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The Vagabond King
"I haven't finished a book so quickly in a long time because these characters were so intriguing. There were times I had to put the book down and simply reflect on how talented this author is. Conway's dialogue and narration are often mind-blowing." (Brian Braden, Undergroundbookreviews.com)
When his mother dies and he discovers the man he believed was his father is not, sixteen year old Chris is haunted by a mysterious apparition that forces him to question his pampered existence and embark upon a quest to find himself. Hoping she will “make a man of him”, he seeks sanctuary in the home of Magda, a middle aged waitress with a penchant for sex, only to discover she lives with her father, a cigarette smoking, beer swilling immigrant.
Chris hates his shabby new surroundings at the end of the street and the shabby old man at the end of his life who spends his days listening to old blues records and making Chris fetch him fresh cans of beer. But, when the old man tells tales of Communism, torture, escape and the mysterious medallion he wears, Chris learns that, like the old man’s skipping records, history repeats itself and the roles we play have been played many times before.
When his mother dies and he discovers the man he believed was his father is not, sixteen year old Chris is haunted by a mysterious apparition that forces him to question his pampered existence and embark upon a quest to find himself. Hoping she will “make a man of him”, he seeks sanctuary in the home of Magda, a middle aged waitress with a penchant for sex, only to discover she lives with her father, a cigarette smoking, beer swilling immigrant.
Chris hates his shabby new surroundings at the end of the street and the shabby old man at the end of his life who spends his days listening to old blues records and making Chris fetch him fresh cans of beer. But, when the old man tells tales of Communism, torture, escape and the mysterious medallion he wears, Chris learns that, like the old man’s skipping records, history repeats itself and the roles we play have been played many times before.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2011
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104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 14, 2018
The Vagabond King by James Campion Conway, is a captivating story, beautifully told, filled with metaphors enough to taunt any imagination, and sadly enchanting. Chris, a teenage boy on the cusp of adulthood, loses his mother to cancer. Life suddenly fades from bright shades of hope and sky-high dreams, to gray clouds and moroseness as he finds himself losing perspective and asking questions about his existence, God and the nature of who he is. Confused - he becomes more and more distanced from his father, school and the regimens of his daily lifestyle. Chris eventually finds solace in a stranger, a woman named Magda, a woman who would go on to change his life in ways he could never imagine. The Vagabond King is gritty, it's real-life, it's got tangible pain and one often feels the emotional solitude that haunts and permeates Chris' life, leaving him floating in a sea of confusion, like a ship drifting at sea. So many ponderable questions are posed, some are answered, others are left proding at one like small pins in one's mind. The question that draws the reader through this story is, will Chris find the answers and the closure he so desperately seeks. An excellent read.
June 9, 2019
‘The world is as you believe it to be’
Author James Campion Conway shares some insight into his writing with the following comments: ‘Reality is much more fantastic than we realize and “realism” only focuses on the thin veneer of life as we know it. I have always sought to understand the secret workings of the universe and that is what I portray in my writing. If E=MC2 this universe we live in is just a single mass of energy vibrating at different frequencies and, according to the second law of thermodynamics, energy can neither be created or destroyed. It is almighty and eternal. But, it can transformed from one thing into another…How can this be? What are the underlying principles upon which this thin veneer of reality rests? My writing questions these things and, if all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players, my writing seeks to pull back the curtain to reveal the stage craft behind the scenes.’
This novel is a fine coming of age story but it is much more, as the brief prelude informs: ‘This is the fairy tale of my life, the mythology of my existence, and, as I only have one story to tell, thee is only one way to tell it. You may find it a little melodramatic at moments and you may not like who I was at times. But, princes frequently start out as frogs and, perhaps, by the time I reach my end, you will understand why. And so, as we must all have a beginning, a middle and an end, I will start at the beginning.. Once upon a time…’
Continuing this degree of sensitivity throughout this book we follow the life of Chris, living in the moment as his mother dies, but embarking on a journey to discover his ‘reality.’ The quest is fascinating and entertaining – and challenges the reader to enter that realm of introspection that heightens our living experience. A very solid novel, this.
Author James Campion Conway shares some insight into his writing with the following comments: ‘Reality is much more fantastic than we realize and “realism” only focuses on the thin veneer of life as we know it. I have always sought to understand the secret workings of the universe and that is what I portray in my writing. If E=MC2 this universe we live in is just a single mass of energy vibrating at different frequencies and, according to the second law of thermodynamics, energy can neither be created or destroyed. It is almighty and eternal. But, it can transformed from one thing into another…How can this be? What are the underlying principles upon which this thin veneer of reality rests? My writing questions these things and, if all the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players, my writing seeks to pull back the curtain to reveal the stage craft behind the scenes.’
This novel is a fine coming of age story but it is much more, as the brief prelude informs: ‘This is the fairy tale of my life, the mythology of my existence, and, as I only have one story to tell, thee is only one way to tell it. You may find it a little melodramatic at moments and you may not like who I was at times. But, princes frequently start out as frogs and, perhaps, by the time I reach my end, you will understand why. And so, as we must all have a beginning, a middle and an end, I will start at the beginning.. Once upon a time…’
Continuing this degree of sensitivity throughout this book we follow the life of Chris, living in the moment as his mother dies, but embarking on a journey to discover his ‘reality.’ The quest is fascinating and entertaining – and challenges the reader to enter that realm of introspection that heightens our living experience. A very solid novel, this.
May 26, 2021
Wow, wow, and wow. What a heavy book. I almost don’t know where to start. This is a powerful novel which had me hooked from the beginning. Finally! I’ve just finished a bad line up of terrible books and this was just what I needed. A novel with substance. Sometimes maybe too much substance. There were points where I didn’t exactly know what the narrator was talking about since his message could often get lost in so much purple prose, too much intellectual conjecture. I didn’t care though. Because I cared so much about this character and what he was going through. The Vagabond King touts itself as a “coming of age” story and, boy, does it ever nail that. Almost any American kid can empathize with the struggle to find their identity and place in the world while struggling with an irrational infatuation. I was right there with him. I was so impressed with this book that I was willing to forgive the typos, grammar, and tense issues. In the case of a book like this, these kinds of errors can even lend a shabby sort of charm. I loved it.
May 23, 2021
Riveting read, the characters pull you in
This is a story about coming of age, of loss and grief, and finding out who you are. After the death of his mother, Christopher is adrift in a sea of sorrow and loss. The book is about his handling of the grief, while trying to find his place in the world, with a father who seems indifferent, so he leaves to find answers. This book is also about connections that we forge with others. The characters are what makes this book so compelling. Is well-written and the characters are so complex that they come alive.
This is a story about coming of age, of loss and grief, and finding out who you are. After the death of his mother, Christopher is adrift in a sea of sorrow and loss. The book is about his handling of the grief, while trying to find his place in the world, with a father who seems indifferent, so he leaves to find answers. This book is also about connections that we forge with others. The characters are what makes this book so compelling. Is well-written and the characters are so complex that they come alive.
May 13, 2021
Except he never came of age...
Beautifully written, with an intriguing story, the book is a tragedy dressed up as an ode. All the characters express the confusion.rootlessness (and self absorbed-ness) of the boy without a father. The main boy, Christopher, dances all around the solution implied by his name but settles instead for meaningless philosophies , the serpent eating itself. The result is that he perpetuates the cycle, spends his life searching, and leaves his own son without a father. Worth reading for the eloquent expression of the wound, but don't go here for healing.
Beautifully written, with an intriguing story, the book is a tragedy dressed up as an ode. All the characters express the confusion.rootlessness (and self absorbed-ness) of the boy without a father. The main boy, Christopher, dances all around the solution implied by his name but settles instead for meaningless philosophies , the serpent eating itself. The result is that he perpetuates the cycle, spends his life searching, and leaves his own son without a father. Worth reading for the eloquent expression of the wound, but don't go here for healing.
May 15, 2021
Way more than I expected.
I'm pretty impressed with this novel. His writing is superbly well crafted. With powerful verbs to strengthen sentences instead of overused adjectives (like a lot of authors do) keeps the story flowing nicely. The book happily kept me hooked. The excerpt at the end for another of his books has pushed me to continue on with this author.
I'm pretty impressed with this novel. His writing is superbly well crafted. With powerful verbs to strengthen sentences instead of overused adjectives (like a lot of authors do) keeps the story flowing nicely. The book happily kept me hooked. The excerpt at the end for another of his books has pushed me to continue on with this author.
December 3, 2018
‘The Vagabond King’ is written by James Campion Conway. It is a story about a sixteen year old boy, named Christopher. “Chris”, as he likes to be called, is a high school student who has an atypical teenage experience. Chris desperately seeks happiness, after the passing away of his mother. He struggles to find the meaning of his existence and is constantly confronted with questions he doesn’t have an answer to. Chris and his father have an extremely strained relationship and this affects Chris so deeply, that he decides to leave home. He seeks refuge in Magda’s home. Magda is a Hungarian waitress who works in a local diner. She has riveting conversations with Chris on a wide range of topics, especially philosophy. Magda is a sort of a raft that Chris holds on to, so that he can get through his trying days. Although Magda is old enough to be his mother, Chris is extremely attracted to her. While living in Magda’s house, Chris has numerous disagreements with her father.
The book sheds light on the difference between how immigrants view life when compared with those who are used to a typical western lifestyle. Magda’s father shares stories of his struggles with Chris, which resonates within him. Along with his other struggles, Chris also has internal conflicts with his faith. To Chris, Magda is the light at the end of a dark tunnel. The book is essentially about how Chris tries to find answers and how history repeats itself.
Like Chris, everyone, in their own way, is pursuing their own personal legend. We all think about the meaning of life and how we fit into the world. Chris’ hardships teach him important lessons which bring him one step closer to finding the answers to finding his place in the world. Chris’ father is a prime example of a person who let the world gets to him. Chris’ frustrations stem from the fact that his father doesn’t understand him.
The book is very well written and is full of quotes that are guaranteed to make you introspect. The book is written entirely from Chris’ point of view, which gives the readers insight into his thoughts and frustrations, when confronted with hardships. My favourite character is definitely “The Old Man”- Magda’s Hungarian father. Although he initially comes across as a cantankerous old man, “The Old Man” ends up playing a key role in Chris’ journey to find answers. He is witty, stubborn, wise, practical and brutally honest. The book teaches us that the only way to get ahead in life is to confront your demons, rather than avoid them.
Chris’ is a journey which is mesmerising and is guaranteed to elicit in the reader a range of emotions and stir up old memories. Everybody faces hardships; the book teaches us that it is our perception on life that helps us overcome them. `The Vagabond King’ is a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in adventure fiction or books that are centered on a philosophical theme.
The book sheds light on the difference between how immigrants view life when compared with those who are used to a typical western lifestyle. Magda’s father shares stories of his struggles with Chris, which resonates within him. Along with his other struggles, Chris also has internal conflicts with his faith. To Chris, Magda is the light at the end of a dark tunnel. The book is essentially about how Chris tries to find answers and how history repeats itself.
Like Chris, everyone, in their own way, is pursuing their own personal legend. We all think about the meaning of life and how we fit into the world. Chris’ hardships teach him important lessons which bring him one step closer to finding the answers to finding his place in the world. Chris’ father is a prime example of a person who let the world gets to him. Chris’ frustrations stem from the fact that his father doesn’t understand him.
The book is very well written and is full of quotes that are guaranteed to make you introspect. The book is written entirely from Chris’ point of view, which gives the readers insight into his thoughts and frustrations, when confronted with hardships. My favourite character is definitely “The Old Man”- Magda’s Hungarian father. Although he initially comes across as a cantankerous old man, “The Old Man” ends up playing a key role in Chris’ journey to find answers. He is witty, stubborn, wise, practical and brutally honest. The book teaches us that the only way to get ahead in life is to confront your demons, rather than avoid them.
Chris’ is a journey which is mesmerising and is guaranteed to elicit in the reader a range of emotions and stir up old memories. Everybody faces hardships; the book teaches us that it is our perception on life that helps us overcome them. `The Vagabond King’ is a great read. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in adventure fiction or books that are centered on a philosophical theme.
October 29, 2018
Reviewed For Readers' Favorite by Grant Leishman
The Vagabond King: A Coming of Age Story by James Campion Conway is far removed from your typical coming-of-age novel. Sixteen-year-old Chris is faced with a crisis of confidence – confidence in who he is and what he wants from life. When his beloved mother dies of cancer, Chris is faced with a pushy father, who he now understands is not even his “real” father at all. Faced with a senior year at High School and College in his future, Chris cannot face the path that is mapped out for him. He cruises through his classes, dreaming of something better. Finally, after another tumultuous argument with his father, Chris decides it is time to leave and seek something different – it is time to find himself. The only place he can think to go, that cold winter’s evening, was his waitress friend, Magda, a woman old enough to be his mother, but with all the beauty and latent allure that only a mature woman can have over an impressionable, young, testosterone driven teenage boy. What he finds, at Magda’s is hope and a new way of thinking.
This book definitely ranks near the top of coming-of-age novels I have read. Author James Campion Conway has a wonderful command of the language and draws us into Chris’ tortured and questioning mind. Easy to read and incredibly easy to identify with, the reader is drawn along on Chris’ voyage of self-discovery, both cheering and jeering the young man at times for his ignorance and his preconceptions. The character of Magda’s Hungarian father was beautifully drawn and his home-spun philosophy and pragmatic approach to life a refreshing change in this era of entitlement. The Vagabond King: A Coming of Age Story asks the questions that all of us asked at one time or another; what is the meaning of life? Who or what controls our fates and destinies? What is the right direction for me to take? A smooth and seamless read that just flowed by, I especially appreciated the poetry of the character, Atman O’Dey, another young man tortured by uncertainty over identity and fitting in. This is a powerful story, beautifully told and well worth the highest rating I can give it.
The Vagabond King: A Coming of Age Story by James Campion Conway is far removed from your typical coming-of-age novel. Sixteen-year-old Chris is faced with a crisis of confidence – confidence in who he is and what he wants from life. When his beloved mother dies of cancer, Chris is faced with a pushy father, who he now understands is not even his “real” father at all. Faced with a senior year at High School and College in his future, Chris cannot face the path that is mapped out for him. He cruises through his classes, dreaming of something better. Finally, after another tumultuous argument with his father, Chris decides it is time to leave and seek something different – it is time to find himself. The only place he can think to go, that cold winter’s evening, was his waitress friend, Magda, a woman old enough to be his mother, but with all the beauty and latent allure that only a mature woman can have over an impressionable, young, testosterone driven teenage boy. What he finds, at Magda’s is hope and a new way of thinking.
This book definitely ranks near the top of coming-of-age novels I have read. Author James Campion Conway has a wonderful command of the language and draws us into Chris’ tortured and questioning mind. Easy to read and incredibly easy to identify with, the reader is drawn along on Chris’ voyage of self-discovery, both cheering and jeering the young man at times for his ignorance and his preconceptions. The character of Magda’s Hungarian father was beautifully drawn and his home-spun philosophy and pragmatic approach to life a refreshing change in this era of entitlement. The Vagabond King: A Coming of Age Story asks the questions that all of us asked at one time or another; what is the meaning of life? Who or what controls our fates and destinies? What is the right direction for me to take? A smooth and seamless read that just flowed by, I especially appreciated the poetry of the character, Atman O’Dey, another young man tortured by uncertainty over identity and fitting in. This is a powerful story, beautifully told and well worth the highest rating I can give it.
November 2, 2011
Chris found out, courtesy of his unwitting rowing parents, that the man he thought was his father was not. After his mum dies the 16 year old is haunted by a being urging him to look deeper at himself. His adoptive father is a no - nonsense kind of man who doesn't have any time for finding oneself and Chris leaves home. He seeks out acquaintance & middle-aged waitress Magda, envisioning her as both a lover and guide in life. The reality is that she lives with her immigrant Hungarian father, a man lost in the past, with nothing more in his life than beer and the Blues.
This is a story about young man finding his way in life, and also about how history repeats itself. Magda is well read and teaches Chris about various deities and the common threads running through many religions and belief systems. She is teasing yet seems to have an affection for the young man they take in. The Old Man shares his life story and Chris, initially repulsed by him, gradually begins to understand him. His stories about the events leading up to his flight from Hungary paint a picture of a survivor. I liked Chris, who battles between wanting the bright future his father sees for him and the need to discover who he really is, and his desire to travel to Europe.
I found this book an absorbing read, and while I can't quite put my finger on it there is something special about it. Perhaps it is the merger of beliefs and mythology with the gritty details of a life hard lived, played out with a background of soulful Blues. In places it felt a little repetitive, but that may have been an intentional echo of the call and response style of the Blues. The end caught me unawares and added another dimension to the story.
I really enjoyed this book and the feelings it evoked as I read. It also made me think as I read, no bad thing!
This is a story about young man finding his way in life, and also about how history repeats itself. Magda is well read and teaches Chris about various deities and the common threads running through many religions and belief systems. She is teasing yet seems to have an affection for the young man they take in. The Old Man shares his life story and Chris, initially repulsed by him, gradually begins to understand him. His stories about the events leading up to his flight from Hungary paint a picture of a survivor. I liked Chris, who battles between wanting the bright future his father sees for him and the need to discover who he really is, and his desire to travel to Europe.
I found this book an absorbing read, and while I can't quite put my finger on it there is something special about it. Perhaps it is the merger of beliefs and mythology with the gritty details of a life hard lived, played out with a background of soulful Blues. In places it felt a little repetitive, but that may have been an intentional echo of the call and response style of the Blues. The end caught me unawares and added another dimension to the story.
I really enjoyed this book and the feelings it evoked as I read. It also made me think as I read, no bad thing!
June 5, 2013
I haven’t finished a book so quickly in a long time because these characters were so intriguing. There were times I had to put the book down and simply reflect on how talented this author is. Conway’s dialogue and narration are often mind-blowing. Unfortunately, this is as close to becoming a masterpiece as this book gets. There are several noteworthy flaws that rob this novel of its true potential.
Conway often gets lost while telling this tale. First, he is overly repetitive. Vagabond could have easily been 100 pages shorter. Also, it had more than a fair share of simple mechanical errors a good editor could have easily fixed. These flaws, however, didn’t keep The Vagabond King out of my Top Picks.
What kept this novel out of my top picks was how often Conway departs the narrative and ceases all character voice. It’s as if the story goes on pause and Conway himself begins to ramble. It felt like I was watching a play and one of the actors quit reciting his lines and began talking directly to the audience. It slowed the book down and often left me wondering whose perspective I was currently dealing with.
Overall, however, Vagabond is beautifully written, often brilliant. It is because of Conway’s astonishing characters that I recommend this book to anyone interested in literary fiction.
Read the rest of this review at Underground Book Reviews:
http://www.undergroundbookreviews.com...
Conway often gets lost while telling this tale. First, he is overly repetitive. Vagabond could have easily been 100 pages shorter. Also, it had more than a fair share of simple mechanical errors a good editor could have easily fixed. These flaws, however, didn’t keep The Vagabond King out of my Top Picks.
What kept this novel out of my top picks was how often Conway departs the narrative and ceases all character voice. It’s as if the story goes on pause and Conway himself begins to ramble. It felt like I was watching a play and one of the actors quit reciting his lines and began talking directly to the audience. It slowed the book down and often left me wondering whose perspective I was currently dealing with.
Overall, however, Vagabond is beautifully written, often brilliant. It is because of Conway’s astonishing characters that I recommend this book to anyone interested in literary fiction.
Read the rest of this review at Underground Book Reviews:
http://www.undergroundbookreviews.com...
February 3, 2019
I recommend the book.
Christopher and his coming of age story is of no consequence to me. Our stories are not the same. Nothing happened in his life that even vaguely touched my life. Then, why did I keep reading to find out how things went with him? Is there an 'everyman' theme subtly winding its way through the pages of this book? Or is it that the first atom of creation binds us together?
The author could have been shooting for another storyline, but what I have said and will say is what the book said to me. Christopher's search to 'find himself' and never finding it until he has a son of his own is something to which I can relate. My innate purpose of living is to procreate. I cherish beyond all measure the baby in my womb. I can keep myself the most important thing to him until he has a child of his own. Then I am left with memories. But tell me, please, who cares? I care, and that is enough. But if the way I daily carried out my purpose touches one other person, then it is more than enough. Did Christopher's story touch the heart of even one other person? In looking back, I believe it did.
I feel like I am flying off the wall in writing this review. The words are not coming easily, and they may not be appreciated by the author. But if he was sentimental in writing this book, then I believe he will understand my stirred passions.
The author's writing mechanics were excellent, and the book was beautifully written. Excellent work, sir!
Thank you, Mr. Campion, for a good read.
Christopher and his coming of age story is of no consequence to me. Our stories are not the same. Nothing happened in his life that even vaguely touched my life. Then, why did I keep reading to find out how things went with him? Is there an 'everyman' theme subtly winding its way through the pages of this book? Or is it that the first atom of creation binds us together?
The author could have been shooting for another storyline, but what I have said and will say is what the book said to me. Christopher's search to 'find himself' and never finding it until he has a son of his own is something to which I can relate. My innate purpose of living is to procreate. I cherish beyond all measure the baby in my womb. I can keep myself the most important thing to him until he has a child of his own. Then I am left with memories. But tell me, please, who cares? I care, and that is enough. But if the way I daily carried out my purpose touches one other person, then it is more than enough. Did Christopher's story touch the heart of even one other person? In looking back, I believe it did.
I feel like I am flying off the wall in writing this review. The words are not coming easily, and they may not be appreciated by the author. But if he was sentimental in writing this book, then I believe he will understand my stirred passions.
The author's writing mechanics were excellent, and the book was beautifully written. Excellent work, sir!
Thank you, Mr. Campion, for a good read.
August 14, 2016
How can you look at your life the same when you find out the man you grew up thinking is your father really isn’t? Once Chris’ mother dies, he takes off to ‘find himself’ – to look deep inside himself and discover who he really is and what he’s meant for. Along the way he meets Magda and her father, who both end up teaching him some important life lessons. All along, Chris still fights within himself to decide if he should follow the future his adoptive father sees for him or to strike out on his own for good and travel the world as he finds out more about himself.
Thought-provoking and absorbing, The Vagabond King will strike a chord within your heart and mind. Blending mythology, religion, and music with the harsh light of reality brings us something unique and creative. Mr. Conway has written a soulful and soul-searching novel of a young man’s coming of age.
Thought-provoking and absorbing, The Vagabond King will strike a chord within your heart and mind. Blending mythology, religion, and music with the harsh light of reality brings us something unique and creative. Mr. Conway has written a soulful and soul-searching novel of a young man’s coming of age.
July 7, 2012
The Vagabond King was a very interesting and thought-provoking novel. When reading and learning about Chris’ story, you can’t help but feel for this poor kid. When he met up with Magda and her father, he learned some valuable life lessons. I did at first find myself having a hard time getting into this book, but I am glad I persevered. I truly enjoyed the book which did make me think.
Received from the publisher by My Book Addiction and More for an honest review.
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Kelly
Received from the publisher by My Book Addiction and More for an honest review.
Rating: 3
Reviewed by: Kelly
May 27, 2018
You are the Vagabond King
We search all our lives to figure out who we are and where we come from. The Vagabond king is one man's journey to discover himself. A well wrtten love story abut the search.
We search all our lives to figure out who we are and where we come from. The Vagabond king is one man's journey to discover himself. A well wrtten love story abut the search.
July 19, 2021
The Vagabond King delivers like the part of the story that is getting to "where the real story takes off" for the entire narrative. It's an interesting narrative structure, which to me was an indication by the author that the 'Journey is the Destination', and that the paths we tread no matter how meandering are very much the centerpiece of a life at a given time. The protagonist is on a pilgrimage of both self discovery and survival, where both compulsions are put at odds with themselves multiple times, however the degree of mystique and intrigue around the main character's discoveries and misadventures, already has me wanting to read the story again.
It feels as if the author imbued some allegoric meaning to overall story, as each chapter, event, and installment feels as if it carries significance in the overall plot, even though the plot itself appears almost rambling/without ethos. Want to reread!
It feels as if the author imbued some allegoric meaning to overall story, as each chapter, event, and installment feels as if it carries significance in the overall plot, even though the plot itself appears almost rambling/without ethos. Want to reread!
June 13, 2021
Tragic but engaging
This is certainly not a “feel-good” story but it’s written in such a down-to-earth way that it often feels more like an autobiography than fiction. It is a compelling read right through to the rather bitter-sweet ending. It explores the emotions of growing up after the loss of one parent when the boy is left without the unconditional love of the other surviving parent. The ending seemed a little rushed to me after such in-depth detail to that point. Suddenly it’s the end of his life and there’s no real sense of purpose. Reminds me of the Cat’s in the Cradle song at the end.
This is certainly not a “feel-good” story but it’s written in such a down-to-earth way that it often feels more like an autobiography than fiction. It is a compelling read right through to the rather bitter-sweet ending. It explores the emotions of growing up after the loss of one parent when the boy is left without the unconditional love of the other surviving parent. The ending seemed a little rushed to me after such in-depth detail to that point. Suddenly it’s the end of his life and there’s no real sense of purpose. Reminds me of the Cat’s in the Cradle song at the end.
June 7, 2021
Even as a senior citizen and a woman, the insight shared helped me to understand a teenage boy. Mixing religion with history and fractured family with growing up, it is a thoughtful book.
July 3, 2021
Loved this book
Normally if it the book not full of action but this book held my attention from beginning to end I love he explains philosophy religion in an aspect that goes beyond the norm and dare defies conformity while proving his point I believe that every one should be a Chris at some point of their life
Normally if it the book not full of action but this book held my attention from beginning to end I love he explains philosophy religion in an aspect that goes beyond the norm and dare defies conformity while proving his point I believe that every one should be a Chris at some point of their life
June 14, 2021
I’m overwhelmed by James Campion Conway’s ‘The Vagabond King’. It’s so incredibly powerful! Chris, a teenage boy triggered by his mother’s death, drops out of school and leaves home in search of meaning: of life and death, love and sex, the real and the contrived, happiness and suffering, childhood and parenthood, spirituality and materialism—in short, existence. In the process, Chris transitions into a man. While uncomplicated in its plot, the story is rich in symbolism, metaphor, and philosophy. It’s truly profound, leaving the reader much to think about.
June 14, 2021
That was a wow!
What an amazingly talented author — beautiful writing, stunning phrasing, and breathtaking descriptions and insights that border on sheer magic at times. The wisdom and knowledge that he imparts as part of the storyline are esoteric and profound. The plot circles around, as life does, to answer questions at an ever deeper level. This is a great, great book. Highly recommend.
What an amazingly talented author — beautiful writing, stunning phrasing, and breathtaking descriptions and insights that border on sheer magic at times. The wisdom and knowledge that he imparts as part of the storyline are esoteric and profound. The plot circles around, as life does, to answer questions at an ever deeper level. This is a great, great book. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2022
I was left speechless countless times
Finally, A book with Mythology, Metaphysical, and Philosophy My three unconditional adorations.
What can I say, the author won me over with the complexity of the mind of the main character. The opening paragraph was a hint into what lay ahead. And I was not disappointed.
The narration is in first person by the main character, Christopher or Chris.
Magda is a curious woman who loves to read and is exploring herself by venturing into the world with her knack for learning more. She waitresses at an all-night diner and has a degree in philosophy. While listening to Magda read, he too becomes curious of the world around him. He misses his recently deceased mother a lot and his father is all but a tough guy who is pushing him to be man and take control of his future. Chris, however, is haunted by a snake-like voice telling him to seek himself in deeper question and not shallow ways of the world. He is broken after his mother’s death and sadly no one is there to understand his emotional state.
Magda is a Hungarian and lives her father in a rundown home. Soon Chris crashes in with them following an argument with his father. Who was evidently not his biological father. Later it is revealed that Magda’s father was called The Vagabond King.
Chris’s quest begins, in the course of time he finds out the meaning of being alive. All the events in his life made him ponder. When all things we have been told to make sense of things doesn’t make any sense.
This story has references to not one but many religions and mythologies, revealing the extent of research that went into writing this book. Like any other well-thought book, this one will make you question your routine ways. It excavates the oneness in all the beliefs and reveals the necessity in all things dark.
Phrases like “In this world there are haves and there are have nots.” – “Only Angels live on air.” - have a greater meaning.
The only thing I disagreed with was the Hindu philosophy around death and eating meat. I am a so-called Hindu, so I know better. There is no such thing as a Hindu, salvation, or eating meat a sin. It is a classic case of lost in translation account that is now considered factual.
The tales of the old man or the Vagabond King is very profound. You have to understand the wisdom in this author’s narration and the intricacies in his way of thinking. Such a beautiful mind necessitates not five but all the stars in the Universe.
Finally, A book with Mythology, Metaphysical, and Philosophy My three unconditional adorations.
What can I say, the author won me over with the complexity of the mind of the main character. The opening paragraph was a hint into what lay ahead. And I was not disappointed.
The narration is in first person by the main character, Christopher or Chris.
Magda is a curious woman who loves to read and is exploring herself by venturing into the world with her knack for learning more. She waitresses at an all-night diner and has a degree in philosophy. While listening to Magda read, he too becomes curious of the world around him. He misses his recently deceased mother a lot and his father is all but a tough guy who is pushing him to be man and take control of his future. Chris, however, is haunted by a snake-like voice telling him to seek himself in deeper question and not shallow ways of the world. He is broken after his mother’s death and sadly no one is there to understand his emotional state.
Magda is a Hungarian and lives her father in a rundown home. Soon Chris crashes in with them following an argument with his father. Who was evidently not his biological father. Later it is revealed that Magda’s father was called The Vagabond King.
Chris’s quest begins, in the course of time he finds out the meaning of being alive. All the events in his life made him ponder. When all things we have been told to make sense of things doesn’t make any sense.
This story has references to not one but many religions and mythologies, revealing the extent of research that went into writing this book. Like any other well-thought book, this one will make you question your routine ways. It excavates the oneness in all the beliefs and reveals the necessity in all things dark.
Phrases like “In this world there are haves and there are have nots.” – “Only Angels live on air.” - have a greater meaning.
The only thing I disagreed with was the Hindu philosophy around death and eating meat. I am a so-called Hindu, so I know better. There is no such thing as a Hindu, salvation, or eating meat a sin. It is a classic case of lost in translation account that is now considered factual.
The tales of the old man or the Vagabond King is very profound. You have to understand the wisdom in this author’s narration and the intricacies in his way of thinking. Such a beautiful mind necessitates not five but all the stars in the Universe.
Currently reading
March 21, 2021Just got another good review on Amazon!!
khale87
4.0 out of 5 stars Unique Style
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book for its unique style. The story itself isn't groundbreaking or new by any stretch of the imagination but the writing is original and refreshing in a literary world so often dominated by YA fiction or romance these days. While I appreciated the unique style the author worked so hard on I did only give it four stars because it was a challenging read. Art isn't meant to be enjoyed by everyone, but I found my mind wandering off-topic when the prose became too repetitive. Still an excellent read and I definitely recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Vagabond-King-...
khale87
4.0 out of 5 stars Unique Style
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2021
I really enjoyed reading this book for its unique style. The story itself isn't groundbreaking or new by any stretch of the imagination but the writing is original and refreshing in a literary world so often dominated by YA fiction or romance these days. While I appreciated the unique style the author worked so hard on I did only give it four stars because it was a challenging read. Art isn't meant to be enjoyed by everyone, but I found my mind wandering off-topic when the prose became too repetitive. Still an excellent read and I definitely recommend it!
https://www.amazon.com/Vagabond-King-...
August 16, 2021
Coming of Age in a time of metaphor and allegory
Billed as a coming of age read this is a poetic memoir more than a coming of age novel. It is beautifully written and poetic at times. The story is creative and holds the readers interest. The universal issues of loss and purpose and meaning drive the story. Again the writing is the strength. It took me a moment to realize that the coming of age idea was mislabeled. The tale about Chris and his struggles is intriguing. I read finding myself pulling for the sixteen year old dealing with so much. I’m glad I didn’t give up on Chris and the story because there are some genuine moments in the Vagabond tale not to be missed. Enjoyable. Insightful. Great story.
Billed as a coming of age read this is a poetic memoir more than a coming of age novel. It is beautifully written and poetic at times. The story is creative and holds the readers interest. The universal issues of loss and purpose and meaning drive the story. Again the writing is the strength. It took me a moment to realize that the coming of age idea was mislabeled. The tale about Chris and his struggles is intriguing. I read finding myself pulling for the sixteen year old dealing with so much. I’m glad I didn’t give up on Chris and the story because there are some genuine moments in the Vagabond tale not to be missed. Enjoyable. Insightful. Great story.
July 22, 2021
I am an avid reader. I read books of all genres, from well-known established authors and from authors who are just starting out. A lot of books are good. Others are not so good. And then, every now and then as I dig through the hundreds of books and thousands of pages and millions of words, I will find an absolute masterpiece. The Vagabond King is that masterpiece. With some of the most beautiful prose I have ever read that manages to be simultaneously saccharine and incredibly dark - I felt like I was reading the bizarre literary love child of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Sylvia Plath - this is not a book I will forget any time soon, and I am eagerly awaiting more from this new author.
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August 22, 2021From the very first sentence, you can see this book is well thought out.
This is imaginative with well-thought-out and well-developed characters. ---
The main character is a sixteen-year-old boy who starts out trapped by his own ego, small thinking, and desires. You will empathize with him and feel for his plight right away.
This is not a happy-happy joy-joy bubble gum reading book. If you prefer thought-provoking documentaries over trashy reality TV, then you may be the right audience for this book. Fans of books like “The Celestine Prophesy”, “The Four Agreements”, “The Way of The Gentle Warrior” and similar stories will greatly enjoy this book. Five stars.
This is imaginative with well-thought-out and well-developed characters. ---
The main character is a sixteen-year-old boy who starts out trapped by his own ego, small thinking, and desires. You will empathize with him and feel for his plight right away.
This is not a happy-happy joy-joy bubble gum reading book. If you prefer thought-provoking documentaries over trashy reality TV, then you may be the right audience for this book. Fans of books like “The Celestine Prophesy”, “The Four Agreements”, “The Way of The Gentle Warrior” and similar stories will greatly enjoy this book. Five stars.
May 4, 2024
"The Vagabond King" is not a light read; it demands attention from its compelling first line. The protagonist, Christopher, is difficult to like with his spoiled and moody nature, but the character who truly shines is Lazlo Mihali, Magda's father. His vivid portrayal and enriching stories add depth to the narrative. James Conway's prose is dense and filled with insightful reflections on life and identity. This book challenges readers to think beyond their existential quests and appreciate life's unfolding journey. While not destined for immediate fame, this novel holds the potential to be recognized as a classic in the future.
May 18, 2018
This was an intriguing look into the life of a boy where he struggles to find the meaning of life...maybe prompted by the death of his mother?
It is a serious and intense story with some beautifully written meaningful sections, though threaded with sadness. It reaches the soul and tugs deep down into philosophical arguments...certainly something to make you think.
Maybe nothing changes - is that the tragedy of humankind? Perhaps, in the end, all we can do is look to ourselves and hope?
Worth a look if you wish to ponder on more than the surface.
It is a serious and intense story with some beautifully written meaningful sections, though threaded with sadness. It reaches the soul and tugs deep down into philosophical arguments...certainly something to make you think.
Maybe nothing changes - is that the tragedy of humankind? Perhaps, in the end, all we can do is look to ourselves and hope?
Worth a look if you wish to ponder on more than the surface.
November 23, 2022
An Oedipal loathing of the unknown father and desire for his mother, The Vagabond King is not simply a coming-of-age story about a boy transitioning to manhood. It is a story of America looking for answers in its immigrant roots, from political refugees to slavery, seeking spiritual guidance through religion, and trying to figure out who it is and where it’s going. We are a nation of bastard and orphaned children, entitilistically seeking some higher purpose and the American dream of happiness. Still, reality smacks us down in one way or another, showing how nihilistic the pursuit truly is.
January 14, 2023
This novel is so deep and complex! It is one of the few fictional books I have read that I know will be on my “read it again someday” list, as there is much to contemplate within its pages that I probably missed the first time. So much more than a coming-of-age novel, this one includes aspects of philosophy, mythology, history, faith and so much more, as the protagonist is searching for meaning, relating both to his personal existence and the world. The lyrical writing style is captivating, and drew me into the story immediately.
May 25, 2024
This book is a very good read, but not a book for persons who like light hearted stuff. It is Dark, Intense and chuck full of depth. You will be hooked deeply from the first line. It follows a young protagonist on his journey to understand the complexities of life. It is more on the sad side with strong prompts that get you to think. Very well written and quite meaningful and beautifully woven to make a fantastic read. If your sensitive however to heavier stuff, and sadness might not be the book for you though. Highly recommend if your not sensitive to heavy things .
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