The Incredible Life Of Jonathan Doe: A story about identity, finding out who we are and where we belong.

by Carol Coffey

‘A strong plot and clever storytelling are reminiscent of Victoria Hislop’s writing, giving the novel that unputdownable quality.’ ★★★★★ Irish Independent ‘What a fantastic book, refreshing read.’ ★★★★★ Goodreads ‘One of the best books I've read this year.’ ★★★★★ Goodreads Brendan Martin is an American-born loner raised in Ireland by his silent, embittered mother before escaping back to New York, where he lives and works each day in blissful isolation in the crowded city. Brendan spends his days happily labouring on building sites and his evenings drinking alone in bars and hooking up with a constant stream of one-night stands. Following a second DUI, Brendan’s peaceful and predictable life ends abruptly and he is forced to go to live in the town of Dover, New Jersey, with his overbearing uncle. There he forms an unlikely friendship with his meek, downtrodden cousin Eileen. Forced into completing his community service, he meets Jonathan Doe, an intriguing man living in a local homeless shelter whose amazing stories of a happy childhood in the Appalachian Mountains captivate him. Within weeks of his arrival in Dover, Brendan loses himself in the strange man’s incredible stories. Fascinated by the fact that Jonathan Doe can no longer remember exactly where he is from, Brendan becomes obsessed with helping his new friend find his way back to the kind of home he himself has always dreamed of. But is Jonathan’s past real or are his memories the product of a deeply troubled mind? The closer Brendan gets to the truth, the more he realises that all is not what it seems with Jonathan Doe.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'll start with a disclaimer. I use Goodreads to keep track of my reading for my personal satisfaction and information. I don't want to mistakenly reread a book, and I want to remember what I did and did not like about books so that I can make recommendations when asked to do so. This book meets my standards for a 4-star book. It is interesting, has a well-developed and multifaceted plot, draws complex and sympathetic characters, uses precise and meaningful vocabulary, and follows standard writing conventions. My caveat for 5 stars is that a book meet all of those standards AND have philosophical and/or literary value. I enjoy books with redemption and personal growth themes, which this book has. This novel also gets extra points for uniqueness of plot and thoroughness of detail. It is not an engrossing read in the sense of "can't put it down." but in that it kept me thinking about the characters in between reading sessions.

[Valsala Rajan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm afraid this is one of those books I slogged through. It was only my obsession to finish what I start that got me through it. I found the story implausible and the writing uneven. I couldn't like or empathize with the characters either.

[Carrie Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good

Well written with good characters. Honestly enjoyed the read. Four stars because I would have liked a tad more character development and the ending to be a tad less neat. But overall, worth reading.

[Jilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about identity, finding out who we are and where we belong. This book is brilliant. I loved it from begining to end. Lots of twists and turns and some absolutely brilliant characters. Definitely one to add to your list.

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Brendan Martin is an American-born loner raised in Ireland by his silent, embittered mother before escaping back to New York, where he lives and works each day in blissful isolation in the crowded city. Brendan spends his days happily labouring on building sites and his evenings drinking alone in bars and hooking up with a constant stream of one-night stands. Following a second DUI, Brendan’s peaceful and predictable life ends abruptly and he is forced to go to live in the town of Dover, New Jersey, with his overbearing uncle. There he forms an unlikely friendship with his meek, downtrodden cousin Eileen. Forced into completing his community service, he meets Jonathan Doe, an intriguing man living in a local homeless shelter whose amazing stories of a happy childhood in the Appalachian Mountains captivate him. Within weeks of his arrival in Dover, Brendan loses himself in the strange man’s incredible stories. Fascinated by the fact that Jonathan Doe can no longer remember exactly where he is from, Brendan becomes obsessed with helping his new friend find his way back to the kind of home he himself has always dreamed of. But is Jonathan’s past real or are his memories the product of a deeply troubled mind? The closer Brendan gets to the truth, the more he realises that all is not what it seems with Jonathan Doe.

[Manish Seth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book. A smooth read. Just flows like a stream. In fact I wasn't sure where it would lead to. The way it ends can be seen as too convenient, but I guess nothing else would have worked better. Brendan moves to New Jersey to do community service awarded by court. Here he stays with his Uncle's family, who is too protective of his daughter. Brendan has to accompany his cousin sister to a orphan shelter in the morning and back in the evening. Gradually he himself starts working at the shelter to fulfill his sentence. Here he meets Jonathan Doe, who was brought to the shelter when quite young and no one has a clue about his antecedents. How Brendan becomes absorbed in the shelter, develops rapport with his cousin sister and how he uncovers the past of Jonathon forms the meat of the story. Worth a read.

[Brenda Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1979 a young boy is found in a park, he is bruised, battered, malnourished and he has no idea who he is. Fast forward 35 years and Jonathan Doe, as he now known, is living in a homeless shelter. One day Brendan enters his life. Brendan is a thirty something Irish American with no purpose in life and a drink problem. Brendan is determined to discover the real identity of Jonathan Doe and help him find his family. In so doing, he makes some difficult discoveries about his own identity.
The Incredible Life of Jonathan Doe is a very good read, slightly too coincidental for my tastes. But I did enjoy it.

[Joanna LeDrew · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is hard to give a negative review when I respect the work, time and effort that authors put into these babies. However with this one, I feel that the author could have used some assistance showing rather than telling this story. The characters and scenes felt stiff and cardboard with no real depth or dimension. If it were not for the intriguing and twisting plot line, I would not have finished the book. This book has so much promise with regard to the characters and plot. Im sorry to say that It reads like a first draft of a book.

[Annamarie Josephine John · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is hard to give a negative review when I respect the work, time and effort that authors put into these babies. However with this one, I feel that the author could have used some assistance showing rather than telling this story. The characters and scenes felt stiff and cardboard with no real depth or dimension. If it were not for the intriguing and twisting plot line, I would not have finished the book. This book has so much promise with regard to the characters and plot. Im sorry to say that It reads like a first draft of a book.

[Rosemary Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is maybe a tad incredible but I really enjoyed this unusual mystery. Bought on a whim but recommended by my husband after he read it, it can be described as a feel good, heartwarming read. However, I enjoyed the twists and turns and I thought the main characters were well drawn. Sometimes you just want a book that makes you feel peaceful, pretty much like Jonathan Doe after all his trials and tribulations.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE INCREDIBLE TITLE FITS

Some stories are difficult to assign to a genre, but only because they have SO much going for them. This is a perfect example of that. It will draw you in and keep you amazed with the secrets that it reveals making the reader reassess where the plot is taking them. This is a stand alone book with no sneaky lead-in to get another one. I found this story engrossing and recommend it!

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding your place in the world.

A beautifully sad and happy story, rich with the best and worse of human nature. A book filled with darkness and hope and redemption, about finding your path in the world. This is a story of a homecoming. Jonathan Doe the lost man meets Brandon an equally lost soul and together they embark on a journey of darkness, tragedy and find themselves and the hope they need.

[Marek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart warming

What a fantastic book, refreshing read. Characters who grab your heart and stay there, some broken but all trying to find the elusive happiness. A book about believing in yourself and not letting go of your beliefs no matter what , about finding the YOU you're most comfortable with.Thank you Carol Coffey

[nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

This book took me on so many twists & turns. The characters were full of life & I couldn't wait for what would come next. This was so intricate & deeply woven that I couldn't put it down till I finished it. A story of mental health, gentle love & understanding against cold & evil people. A story of success, where you least expect it.

[Plum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this ages ago but CBA getting the dates right. What struck me about this was the relationships between the characters. They make mistakes, some have good intentions, some have bad intentions - it’s a good cross section. Also the portrayal of those in dire straits is respectful.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall an intriguing read covering some subjects which readers may find uncomfortable including kidnap, bullying and family secrets.
That said they are dealt with in a sympathetic way
My only issue was the coincidence element of the story which was a little hard to believe

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A grieving and grumpy man who owns a bookstore adopts a baby he found on his doorstep. She changes his life as she teaches his heart to love again. (an Amazon prime book)

[billy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Profanity!!!

Ms. Coffey made it to page eleven before the profanity started. It's a shame writers lack proper vocabulary to tell a story.

[John Murphy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Actually abandoned this a third of the way through. Irritating and dull

[Shivpea · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely read. Well written and kept your interest. I'd read more of her books.

[Paul Berg · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting story. A book well worth reading

[Stacy Shawiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating

Intriguing tale of twists and turns. Hard to put down as the author artfully invites you into tbe lives of the characters.

[Barbara Birchall · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do wanted to say something nice about this book. Worthy.

[Caroline Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good story. Too many coincidences but a lovely story of reunion

[Margaret Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful book.... See my full review below

http://bleachhouselibrary.blogspot.ie...

[Margaret Madden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful novel, beautifully written. Full review via link below
http://bleachhouselibrary.blogspot.ie...

[Claire Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one, loads of unexpected twists, and a few heart-wrenching moments.

[Mary Mcgrath · Rating 2 out of 5]

Incredible (not in a good way) plot, unbelievable characters. . Finished the book though and I have a few on the go . . .

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

an ok read but just too many coincidences and character 'tie-ins'. Kept me intrigued as needed to know how it all ended; might make a short TV series