Book Review: Ivan, Boris and Me by Suze Leonie

24/05/202530/06/2025Comedy, Contemporary Fiction, Drama, Literary Fiction, noir, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

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

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: The Means of Keeping by Rich Marcello

06/08/202406/08/2024Drama, Literary FictionLeave a Comment

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

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: Killer Dreams by Vincent Donovan

15/03/202414/03/2024Family Saga, Suspense, ThrillerLeave a Comment

Book Details:

Author: Vincent Donovan
Release Date: August 17, 2024
~~Series~~:
Genre: Suspense, Thriller, Family Drama
Format: E-book
Pages: 314 pages
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Blurb:
Are the voices in Cassie’s head real or just added mayhem?
Cassie MacLean has been under siege since that cold January night when her mother, Rose Owens plowed into a group of pedestrians killing five and critically-injuring many others. The town’s pent-up fury explodes when Rose begins to emerge from a coma ten years later.
Cassie feels conflicted about the awakening-as well as her father, who is enjoying a successful second act with another woman.
But after a brush with cutting-edge technology, Cassie believes her mother is innocent and embarks on a quest to prove it. While she risks alienating many and having her sanity questioned in the process, what’s not in doubt is a vengeful world where the truth depends on who you ask.

Review

Killer Dreams by Vincent Donovan is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, blending elements of psychological suspense with an exploration of family dynamics and the search for truth.

In addition to its rich character-driven narrative, Killer Dreams offers a thought-provoking exploration of justice and perception. As Cassie embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her mother’s accident, she is forced to confront the biases and prejudices that shape her community’s perception of events. Donovan masterfully exposes the inherent flaws in the pursuit of truth, challenging readers to question their assumptions and preconceptions.

Overall, Killer Dreams is an engaging and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned. I would strongly recommend it not only to fans of the thriller and suspense genre but also to readers who enjoy a well-crafted story with depth and complexity.

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Book Review: The Greatest Game by Greg Rajaram

25/05/202125/05/2021Drama, Greg Rajaram, Indian Literature, Literary Fiction, Philosophy, Surreal FictionLeave a Comment

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

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.

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Book Review: The Dunnes of Brittas: An Irish Family’s Saga of Endurance by Kevin Lee Akers

09/01/202109/01/2021Family Saga, Historical, Kevin Lee AkersLeave a Comment

Author: Kevin Lee Akers
Release Date: 17th March 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction, Family Saga
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages:
Publisher: Bassett Street Press
Blurb:
The illustrious and ancient Dunne family has ruled over land in the heart of Ireland since time immemorial.

In the manor house known as Brittas, resides the family of clan chieftain, General Edward Dunne. His estate agent and cousin Peter raises his brood in the servant’s wing. These two related yet very separate branches struggle to secure their futures during the country’s darkest, most formidable years.

As Ireland is crumbling, the West is rising in Golden sunshine.

In 1848, San Francisco lures James Dunne and eventually his brother and sisters to literally create a new city out of sand dunes and gold dust.

The Dunnes of Brittas follows three generations of family who share in each other’s triumphs and tragedies finally discovering that their strength doesn’t derive from their separate branches but their common roots.

Review

The Dunnes of Brittas: An Irish Family’s Saga of Endurance by Kevin Lee Akers is an emotional journey about three generations of a family who are trying to navigate difficult situations through life and finding solace in each other’s company.

I liked reading this book because it had so many layers of complexity embedded throughout the story and mainly because the author has done a fine job with the overall characterisation. The story is good and the writing complimented it well.

Overall it made for a very engaging read and I would definitely recommend it to everyone who enjoys reading historical fiction and family sagas with complex plot and characters.

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Book Review: The Sweeny Sisters by Lian Dolan

14/06/202015/06/2020Contemporary Fiction, Lian DolanLeave a Comment

Author: Lian Dolan
Release Date: 28th April 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family & Relationships
Series:
Format: E-book
Pages: 304
Publisher: William Morrow
Blurb:
Angels…
Death Stalkers…
ReaAn accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet—a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA that combines the wit of Jonathan Tropper with the heart of Susan Wiggs.
Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney grew up as a happy threesome in the idyllic seaside town of Southport, Connecticut. But their mother’s death from cancer fifteen years ago tarnished their golden-hued memories, and the sisters drifted apart.

Their one touchstone is their father, Bill Sweeney, an internationally famous literary lion and college professor universally adored by critics, publishers, and book lovers. When Bill dies unexpectedly one cool June night, his shell-shocked daughters return to their childhood home. They aren’t quite sure what the future holds without their larger-than-life father, but they do know how to throw an Irish wake to honor a man of his stature.
But as guests pay their respects and reminisce, one stranger, emboldened by whiskey, has crashed the party. It turns out that she too is a Sweeney sister.
When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier, she learned she had a 50% genetic match with a childhood neighbor—Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut. It seems Serena’s chilly WASP mother, Birdie, had a history with Bill Sweeney—one that has remained totally secret until now.
Once the shock wears off, questions abound. What does this mean for William’s literary legacy? Where is the unfinished memoir he’s stashed away, and what will it reveal? And how will a fourth Sweeney sister—a blond among redheads—fit into their story?
By turns revealing, insightful, and uproarious, The Sweeney Sisters is equal parts cautionary tale and celebration—a festive and heartfelt look at what truly makes a family.

Book Review

The Sweeny Sisters by Lian Dolan is a spectacular contemporary read which has a lot to offer to its readers. It is funny, heart-warming, emotional at times and conveys the strength of a bond of sisters in such a beautiful way that it is hard not to like this book.

Although this book was fiction, it did a pretty good job of convincing me otherwise. The characters felt so real and full of life and the story was so fresh and good that I wanted to believe it all to be true. And that is the best way an author can indulge a reader! The book was well-written and I loved the cover image of the book. The concept was good and the story-line very engaging.

I loved every bit of it and would recommend it to all contemporary fiction reads and anyone who likes reading about family and relationships in general.

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Audiobook Review: The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber

13/04/2020Humor, Roy E. SchreiberLeave a Comment

Author: Roy Schreiber
Narrator: Gary Alexander, Sharyon Culberson, Joe Dempsey, Linda Gilllum, Dillon Kelleher, Patrick Zielinski
Release Date: 16th August 2019
Genre: Satire, Shortie, Play, Radio Show
~~Series~~:
Format: Audiobook (Dramatic Reading)
Length: 1 hour
Publisher: Author’s Republic
Blurb:

This satirical view of college professors features a philosophy professor who believes logic will solve all problems from bringing justice to everyone to personal relationships. His problems include convincing his colleagues to unionize and dealing with a history professor who believes he is the 21st-century version of Henry VIII and an English Lit professor who believes she can become Ann Boleyn.

REVIEW

★★★

The Optimist by Roy E. Schreiber is basically a recording of a play released as an audiobook as I learned from the author himself during one of our emails. I was really excited to listen to it as I have never before listened to anything like this before, though being a fan of audiobooks, I simply couldn’t have passed on this opportunity anyway.

The audiobook is narrated by a number of narrators, which was obvious, but what really took me by surprise was how amazing it all came together. I’ve read a number of dramatic readings, and this one, right from the start itself felt like a very engaging read. I loved listening to this book almost as I loved listening to Narnia audiobooks!

Coming to the story itself, I felt that the plot was a bit complex for such a short narrative. Had it been longer, I think, it wouldn’t have been an issue as many aspects would fit nicely, but at it was a little over an hour, in my honest opinion, it felt a little crammed together. I did like the story, though I cannot say, unfortunately, that I loved it. Though it was pretty evident that the story and the book itself had a lot of potentials, I guess it just lacked in a couple of places in terms of clarity and plotting. Though, given the length of the book, I think it was worth reading.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who likes satirical works and doesn’t mind experimental stories.

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Book Review: Kaitlin’s Mooring by Carey V. Azzara

09/08/2018Carey V. Azzara, Contemporary Fiction, Drama, Relationships, RomanceLeave a Comment

Author: Carey V. Azzara
Release Date: 3rd July 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Romance
~~Series:~~
Edition: E-book
Pages: 208
Publisher: Glass Spider Publishing
Blurb:
Nothing is more horrific than losing a child, nothing more joyous than the birth of one. When grief intertwines with joy, it throws the Deveau family into turmoil.

Pregnant twenty-year-old Kaitlin Deveau leaves Boston University in a hurry when Henry, her grandfather, calls from Maine with devastating news. Bereft of hope, Kaitlin’s son, Christopher, becomes a life preserver, keeping the family buoyant. Henry, now Chris’s only male role model, teaches him lessons he uses throughout life. In the end, Chris and his adopted sister, Susan, must save their parents from the fate that took his grandparents–but the outcome is uncertain.

Review

★★★★

Kaitlin’s Mooring by Carey V. Azzara is a beautiful story about relationships and family.

This book was surprisingly good and I savoured reading every minute of it. The overall story was a feast and the writing was pretty good and the characters strong and believable. The character’s inner conflicts seemed real and they complemented the carefully woven tale very well. The beginning was slow but built up steadily and the ending proved to be apt.

Except for a few minor pacing issues, I enjoyed the book thoroughly. I’d recommend it to all contemporary fiction readers and to those readers who want to explore new authors and books.

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Book Review: The Man You Scripted by Calvin Honors

24/02/201718/05/2017Calvin Honors, Drama, DystopianLeave a Comment

Author: Calvin Honors
Release Date: 4th September 2016
Series: –
Genre: Dystopian, Psychological Drama
Edition: E-book
Pages: 129
Publisher: Self-Published

Rating: ★★★★

Blurb:

2115 London
The city is overrun by organ traders in truck size hearses trawling the streets in the aftermath of the Hemo plague. Writer James Nolte meets Laila an X1 cyborg sent to scan humans for signs of Hemo.
Modern Day New York City
Internal Affairs agent John Azolo connects the dots from an unfinished manuscript to unravel a mystery surrounding his friend’s suicide. Detective Laila Carter, whom John audits, might just hold the key to both stories.

Review

The Man You Scripted by Calvin Honors is a Psychological Dystopian Drama based on a remarkably unique futuristic concept.

The fast paced book offers a lot for the genre lovers. It explores a unique writing style of combining two parallel, seemingly unrelated stories and then bringing them together to a great climax. The characterization was god and all the characters were relatable.

The writing style had a nice flow and made this book an easy and quick read.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to al the Dystopian and Speculative fiction buffs. This is one book you wouldn’t want to miss.

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