Commune

by Java Davis

COMMUNE is the story of an apple commune and the disparate group of wanderers who end up there. The commune becomes a microcosm of conflicts: dedicated vs. slacking, honest vs. traitorous, hopeful vs. cynical, and most importantly, connected vs. disconnected. Is one woman's vision enough to carry the apple farm to a comfortable prosperity?

In this piece of ensemble fiction, the diverse cast of characters includes Momo, the founder of the commune and legal owner; Maia, a former business school roommate, who has something to hide; Linda, another college roommate, who thinks a commune would be a fun vacation; Bobby and Baz, fraternal twins who have a differing view of farming; Dan, the supplies delivery man, who loves the parade of women who come and go at the commune; Dulcie, a bitter, displaced chef; Kick, a self-styled Buddhist; and many others.

The future of the commune often hangs by a thread. Who can Momo count on for help when the going gets rough?

Genres: Fiction

100 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2014

About the author

Java Davis spent fifteen years in the printing and marketing fields. After retiring early due to a disability, she turned to writing books as a way to work at home. A perpetual wanderer earlier in life, she draws heavily on a lifetime of diverse locales, unusual experiences and varied friendships.

Awards:
"Three of my books, On Becoming a Dinosaur, Triptych, and Metal, have all won 5-star medallions from the Readers' Favorite website. The New Apple Literary site awarded a Top Honors medallion to my book, Commune, in the Humor category. Cowgirl is a CIPA EVVY Bronze winner, Fiction-Westerns category. I know what they mean when they say: 'I'm proud, but I'm humble, too.'"

Like road trips? So does Java Davis. Check out her website, www.theroadtripwriter.com to see what other road trippers are reading, writing, or "tripping."

Reviews

[Sarah-Jayne Windridge-France · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short, quirky book. It was light and fizzy and really made me smile. Some food for thought and full of random but believable characters.

I whipped through the story with relish - but felt a little cheated by the ending ... I appreciate that it was a novella and that the characters were a little redundant once the commune was defunct ... I just felt that the characters had a little unfinished business and to say I'd savoured the characters for the duration - the ending felt just a little rushed to me and left me a little bereft. Maybe it was indigestion from devouring it too fast!

I would recommend this quick read for its fun and frolics!

[Karen Brees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine James Joyce meeting Timothy O'Leary and discussing Buddhism and you'll have some glimmer of an idea of what transpires in this wild ride of a tale. One thing is for sure - you won't stop reading once you start. Davis pulls you into a world that combines gritty reality with subtle reflections on the complexities of a simple life.

"Momo" wants nothing more than a communal life - one in which everyone labors in the apple orchards and reaps the benefits of their hard work with everyone getting along and mutually supportive. It doesn't happen. What does happen is enough. Complex relationships, love, betrayal, and a tax audit. Momo has plans but doesn't understand human nature. But then, who does? It's a great story. Highly recommended.

[Steven Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Think of a time your life when you went out of your way to help someone, then he or she took advantage of you in the worst possible way.

Maureen “Momo” Doyle has come across a descent fortune while attending business school. She purchases an apple farm, transforming it into a commune. Maureen is not prepared for the challenges awaiting her as she follows her dream. String along with a small group of careworn individuals as they add a small chapter of the commune into their chaotic lives.

This book played with my emotions as I read how people took advantage of a sweet and compassionate woman. It had a sensation of realism, displaying what people would actually do under severe circumstances.

[Ginger Myrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Java Davis from my first read—Depression Carpenter—and have been waiting patiently for her newest effort, which did not disappoint. Like a light-hearted lovechild born of Cider House Rules and Of Mice and Men, Commune is an eclectic mix that brings together a cast of unlikely characters to tell one cohesive story the way only Davis can. The author’s humor is evident throughout, and her signature style of fully fleshing out her characters keeps the reader engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next. Some readers may crave a bit more dialogue, but I happen to think talking is overrated and give this book a big thumbs-up.

[Sue Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slim volume that felt like it was just a first draft waiting for the author to add to further.
The story and characters lacked depth so the book failed to draw me in and keep me interested. Although well written the plot lacked imagination and excitement.
Sadly not a book that encourages me to seek further works from the author.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a cute little book, but it did not spike my interest as much as I would have hoped for. This book follows a small apple commune in what was described as a comedy, but I found to be quite boring to be honest. The story lines did not go very far, and all ended in a very abrupt yet boring fashion. I would have enjoyed this book more if the author would had made a little more action or trouble for the commune to go through to see how they would react. It was well written, but just very boring.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.