What do you think?
Rate this book
Convergence
alternate cover edition of ASIN: B00A00L3DI
Martin is a divorcee, a house renovator who has retired to a country cottage on the England/Wales border. His final project is a pair of stone cottages: one for himself and his springer spaniel; the other to rent out to supplement his pension.
Lily's parents came to England on the 'Empire Windrush' in 1948 in search of a new beginning. She has spent her life as one of the first generation of British-born black people, suffering prejudice and rejection in her early life. Also retired, Lily seeks a place in the country for her twilight years too.
Martin grew up in the rural east of England, discovering the heady idealism of college before settling into the more humdrum routine of work in an architects' office. By contrast, Lily's early years are spent in one of the growing ethnic minority enclaves in Birmingham.
Their disparate life lines, related in flashback, meet when Lily becomes Martin's tenant. Just when when they'd both thought that it would never happen again, romance, surprisingly passionate and bitter-sweet, begins to blossom...
Martin is a divorcee, a house renovator who has retired to a country cottage on the England/Wales border. His final project is a pair of stone cottages: one for himself and his springer spaniel; the other to rent out to supplement his pension.
Lily's parents came to England on the 'Empire Windrush' in 1948 in search of a new beginning. She has spent her life as one of the first generation of British-born black people, suffering prejudice and rejection in her early life. Also retired, Lily seeks a place in the country for her twilight years too.
Martin grew up in the rural east of England, discovering the heady idealism of college before settling into the more humdrum routine of work in an architects' office. By contrast, Lily's early years are spent in one of the growing ethnic minority enclaves in Birmingham.
Their disparate life lines, related in flashback, meet when Lily becomes Martin's tenant. Just when when they'd both thought that it would never happen again, romance, surprisingly passionate and bitter-sweet, begins to blossom...
Unknown Binding
First published November 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
John Needham
8 books17 followersI was born in Rutland, the smallest (it's tiny) county in England. The first part of my childhood was spent idyllically (or so it seems in retrospect) in a village of limestone cottages; the second in the nearby Georgian town of Stamford. I began working life as a compositor, where I first became addicted to printer's ink, before going to art college and training for a graphic designer and occasional copywriter.
Later I discovered another addiction: renovating old houses (and it won't escape your notice that my novel Convergence is semi-autobiographical) and followed that noble calling for twenty years. The final chapter of my working life was spent landscape gardening.
Now blissfully retired in a village in Wales, I read a lot, write a lot and walk the gorgeous Welsh countryside with my doggy Best Friend Sali.
Later I discovered another addiction: renovating old houses (and it won't escape your notice that my novel Convergence is semi-autobiographical) and followed that noble calling for twenty years. The final chapter of my working life was spent landscape gardening.
Now blissfully retired in a village in Wales, I read a lot, write a lot and walk the gorgeous Welsh countryside with my doggy Best Friend Sali.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 29, 2019
Rarely in the romance genre or in any sub-genre of it do you find a story where the hero and heroine grow to old age. That mostly happens in generational sagas. In this interracial novel that phenomenon occurs, which I found refreshingly different, because it made for an interesting and satisfying story.
Martin is divorced and Lily is widowed. Martin's passion is renovating old houses. He's turned the one he lives in, into two houses instead of one large one. After suffering through a bad rental to a young woman, he then rents it to Lily, who is a retired nurse.
Almost from the beginning you can see these two people will be good friends. Lily is a breath of fresh air in Martin's life. Both are easy going personalities. Martin is a little shy and Lily is a little straight forward in taking the reins of their relationship. A big part of the story is Martin's Spaniel dog, Bessie and Lily's three children. I love novels with animals and children, because I find they bring a lot to the story.
They tell their life stories to each other over the course of the book and bring it to present day. Both have suffered hurts and tragedy in their previous relationships. Lily's last relationship was with a white man, so her son Robbie is hateful and distrustful of Martin when like turns to love for his mother and Martin. I really loved the way the author handled Robbie's racial issues toward Martin in helping him resolve his animosity in regards to this.
I realize that if a story is to be realistic that pain and suffering have to be a part of it, but my heart was hurting in several parts of the story. How I wished that Martin and Lily had met many years before, because these two people most definitely belonged together for more years than they got. But sometimes we only get so much time and we have to take what we get and use it to full advantage. If any of us are lucky enough to find love and have it for any amount of time, we've been given a gift, which is exactly what I think that Lily and Martin had. The ending was my undoing. It broke my heart and I recommend tissues, but I loved this story!
Martin is divorced and Lily is widowed. Martin's passion is renovating old houses. He's turned the one he lives in, into two houses instead of one large one. After suffering through a bad rental to a young woman, he then rents it to Lily, who is a retired nurse.
Almost from the beginning you can see these two people will be good friends. Lily is a breath of fresh air in Martin's life. Both are easy going personalities. Martin is a little shy and Lily is a little straight forward in taking the reins of their relationship. A big part of the story is Martin's Spaniel dog, Bessie and Lily's three children. I love novels with animals and children, because I find they bring a lot to the story.
They tell their life stories to each other over the course of the book and bring it to present day. Both have suffered hurts and tragedy in their previous relationships. Lily's last relationship was with a white man, so her son Robbie is hateful and distrustful of Martin when like turns to love for his mother and Martin. I really loved the way the author handled Robbie's racial issues toward Martin in helping him resolve his animosity in regards to this.
I realize that if a story is to be realistic that pain and suffering have to be a part of it, but my heart was hurting in several parts of the story. How I wished that Martin and Lily had met many years before, because these two people most definitely belonged together for more years than they got. But sometimes we only get so much time and we have to take what we get and use it to full advantage. If any of us are lucky enough to find love and have it for any amount of time, we've been given a gift, which is exactly what I think that Lily and Martin had. The ending was my undoing. It broke my heart and I recommend tissues, but I loved this story!
December 10, 2012
Having enjoyed carrying out many house renovations, when Martin Spencer decides to stop, and make the second of a pair of cottages an income, by renting it out, he discovers that being a landlord isn’t as easy as he thought it would be.
Martin had married, very young, Judith, his Indian landlord’s beautiful daughter, and they had had two children. Never racist, he welcomes his new black tenant Lily Richards, who has found herself sadly alone in the world in later life too. Very soon they are enjoying each other’s company, and an easy friendship develops.
As Martin and Lily share their very different lives with each other, the reader, gains an insight into the prejudices, from both sides, associated with mix marriages through the decades.
The book actually continues into the future, following their lives forward....
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gentle, love story. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, there are many life lessons, nestled, within the pages of this lovely book.
Martin had married, very young, Judith, his Indian landlord’s beautiful daughter, and they had had two children. Never racist, he welcomes his new black tenant Lily Richards, who has found herself sadly alone in the world in later life too. Very soon they are enjoying each other’s company, and an easy friendship develops.
As Martin and Lily share their very different lives with each other, the reader, gains an insight into the prejudices, from both sides, associated with mix marriages through the decades.
The book actually continues into the future, following their lives forward....
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this gentle, love story. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad, there are many life lessons, nestled, within the pages of this lovely book.
April 17, 2013
Rare Gem
This story took me by surprise. I was expecting the same ole love story with a sweet ending. While it is a beautiful love story, there is nothing ordinary about the story of Martin and Lily.
As an avid reader of interracial stories across all types of genres, I have become disappointed in some of the characters and plots that I have been exploring (maybe it’s just me). The trend of “entertain at all cost” regardless of character development, smooth dialogue, plot exposition, prose (I could go on) seems to be drowning in a sea of sexual gratification that in my little opinion is killing this genre. I am not saying I don’t like to read a well placed steaming scene or two but for goodness sakes, can I get to the know the characters a bit (before I am staring at muffins and bits) or have a modicum of details pertaining to the characters lives? This wonderful story has given me hope! Yes, you can love scenes and a well written story line- Imagine that?
For one refreshing change of pace, I did not have to read through pages of young hot bodies and how perfect they are to touch and feel (gagging). As a plus size woman over the age of thirty, I must give the author a big two thumbs up for that alone. Then to my surprise, the author sneaks in a cleaver way for me to get to know Martin and Lily while they form a friendship. It made me think of the show Wonder Years or the movie (and book) “When We Were the Mulvaneys” (my favorites). As you read this story, you actually begin picturing the flash backs in time and find yourself wrapped up in their personal histories. I am going to be the first to say it- This would be make a fabulous Lifetime movie!
If you want to see what real authentic dialogue looks like- read this story. There was not one time, in the entire story where I felt moments between Martin and Lily were implausible or rushed. They had me laughing, sniffling, and saying “I love these two people. I want to know these people in real life”. Add in the interesting vernacular that gave the story an almost poetic tone of voice. This author took the time to paint clear, well rounded, flawed, normal people. That is where my only complaint lies with the story which is actually a huge compliment. I enjoyed their moments together so much; I wanted more…lots and lots more! (Especially at the end- maybe just a little piece of what Martin felt from his viewpoint).
One more thing I have to mention, the price! The price is right! How often do you get a whole lotta story for fewer than 3 bucks? I have bought eBooks for twice the price and only a fraction of the length of this one that left me wishing I had saved my money. Convergence is safely tucked away on my favorite’s kindle carousel between Kindred and Princess Ces’alena.
P.S. I could actually get this book in print and put it on my bookcase without worrying about anyone seeing pictures of half naked people.(Am I the only one wondering what is happening to interracial book covers these days-geesh!)
Your friendly blabber mouth, Joy
This story took me by surprise. I was expecting the same ole love story with a sweet ending. While it is a beautiful love story, there is nothing ordinary about the story of Martin and Lily.
As an avid reader of interracial stories across all types of genres, I have become disappointed in some of the characters and plots that I have been exploring (maybe it’s just me). The trend of “entertain at all cost” regardless of character development, smooth dialogue, plot exposition, prose (I could go on) seems to be drowning in a sea of sexual gratification that in my little opinion is killing this genre. I am not saying I don’t like to read a well placed steaming scene or two but for goodness sakes, can I get to the know the characters a bit (before I am staring at muffins and bits) or have a modicum of details pertaining to the characters lives? This wonderful story has given me hope! Yes, you can love scenes and a well written story line- Imagine that?
For one refreshing change of pace, I did not have to read through pages of young hot bodies and how perfect they are to touch and feel (gagging). As a plus size woman over the age of thirty, I must give the author a big two thumbs up for that alone. Then to my surprise, the author sneaks in a cleaver way for me to get to know Martin and Lily while they form a friendship. It made me think of the show Wonder Years or the movie (and book) “When We Were the Mulvaneys” (my favorites). As you read this story, you actually begin picturing the flash backs in time and find yourself wrapped up in their personal histories. I am going to be the first to say it- This would be make a fabulous Lifetime movie!
If you want to see what real authentic dialogue looks like- read this story. There was not one time, in the entire story where I felt moments between Martin and Lily were implausible or rushed. They had me laughing, sniffling, and saying “I love these two people. I want to know these people in real life”. Add in the interesting vernacular that gave the story an almost poetic tone of voice. This author took the time to paint clear, well rounded, flawed, normal people. That is where my only complaint lies with the story which is actually a huge compliment. I enjoyed their moments together so much; I wanted more…lots and lots more! (Especially at the end- maybe just a little piece of what Martin felt from his viewpoint).
One more thing I have to mention, the price! The price is right! How often do you get a whole lotta story for fewer than 3 bucks? I have bought eBooks for twice the price and only a fraction of the length of this one that left me wishing I had saved my money. Convergence is safely tucked away on my favorite’s kindle carousel between Kindred and Princess Ces’alena.
P.S. I could actually get this book in print and put it on my bookcase without worrying about anyone seeing pictures of half naked people.(Am I the only one wondering what is happening to interracial book covers these days-geesh!)
Your friendly blabber mouth, Joy
December 22, 2012
This is an interesting twist of coming-of-age from both the female and male perspective, an inter-racial romance, and a second chance at love. Perhaps,even, a message that it is never too late. Amen to that!
Set in rural England I found the different backdrop a large part of the charm of this tale. And it reads so personal that I kept wondering if it was true. More memoir than fiction, and it intrigued me even more because of that.
It is a quick pleasant read. Makes you wonder if, since the sixties, if we have really made a lot of progress in regard to prejudice. I guess we have but there is such a distance still to go.
Writing a first book deserves kudos just because no one, except an author, understands how daunting and scary a task it is. So John, good job and keep going.
Set in rural England I found the different backdrop a large part of the charm of this tale. And it reads so personal that I kept wondering if it was true. More memoir than fiction, and it intrigued me even more because of that.
It is a quick pleasant read. Makes you wonder if, since the sixties, if we have really made a lot of progress in regard to prejudice. I guess we have but there is such a distance still to go.
Writing a first book deserves kudos just because no one, except an author, understands how daunting and scary a task it is. So John, good job and keep going.
September 27, 2014
This book had me smiling at times, and close to tears at others. Convergence tells the story of Lily and Martin who meet later in life when Lily becomes Martin's tenant. As they get to know each other, we hear both of their life stories, and I have to say I found both characters increasingly charming. The author really draws you into their world, and I liked them both so much I wished I lived next door to them! There is a very poignant ending, which I did not see coming. I found this an really pleasurable read from beginning to end. There are probably not enough older characters in books, and the subject of intimate relations later on in life is rarely tackled, so this book helps to redress the balance. I would definitely read more from this author.
January 30, 2015
I read this book not due to the description, but thanks to the teaser included in Forebears - I needed to keep going! I liked the idea of picking up on another character from Forebears (albeit a fairly minor one) and exploring his life further.
To start with I felt a little pity for Martin as his retirement plans seemed to be going awry, but the arrival of Lily as his new almost immediately brings joy into his world.
The narration of each of their life stories to the other was very moving, and the racist themes very well dealt with when Lily's son becomes involved.
As other's have said the ending comes as a big surprise, both saddening and heartwarming at the same time.
I would highly recommend Convergence to readers of all ages; a moving look at the past, present and future.
To start with I felt a little pity for Martin as his retirement plans seemed to be going awry, but the arrival of Lily as his new almost immediately brings joy into his world.
The narration of each of their life stories to the other was very moving, and the racist themes very well dealt with when Lily's son becomes involved.
As other's have said the ending comes as a big surprise, both saddening and heartwarming at the same time.
I would highly recommend Convergence to readers of all ages; a moving look at the past, present and future.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews