Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "grief"

"Panenka" is one of those novels that I think everyone will be able to relate to in some way; the characters are ordinary people with the same everyday concerns as everyone else. This novel is centered around the life of the main character, Joseph, an ex-footballer, who has become known as Panenka after an event that happened years before but which has followed him and taunted him ever since. When we meet Panenka we find out that he has a secret that he has kept from his family, and as the novel progresses it becomes harder for him to keep it. We learn all about his life and meet his friends, his daughter and grandson, as well as his new romantic interest. The story is told well, in an introspective way that enables the reader to understand what each of the characters is thinking and feeling. All the players in this story are expertly crafted and could be real people. This author understands human nature and can bring characters to life in such a way that you begin to believe in them and sympathise with them. It contains many snippets of wisdom that make you stop and think; the hallmark of a classic book.

"Panenka" delves into the lives of the characters offering insightful commentary about grief, regret, relationships, love, loss, and more. I found myself feeling sad that the book was coming to an end.

This is the second book I have enjoyed by this talented author. His debut, Leonard and Hungry Paul is brilliant. I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

Soul Light by Julie Elizabeth Powell

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


"Soul Light" is a collection of poetry and short stories by Julie Elizabeth Powell. The poems are connected to the stories that follow them and each of the stories is linked in some way. All the characters live in the fictional town of Wolford. This collection is all about how loss and grief can take away the light in the soul that gives people hope and something to believe in. The stories and poems are thought-provoking as we take a glimpse into the hearts and minds of people who have suffered loss and the ways they deal with those losses, finding their way back to the light. The poems are written to inspire and to make the reader think, and there is bonus content at the end where a photograph accompanies each of the poems featured in the book. One of my favourite poems is at the beginning of the book, "Hope"; the ending is particularly poignant and appears in the short story that follows. Each of the characters in the short stories has a fascinating story to tell.

"Soul Light" kept me interested and contains a positive message about human condition and the common emotions we share, how we are all linked in some way, just like the characters in the stories. I've been following this writer for many years and have always loved her stories and imagination. I think that her recent works are some of her best; her writing has developed, and it is clear when reading the stories that she is a seasoned writer and is adept at building worlds and creating unique and complex works.



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The Trains Don't Stop Here by Martin Cosby

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book is a real treasure trove of stories. I enjoyed every one of them and was completely immersed in the strange and dark tales. Martin Cosby has a way of writing that draws you in and keeps you interested. There are themes that run through this collection of stories, including loss and grief, mental illness, the past, fear and ghosts. Each story is a complete world in itself. There are similarities in the circumstances some of the characters in different stories find themselves in. Many of them are lost for some time, either in darkness or looking for someone in some unfamiliar place. The overriding sense you get is that this author is a masterful storyteller who is able to manipulate both the characters and the readers with the twists and turns. Many of the endings of these stories are not clear cut and you find yourself wondering about what it all meant, but it's almost like a puzzle that slowly slips into place as the different elements of the story start to make sense the more you ponder them and it adds depth to the tales. Many of the stories have dark and sometimes sinister elements.

As well as similar themes, two of the stories are linked in a very creative way, with the same characters appearing in the later story and being instantly recognisable, as these are characters and stories that will stay with you long after you have finished reading them.

All of the characters in this book seem like real people and their stories seem like they really could have happened even though these are mostly very odd and unusual tales. The author has a wonderful way of describing surroundings and people that makes them seem all the more real. He also uses imagery effectively to add further layers to his complex storylines.

I read Martin Cosby's book Dying Embers quite a few years ago and really enjoyed it, so I was thrilled to see he had published another collection. I am pleased to say that this collection did not disappoint. I am looking forward to more stories from this talented writer.



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Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this book. It's quite unique. I'm glad I decided to read it. It kept me entertained on my journey to and from work for a few weeks. It's very imaginative and immersive. We follow Isaac Addy who is grieving the death of his wife. At his lowest point, at the start of the novel, he finds an Egg. I thought the characters were all very realistic and it was easy to feel sympathy for the main character and to understand the way he was behaving. "Isaac and the Egg" is cleverly written and keeps you guessing as to what or who the Egg might be or represent. It's a tale of loss, friendship, grief, mental health, hope, and love. Although a tragic tale, there is a good amount of humour throughout to help lift the mood.



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