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17 Alma Road
A house filled with history and secrets is more than mere bricks and mortar; not only a mirror on the past, it can also be a window to the future.
"Ian Gouge has written a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. In my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats." - Laura-Louise Acock
"masterful..soul-searching. I would have liked to live next door to Owen and Maddie; I feel we would have been friends" - Siobhan Gifford
"a dextrously woven story of how the complexities of any given life remain with us, and remain too within the bricks and mortar that bore witness" - Jonty Pennington-Twist
"a beautifully crafted story" - Janet Burl
"Ian Gouge has written a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway. In my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats." - Laura-Louise Acock
"masterful..soul-searching. I would have liked to live next door to Owen and Maddie; I feel we would have been friends" - Siobhan Gifford
"a dextrously woven story of how the complexities of any given life remain with us, and remain too within the bricks and mortar that bore witness" - Jonty Pennington-Twist
"a beautifully crafted story" - Janet Burl
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 10, 2024
In the pages of ’17 Alma Road,’ a captivating fiction novel, readers are invited to explore the intricate tapestry of human connections, the enigmatic nature of memory, and the profound influence of our histories on our current realities. As the narrative unfolds along the unassuming backdrop of a typical residential street, the lives of its characters intertwine, unveiling profound emotions and buried histories waiting to be discovered.
At the heart of the narrative are the inhabitants of 17 Alma Road, each harboring their own unique secrets and challenges. Their lives intertwine in a complex web, delving into the themes of sorrow, renewal, and unwavering strength. With masterful storytelling, Gouge artfully constructs a sense of intrigue, steadily peeling back the layers of enigma that unite these captivating characters.
Gouge expertly crafts characters that leap off the page, each with a rich tapestry of experiences that strike a chord with readers. Whether it’s Owen, the introspective artist grappling with his haunting memories, or Maddie, the mysterious neighbor carrying the weight of a sorrowful history, every character embarks on a journey of evolution and self-discovery. Their emotional trajectories resonate deeply, drawing readers into their relatable yet captivating transformations.
Gouge’s writing style is both immersive and contemplative, drawing readers into a world rich with imagery and introspection. Through vivid descriptions, he brings to life the tapestry of Alma Road and its diverse residents. By skillfully weaving between past and present timelines, the narrative gains depth and complexity, enriching the storytelling experience. Gouge’s talent for eliciting empathy through eloquent yet poignant prose shines through, capturing hearts with the profound simplicity of his sentences.
The narrative of the novel delves deep into the themes of self-discovery, the quest for belonging, and the pursuit of significance. It delves into the intricate ways in which our individual pasts influence the paths we take and the bonds we form with others. Within the pages, Gouge artfully embeds subtle yet profound insights on themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the transformative strength of human connections.
Gouge skillfully employs a range of literary devices, such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and shifts in perspectives, to enrich the storytelling experience. The symbolic portrayal of Alma Road as a realm intertwined with shared memories and shared grief resonates powerfully, offering readers a compelling lens through which to contemplate their own journeys and relationships. The novel beckons readers to embark on a thoughtful introspection, pondering the echoes of their own lives within the tapestry of shared experiences.
The deliberate pacing of ‘The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to savor the nuances of the narrative’ invites readers to delve into the story and absorb its intricacies. While some readers may perceive it as slow-paced due to the alternating timelines, the novel keeps the intrigue alive. The structure, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory, serves to reinforce the central theme, enhancing the overall reading experience.
In ’17 Alma Road’, readers are required to give their attention to fully appreciate its depth and richness. The introspective nature of the book may not cater to all readers, but for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and poetic prose, the story is bound to be enthralling and rewarding with every careful reading.
Gouge’s poignant exploration of human vulnerability and resilience resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact even after the final page is turned. Though the novel may not cater to every reader, its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes render it a compelling and meaningful read.
For enthusiasts of literary fiction that intricately examines the depths of the human psyche, I highly recommend 17 Alma Road. Approach the book with patience and an open heart, and you will uncover a poignant narrative that resonates long after the final chapter, enriching your reading experience.
At the heart of the narrative are the inhabitants of 17 Alma Road, each harboring their own unique secrets and challenges. Their lives intertwine in a complex web, delving into the themes of sorrow, renewal, and unwavering strength. With masterful storytelling, Gouge artfully constructs a sense of intrigue, steadily peeling back the layers of enigma that unite these captivating characters.
Gouge expertly crafts characters that leap off the page, each with a rich tapestry of experiences that strike a chord with readers. Whether it’s Owen, the introspective artist grappling with his haunting memories, or Maddie, the mysterious neighbor carrying the weight of a sorrowful history, every character embarks on a journey of evolution and self-discovery. Their emotional trajectories resonate deeply, drawing readers into their relatable yet captivating transformations.
Gouge’s writing style is both immersive and contemplative, drawing readers into a world rich with imagery and introspection. Through vivid descriptions, he brings to life the tapestry of Alma Road and its diverse residents. By skillfully weaving between past and present timelines, the narrative gains depth and complexity, enriching the storytelling experience. Gouge’s talent for eliciting empathy through eloquent yet poignant prose shines through, capturing hearts with the profound simplicity of his sentences.
The narrative of the novel delves deep into the themes of self-discovery, the quest for belonging, and the pursuit of significance. It delves into the intricate ways in which our individual pasts influence the paths we take and the bonds we form with others. Within the pages, Gouge artfully embeds subtle yet profound insights on themes of forgiveness, acceptance, and the transformative strength of human connections.
Gouge skillfully employs a range of literary devices, such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and shifts in perspectives, to enrich the storytelling experience. The symbolic portrayal of Alma Road as a realm intertwined with shared memories and shared grief resonates powerfully, offering readers a compelling lens through which to contemplate their own journeys and relationships. The novel beckons readers to embark on a thoughtful introspection, pondering the echoes of their own lives within the tapestry of shared experiences.
The deliberate pacing of ‘The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to savor the nuances of the narrative’ invites readers to delve into the story and absorb its intricacies. While some readers may perceive it as slow-paced due to the alternating timelines, the novel keeps the intrigue alive. The structure, mirroring the fragmented nature of memory, serves to reinforce the central theme, enhancing the overall reading experience.
In ’17 Alma Road’, readers are required to give their attention to fully appreciate its depth and richness. The introspective nature of the book may not cater to all readers, but for those who enjoy character-driven narratives and poetic prose, the story is bound to be enthralling and rewarding with every careful reading.
Gouge’s poignant exploration of human vulnerability and resilience resonates deeply, leaving a lasting impact even after the final page is turned. Though the novel may not cater to every reader, its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes render it a compelling and meaningful read.
For enthusiasts of literary fiction that intricately examines the depths of the human psyche, I highly recommend 17 Alma Road. Approach the book with patience and an open heart, and you will uncover a poignant narrative that resonates long after the final chapter, enriching your reading experience.
April 2, 2024
Sometimes a house is even more than a home. Have you ever visited a house that shines so brightly it has its own personality? 17 Alma Road is one of those unique places…Siblings Maddie and Owen take us on an almost enchanted journey home unlike any other. Maddie carries an inspiring unwavering faith in their childhood home that has provided them consistency and reliability through the unexpected changes and turmoil. 17 Alma Road is a beautiful homage to the places that give us the firm roots that allow us to continually grow.
March 29, 2024
I really liked the simplicity of this book, the concept of visiting a family home you've inherited and reliving the memories as you go through each room.
The idea that long since passed relatives are in the house with you, memories being rekindled is a beautiful thing. I really like how this book is written, like you are meeting the family and learning about their life through the wallpaper discolouration where pictures once hung, the threadbare bits on stair carpets where people sat and the overgrown flowerbeds that were once lovingly tended to regularly. As you read, you get titbits from the family, telling secrets and memories along the way.
Houses can hold so many memories and it's nice to remember them, the family living there and the good times growing up. Enjoyable read and would recommend.
The idea that long since passed relatives are in the house with you, memories being rekindled is a beautiful thing. I really like how this book is written, like you are meeting the family and learning about their life through the wallpaper discolouration where pictures once hung, the threadbare bits on stair carpets where people sat and the overgrown flowerbeds that were once lovingly tended to regularly. As you read, you get titbits from the family, telling secrets and memories along the way.
Houses can hold so many memories and it's nice to remember them, the family living there and the good times growing up. Enjoyable read and would recommend.
April 2, 2024
I wasn't sure to begin with how to review this. There isn't much of a storyline, not in the conventional sense. Nothing really happens, there's no action, no excitement. And yet I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Who are we really? What labels would we apply to ourselves? What would others say about us? Does it matter of those labels don't match? Is how we perceive ourselves more important than how others perceive us?
It's the story that a house might tell if houses could tell stories. It's the story of 2 siblings discovering themselves via the house they grew up in. It's relaxing, calm, almost poetic. It's a story about life, love and loss. And I wonder just what we might learn about ourselves if we were to revisit our childhood homes.
It's the story that a house might tell if houses could tell stories. It's the story of 2 siblings discovering themselves via the house they grew up in. It's relaxing, calm, almost poetic. It's a story about life, love and loss. And I wonder just what we might learn about ourselves if we were to revisit our childhood homes.
April 5, 2024
17 Alma Road by Ian Gouge is a contemporary fiction book. It starts of in a confusing way, so much so that I had to re-read the first couple of pages and go back to the synopsis to try to understand what I was reading. Then the book settled down and came into its own mixing history with the current period, unravelling secrets making me feel that the house had its own personality at times. But this was a home and if like me you have lived in a house for a very long time you will know what I mean. The book does suffer from some pacing issues at times, but Gouge writes beautifully and brings the book to a satisfactory conclusion with a surprise at the end
May 27, 2024
Beautifully written - a gem.
April 8, 2024
Book Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
17 Alma Road is a book that proves the adage ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ true. When first seeing the cover I wasn’t that interested to read the novel. But I’m so glad that I did! Ian Gouge has written a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolfe and Earnest Hemingway. I’m my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats.
The novel comes from the premise that a house is sometimes more than a home. There are some houses that appear to shine brightly and have an interesting backstory to tell and when we enter them we are on occasion overwhelmed by their history, and feelings. It’s almost as if the house has its own personality and is a unique character. 17 Alma Road brings this concept to life through the eyes of two siblings who take the reader on a delightful@and intriguing journey ‘home’. Encapsulated in the walls of the house is their story of joy, sorrow and reflection. It was an enjoyable read with an intriguing twist at the end. #ad #bookreview #17almaroad
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
17 Alma Road is a book that proves the adage ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’ true. When first seeing the cover I wasn’t that interested to read the novel. But I’m so glad that I did! Ian Gouge has written a delightful novel that reminded me of the writing style of Virginia Woolfe and Earnest Hemingway. I’m my opinion this novel deserves to be up there with these literary greats.
The novel comes from the premise that a house is sometimes more than a home. There are some houses that appear to shine brightly and have an interesting backstory to tell and when we enter them we are on occasion overwhelmed by their history, and feelings. It’s almost as if the house has its own personality and is a unique character. 17 Alma Road brings this concept to life through the eyes of two siblings who take the reader on a delightful@and intriguing journey ‘home’. Encapsulated in the walls of the house is their story of joy, sorrow and reflection. It was an enjoyable read with an intriguing twist at the end. #ad #bookreview #17almaroad
April 3, 2024
This was a lovely little story where the house actually becomes a character in itself.
This was a super interesting read with a unique premise (although, I know, I did read another book this year with a similar theme!) bug I think that it's not something that I've seen too often.
The idea that a house contains the soak and memories of all that has gone before and everything that's passed under its roof and within its own 4 walls.
As we visit Alma Road and wander through it's rooms, each one telling its own story - from the faded wallpaper to the worn carpets - we learn about the relatives who have come before and about their lives.
This was beautifully written and I really enjoyed walking through the memories held here but this also prompted me to stop and take a look at all the memories that could be told by my own house.
Having been here for 14 years there's a whole history for my own family - but it also made me think about previous owners and how fascinating.it would be if the house could share all that history.
An enjoyable read which had me reminiscing long after I'd finished reading.
This was a super interesting read with a unique premise (although, I know, I did read another book this year with a similar theme!) bug I think that it's not something that I've seen too often.
The idea that a house contains the soak and memories of all that has gone before and everything that's passed under its roof and within its own 4 walls.
As we visit Alma Road and wander through it's rooms, each one telling its own story - from the faded wallpaper to the worn carpets - we learn about the relatives who have come before and about their lives.
This was beautifully written and I really enjoyed walking through the memories held here but this also prompted me to stop and take a look at all the memories that could be told by my own house.
Having been here for 14 years there's a whole history for my own family - but it also made me think about previous owners and how fascinating.it would be if the house could share all that history.
An enjoyable read which had me reminiscing long after I'd finished reading.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews