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Bardo
After twenty years in prison, an exonerated Luther finds himself once again accused of a murder he did not commit. He flees to New York City where Finn, an old Irish author, teaches him that life is not a predictable, straight path. They embark on a food and drink fueled, cross-country trip where Luther learns to embrace the idea that “life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.”
- GenresFiction
385 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Emily Gallo
9 books13 followersI View My Life In 3 Acts
Emily Kaufman was the girl growing up in Manhattan in the fifties and sixties. In the sixties and seventies, I attended Clark University and lived in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Seattle doing the hippie/peace/love/protest thing.
In the eighties and nineties, Emily Saur lived in Northampton, MA and Davis, CA and was the more conventional wife, mother of two, and elementary school teacher.
In 2006, I retired from teaching and became Emily Gallo when I married David, a professor of economics, and moved to Chico, CA to continue our journey. I started writing screenplays and television and moved into novels. David, Gracie (our Schillerhound), Savali (our cat) and I now divide our time between two and a half acres of gardens, orchards in Chico and a 750 square foot condo on the beach in Carpinteria, CA.
Emily Kaufman was the girl growing up in Manhattan in the fifties and sixties. In the sixties and seventies, I attended Clark University and lived in San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Seattle doing the hippie/peace/love/protest thing.
In the eighties and nineties, Emily Saur lived in Northampton, MA and Davis, CA and was the more conventional wife, mother of two, and elementary school teacher.
In 2006, I retired from teaching and became Emily Gallo when I married David, a professor of economics, and moved to Chico, CA to continue our journey. I started writing screenplays and television and moved into novels. David, Gracie (our Schillerhound), Savali (our cat) and I now divide our time between two and a half acres of gardens, orchards in Chico and a 750 square foot condo on the beach in Carpinteria, CA.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 28, 2023
Emily Gallo specialises in stories about people living on the fringes of United States Society. Several of her books feature some of the same characters. In this latest book one of the two main protagonists is the elderly father of Kate who, with her African American husband, was the principle protagonist in DREAMERs which I reviewed some time ago. Finn is of Irish extraction, a writer who has been successful in the past, now living in New York. The other main character starts out as one of the members of a communal farming enterprise in California, which has featured in some of Ms Gallo's other books. Luther is an African American recently released after twenty years in prison for a crime he did not commit. When a body is discovered near the farm, suspicion immediately falls on him. The other members of the community agree that it would be best if he was not around. Arrangements are made for him to go to New York to stay with Finn.
The body of the book concerns the developing relationship between the two men and their involvement with a group of homeless men for whom Finn provides creative writing classes. When Luther decides to return to California, Finn arranges for him to acquire a classic car from a widowed Jewish friend. The pair then embark on a road trip across the middle of the USA.
Throughout the New York days, and the subsequent journey, we are treated to a cornucopia of the great variety of foods and drinks that characterise the diversity of United States communities.
As interesting, even fascinating, as this was, for this reader it detracted from the sense of jeopardy that I expected given the circumstance that made Luther a fugitive. Nevertheless, Ms Gallo has provided her readers with another look at life as it is lived in the USA and exposed her love of that country and its people.
Luther pines for the woman with whom he fell in love at the farm and worries that she will have lost interest by the time he returns. Were I to reveal the answer to that conundrum, or anything else about Luther's fate at the end of his odissey, I would spoil the story for you. I won't do that because, despite the reservations I've stated, reading this novel is a truly rewarding experience. Suffice to say that his lack of confidence at the start is transformed into a clear vision of what he wants to do. The theme and the style make it eminently suitable for a young readership.
Bardo by Emily Gallo, reviewed for Rosie Amber's review team, Frank Parker, August 2023
The body of the book concerns the developing relationship between the two men and their involvement with a group of homeless men for whom Finn provides creative writing classes. When Luther decides to return to California, Finn arranges for him to acquire a classic car from a widowed Jewish friend. The pair then embark on a road trip across the middle of the USA.
Throughout the New York days, and the subsequent journey, we are treated to a cornucopia of the great variety of foods and drinks that characterise the diversity of United States communities.
As interesting, even fascinating, as this was, for this reader it detracted from the sense of jeopardy that I expected given the circumstance that made Luther a fugitive. Nevertheless, Ms Gallo has provided her readers with another look at life as it is lived in the USA and exposed her love of that country and its people.
Luther pines for the woman with whom he fell in love at the farm and worries that she will have lost interest by the time he returns. Were I to reveal the answer to that conundrum, or anything else about Luther's fate at the end of his odissey, I would spoil the story for you. I won't do that because, despite the reservations I've stated, reading this novel is a truly rewarding experience. Suffice to say that his lack of confidence at the start is transformed into a clear vision of what he wants to do. The theme and the style make it eminently suitable for a young readership.
Bardo by Emily Gallo, reviewed for Rosie Amber's review team, Frank Parker, August 2023
August 20, 2023
Emily Gallo is back with another beautiful portrayal of attributes that make us human. And this time we follow Luther across the East to the West Coast - from New York back to Garberville.
Luther, who was not long ago exonerated from a murder charge, once again seems to be the primary suspect for an anonymous dead body found near Dutch's farm. Tired and scared, Luther decides to leave the farm for the time being and that is when Jed introduces him to Finn. We meet 'a real curmudgeon' - 'a mean old fart'.
As soon as Luther gets off his first ever flight, he realizes how perfect Jed's description of Finn is, but soon enough he also realizes how mischievous that perfection is.
Finn, as has been introduced by Gallo in one of her previous novels, 'Venice Beach', is a best selling author, educates the homeless and is almost religious about his alcohol.
So when Finn and Luther decided to go back to Garberville in an '83 Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country Convertible, all their pit stops go around locally famous alcohol and an urge to be away from the city traffic. From Jewish cookies to New York style pizza, bourbon, Budweiser, Irish whiskey and a whole Mexican dinner, the journey does indeed seem eventful.
However, at times, each of the days did feel very repetitive- waking up slightly hungover, deciding on a route, juvenile banter and driving till a restaurant seems promising enough to deliver onto it's fried green tomatoes.
Finn, at times, feels like a character too artificial, very completely made up. Sure we cannot expect much of a character growth from an eighty year old, but neither can we expect him to be so athletic that Luther, a forty year old man working at a farm, is unable to catch up to his strides. The banter between the two also feels very repetitive and very simply, cringey.
Even though 'Bardo' is a part of an ongoing series, it reads just as well as a standalone novel. And just like any other novel by Gallo, the pace of 'Bardo' too, was surprisingly quick and fluent.
What is novel and what bounds this story together with its depiction of uncertainty and unfairness of life, and what makes it worth reading, is the very interesting concept of Bardo, "a Buddhist term...for those times like what you're dealing with, when the normal sense of continuity of your life is interrupted".
Also, there's a little kitten accompanying Finn and Luther, all wrapped up in his own fluffy blanket.
Luther, who was not long ago exonerated from a murder charge, once again seems to be the primary suspect for an anonymous dead body found near Dutch's farm. Tired and scared, Luther decides to leave the farm for the time being and that is when Jed introduces him to Finn. We meet 'a real curmudgeon' - 'a mean old fart'.
As soon as Luther gets off his first ever flight, he realizes how perfect Jed's description of Finn is, but soon enough he also realizes how mischievous that perfection is.
Finn, as has been introduced by Gallo in one of her previous novels, 'Venice Beach', is a best selling author, educates the homeless and is almost religious about his alcohol.
So when Finn and Luther decided to go back to Garberville in an '83 Chrysler LeBaron Town and Country Convertible, all their pit stops go around locally famous alcohol and an urge to be away from the city traffic. From Jewish cookies to New York style pizza, bourbon, Budweiser, Irish whiskey and a whole Mexican dinner, the journey does indeed seem eventful.
However, at times, each of the days did feel very repetitive- waking up slightly hungover, deciding on a route, juvenile banter and driving till a restaurant seems promising enough to deliver onto it's fried green tomatoes.
Finn, at times, feels like a character too artificial, very completely made up. Sure we cannot expect much of a character growth from an eighty year old, but neither can we expect him to be so athletic that Luther, a forty year old man working at a farm, is unable to catch up to his strides. The banter between the two also feels very repetitive and very simply, cringey.
Even though 'Bardo' is a part of an ongoing series, it reads just as well as a standalone novel. And just like any other novel by Gallo, the pace of 'Bardo' too, was surprisingly quick and fluent.
What is novel and what bounds this story together with its depiction of uncertainty and unfairness of life, and what makes it worth reading, is the very interesting concept of Bardo, "a Buddhist term...for those times like what you're dealing with, when the normal sense of continuity of your life is interrupted".
Also, there's a little kitten accompanying Finn and Luther, all wrapped up in his own fluffy blanket.
November 26, 2023
“Bardo” by Emily Gallo captures the essence of not knowing what the future holds but trying to figure it out anyway. The novel focuses on Luther, a recently exonerated Black man, who has just spent the last 20 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. It explores the relationship he has with himself and the way he tries to adapt to change. The book also examines Luther’s relationship with Finn, a friend of a friend who takes Luther in – after Luther’s been accused of a second murder – no questions asked. Luther and Finn adapt to living together while also growing their new-found friendship.
“Bardo” is an interesting commentary on not judging books by their cover and expecting the unexpected in people. It is also a tale of kindness and the shared human experience of struggle. Gallo delicately intertwines social issues with character growth and development so that the characters’ struggles are seen as personal tragedies. She does a great job at creating various character voices, ranging from the timid Luther to the hopeful Theo, and the tough but soft Finn.
The novel focuses on the idea of liminal space and about being somewhere in between two places. Luther is in the middle of his past, prison, and his future, the unknown. He uses his time with Finn to reach a conclusion about what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Through his relationship with Finn, we see Luther transform from a timid, apologetic man to a confident go-getter. His character development is crucial to the story. Gallo does an excellent job of transforming the characters. As they get to know one another better, so do we.
I would have preferred it if there was more backstory given to Luther’s home life at the farm. We see some of his relationship with his found family at the beginning and end of the novel, but it lacks development and as a result, I could not empathize with the relationship he has with his family. But perhaps the lack of explanation was the point so that the readers would focus on Luther’s use of his liminal space. Gallo focused on Luther’s use of the present, not the past or potential future. By placing the emphasis on Luther’s journey, we get to see him outside of his familiar relationships and Gallo forces us to watch his journey as an individual who is just trying to figure everything out like the rest of us.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy general fiction would enjoy “Bardo” by Emily Gallo. It’s an easy read with heartwarming characters, good descriptive detail, and easy-to-follow dialogue. Gallo also touches on various social issues, making the novel a very relatable narrative to those of us who have succeeded under difficult circumstances.
“Bardo” is an interesting commentary on not judging books by their cover and expecting the unexpected in people. It is also a tale of kindness and the shared human experience of struggle. Gallo delicately intertwines social issues with character growth and development so that the characters’ struggles are seen as personal tragedies. She does a great job at creating various character voices, ranging from the timid Luther to the hopeful Theo, and the tough but soft Finn.
The novel focuses on the idea of liminal space and about being somewhere in between two places. Luther is in the middle of his past, prison, and his future, the unknown. He uses his time with Finn to reach a conclusion about what he wants to do with the rest of his life. Through his relationship with Finn, we see Luther transform from a timid, apologetic man to a confident go-getter. His character development is crucial to the story. Gallo does an excellent job of transforming the characters. As they get to know one another better, so do we.
I would have preferred it if there was more backstory given to Luther’s home life at the farm. We see some of his relationship with his found family at the beginning and end of the novel, but it lacks development and as a result, I could not empathize with the relationship he has with his family. But perhaps the lack of explanation was the point so that the readers would focus on Luther’s use of his liminal space. Gallo focused on Luther’s use of the present, not the past or potential future. By placing the emphasis on Luther’s journey, we get to see him outside of his familiar relationships and Gallo forces us to watch his journey as an individual who is just trying to figure everything out like the rest of us.
Overall, I think readers who enjoy general fiction would enjoy “Bardo” by Emily Gallo. It’s an easy read with heartwarming characters, good descriptive detail, and easy-to-follow dialogue. Gallo also touches on various social issues, making the novel a very relatable narrative to those of us who have succeeded under difficult circumstances.
October 14, 2023
How does an innocent game of basketball cause Luther Banks to spend twenty years in prison for murder? After playing ball with a group of guys he didn’t know, Luther agreed to accompany the gentlemen to the store. Unbeknownst to him, these guys planned to take more than snacks. Now Luther stands over the clerk’s dead body as the police officers handcuff him. Behind bars, Luther grapples with the notion that he’s been wrongfully convicted. Thankfully, with the help of the Innocence Project, he is exonerated.
Now, at forty, Luther must learn how to reacclimate himself back into an exciting and scary world. And he’s doing that when his life takes another devastating blow as he’s accused of murder once again. A body is found on Dutch Bogart’s land, and deputies believe Luther is involved. Luther is staying at the residence with a group of others, and all parties involved feel Luther should leave for a while until things calm down and deputies find the actual culprit. Luther reluctantly agrees and sets his sights on New York, thanks to Jed (a friend of Luther’s). He meets up with Jed’s friend Finn, and both men embark on a memorable journey filled with laughs, heartache, honesty, love, friendship, and family in author Emily Gallo’s book Bardo.
I loved that this book showed readers that you are not your past. You can start life anew and create new memories, goals, friendships, etc. The dynamic and intricate relationship between Finn and Luther was beautifully complex, as it was honest. They are opposites in every sense of the word, but Finn opened Luther’s eyes to a world outside of what he once knew all those years ago, and Luther helped Finn to become more comfortable with being vulnerable. Bardo is about navigating life and the lessons, memories, and people you meet that help shape how you see the world and the various experiences you encounter past, present, and future.
Bardo started slow but picked up quickly as the chapters continued. There were a couple of misspelled words, but nothing to deter the reader from enjoying and finishing the book. Colorful characters, picturesque scenes, and an engaging plot help make this novel a captivating, witty, and detailed read! Readers into fictional novels filled with self-discovery, friendships, loss, love, and family would enjoy reading Bardo!
Now, at forty, Luther must learn how to reacclimate himself back into an exciting and scary world. And he’s doing that when his life takes another devastating blow as he’s accused of murder once again. A body is found on Dutch Bogart’s land, and deputies believe Luther is involved. Luther is staying at the residence with a group of others, and all parties involved feel Luther should leave for a while until things calm down and deputies find the actual culprit. Luther reluctantly agrees and sets his sights on New York, thanks to Jed (a friend of Luther’s). He meets up with Jed’s friend Finn, and both men embark on a memorable journey filled with laughs, heartache, honesty, love, friendship, and family in author Emily Gallo’s book Bardo.
I loved that this book showed readers that you are not your past. You can start life anew and create new memories, goals, friendships, etc. The dynamic and intricate relationship between Finn and Luther was beautifully complex, as it was honest. They are opposites in every sense of the word, but Finn opened Luther’s eyes to a world outside of what he once knew all those years ago, and Luther helped Finn to become more comfortable with being vulnerable. Bardo is about navigating life and the lessons, memories, and people you meet that help shape how you see the world and the various experiences you encounter past, present, and future.
Bardo started slow but picked up quickly as the chapters continued. There were a couple of misspelled words, but nothing to deter the reader from enjoying and finishing the book. Colorful characters, picturesque scenes, and an engaging plot help make this novel a captivating, witty, and detailed read! Readers into fictional novels filled with self-discovery, friendships, loss, love, and family would enjoy reading Bardo!
Read
January 6, 2024As an avid reader and supporter of indie authors, it's always exciting to explore new works, especially those that come directly from the creative minds of self-published authors like Emily Gallo. "Bardo" was a book I approached with enthusiasm, provided as an ARC for an honest review.
Highlights of 'Bardo':
Engaging Premise: The story's premise is intriguing and sets a promising stage.
Vibrant Characterization of Finn: Finn, a standout character, brings energy and intrigue to the narrative. His backstory, though partially explored, leaves a reader wanting more, hinting at depth and complexity.
Charming Element: The inclusion of Bardo, the kitten, adds a delightful touch to the story.
Local Flavour: As a Bay Area native, I appreciated the familiar setting, which lends authenticity and a personal connection to the tale.
Areas for Growth:
Dialogue-Heavy Narrative: Personally, I found the heavy reliance on dialogue over internal monologue a bit challenging. It's a unique style, yet for a story tackling substantial themes like racism and homelessness, more introspective insights could enrich the narrative.
Character Depth: Luther's character, given his compelling backstory, seemed to lack the depth and emotional resonance expected. The narrative sometimes tells more than it shows, missing opportunities to deeply explore his experiences and perspectives.
Closing Thoughts:
Reading is a subjective experience, and while "Bardo" didn't fully resonate with me, it showcases potential and creativity. Writing and publishing a book is no small feat, and Emily Gallo's effort in bringing this story to life is commendable. It's important for readers to remember that each book has its audience, and 'Bardo' might well be the perfect read for someone else.
Highlights of 'Bardo':
Engaging Premise: The story's premise is intriguing and sets a promising stage.
Vibrant Characterization of Finn: Finn, a standout character, brings energy and intrigue to the narrative. His backstory, though partially explored, leaves a reader wanting more, hinting at depth and complexity.
Charming Element: The inclusion of Bardo, the kitten, adds a delightful touch to the story.
Local Flavour: As a Bay Area native, I appreciated the familiar setting, which lends authenticity and a personal connection to the tale.
Areas for Growth:
Dialogue-Heavy Narrative: Personally, I found the heavy reliance on dialogue over internal monologue a bit challenging. It's a unique style, yet for a story tackling substantial themes like racism and homelessness, more introspective insights could enrich the narrative.
Character Depth: Luther's character, given his compelling backstory, seemed to lack the depth and emotional resonance expected. The narrative sometimes tells more than it shows, missing opportunities to deeply explore his experiences and perspectives.
Closing Thoughts:
Reading is a subjective experience, and while "Bardo" didn't fully resonate with me, it showcases potential and creativity. Writing and publishing a book is no small feat, and Emily Gallo's effort in bringing this story to life is commendable. It's important for readers to remember that each book has its audience, and 'Bardo' might well be the perfect read for someone else.
December 30, 2023
"An inspirational and heartwarming story of friendship and the lessons we can learn from each other along the way." ~ nerdywordyreviews
BARDO took me into the life of a grown man accused of crimes he didn't commit, just because of the color of his skin, and the difficulties of trying to find his footing in the world.
When a sudden death occurs where Luther finally found stability, the cops look to him. Feeling the pressure and the fear of not wanting to be pinned for another crime he did not commit, his friends send him to New York to "lay low" until everything passes. That is when he meets, Finn.
Finn is a grumpy old Irish man, set in his ways, who enjoys his whiskey and is very opinionated.
Throughout their time spent together, Luther learns a lot about life and the hardness and softness of the world. How to stand on his two feet, make decisions, and to fight for what he believes in while staying true to himself.
BARDO is a story about an unlikely friendship and the bonds created. The story has a natural flow and a realistic feel to it. The situations and events that unfold throughout their journey together are heartwarming and eye-opening.
A lot of the novel is based on dialogue and the conversations held between Finn and Luther. Like a cinematic play, making it easy to feel like you are a fly on the wall observing their everyday life. There are moments of raw humor, sadness, and fear.
BARDO reminded me a lot of the movie "Finding Forrester." If you enjoyed the movie, you would enjoy this even-paced story of Luther and Finn's journey into this unexpected bond of friendship.
BARDO took me into the life of a grown man accused of crimes he didn't commit, just because of the color of his skin, and the difficulties of trying to find his footing in the world.
When a sudden death occurs where Luther finally found stability, the cops look to him. Feeling the pressure and the fear of not wanting to be pinned for another crime he did not commit, his friends send him to New York to "lay low" until everything passes. That is when he meets, Finn.
Finn is a grumpy old Irish man, set in his ways, who enjoys his whiskey and is very opinionated.
Throughout their time spent together, Luther learns a lot about life and the hardness and softness of the world. How to stand on his two feet, make decisions, and to fight for what he believes in while staying true to himself.
BARDO is a story about an unlikely friendship and the bonds created. The story has a natural flow and a realistic feel to it. The situations and events that unfold throughout their journey together are heartwarming and eye-opening.
A lot of the novel is based on dialogue and the conversations held between Finn and Luther. Like a cinematic play, making it easy to feel like you are a fly on the wall observing their everyday life. There are moments of raw humor, sadness, and fear.
BARDO reminded me a lot of the movie "Finding Forrester." If you enjoyed the movie, you would enjoy this even-paced story of Luther and Finn's journey into this unexpected bond of friendship.
January 14, 2024
After Luthor is once again suspected of a murder he didn't commit, it seems the wisest move for him to leave the area. He had previously spent 20 years in prison before being exonerated, and while there is no evidence pointing to him, the body was found nearby and he is a black man living in a predominantly white, rural area. The cop who came to their property seems determined to pin the crime on him. And so, for now at least, flees from the farm he had been living and working on in California and winds up in New York to stay with an old, Irish author And here, it seems that his life finally and truly begins.
This was an Interesting story about two men who seemingly could not be more different from each other. Finn helps Luthor to explore life and live it to the fullest. They travel across the country by car from New York to California, experiencing new places, new foods, and discovering different ways of life, allowing Luthor to finally discover who he is, and who he wants to be.
I received a review copy of this book, and at first, I was confused by the addition of the cat Bardo to their journey. But when you discover the meaning behind the cat’s name and how that applies to the rest of the tale, it all becomes clear. But I’ll let you discover that part for yourself, as part of your journey with this book.
If you enjoy contemporary stories about people from different walks of life discovering themselves and others, and of course a variety of foods (for the various foods in this book are just as much a part of this journey), then I think you will most likely enjoy this book.
This was an Interesting story about two men who seemingly could not be more different from each other. Finn helps Luthor to explore life and live it to the fullest. They travel across the country by car from New York to California, experiencing new places, new foods, and discovering different ways of life, allowing Luthor to finally discover who he is, and who he wants to be.
I received a review copy of this book, and at first, I was confused by the addition of the cat Bardo to their journey. But when you discover the meaning behind the cat’s name and how that applies to the rest of the tale, it all becomes clear. But I’ll let you discover that part for yourself, as part of your journey with this book.
If you enjoy contemporary stories about people from different walks of life discovering themselves and others, and of course a variety of foods (for the various foods in this book are just as much a part of this journey), then I think you will most likely enjoy this book.
November 6, 2023
Bardo by Emily Gallo is a heartwarming tale that follows the characters’ journey exploring the meaning of life. I was captivated by the author’s exquisite attention to detail, vividly depicting cultures, foods, travel, and various sights along their path.
Woven together are those rich details and the essence of life while also tackling important societal issues. Bardo adeptly portrays friendship, love, and hope through Ms. Gallo’s impressive writing style, relatable characters, and clever colloquialisms.
Woven together are those rich details and the essence of life while also tackling important societal issues. Bardo adeptly portrays friendship, love, and hope through Ms. Gallo’s impressive writing style, relatable characters, and clever colloquialisms.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews