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Monochrome
What would you do to save your most precious memories?
That’s the question that Abigail Bennet, a new mother, must answer in this dark fantasy.
The cries of her new baby throw Abigail into rage and desperation. Frightened by foreign anger and overwhelming depression, the first-time mother decides to end her life to spare the life of her only child. But before she acts on her dark intuition, she is overcome by a panic attack and blacks out.
When she awakes, everything is blue: the trees, the grass, the rocks and still, scentless sky above her. Everything except the face of the man who stands over her. He is Ishmael Dubois and claims to be her Guide through the dangerous world of Monochrome, a physical manifestation of the depressed mind. But in a place where good memories are currency, nightmares walk, and hopeless people are hired to bring down those who still have the will to live, Abigail starts to wonder if she’ll ever make it back to her family. Despite her growing feelings for her handsome, mysterious Guide, Abigail must fight for the life she once wished to take or fade into the blue.
That’s the question that Abigail Bennet, a new mother, must answer in this dark fantasy.
The cries of her new baby throw Abigail into rage and desperation. Frightened by foreign anger and overwhelming depression, the first-time mother decides to end her life to spare the life of her only child. But before she acts on her dark intuition, she is overcome by a panic attack and blacks out.
When she awakes, everything is blue: the trees, the grass, the rocks and still, scentless sky above her. Everything except the face of the man who stands over her. He is Ishmael Dubois and claims to be her Guide through the dangerous world of Monochrome, a physical manifestation of the depressed mind. But in a place where good memories are currency, nightmares walk, and hopeless people are hired to bring down those who still have the will to live, Abigail starts to wonder if she’ll ever make it back to her family. Despite her growing feelings for her handsome, mysterious Guide, Abigail must fight for the life she once wished to take or fade into the blue.
- GenresFantasy
289 pages, ebook
First published October 20, 2013
2 people are currently reading
875 people want to read
About the author
H.M. Jones
33 books76 followersH.M. Jones is the B.R.A.G Medallion author of Monochrome, to be re-released by Feminine Collective in Aug. 2016. She is also responsible for the Attempting to Define poetry quartet and has contributed a short story to Master’s of Time: A Sci-Fi and Fantasy Time Travel Anthology, entitled "The Light Storm of 2015." A bestseller only in her mind, Jones pays the electric bill by teaching English and research courses at Northwest Indian College. Jones is also the moderator for Elite Indie Reads, a review website for Indie and Self published books.
Besides buying enough second-hand books to fill a library, Jones loves to spend time helping her preschoolers grow into thinking, feeling citizens of this world, run, weave, pull with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Canoe Family and attempt to deserve her handsome husband, who is helping pay the other bills until his wife becomes the next big thing.
Besides buying enough second-hand books to fill a library, Jones loves to spend time helping her preschoolers grow into thinking, feeling citizens of this world, run, weave, pull with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Canoe Family and attempt to deserve her handsome husband, who is helping pay the other bills until his wife becomes the next big thing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 24, 2014
Hauntingly beautiful!
That's the best way I can think of to describe this book. Admittedly, I didn't think, at first blush, that this was the type of book I would normally gravitate toward. But I'd heard a lot of buzz about it, so I entered a giveaway for it. Lucky for me, I won! I'll confess that at first I braced myself for what I thought would be a somewhat dark read given that Abigail, the main character, suffers from post partum depression. (Not that I mind a dark read, just that I have to “psychologically prepare for it”.) While I do feel a lot of sympathy for anyone who has suffered with this terrible affliction, I find it hard to get my mind around it as my experience of becoming a mother was just the opposite. For people like me, it's difficult to fully grasp what PPD would be like. This book goes a long way toward describing it, helping to illuminate it. That, in and of itself, makes this book a success.
But it's not at all what I expected. Jones takes a dark subject and imbues it with light. This is an excellent book which serves two purposes, in my opinion. First, as a form of entertainment. Not in a light and fluffy kind of way (not that I don't enjoy a good light and fluffy read now and then), but in a gritty, glue you to your seat, can't look away kind of way. Second, I think it serves as a kind of window to what the world might look like through the eyes of someone who struggles with PPD. In that way, it has a weight, an importance. I think someone who has had PPD would find this book comforting and therapeutic. The psychological journey that Abigail, the main character, goes on is probably one that many could identify with and have that feeling of, “Someone gets me, she understands.” For those of us who are fortunate enough to not know what it's like, Jones paints an eye-opening, intense and artistic picture. I was glued to the pages from the very beginning.
Abigail, overwhelmed with the stress of a newborn and the toll it's taking on her and her marriage, has a breakdown which transports her to Monochrome, a sad, darkly blue (literally and figuratively) world filled with hopeless, depressed people who wanted to die, but ended up in Monochrome instead. In this place, the currency is, for most, their own memories. And just like in the real world, everything costs, including the bare necessities like food and shelter. The more expensive the price tag, the more valuable the memory to pay for it. Not surprisingly, many of Monochrome's residents turn to alcohol to dull the pain of their existence as they're losing more and more of themselves with every memory transaction. This starts them on a vicious cycle that many will never recover from.
Everyone is assigned a Guide upon arriving in Monochrome, and Abigail's is Ishmael, a troubled, brooding, young man who is haunted by plenty of his own personal demons. He, and other employees of Monochrome, earn actual currency so that they don't always have to pay with memories. But despite that perk, job turnover is high as many are driven to suicide, having arrived with problems and regrets that only seem to intensify in their new, depressing environment. There is supposedly a way out, but most are too weak of will to bother to try to leave.
At first I thought that it was ironic that people would end up here if they were only going to get worse. But as the plot progressed, I came to understand that for someone like Abigail, the desperation of this world helped her to see all that she had to be thankful for. Her generous spirit is a beacon of hope for others whose worst side was brought out by their time in Monochrome.
I love the character of Abigail. She's very real, with all her flaws. Her terrible thoughts that most would never admit to having are laid bare for the reader to see. But despite her difficulties adjusting to the new-world order that happens when a baby arrives, she's a very generous, compassionate person who, like many who've been stressed to the nth degree with the demands of taking care of a family, has a hard time recognizing the value in her life.
Though the story is mainly about finding a way to get Abigail out of this desperate place and home to her family, I couldn't help rooting for Ishmael too. He's very hard on himself, and he's so much better than he gives himself credit for. But he starts to see the possibility of redemption if he can just help Abigail get home.
Anyone who likes poetry will enjoy the snippets from classic poets that are interspersed throughout, highlighting Abigail's and Ihsmael's mutual love of poetry.
Before I give away too much, I'll stop here by saying simply, I highly recommend this book... It's well-written, well-paced with strong characters, vivid descriptions, and a riveting plot. Read it!
That's the best way I can think of to describe this book. Admittedly, I didn't think, at first blush, that this was the type of book I would normally gravitate toward. But I'd heard a lot of buzz about it, so I entered a giveaway for it. Lucky for me, I won! I'll confess that at first I braced myself for what I thought would be a somewhat dark read given that Abigail, the main character, suffers from post partum depression. (Not that I mind a dark read, just that I have to “psychologically prepare for it”.) While I do feel a lot of sympathy for anyone who has suffered with this terrible affliction, I find it hard to get my mind around it as my experience of becoming a mother was just the opposite. For people like me, it's difficult to fully grasp what PPD would be like. This book goes a long way toward describing it, helping to illuminate it. That, in and of itself, makes this book a success.
But it's not at all what I expected. Jones takes a dark subject and imbues it with light. This is an excellent book which serves two purposes, in my opinion. First, as a form of entertainment. Not in a light and fluffy kind of way (not that I don't enjoy a good light and fluffy read now and then), but in a gritty, glue you to your seat, can't look away kind of way. Second, I think it serves as a kind of window to what the world might look like through the eyes of someone who struggles with PPD. In that way, it has a weight, an importance. I think someone who has had PPD would find this book comforting and therapeutic. The psychological journey that Abigail, the main character, goes on is probably one that many could identify with and have that feeling of, “Someone gets me, she understands.” For those of us who are fortunate enough to not know what it's like, Jones paints an eye-opening, intense and artistic picture. I was glued to the pages from the very beginning.
Abigail, overwhelmed with the stress of a newborn and the toll it's taking on her and her marriage, has a breakdown which transports her to Monochrome, a sad, darkly blue (literally and figuratively) world filled with hopeless, depressed people who wanted to die, but ended up in Monochrome instead. In this place, the currency is, for most, their own memories. And just like in the real world, everything costs, including the bare necessities like food and shelter. The more expensive the price tag, the more valuable the memory to pay for it. Not surprisingly, many of Monochrome's residents turn to alcohol to dull the pain of their existence as they're losing more and more of themselves with every memory transaction. This starts them on a vicious cycle that many will never recover from.
Everyone is assigned a Guide upon arriving in Monochrome, and Abigail's is Ishmael, a troubled, brooding, young man who is haunted by plenty of his own personal demons. He, and other employees of Monochrome, earn actual currency so that they don't always have to pay with memories. But despite that perk, job turnover is high as many are driven to suicide, having arrived with problems and regrets that only seem to intensify in their new, depressing environment. There is supposedly a way out, but most are too weak of will to bother to try to leave.
At first I thought that it was ironic that people would end up here if they were only going to get worse. But as the plot progressed, I came to understand that for someone like Abigail, the desperation of this world helped her to see all that she had to be thankful for. Her generous spirit is a beacon of hope for others whose worst side was brought out by their time in Monochrome.
I love the character of Abigail. She's very real, with all her flaws. Her terrible thoughts that most would never admit to having are laid bare for the reader to see. But despite her difficulties adjusting to the new-world order that happens when a baby arrives, she's a very generous, compassionate person who, like many who've been stressed to the nth degree with the demands of taking care of a family, has a hard time recognizing the value in her life.
Though the story is mainly about finding a way to get Abigail out of this desperate place and home to her family, I couldn't help rooting for Ishmael too. He's very hard on himself, and he's so much better than he gives himself credit for. But he starts to see the possibility of redemption if he can just help Abigail get home.
Anyone who likes poetry will enjoy the snippets from classic poets that are interspersed throughout, highlighting Abigail's and Ihsmael's mutual love of poetry.
Before I give away too much, I'll stop here by saying simply, I highly recommend this book... It's well-written, well-paced with strong characters, vivid descriptions, and a riveting plot. Read it!
October 14, 2015
3/5 Rating Originally posted at MyLifeMyBooksMyEscape
Highly original and emotional story about the power and worth of memories
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read H.M. Jones's short story, The Light Storm of 2015 (my review), from The Master of Time: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Time Travel Anthology earlier this year and loved everything about. I gave it a 5 star rating, which, if you follow my blog, you know is a rare occurrence. When I was offered a chance to review this novel, I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure is this type of story as me, but, because of that short story, I had to check it out. And I'm glad I did.
Abigail is at her breaking point; she can't handle her baby anymore. She puts her new-born down beside its crib and leaves it to go to her bedroom, shutting the door to block the crying out. This is when negative thoughts start to fill her head: she is a bad mother, bad wife; she doesn't deserve to happy; her family would happier without her; she should just kill herself.
While thinking these thing, she suddenly starts to get tunnel vision, and then falls and faints. When she opens her eyes, she is the woods... but the trees look blue? And sitting above her is a man named Ishmael.
Abigail believes she has been kidnapped and demands to know where her baby is, and that he return her baby right away. The man, Ishmael, tell her that is not what has happened, and he doesn't know where her baby is. Abigail is now is place called Monochrome. A place for the depressed and the suicidal; a place for those who have given up on life and happiness.Ishmael had been to sent to find her, because he is Guide, and it is his job to lead her out of Monochrome - if that's what she wants. However, leaving Monochrome is not a simple as walking through gate.
Abigail's faith and love for her husband, her love and care for her baby, and determination to return to them will constantly be tested. But when she is losing her memories of home - like her wedding day and baby's birth - will she want to return home? Will Abigail believe that her family is better off with or without her?
There are dark and depressing places in fantasy, and Monochrome is right up there with the most depressing of them all. It is filled with people who have either tried to commit suicide or have seriously thought of committing it. People are literally without happy thoughts anymore and live in their own self-pity and nightmares. People lie, murder, steal, and rape everyday all to get a happy memory. Why are happy memories so important? Because happy memories are used as currency. Food, water, shelter, clothes - they all cost memories. I will get in to this memory as currency system later, but the people who have already been taken to Monochrome, believe that no one wants them back home. And now, if they have to give up all there happy memories, they will only remember the bad moments. So, if these people have nothing happy reminding them of home, they will start to believe that people at home actually do hate them, and then, well, why would they want to leave Monochrome?
Abigail is a wife and mother who is suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). When we first meet Abigail, she is walking away from her baby, and you going to think this is a horrible mother. But, once she leaves the room, and you hear what she is filling her head with, these extremely scary and negative thoughts about her self and what she thinks is best for her family, you are instantly going over to sympathy. Then, once she ends up in Monochrome, despite what she has to go through, is relentlessly determined to get back home to her family.
Readers may think that because of her PPD and journey home, Abigail would be 100% sympathetic, however, I found that was not always the case. Mainly because of Ishmael. Ishmael is stuck (or doesn't want to leave) Monochrome himself, and it is his job to guide Abigail out, if it what she chooses. Almost right away she develops an attraction to Ishmael, and over time Ishmael develops feeling for her. The problem with this? Abigail is married with a baby!
I was really torn with this. A lot times I would get caught in the moment and be begging for them to kiss and finally just do it! But then suddenly I would remember that Abigail is married (with a baby!), and this thing with Ishmael is cheating! Ishmael makes it no secret that he has feeling for Abigail, but Abigail never really shuts him down. He makes a lot of forward "jokes" :wink wink:, that I thought would have ended him up with a good slap to the face, but Abigail kind of laughs them off too or goes with them. I can't blame Ishmael for them: he lives in literally the most depressing place, and meets a girl who he likes, likes him back, and who has never even really hinted at wanting him to stop. So does this makes Abigail a bad person? Not really either. Yes she has family, but the reason she is here, is because she thought she was worthless and they were better off without. So, when she meets a man who likes her, and starts to lose happy memories of her home, well, again, might it makes sense for her to stay in Monochrome with Ishmael?
This memory currency I have been alluding to is amazing. Memories come in various colors (values). From purple, being something like minor, like a memory of how much fun you had a party in high school, to gold memories, where these are major events in your life, like the first day you meet you future husband/wife or your actual wedding day. For example: we all that one annoying friend, but we still love them - probably because the first time we met them was or we know something personal about them. Now, say you lose that memory. All you have left is that they're an annoying person, and suddenly you start to wonder why you're were friends with them. Now, imagine that for all you loved ones.
It was because of the moments we saw in Abigail's memories that I loved her character and reading this story. H.M. Jones is phenomenal at writing emotional scenes and building that character-reader relationship. Each of memories is a single event in Abigail life, and every single one of them - from purple to gold - caused me to take pause because of how powerful they felt.
Yes, there is a romance theme here, but no, this is NOT a romance novel; this is a fantasy story first and foremost. However, the struggle Abigail faces between chooses Ishmael and her husband is central to the plot.
There are a few things I would have liked to seen: such as Abigail struggling more to decide wether or not to return home - especially after she looses some of her more important memories - and I would have loved to explore Monochrome world more too, but these were nothing that took away from story. This is very compelling read and I enjoyed reading it the whole time. There was actually a surpassing amount of tense moments in the plot, too (there are people who run Monochrome, whose mission is to make sure Abigail doesn't leave Monochrome, no matter what), and a couple good twists in the plot.
After reading Monochrome I still don't necessarily think this story was for me (which I why the 3 rating). There is enough fantasy to keep that part of me satisfied, and while the love story in the plot is great, it was a bit too much for my preference. Even if I had known this before hand though, I still would have read it, because it is a good story.
What made me love her short story - the power of her emotional writing - was here is full force, and is why I enjoyed this novel. If you are reader who looks for emotions in their story, H.M. Jones is the author for you.
3/5 Rating
-DJ
Highly original and emotional story about the power and worth of memories
*Disclaimer: I was provided with a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read H.M. Jones's short story, The Light Storm of 2015 (my review), from The Master of Time: A Science Fiction and Fantasy Time Travel Anthology earlier this year and loved everything about. I gave it a 5 star rating, which, if you follow my blog, you know is a rare occurrence. When I was offered a chance to review this novel, I was hesitant at first because I wasn't sure is this type of story as me, but, because of that short story, I had to check it out. And I'm glad I did.
Abigail is at her breaking point; she can't handle her baby anymore. She puts her new-born down beside its crib and leaves it to go to her bedroom, shutting the door to block the crying out. This is when negative thoughts start to fill her head: she is a bad mother, bad wife; she doesn't deserve to happy; her family would happier without her; she should just kill herself.
While thinking these thing, she suddenly starts to get tunnel vision, and then falls and faints. When she opens her eyes, she is the woods... but the trees look blue? And sitting above her is a man named Ishmael.
Abigail believes she has been kidnapped and demands to know where her baby is, and that he return her baby right away. The man, Ishmael, tell her that is not what has happened, and he doesn't know where her baby is. Abigail is now is place called Monochrome. A place for the depressed and the suicidal; a place for those who have given up on life and happiness.Ishmael had been to sent to find her, because he is Guide, and it is his job to lead her out of Monochrome - if that's what she wants. However, leaving Monochrome is not a simple as walking through gate.
Abigail's faith and love for her husband, her love and care for her baby, and determination to return to them will constantly be tested. But when she is losing her memories of home - like her wedding day and baby's birth - will she want to return home? Will Abigail believe that her family is better off with or without her?
There are dark and depressing places in fantasy, and Monochrome is right up there with the most depressing of them all. It is filled with people who have either tried to commit suicide or have seriously thought of committing it. People are literally without happy thoughts anymore and live in their own self-pity and nightmares. People lie, murder, steal, and rape everyday all to get a happy memory. Why are happy memories so important? Because happy memories are used as currency. Food, water, shelter, clothes - they all cost memories. I will get in to this memory as currency system later, but the people who have already been taken to Monochrome, believe that no one wants them back home. And now, if they have to give up all there happy memories, they will only remember the bad moments. So, if these people have nothing happy reminding them of home, they will start to believe that people at home actually do hate them, and then, well, why would they want to leave Monochrome?
Abigail is a wife and mother who is suffering from postpartum depression (PPD). When we first meet Abigail, she is walking away from her baby, and you going to think this is a horrible mother. But, once she leaves the room, and you hear what she is filling her head with, these extremely scary and negative thoughts about her self and what she thinks is best for her family, you are instantly going over to sympathy. Then, once she ends up in Monochrome, despite what she has to go through, is relentlessly determined to get back home to her family.
Readers may think that because of her PPD and journey home, Abigail would be 100% sympathetic, however, I found that was not always the case. Mainly because of Ishmael. Ishmael is stuck (or doesn't want to leave) Monochrome himself, and it is his job to guide Abigail out, if it what she chooses. Almost right away she develops an attraction to Ishmael, and over time Ishmael develops feeling for her. The problem with this? Abigail is married with a baby!
I was really torn with this. A lot times I would get caught in the moment and be begging for them to kiss and finally just do it! But then suddenly I would remember that Abigail is married (with a baby!), and this thing with Ishmael is cheating! Ishmael makes it no secret that he has feeling for Abigail, but Abigail never really shuts him down. He makes a lot of forward "jokes" :wink wink:, that I thought would have ended him up with a good slap to the face, but Abigail kind of laughs them off too or goes with them. I can't blame Ishmael for them: he lives in literally the most depressing place, and meets a girl who he likes, likes him back, and who has never even really hinted at wanting him to stop. So does this makes Abigail a bad person? Not really either. Yes she has family, but the reason she is here, is because she thought she was worthless and they were better off without. So, when she meets a man who likes her, and starts to lose happy memories of her home, well, again, might it makes sense for her to stay in Monochrome with Ishmael?
This memory currency I have been alluding to is amazing. Memories come in various colors (values). From purple, being something like minor, like a memory of how much fun you had a party in high school, to gold memories, where these are major events in your life, like the first day you meet you future husband/wife or your actual wedding day. For example: we all that one annoying friend, but we still love them - probably because the first time we met them was or we know something personal about them. Now, say you lose that memory. All you have left is that they're an annoying person, and suddenly you start to wonder why you're were friends with them. Now, imagine that for all you loved ones.
It was because of the moments we saw in Abigail's memories that I loved her character and reading this story. H.M. Jones is phenomenal at writing emotional scenes and building that character-reader relationship. Each of memories is a single event in Abigail life, and every single one of them - from purple to gold - caused me to take pause because of how powerful they felt.
Yes, there is a romance theme here, but no, this is NOT a romance novel; this is a fantasy story first and foremost. However, the struggle Abigail faces between chooses Ishmael and her husband is central to the plot.
There are a few things I would have liked to seen: such as Abigail struggling more to decide wether or not to return home - especially after she looses some of her more important memories - and I would have loved to explore Monochrome world more too, but these were nothing that took away from story. This is very compelling read and I enjoyed reading it the whole time. There was actually a surpassing amount of tense moments in the plot, too (there are people who run Monochrome, whose mission is to make sure Abigail doesn't leave Monochrome, no matter what), and a couple good twists in the plot.
After reading Monochrome I still don't necessarily think this story was for me (which I why the 3 rating). There is enough fantasy to keep that part of me satisfied, and while the love story in the plot is great, it was a bit too much for my preference. Even if I had known this before hand though, I still would have read it, because it is a good story.
What made me love her short story - the power of her emotional writing - was here is full force, and is why I enjoyed this novel. If you are reader who looks for emotions in their story, H.M. Jones is the author for you.
3/5 Rating
-DJ
May 22, 2014
Monochrome is a strikingly original tale of a young wife and mother who, overwhelmed with post-partum depression and fears about her marriage, comes close to giving up on life. When she awakens from a panic attack, she finds herself in the strange, dark world of Monochrome (fittingly colored blue), where good memories are the highly-coveted currency. With the help of her guide, Ishmael, she has the chance to find her way back to the life she no longer wants to leave behind - but at what cost?
I love the idea of a world where you have to pay your way by giving up memories. The book takes a close look at the different kinds of memories we have - from nice ones that we could live without to those memories that define who and what we are - and how giving up even the ones that don't seem significant affects our perceptions of our whole selves. It really made me think about what memories I would give up if I had to - and in Monochrome, only good memories are valid currency, you can keep the bad ones. The thought was chilling.
Ishmael and Abby are both appealing characters. I especially liked Ishmael, the deeply wounded young man who never made it out of Monochrome and instead took a job of trying to help others find their way out. I would like to know more about his past, and his future. I'm also intrigued by how the world of Monochrome came to be, and would love to read more about that and about the menacing Boss, who rules Monochrome.
There's some action, but this is mostly an introspective book, with long conversations between Ishmael and Abby, two very articulate and self-aware young people. They are both also poetry buffs, and quote a lot of Romantic (as in style, not in lovey-dovey) poetry to each other.
Monochrome is a dark book, but also filled with hope and beauty. Recommended if you're looking for a fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal that will make you slow down and think and feel.
I love the idea of a world where you have to pay your way by giving up memories. The book takes a close look at the different kinds of memories we have - from nice ones that we could live without to those memories that define who and what we are - and how giving up even the ones that don't seem significant affects our perceptions of our whole selves. It really made me think about what memories I would give up if I had to - and in Monochrome, only good memories are valid currency, you can keep the bad ones. The thought was chilling.
Ishmael and Abby are both appealing characters. I especially liked Ishmael, the deeply wounded young man who never made it out of Monochrome and instead took a job of trying to help others find their way out. I would like to know more about his past, and his future. I'm also intrigued by how the world of Monochrome came to be, and would love to read more about that and about the menacing Boss, who rules Monochrome.
There's some action, but this is mostly an introspective book, with long conversations between Ishmael and Abby, two very articulate and self-aware young people. They are both also poetry buffs, and quote a lot of Romantic (as in style, not in lovey-dovey) poetry to each other.
Monochrome is a dark book, but also filled with hope and beauty. Recommended if you're looking for a fantasy/urban fantasy/paranormal that will make you slow down and think and feel.
December 18, 2015
This author went to college to become a writer. Unfortunately, even the best school can’t teach the art of storytelling. Monochrome, by H.M. Jones, is littered with all kinds of examples of telling rather than showing.
She reached toward her baby and thought about shaking her…
She looked down at her red faced child and wanted…
She screamed as loudly as she could…
She found that she was able to rub her eyes…
The story wanders along telling us what the characters are doing rather than showing us their actions, showing us their thoughts, showing us their fears. And that’s a shame because the story itself is quite intriguing. There’s a darkness that dares readers to look closer. But “Show, don’t tell” is a common phrase in the world of fiction writing, and H.M. Jones missed out on the opportunity to really shine with this novel.
The subject matter is what drew me to this story. My ex-wife battled postpartum depression after the birth of our second child. It’s a scary situation to live through—for both the one suffering and the ones closest to the sufferer. Jones’s story offers pieces of that darkness that I certainly found recognizable. The author manages an original story here, with a solid concept. However, that old show-don’t-tell thing really killed the enjoyment for me.
She wondered if dying hurt…
The author is telling us that this character is wondering about death rather than showing us the character’s thoughts, feelings, and fears. Unfortunately, for some writers, show-don’t-tell is something not easily grasped. I’m hoping it’s not a difficult transition for H.M. Jones, as I’m certainly looking forward to better work from this author.
She reached toward her baby and thought about shaking her…
She looked down at her red faced child and wanted…
She screamed as loudly as she could…
She found that she was able to rub her eyes…
The story wanders along telling us what the characters are doing rather than showing us their actions, showing us their thoughts, showing us their fears. And that’s a shame because the story itself is quite intriguing. There’s a darkness that dares readers to look closer. But “Show, don’t tell” is a common phrase in the world of fiction writing, and H.M. Jones missed out on the opportunity to really shine with this novel.
The subject matter is what drew me to this story. My ex-wife battled postpartum depression after the birth of our second child. It’s a scary situation to live through—for both the one suffering and the ones closest to the sufferer. Jones’s story offers pieces of that darkness that I certainly found recognizable. The author manages an original story here, with a solid concept. However, that old show-don’t-tell thing really killed the enjoyment for me.
She wondered if dying hurt…
The author is telling us that this character is wondering about death rather than showing us the character’s thoughts, feelings, and fears. Unfortunately, for some writers, show-don’t-tell is something not easily grasped. I’m hoping it’s not a difficult transition for H.M. Jones, as I’m certainly looking forward to better work from this author.
September 12, 2015
In Monochrome, H.M. Jones paints a dark but recognizable world that reflects the main character's internal state: "Gloomy, drooping navy trees, the midnight sky and strange silver light frosting the tips of the blue grass." The main character, Abigail, ends up in Monochrome after a breakdown brought on by postpartum depression. Structurally, I noticed a similarity to The Wizard of Oz: a female protagonist thrust into an alternate reality after having difficulties in her regular life. And, just like in Oz, the alternate reality turns out not to be an escape, but a way of understanding and appreciating life. Unlike Oz, though, some of the characters that inhabit Monochrome are violent and cruel, and Abigail must delve into some dark memories to make it through.
Anyone who has lived with depression will be able to relate to Abigail's situation, and readers will be awed by the way Jones is able to translate feelings into a physical world. But despite the dark themes, the book is not depressing. If you've ever struggled with finding meaning in the little things of everyday life, this book will inspire you. And the poetic writing will linger with you long after you've finished the book.
Highly recommended.
Anyone who has lived with depression will be able to relate to Abigail's situation, and readers will be awed by the way Jones is able to translate feelings into a physical world. But despite the dark themes, the book is not depressing. If you've ever struggled with finding meaning in the little things of everyday life, this book will inspire you. And the poetic writing will linger with you long after you've finished the book.
Highly recommended.
April 27, 2014
Monochrome opens with a woman experiencing acute postpartum depression. Afraid she will hurt her crying baby, she locks herself in the bathroom. Believing that her husband and child would be better off without her, she contemplates suicide. Suddenly, she loses consciousness, waking to find herself in a strange and dangerous alternate reality.
The three most obvious comparisons are to The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (1678), Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). I was also reminded of Inferno, the first part of Dante Alighieri's 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy.
Monochrome's protagonist (Abigail) must embark upon a symbolic journey on foot through the eponymous realm, a trek fraught with peril. In order to escape and return home, she must pass a series of psychological tests. Playing the part of the Roman poet Virgil (Dante's spirit guide through the Underworld in Inferno) is the enigmatic figure Ishmael, a cigarette-smoking, literature-quoting loner who may or may not be a Tyler Durden-like character, and whose true agenda (and even existence) is uncertain. The yellow brick road they must follow is a pebble path through the dark woods that seems to appear and disappear under Ishmael's control. If she succeeds in crossing the border, he explains, Abigail can return to her husband Jason and her infant daughter Ruby.
The primary currency of Monochrome is memories. Memories are ranked by color to indicate how pleasant and important they are. The loveliest and most vital memories are highly prized. Paying for essentials such as lodging and food means giving up memories. The longer a visitor remains in Monochrome, the more memories he or she must sell, until eventually he or she loses all sense of self and becomes a lost, wandering soul with no will to break free, a permanent resident.
Along the way, Abigail encounters allegorical figures including Snakes, Traders and Roamers, and a mysterious, menacing presence known only as the boss. Monochrome is a grim story, full of existential despair. The world Jones describes is cruel, violent and unforgiving, populated by criminals and prostitutes, a sad and desperate place. Trigger warning: the plot includes more than one attempted rape.
Monochrome is a black fantasy, a gloomy and nihilistic exploration of what it means to be depressed to the point of questioning one's desire to continue to live. Those who have struggled with depression may take comfort in this story, which offers a glimmer of hope, but I can also see how some might find it upsetting, especially when it hits too close to home. So if you have a personal history of depression, suicidal thoughts or sexual assault, approach this novel with caution.
Self-published and self-edited, Monochrome does have a few uneven patches (which the author acknowledges in her comments at the end), but nothing that will thwart an interested reader.
Although Monochrome not literally autobiographical, it is nonetheless a brave, powerful, deeply introspective story and I give it five stars for honesty, sincerity and courage.
The three most obvious comparisons are to The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan (1678), Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). I was also reminded of Inferno, the first part of Dante Alighieri's 14th-century epic poem Divine Comedy.
Monochrome's protagonist (Abigail) must embark upon a symbolic journey on foot through the eponymous realm, a trek fraught with peril. In order to escape and return home, she must pass a series of psychological tests. Playing the part of the Roman poet Virgil (Dante's spirit guide through the Underworld in Inferno) is the enigmatic figure Ishmael, a cigarette-smoking, literature-quoting loner who may or may not be a Tyler Durden-like character, and whose true agenda (and even existence) is uncertain. The yellow brick road they must follow is a pebble path through the dark woods that seems to appear and disappear under Ishmael's control. If she succeeds in crossing the border, he explains, Abigail can return to her husband Jason and her infant daughter Ruby.
The primary currency of Monochrome is memories. Memories are ranked by color to indicate how pleasant and important they are. The loveliest and most vital memories are highly prized. Paying for essentials such as lodging and food means giving up memories. The longer a visitor remains in Monochrome, the more memories he or she must sell, until eventually he or she loses all sense of self and becomes a lost, wandering soul with no will to break free, a permanent resident.
Along the way, Abigail encounters allegorical figures including Snakes, Traders and Roamers, and a mysterious, menacing presence known only as the boss. Monochrome is a grim story, full of existential despair. The world Jones describes is cruel, violent and unforgiving, populated by criminals and prostitutes, a sad and desperate place. Trigger warning: the plot includes more than one attempted rape.
Monochrome is a black fantasy, a gloomy and nihilistic exploration of what it means to be depressed to the point of questioning one's desire to continue to live. Those who have struggled with depression may take comfort in this story, which offers a glimmer of hope, but I can also see how some might find it upsetting, especially when it hits too close to home. So if you have a personal history of depression, suicidal thoughts or sexual assault, approach this novel with caution.
Self-published and self-edited, Monochrome does have a few uneven patches (which the author acknowledges in her comments at the end), but nothing that will thwart an interested reader.
Although Monochrome not literally autobiographical, it is nonetheless a brave, powerful, deeply introspective story and I give it five stars for honesty, sincerity and courage.
January 16, 2014
An eclectic literary read that blends dark fantasy/ paranormal with a strong contemporary influence
This overwhelmingly intense story is thought provoking and deeply emotive, gripping you from the very beginning to linger on in the mind afterwards. Monochrome tells the story of a young woman struggling with her identity as a wife and mother, while battling postpartum depression and addiction. As she decides to end it all by seeking solace within a silenced and untroubled mind, she unexpectedly plunges into a dreamlike state reminiscent of Alice going down the Rabbit hole. Awaking in a strange, monochromatic blue weird world she faces her darkest fears and explores her inner self, in such a way that evaluating life in the face of death is necessary. For her to transcend the blue ugliness and back into the light, she pierces into her very soul to observe those demons that have haunted her for so long. During this remarkable journey of introspection you really gain a heightened sense of profundity within the narrative, with Abigail and Ishmael’s flaws making it seem all that more real.
Whether you are familiar with the common symptoms of depression after childbirth {of which the author gives the impression of being knowledgeable on}, or you simply have lost sight of yourself this impacting novel is an illuminating read. This is a deep, complex story that speaks to the soul hence I would advise that it not be taken lightly. The fantasy blend adds an original touch to an otherwise sinister storyline, which at times I felt was rather affecting to the point of disturbing/ unsettling in places. Very well-written and targeted towards an adult reader this novel allows you to do some soul searching, at the same time as being taken on the most extraordinary adventure and journey of the heart.
Profoundly interesting and like nothing I was expecting at all, Monochrome is a truth-drawing tale that will appeal to a select few - even if I found it a touch too idealistic in places.
*I won a copy of Monochrome by H M Jones through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway.*
This overwhelmingly intense story is thought provoking and deeply emotive, gripping you from the very beginning to linger on in the mind afterwards. Monochrome tells the story of a young woman struggling with her identity as a wife and mother, while battling postpartum depression and addiction. As she decides to end it all by seeking solace within a silenced and untroubled mind, she unexpectedly plunges into a dreamlike state reminiscent of Alice going down the Rabbit hole. Awaking in a strange, monochromatic blue weird world she faces her darkest fears and explores her inner self, in such a way that evaluating life in the face of death is necessary. For her to transcend the blue ugliness and back into the light, she pierces into her very soul to observe those demons that have haunted her for so long. During this remarkable journey of introspection you really gain a heightened sense of profundity within the narrative, with Abigail and Ishmael’s flaws making it seem all that more real.
Whether you are familiar with the common symptoms of depression after childbirth {of which the author gives the impression of being knowledgeable on}, or you simply have lost sight of yourself this impacting novel is an illuminating read. This is a deep, complex story that speaks to the soul hence I would advise that it not be taken lightly. The fantasy blend adds an original touch to an otherwise sinister storyline, which at times I felt was rather affecting to the point of disturbing/ unsettling in places. Very well-written and targeted towards an adult reader this novel allows you to do some soul searching, at the same time as being taken on the most extraordinary adventure and journey of the heart.
Profoundly interesting and like nothing I was expecting at all, Monochrome is a truth-drawing tale that will appeal to a select few - even if I found it a touch too idealistic in places.
*I won a copy of Monochrome by H M Jones through a Goodreads, first-read giveaway.*
January 7, 2014
I have two copies of this wonderful book: the first was given to me in exchange for a fair and honest review, the second I paid for seconds after finishing the first. I believe exceptional literature should be appreciated and paid for. Ms. Jones has written a dark, Alice in Wonderland styled story that will touch your heart with the characters plight and perhaps, if you're like me, have you start your own journey of introspection. Once I began this unique exploration I could not stop, reading the book in only a couple of sittings. I believe any reader would find it difficult to do otherwise.
The main characters, Abigail and Ishmael, were very well developed, making me feel as if I'd known them for years, and I probably have in the cluster of people I associate with. I loved the way they were flawed with real problems but different points of view. The challenge, a woman's battle with depression following the birth of a child, is written by an author who obviously knows what she is talking about, however, I will not speculate if she is speaking from personal experience or not, but there is truth to her words. This reader found himself thinking about the story and the pair's trials well after putting the novel aside.
The place, Monochrome, is so one-of-a-kind that any description I might give it will pale by comparison. Suffice it to say that the descriptive writing is done, as if by a veteran novelist and not the debut workings of a self-published author. The Traders, Nightmares and other characters Abigail and Ishmael meet along their way, add depth to an already deep story and made it one that I will likely read again, for me, a rarity.
Who should read this? It's certainly too much for children, but young adults, adults and anyone who loves a well-written story with a blend of fantasy should read this novel. As other reviewers have suggested, if you have ever been touched by depression or just need a bit of soul searching yourself, this is a literary adventure that is calling your name.
The main characters, Abigail and Ishmael, were very well developed, making me feel as if I'd known them for years, and I probably have in the cluster of people I associate with. I loved the way they were flawed with real problems but different points of view. The challenge, a woman's battle with depression following the birth of a child, is written by an author who obviously knows what she is talking about, however, I will not speculate if she is speaking from personal experience or not, but there is truth to her words. This reader found himself thinking about the story and the pair's trials well after putting the novel aside.
The place, Monochrome, is so one-of-a-kind that any description I might give it will pale by comparison. Suffice it to say that the descriptive writing is done, as if by a veteran novelist and not the debut workings of a self-published author. The Traders, Nightmares and other characters Abigail and Ishmael meet along their way, add depth to an already deep story and made it one that I will likely read again, for me, a rarity.
Who should read this? It's certainly too much for children, but young adults, adults and anyone who loves a well-written story with a blend of fantasy should read this novel. As other reviewers have suggested, if you have ever been touched by depression or just need a bit of soul searching yourself, this is a literary adventure that is calling your name.
March 10, 2014
Monochrome sucks you in and holds onto you; right up to the last page.
This Review contains minor spoilers :)
When first time mum, Abby, begins to believe her family would be better off without her, we witness her sink so far into postnatal depression that she falls out of the other side and straight into Monochrome... It is a dark and tortured place, filled with desperate lost souls eager to suck the happiness right out of her heart - or more precisely her head.
Abby soon learns that to return to her family, she will need to hold onto her faith in herself and her love for them - not an easy task when every amenity she uses requires payment... payment in the form of her most cherished and happy memories; and the task is made all the harder by the presence of her Guide, an apathetic yet curiously interesting young man named Ishmael, tasked with leading her to the border of Monochrome and Reality...
Abby is tested, time and again, by painful memories of the past and traumatic attacks in the present. Black spots of doubt and surrender begin to settle in her green eyes, her trust is shaken, and her long and arduous journey takes its toll on more than her feet...
I loved reading this novel. The raw emotions weaved through this story are universal, likely experienced by everyone at some point through their lives. Time and thought have evidently been crafted into every page. It's a wonderful read which I highly recommend.
This Review contains minor spoilers :)
When first time mum, Abby, begins to believe her family would be better off without her, we witness her sink so far into postnatal depression that she falls out of the other side and straight into Monochrome... It is a dark and tortured place, filled with desperate lost souls eager to suck the happiness right out of her heart - or more precisely her head.
Abby soon learns that to return to her family, she will need to hold onto her faith in herself and her love for them - not an easy task when every amenity she uses requires payment... payment in the form of her most cherished and happy memories; and the task is made all the harder by the presence of her Guide, an apathetic yet curiously interesting young man named Ishmael, tasked with leading her to the border of Monochrome and Reality...
Abby is tested, time and again, by painful memories of the past and traumatic attacks in the present. Black spots of doubt and surrender begin to settle in her green eyes, her trust is shaken, and her long and arduous journey takes its toll on more than her feet...
I loved reading this novel. The raw emotions weaved through this story are universal, likely experienced by everyone at some point through their lives. Time and thought have evidently been crafted into every page. It's a wonderful read which I highly recommend.
February 2, 2016
Monochrome is about a woman named Abigail, who, due to terrible postpartum depression, comes very close to committing suicide. Instead, she finds herself in a Purgatory-like world called Monochrome, which, honestly, feel more like hell. Everyone in Monochrome is there because they’ve given up on life, and although there’s some hope of getting back to Reality, it’s quite slim.
Fortunately (or unfortunately?) Abigail has been assigned a guide—purportedly to help her—named Ishmael, who’s sexy as hell and seems like a good guy, but then again, he’s employed by Monochrome, where everything’s ambiguous. It’s up to Abigail, then, to figure out what’s truly important to her. In Reality, she’s married, but not altogether happily, and motherhood has been a challenge for her. Is Monochrome where she actually belongs, or is there hope for her in Reality?
As a reader, I was with Abigail on every step of her internal and physical journey. H.M. Jones shows incredible skill as a writer, bringing us deep into Abby’s mind and thought process. And like all great stories, Monochrome made me examine my own life as a wife and mother as well. Brava to H.M. Jones. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Fortunately (or unfortunately?) Abigail has been assigned a guide—purportedly to help her—named Ishmael, who’s sexy as hell and seems like a good guy, but then again, he’s employed by Monochrome, where everything’s ambiguous. It’s up to Abigail, then, to figure out what’s truly important to her. In Reality, she’s married, but not altogether happily, and motherhood has been a challenge for her. Is Monochrome where she actually belongs, or is there hope for her in Reality?
As a reader, I was with Abigail on every step of her internal and physical journey. H.M. Jones shows incredible skill as a writer, bringing us deep into Abby’s mind and thought process. And like all great stories, Monochrome made me examine my own life as a wife and mother as well. Brava to H.M. Jones. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
May 11, 2014
I've read this book because it deals with a topic I've spent some time thinking about myself - depression - and I was interested to find an author tackling it from the fantasy angle.
I went into this book with high expectations. I thought it would be an emotional roller coaster ride. I was disappointed. Granted, most of the thoughts and emotions haunting a depressed person can be rationally explained, and I can imagine that, as an author, you need to keep a little emotional distance when writing about such a topic, so as not to turn into a depressive wreck yourself. Still, to me, there was too much explanation, too much distance, which made it hard to emphasize and to really immerse myself in the world. Normally not big on the whole show-or-tell argument, in this case I would have preferred to be shown the characters' state rather than be told about it. Explanations were repeated, too, to the point where I started skimming.
I also thought there was too much emphasis on the characters' looks, their beauty and their clothes.
Last, this needs a more thorough editing. Repetitions occur, as well as typos and simple grammar mistakes.
I went into this book with high expectations. I thought it would be an emotional roller coaster ride. I was disappointed. Granted, most of the thoughts and emotions haunting a depressed person can be rationally explained, and I can imagine that, as an author, you need to keep a little emotional distance when writing about such a topic, so as not to turn into a depressive wreck yourself. Still, to me, there was too much explanation, too much distance, which made it hard to emphasize and to really immerse myself in the world. Normally not big on the whole show-or-tell argument, in this case I would have preferred to be shown the characters' state rather than be told about it. Explanations were repeated, too, to the point where I started skimming.
I also thought there was too much emphasis on the characters' looks, their beauty and their clothes.
Last, this needs a more thorough editing. Repetitions occur, as well as typos and simple grammar mistakes.
June 17, 2014
This story was amazing!
I truly enjoyed the concept of the paranormal/magical land of Monochrome which desperate people, between life and death, slip into and must find their way out of (or suffer their fate by staying).
We meet Abby, a young wife and mom who is at her wits end with her crying baby (how many of us parents can relate to that?). She has an odd panic attack that sends her into a strange place called Monochrome.
The landscape shifts and seems alive, there is hardly any color or light, and to make things even more interesting and potentially dangerous, a handsome man named Ishmael tells her that he's her Guide.
But we all know the story wouldn't be interesting if it had ended there and they went merrily on their journey, so Ms. Jones immerses us into the world of Monochrome (how fitting that another reviewer called it a grown-up Alice in Wonderland) where there is danger, sacrifice, betrayal, and beauty.
This is easily 5 stars. Loved it.
Oh, and if you are/were an English major, you're going to geek out on some parts. You'll see.
Thank you, Ms. Jones, for sharing this wonderful tale.
I truly enjoyed the concept of the paranormal/magical land of Monochrome which desperate people, between life and death, slip into and must find their way out of (or suffer their fate by staying).
We meet Abby, a young wife and mom who is at her wits end with her crying baby (how many of us parents can relate to that?). She has an odd panic attack that sends her into a strange place called Monochrome.
The landscape shifts and seems alive, there is hardly any color or light, and to make things even more interesting and potentially dangerous, a handsome man named Ishmael tells her that he's her Guide.
But we all know the story wouldn't be interesting if it had ended there and they went merrily on their journey, so Ms. Jones immerses us into the world of Monochrome (how fitting that another reviewer called it a grown-up Alice in Wonderland) where there is danger, sacrifice, betrayal, and beauty.
This is easily 5 stars. Loved it.
Oh, and if you are/were an English major, you're going to geek out on some parts. You'll see.
Thank you, Ms. Jones, for sharing this wonderful tale.
February 17, 2016
An amazing book. H.M. Jones is such a crafted writer, we are lucky to have her. Monochrome breaks the barriers in the literature world, especially on the subject of Post-Partum Depression.
Abigail, struggling with this horrible spell lands in Monochrome, a dark place where she meets her guide, the handsome and mysterious Ishmael with the task of leading her to the border of Monochrome. But is he really there to help? Monochrome is a land of desperate souls, thirsty for memories; these memories are classified in different shades of colors, they serve as the equivalence of money in Monochrome. To survive this land, it means Abby will have to give up her most precious memories.
This book by far is one the best I've ever read. I had a hard time once I knew I was close to the ending. I became obsessed with Hanna's incredibly journey of introspection, raw emotions, and fantasy. This is not your typical romance novel, this is an incredible fantasy book that it'll stay with you for a long time.
Abigail, struggling with this horrible spell lands in Monochrome, a dark place where she meets her guide, the handsome and mysterious Ishmael with the task of leading her to the border of Monochrome. But is he really there to help? Monochrome is a land of desperate souls, thirsty for memories; these memories are classified in different shades of colors, they serve as the equivalence of money in Monochrome. To survive this land, it means Abby will have to give up her most precious memories.
This book by far is one the best I've ever read. I had a hard time once I knew I was close to the ending. I became obsessed with Hanna's incredibly journey of introspection, raw emotions, and fantasy. This is not your typical romance novel, this is an incredible fantasy book that it'll stay with you for a long time.
January 14, 2016
Monochrome is not a book to read quickly as if skimming the pages are all you have the time for. No, Monochrome is a book that needs thoughtful consideration
Depression is a dark abyss that holds you hostage. You are living in a monochrome environment, listless and dull. Anyone who is affected by depression in any way, either personally or in someone they love, will be profoundly touched by the alternate world H.M. Jones creates. It will be painfully familiar. Those of us with depression have all had our passports stamped in Monochrome.
Abigail and Ishmael are such brilliantly created characters that, again, they will be familiar to every reader. As a mother who experienced postpartum, I felt there were times when I was Abigail with a baby who won't stop crying and a feeling of utter despair.
Monochrome will haunt you. It will make you consider the memories that stay with you and those you carelessly forget. This is a book that will stay with you.
Depression is a dark abyss that holds you hostage. You are living in a monochrome environment, listless and dull. Anyone who is affected by depression in any way, either personally or in someone they love, will be profoundly touched by the alternate world H.M. Jones creates. It will be painfully familiar. Those of us with depression have all had our passports stamped in Monochrome.
Abigail and Ishmael are such brilliantly created characters that, again, they will be familiar to every reader. As a mother who experienced postpartum, I felt there were times when I was Abigail with a baby who won't stop crying and a feeling of utter despair.
Monochrome will haunt you. It will make you consider the memories that stay with you and those you carelessly forget. This is a book that will stay with you.
January 13, 2016
5 Stars is not nearly enough stars to show how much I loved this book. It had me hooked from the moment I picked it up, to the very last page. Every time I started to read it, I didn't want to stop. But I paced myself, because I knew when it was over I was going to be so sad to close it for the last time and I wanted to make it last as long as I could.
I love the characters. Even the horrible, evil Eric. Well, I HATE him, but in a good way. If that makes sense. They felt so real to me and they just bounced right off the pages. Even the minor characters were vibrant individuals.
This book was excellent. I had a gut feeling along the way that, for me at least, the ending would be both happy and sad because the things I wanted for Ishmael and Abigail conflicted with each other. And I was right.
If you're looking for something fantastic and different, then I can't recommend this one enough.
I love the characters. Even the horrible, evil Eric. Well, I HATE him, but in a good way. If that makes sense. They felt so real to me and they just bounced right off the pages. Even the minor characters were vibrant individuals.
This book was excellent. I had a gut feeling along the way that, for me at least, the ending would be both happy and sad because the things I wanted for Ishmael and Abigail conflicted with each other. And I was right.
If you're looking for something fantastic and different, then I can't recommend this one enough.
January 18, 2016
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
I absolutely loved this book. I was slightly confused at first when I began reading the book, but the character in the book is confused as to what is happening to her so I feel that it added to my reading experience. As a new mother, the main character Abigail, is experiencing postpartum depression. Unable to explain to her husband what she is feeling and hating herself for feeling this way about her baby, Abigail wishes she was dead. After passing out in the bathroom, she awakens to a world that is varying shades of blue and the only way to get back home to her baby and husband is to traverse the dangerous world of Monochrome, led by her guide Ishmael. In a world where you have to pay using your most treasured memories, will there be enough of Abigail to want to go home? This book was amazing, I highly recommend reading this book.
I absolutely loved this book. I was slightly confused at first when I began reading the book, but the character in the book is confused as to what is happening to her so I feel that it added to my reading experience. As a new mother, the main character Abigail, is experiencing postpartum depression. Unable to explain to her husband what she is feeling and hating herself for feeling this way about her baby, Abigail wishes she was dead. After passing out in the bathroom, she awakens to a world that is varying shades of blue and the only way to get back home to her baby and husband is to traverse the dangerous world of Monochrome, led by her guide Ishmael. In a world where you have to pay using your most treasured memories, will there be enough of Abigail to want to go home? This book was amazing, I highly recommend reading this book.
June 9, 2014
What takes us to, and sometimes keeps us in dark places? What comfort is there in thoughts and actions that take joy from our lives like night drains the sky of light? Why do we so easily remember bad events but struggle to recall the good? Those are just a few of the questions that came to mind as I read Monochrome, not lightweight reading to be sure. This is a well-crafted story that made an unlikely journey believable and thought provoking. Cheers to H.M. Jones for unique and satisfying storytelling!
January 16, 2016
Monochrome is a very unique world in this story. I admire how Jones created the underpinnings of a new society which trades upon memories. Based on one of the blurbs, I thought the book would dwell more on PPD, but it didn't, but I liked how it gave a nod to the seriousness of depressive issues.
I enjoyed going on the journey with Abby. It was great to see how she would overcome some of the barriers in her way, and I also liked how she had the push-pull tension with Ishmael, but I think the resolution was a little too pat at the end.
I enjoyed going on the journey with Abby. It was great to see how she would overcome some of the barriers in her way, and I also liked how she had the push-pull tension with Ishmael, but I think the resolution was a little too pat at the end.
January 19, 2014
Although not the typical genre I read I found Monochrome to be a beautifully written story. The writing was excellent and storyline different and complex. This was definitely an original book which is refreshing now a days. Monochrome was a dark and captivating tale about a women battling Postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts, thrust into a monochromatic world she must evaluate her life. Not for the faint of heart, but if you like dark fantasy this is the book for you.
November 12, 2015
Monochrome is a fascinating novel, although there are a few places where the pace and the language drag, but it is well-crafted and suspenseful, with a reliance on classic poetry that might not be to every reader’s taste
But let go of all that - Monochrome is also the kind of book you never forget: part fantasy adventure, part depression parable, mystifying and illuminating all at once. You’ll find yourself thinking about this book for a long, long time after you get to the end.
But let go of all that - Monochrome is also the kind of book you never forget: part fantasy adventure, part depression parable, mystifying and illuminating all at once. You’ll find yourself thinking about this book for a long, long time after you get to the end.
March 5, 2014
Monochrome is a genre that I usually don't read, however, I enjoyed it thoroughly. This book is well written and story is well plotted. It's a recommended read.
February 16, 2014
Thank you H. M. Jones. This is not my normal type of read, but I really enjoyed it. Dark fantasy with descriptions that made me feel like I was there in Monochrome.
June 13, 2014
We are proud to announce that Monochrome by H.M. Jones is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 9, 2013
Loved this book..thanks HM Jones
May 6, 2017
I absolutely love this book, HM Jones is a genius and I am impatiently awaiting book 2. I highly recommend Monochrome to anyone who loves a great story and sexy characters.
October 8, 2016
This is an original and interesting concept for this introverted, yet action oriented novel.
Suffering from severe post-partum depression, Abigail flies into a rage and begins to believe that her family would be better off without her. She finds herself in Monochrome. A place that is the physical manifestation of a depressed mind where everything is blue. She finds herself with a man named Ishmael Doubois who says he is her Guide. The Guides create a path. Then Abigail has to find her way out of Monochrome. She must make decisions and the first one she makes is that she is going home. Home to her husband and child.
Heres what I liked: Abigail is a fighter. She knows kickboxing. So when snakes, bartenders and others come after her, tempt her, or try to distract her, she keeps going. I don't mind that the two leads comfort eachother. Since they both love literature, they quote poetry to each other.
However I don’t like how Ishmael spends a little too much time telling Abigail that she is special. And I rolled my eyes at the romance angle.
I like how nightmares become real. I like how the loss of someone memories makes another person less real and so if all the character has is bad memories, the person becomes hated in the person's mind.
Great novel and I look forward to reading more from HM Jones.
Suffering from severe post-partum depression, Abigail flies into a rage and begins to believe that her family would be better off without her. She finds herself in Monochrome. A place that is the physical manifestation of a depressed mind where everything is blue. She finds herself with a man named Ishmael Doubois who says he is her Guide. The Guides create a path. Then Abigail has to find her way out of Monochrome. She must make decisions and the first one she makes is that she is going home. Home to her husband and child.
Heres what I liked: Abigail is a fighter. She knows kickboxing. So when snakes, bartenders and others come after her, tempt her, or try to distract her, she keeps going. I don't mind that the two leads comfort eachother. Since they both love literature, they quote poetry to each other.
However I don’t like how Ishmael spends a little too much time telling Abigail that she is special. And I rolled my eyes at the romance angle.
I like how nightmares become real. I like how the loss of someone memories makes another person less real and so if all the character has is bad memories, the person becomes hated in the person's mind.
Great novel and I look forward to reading more from HM Jones.
April 21, 2016
Must Read - Hellish Fantasy Purgatory - Hopeful
Monochrome is a blue cold scary fantasy world, a metaphor for depression, a hellish purgatory where the protagonist Abigail and survives by paying for her basic needs with positive memories. As she fights to leave Monochrome, she fights the despair of postpartum depression. She fights the lies depression convinces her are truths. Monochrome is a powerful, compelling novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a work of fiction that told important truths about depression through the metaphor of Monochrome.
Depression lies. You matter. You have value. You are loved. Those you love are not better off without you. Fight the lies depression tells you. Fight and reach out for help. You are not alone. I, too, have experienced the hell of severe depression. I'm thankful that I fought it and got the help I needed. Those I love, those who love me, are thankful, too.
Monochrome is a blue cold scary fantasy world, a metaphor for depression, a hellish purgatory where the protagonist Abigail and survives by paying for her basic needs with positive memories. As she fights to leave Monochrome, she fights the despair of postpartum depression. She fights the lies depression convinces her are truths. Monochrome is a powerful, compelling novel. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it as a work of fiction that told important truths about depression through the metaphor of Monochrome.
Depression lies. You matter. You have value. You are loved. Those you love are not better off without you. Fight the lies depression tells you. Fight and reach out for help. You are not alone. I, too, have experienced the hell of severe depression. I'm thankful that I fought it and got the help I needed. Those I love, those who love me, are thankful, too.
Read
November 24, 2014I'm afraid that I have to leave this as a temporary DNF. I was really enjoying it but review obligations took precedence. I hope to get back to it someday soon!
July 19, 2017
I won this book through a giveaway hosted by Two Chicks and a Dude book reviews on facebook, https://www.facebook.com/twochicksand...
October 2, 2015
I'm ambivalent, very repetitive, not much of a plot
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