice, Literary Fiction, women's fictionLeave a Comment on ARC Review: Dead Fish And What the Blue Jays Know by Debbie Ann Ice

Author: Debbie Ann Ice 
Release Date: 22nd April 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction, Satire
Series:
Format: E-book 
Pages: 272 pages
Publisher: Bedazzled Ink Publisher, LLC
Blurb:
It’s the year 20-something—a changed yet still complacent America—and Lorraine Mulderon is mad. She’s mad that dying fish litter the shores of her small Connecticut coastal town. She’s mad birds seem to be dying, possibly indirectly related to fish deaths. She’s still mad about a wave of crow deaths over a decade ago. But, mostly, Lorraine is mad at the lack of madness.

She makes speeches. She phones lazy, and now corrupt, legislators. She is ignored. What has happened to passion? What has happened to our country? And now, what has happened to Lorraine? Lorraine disappears during a protest march. Her daughter, Haley, writes a letter to the world explaining her mother—someone who confronts grief and tragedy the only way she knows how and has depended upon those who tenderly watch over her—her daughter, certain friends, and a flock of blue jays.
However, as the blue jays reveal, Lorraine is not so tenderly watched over by the forces working against her.
It’s a dark future and our nation has normalized tragedy; however, DEAD FISH touches upon these intense themes with hope and humor. 

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Dead Fish And What the Blue Jays Know by Debbie Ann Ice is a beautiful book about passion, love and loyalty. When I started reading this book, I wasn’t really sure what it was about and if I was going to like it much, but only a couple of pages into the story and I knew that it was going to be a great read. And to my utter satisfaction, it turned out to be that and so much more.

This book not only has a well-written plot but the concept itself is really good and necessary in its own right. I loved the characters and was able to connect and relate to them. The pacing and tension are apt and compliment the story beautifully.

I really enjoyed reading this emotional, at times funny and beautiful read and would definitely recommend it to readers of literary and women’s fiction.

You can also read this review on Goodreads

Audiobook Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Categories Dystopian, Literary Fiction, Margaret Atwood6 Comments on Audiobook Review: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Author: Margaret Atwood
Narrator: Claire Danes
Release Date: 20th July 2012
Genre: Dystopian, Literary Fiction
Series: 
Edition: Audible Audio
Length: 11 hours
Publisher: Audible a-list Collection
Blurb:
The Republic of Gilead offers Offred only one function: to breed. If she deviates, she will, like dissenters, be hanged at the wall or sent out to die slowly of radiation sickness. But even a repressive state cannot obliterate desire—neither Offred’s nor that of the two men on which her future hangs…

REVIEW

★★

I have no clue exactly what it was that put me off so badly while listening to this book. After having spent an entire day listening to this book, I think I totally wasted my time. I could have left it in the middle or maybe before that, but I really wanted to like it, so I did not abandon it. But now, after having finished it, I think I should have simply abandoned it after the first hour or two where it became pretty clear what the lead character had to offer.

Anyway, I’m trying to determine, what made me dislike this book:

✒︎ Was is the fact that the book was full of unnecessary details and ton loads of flowery prose? A lot of unnecessary details and exposition that was really not needed. Maybe if this had been shorter, it would have been beeter?! I wonder…

✒︎ Was it that more often than not it felt like the author tried to elicit sympathy in the reader’s mind by trying to make the reactions unnaturally nonchalant? This trick does work most of the time, but here it felt way too unreal, too forced. I hate when i am made to sympathise to anyone :/

✒︎ Was it because I found the character of Offred serving only one purpose, trying to make the author look good in terms of ‘see-how-I-created-a-female-lead-that-is-oppressed-and-can’t-do-shit-about-it-see-and-feel-sorry-for-her’? She had no personality… no voice… nothing at all (and not just because of the circumstances she was in, nope, even with all her flashbacks of the past life she still came across very bland) therefore, I was not able to feel anything (literally anything) for her, which is surprising because there is so much hype surrounding this book and I was obviously expecting some great things.

✒︎ Was it because the whole ‘totalitarian-government-taking-away-people’s-precious-freedom’ trope having been used and re-used relentlessly in a LOT of books, especially the classics? We all know what books they are… let’s just say they did it soo much better than why???

✒︎ Or was it because of the narrator? Maybe, maybe not. I am totally unsure of this.

I guess it was a combination of all these (and maybe more.) Anyhoo, I did not like the book and I will not recommend it to anyone as I have nothing good to say about it. Read it at your own risk.

Book Review: The Afterlives of Doctor Gachet by Sam Meekings

Categories Historical, Literary Fiction, Sam Meekings2 Comments on Book Review: The Afterlives of Doctor Gachet by Sam Meekings

Author: Sam Meekings
Release Date: 1st August 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Series:
Edition: E-book
Pages: 290
Publisher: Eyewear Publishing
Blurb:
Who is that mournful man in the painting? THE AFTERLIVES OF DOCTOR GACHET tells the story of Paul Ferdinand Gachet, the subject of one of Vincent van Gogh’s most famous portraits: one that shows what the artist called “the heartbroken expression of our times.” But what caused such heartbreak? This thrilling historical novel follows Doctor Gachet from asylums to art galleries, from the bloody siege of Paris to life with van Gogh in Auvers, and from the bunkers of Nazi Germany to a reclusive billionaire in Tokyo, to uncover the secrets behind that grief-stricken smile.

REVIEW

★★★★

“I know some people argue that our lives are predicated on the quirks of our genes, that our destiny is inscribed in the code of our DNA. On the other hand, it is only when we are tested in the outside world that all the possibility bristling within us is whittled down and we really take shape.”

The Afterlives Of Doctor Gachet by Sam Meekings is a very delightful and a pretty compelling historical read with a powerful, well-written and brilliantly executed storyline. This book was such a good break from all the contemporary fiction I read. The plot was very unique, fresh and pretty captivating. I enjoyed reading this book a lot because I truly enjoyed reading each and every single sentence of this book (which is very rare  for me.) The writing was beautiful and the author’s style was pretty impressive. I guess I can say without a speck of doubt, and as rare as it may be, that in this book the writing was the best part.

I loved the characterization and character development in every chapter. I also appreciated the side-story of which was given in alternating chapters; it kept the story from being monotonous and made it very interesting.

I’d recommend this book to all historical-fiction readers and to anyone who is looking to take a break from their usual choice of books and might want to explore something refreshing and brilliant. Also, I’m sure Van Gough enthusiasts and fans would definitely love reading this book and exploring the background of the subject of one of his most talked about pieces.

You can also read this review on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Madrone by Jack B. Rochester

Categories Historical, Jack B. Rochester, Literary FictionLeave a Comment on Book Review: Madrone by Jack B. Rochester
Author: Jack B. Rochester
Release Date: 15th July 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 340
Publisher: Wheatmark
Blurb:
The year is 1969. After an interminable four years under the boot of the US military, twenty-four-year-old Nathaniel Hawthorne Flowers is ready for his real life to begin. His plans are straightforward: spend as much time as he can with his girlfriend, Jane, finish college, and become a writer. But when Nate is denied admission to UC Santa Cruz, he decides that a bachelor’s degree isn’t necessarily the path he’s laid out for himself. He can learn about literature on his own, and he’ll have more time to write if he isn’t in school. His choice doesn’t sit well with everybody. Jane’s father asks Nate how he’ll support Jane without a degree. Jane’s mentor offers to pull some strings at SC if Nate agrees to become his student. And when a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presents itself, even Nate is tempted by the allure of conventionally defined success. Picking up where Wild Blue Yonder left off, Madrone inspires us to consider how far we’ll go to remain true to ourselves.

Review

★★★★★

Madrone by Jack B. Rochester is a beautiful sequel to Wild Blue Yonder, which picks up where the first one left off giving a detailed glimpse into the life of the protagonist, Nathaniel Hawthorne Flowers, after he enters the next phase of his life and explores the world outside of the military.

Just like the previous book by author Rochester, I thoroughly enjoyed this book as well. I’m glad that I got a chance to read the first book so close to this one because the whole story of Nathaniel felt like a nice long movie. The writing was really good and felt apt for such a beautiful story. The characterization was great as instantly I was able to connect to Nathaniel, and was able to relate to him while he went about living his life in a world that was new to him.

The book is based in the 1960’s and the author has done a commendable job in enabling people like me, who never saw that era, to be able to live it through his amazing cast of characters. The settings did not only make the book very interesting but also very enjoyable.

It is a good book with a heart-warming story and exceptional writing to compliment it, sprinkled with a cast of characters that would steal your heart in a blink and I’d recommend it to everyone who loves reading a meticulously constructed story with fully fleshed-out characters.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson

Categories Contemporary Fiction, Literary Fiction, Sean AndersonLeave a Comment on Book Review: The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson
Author: Sean Anderson
Release Date: 12th February 2018
Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction
Series:
Edition: e-book
Pages: 324
Publisher: Riversong Books
Blurb:
Hugo Larson is a retired accountant living in North Seattle. Having recently lost the person most important to him, he attempts to make a life for himself in spite of that gaping absence. While he spends his time swimming, gardening, and accomplishing the mundane tasks of everyday life, he also has several important relationships to manage. Adrian is Hugo’s caring but foolish son, a young man desperately in need of career guidance. Hugo’s brother, Martin, brims with positive energy and a life many would envy: a kind wife, an illustrious teaching career, and a darling granddaughter—but at the implications of retiring. Then there is Paul, a serene next-door neighbor and friend who is haunted by his own loss, who goes on adventures with Hugo through the city. Despite all this, Hugo faces the heaviness of existence, confronts towering questions, embraces and then pushes away those close to him. Through the course of one year, he faces his past, struggles with the present, and questions the future.
What waits for Hugo at the end of that year?

Review

★★★★

The Year Of Oceans by Sean Anderson is a sensitive book about dealing with loss, the overpowering and omnipresent grief that ensues and about individual growth. It was a very likeable read, albeit being on the heavier side of the spectrum.

It was very interesting to read about Hugo, the protagonist, and seeing his journey for an entire year after the loss of his beloved. Many times I found myself feeling a wide spectrum of emotions that the protagonist goes through – sadness, frustration, loneliness, disdain and emptiness. But as the book progresses, the author artfully shows the growth of the main lead in a way that felt very real and relatable.

I loved the writing of the author as it complimented the story well. The story had a good flow to it and I was able to navigate through it easily. I liked the story from start to end, and in spite of an unexpected ending, I felt it was very apt for the book.

The best part about this book, though, was that the subject of death and the grief that one has to cope with afterwards (which is a very tricky one) was handled, to my pleasant surprise, quite skillfully with the much-needed delicateness and subtlety. It was a bit hard for me to read this book as the subject of loss, personally, is agonising for me to handle, but I’m glad that the author respected a person’s sense of loss, in general, and worked gracefully around it, touching on the nerves only as required.

A wonderful book for a debut novel that I’d recommend to everyone and anyone who can handle reading about loss, grief and pain related to a close one’s death.

this review is also posted on Goodreads and Amazon

Book Review: Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy by Pawan Mishra

Categories Book Reviews (by Genre), Books Reviews (by Author), Humor, Literary Fiction, Pawan MishraLeave a Comment on Book Review: Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy by Pawan Mishra

27431418Author: Pawan Mishra
Release Date: November 4, 2015
Series: Those Who Remain Trilogy
Genre: Literary Fiction | Humor
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 230
Publisher: Lune Spark LLC
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

Coinman, a junior level office worker in India, has a number of eccentricities. The laughingstock of the office, he finds no relief at home; his wife Imli, an obsessed actress, completely vanishes into each role. When tough bully, Hukum, beautiful enchantress, Tulsi, and the office sage, Ratiram, unite the office to conspire against Coinman, they have no inkling of an apocalypse looming inside the office.

Review

I rarely read literary fiction but when I was presented with an opportunity to read Coinman I thought of giving this one a try as the author is a fellow Indian. Though initially I had a few reservations about reading it, this book turned out to be a really interesting one. Coinman is a really unique read about a man who is obsessed with jingling coins.

Author Pawan Mishra has done a great job writing about a character as bizarre as Coinman and that too with dollops of sarcastic and classy humor blending it brilliantly with the main conflict of the story.

Though I’m not a huge fan of literary fiction, this book was fairly good and I enjoyed reading it. At times, I was chuckling loudly making everyone around me uncomfortable… so you can imagine how much I enjoyed it.

This book cleverly explores the day-to-day problems, faced by people who are termed as different or socially awkward by the seemingly “normal” people or the people who proudly calls themselves as extroverts, with a fine layer of sarcasm and wit to make the reading a really pleasant experience. It also covers the issue of bullying, which, I’m sure, will make many heads nod.

Overall it is a brilliant read and I’d recommend it to everyone as there are a lot of other social themes which will appeal to the masses.

Other Stuff

Opening Line: It all began with high expectations.

Highlights: Storytelling and clever use of satire and wit.

Lowlights: None.

Final Thoughts: A very well written book.

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