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That Elusive Something
Unlucky in love, unlucky in life, Quirke yearns for something more. That indefinable, elusive something.
In his role as a prison counsellor he meets Seff, an enigmatic convict who hints at an earthly Paradise, a place where Quirke may find his heart’s desire. When fate and an embittered co-worker conspire to lose Quirke his job, he sets off with his best friend to follow Seff’s vague directions.
Concealed by mountains and remote forests in deepest Wales, they stumble across a self-sufficient settlement inhabited by escapees from the pressures of the late twentieth century. When Quirke discovers that they brew their own beer, he feels he has found a way of life that might bring him contentment.
But beer’s not the only thing brewing in Paradise…
In his role as a prison counsellor he meets Seff, an enigmatic convict who hints at an earthly Paradise, a place where Quirke may find his heart’s desire. When fate and an embittered co-worker conspire to lose Quirke his job, he sets off with his best friend to follow Seff’s vague directions.
Concealed by mountains and remote forests in deepest Wales, they stumble across a self-sufficient settlement inhabited by escapees from the pressures of the late twentieth century. When Quirke discovers that they brew their own beer, he feels he has found a way of life that might bring him contentment.
But beer’s not the only thing brewing in Paradise…
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
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About the author
Sam Kates
17 books86 followersMy name is Sam Kates, at least when it comes to writing fiction. If there’s a photo on this page of a middle-aged bloke with a hair shortage, that’s me.
I live in Wales, a small constituent country of Great Britain and the U.K. Like many of my fellow countrymen, I possess a fondness for rugby union (though these days only as a spectator) and a good pint of beer. Usually the two go hand in hand.
My tastes in reading and film tend toward the darker side of life and the fantastic. Little surprise, then, that the fiction I write is usually science fiction and fantasy with a decidedly dark flavour, or outright horror.
Outside of writing, my main ambition is to see Wales beat the New Zealand All Blacks to win the Rugby World Cup. A forlorn hope, I suspect, but if you're going to harbour ambitions, they might as well be lofty, right?
I live in Wales, a small constituent country of Great Britain and the U.K. Like many of my fellow countrymen, I possess a fondness for rugby union (though these days only as a spectator) and a good pint of beer. Usually the two go hand in hand.
My tastes in reading and film tend toward the darker side of life and the fantastic. Little surprise, then, that the fiction I write is usually science fiction and fantasy with a decidedly dark flavour, or outright horror.
Outside of writing, my main ambition is to see Wales beat the New Zealand All Blacks to win the Rugby World Cup. A forlorn hope, I suspect, but if you're going to harbour ambitions, they might as well be lofty, right?
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 25, 2017
Quirke (just call me Quirke) is aware that his relationship is in trouble and before long, things at work go pear-shaped too. His mate Dave is also living an unsatisfying life. After Quirke’s last session with Seff, a compelling, slightly mystical character, he decides to go off and find the community he speaks of. Dave, in it for a walking holiday, accompanies him.
I believe this book was begun seventeen years ago. I can only say it was worth the wait. I enjoy the author’s writing style, always easy without being simple. There’s a lot about human nature here, too. An idyllic life can be endangered not by the environment or outside forces, but from within, by our own flawed natures. I became very engrossed in the story and read it in two days. If I’d not had meals to eat, or a bed to call me, I’d have read it in a single session! Highly recommended if you want something out of the ordinary.
I believe this book was begun seventeen years ago. I can only say it was worth the wait. I enjoy the author’s writing style, always easy without being simple. There’s a lot about human nature here, too. An idyllic life can be endangered not by the environment or outside forces, but from within, by our own flawed natures. I became very engrossed in the story and read it in two days. If I’d not had meals to eat, or a bed to call me, I’d have read it in a single session! Highly recommended if you want something out of the ordinary.
May 21, 2018
Another thought provoking and highly entertaining book from Sam Kates
The title describes the book beautifully :-) Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks Sam :-) I’m working my way happily through your books ... I’ll have to go look for another one now ... keep writing Sam!
The title describes the book beautifully :-) Thoroughly enjoyed it, thanks Sam :-) I’m working my way happily through your books ... I’ll have to go look for another one now ... keep writing Sam!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews