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Books EC: Giovanni's Angel

4 Star Eternal Curse Review

Fiona of Fiona’s Book Reviews, March 4, 2014 (visit and or rate this review here)

What a refreshing change to read this book. It was so different to the books I have been reading lately and a joy to read.

This story almost reads like it was written many years ago. The language, the way it is written, and the storyline, could very easily be from times gone by.

I was drawn into the story immediately. We have two people meeting online, deciding to see each other face to face. This is something which happens all the time. But in this case one of those people is a doctor, the other is a man with unusual problems he needs help diagnosing.

The way the story progresses drew me in very quickly. Mira’s struggle to decipher Giovanni’s symptoms and past is an interesting one. And I loved the fact that we didn’t find out more till a lot later in the story. It kept the mystery alive throughout.

The friendship between Giovanni and Abraham is lovely. The way these 2 men have supported each other over the years is so nice. It is what a true friendship should be. Mira fits in well with both men, she doesn’t get in the way of the friendship. Instead it is enhanced by her presence.

I loved getting to the end and getting a little hint as to who the narrator is, plus the fact there is another book planned. If the next book is anything like this one I cannot wait to read it.

****

A new edition of this book is now available. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

 

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Review: The Trustee in the Toolroom

 

The Trustee in the Toolroom by Nevil Shute

I give this book a 4 (and a half, if I did halves).

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I really enjoyed this story when it wasn’t making me angry (more on this later), but then I just have anger issues to begin with. This is a really simple and sweet clever story about a man who’s willing to go to great lengths to keep his word- and what’s not to like about that.

The story of Keith Stewart describes the rare instance of a man finding true peace and contentment in his life, career, and relationships. For Keith, the whole world revolves around his workshop and the work he does there writing for a magazine, but he’s no hermit. The one thing he finds that’s more important to him than his work is his word and his love for his family. When Keith finds himself the new guardian of his young niece and the trustee to her would be inheritance, he makes it his life’s purpose to secure a fine future for his new charge, despite not having the means to do so (here’s where I get angry).

As wonderful and miraculous as this story is, Keith’s adventure never would have taken place if someone living comfortably above his station had simply acknowledge and compensated him for what he was truly worth…that’s all I’ll say about that.

The story is told with almost manual precision, but the author’s style and flare with words keeps you pulled into the story. It’s not a fast pace action packed chronicle of a great adventure, but it is indeed a great adventure. Keith literally goes on a journey around the world trying to retrieve a modern-day treasure. He ends up traveling by bus, train, plane, boat, ship, and even helicopter while encountering a great number of interesting characters along the way. To help Keith along on his journey is his forever honest and cheery disposition, his masterful mind, and his unexpected fame.  This is a different kind of underdog story where there is no real favorite, just one man with a purpose fighting against a plethora of obstacles. The reader has no choice but to root for Keith all the way home.

This was a wonderful book to listen to, perfect for my drive home. There is a lot of technical engineer talk that may or may not be interesting to readers (or listeners), but I don’t feel it took away from the overall story. Though I can’t imagine a child or teenager having the temperament for this kind of book, I’d recommend it to anyone else.

This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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Review: The Bridge of Deaths

The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V. Egan

I give this book a 4.

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Maggie and Bill meet by, what would normally seem like, chance. Little do they both know that they are tied to the past in a very unique way. Their connection to the past is not just the past of this book, but the past of WWII. This book tells their story and that of a, still unsolved, plane crash from the summer of 1939.

Let me start off by stating that historical fiction is not my favorite genre, but it’s growing on me. Next let me state that I don’t know if this book truly fits into the category of Historical fiction. This is one of those books that’s simply difficult to categorize. It’s also listed in some places as metaphysical or paranormal fiction, which is also misleading.

Yes there are historical elements to it and it is fiction, but I almost wish there had been more fiction than history to it… but now I’m probably confusing you.

Let’s back up a little and break this book down.

1. Metaphysical/paranormal categorization comes from the presence of and use of psychic readings, practices, and theories along with the presence and experiences of past life regressions. It is through the use of this literary tool that the modern story is tied to the past (the true historical past).

2. Historical fiction categorization for this book seems a little lacking. Aside from the fact that there is a fictional narrative to acompany the action, this is more of a case study or historical investigation. There is so much fact to this story (the footnotes alone are a work of art) that I had trouble reconciling the fiction and the non-fiction.

That’s why I stated earlier that I wish there had been more fiction. I prefer fiction over non-fiction, but in any case, this is a fascinating story about true events. I just wish there had been more narrative.

3. I’m not used to reading this kind of story. I suppose that for those who read crime thrillers or detective stories, this might be an easy read. I was shocked to find myself breaking down and analyzing evidence like a member of a CSI team. In some ways it was thrilling, in others not so much.

4. I wish there had been more time spent on the relationship of Bill and Maggie, and I don’t even care much for romances. I guess the reason I feel this way is because I became attached to them and their story. I guess I just felt like their life together was always going to be overshadowed by these strange events of the past.

I know it may sound like I don’t like this story, but let me assure you that I do. I guess because I like it so much I’m compelled to over analyze it. I’ve never read a story quite like this before and don’t know if I will again. It’s so unique that I’m still trying to process it all now, months after reading it. This book is definitely worth reading.

This book was given to me as a gift from the author.

This review has been posted to GoodReads. If you’d like to obtain a copy of this book, try this link.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords