Maxwell Silver
I'll be honest: I bought this book by accident. I was looking for a specific book called 'The Promise' to give as a present. Little did I know that there are several books with that title, and bought the first one I came across. Sadly it was the wrong one and so I kept it myself. Having read the blurb on the back of the book, I thought it wasn't the sort of book that I would usually read but after a few days decided to "give it a go". I found the opening chapters a bit heavy on the flowery descriptions, but this was probably me being bias against the book before I even started. Nevertheless, after a few pages I was so engrossed with the story and the flowing writing style that I finish it in one go. The author must be a keen observer of human nature for he/she makes the characters come alive with little behavioural nuances making you feel as if you have known them for many years. Although written in a light-hearted manner, the author doesn't pull his/her punches in dealing with the heavy subject (a little boys says that he is dying). I have looked to see if the author has written any other novels but cannot find any reference to them.
If this is his/her first novel, then I look forward to the second one.
Who would have thought that an accidental buy could have resulted in such a good read?
D Green
Emotionally powerful and intelligent this book does not shy away from some of the harsh realities of life.The characters were created with sensitivity and a fullness so that I could almost see them walking about Glasgow. The varying shades of the characters strengths and weaknesses reflected in the changeable Scottish weather. Levels of love and family ties beautifully drawn. A difficult subject tackled with much empathy and feeling, this book would also make an exceptional film.The ending came all too soon, almost abruptly, but this mirrored the content of the story and I was left wondering what would happen to the main characters - would they find love with each in other in a shared grief, or travel in opposites directions not bearing to be in each other's company?
Fergus Bannon
A deeply affecting and beautifully written tale of love and loss from a world class storyteller.
HB1
Poignant and funny in equal measures.
A book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.
Ian McMillan
When I first started reading this book I thought it was just about a little boy, to my surprise, it was much more than this, there was another story within, so cleverly written that I felt a part of the story rather than reading a great story, which culminated in a wonderful ending. I could not put this book down it was so captivating and cannot wait to read this author's next book
