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Living Dead Lovers
***MATURE AUDIENCE***
Living Dead Lovers follows the life and times of famed psychic-medium, half-Romani gypsy, Valentina ‘Cabbage’ Moone, from her mute infancy trawling the roads of Europe to a fiery-tongued, hard-drinking, speed-loving clairvoyant with a complete disregard for human life, including her own of late…
Psychic medium Cabbage brings forth more than she can chew with womanizing dead racing-car driver, Marty ‘Magma’ Molloy, who doesn’t want to give up the chase.
A twisted love affair never meant to be. Necrophilia: that’s what the sceptical call it. Romantics call it the yin-yang love between being and human being, light and, oh, so very dark.
And her guardian angel Mr. Brick Shithouse makes it even more complicated...
Living Dead Lovers follows the life and times of famed psychic-medium, half-Romani gypsy, Valentina ‘Cabbage’ Moone, from her mute infancy trawling the roads of Europe to a fiery-tongued, hard-drinking, speed-loving clairvoyant with a complete disregard for human life, including her own of late…
Psychic medium Cabbage brings forth more than she can chew with womanizing dead racing-car driver, Marty ‘Magma’ Molloy, who doesn’t want to give up the chase.
A twisted love affair never meant to be. Necrophilia: that’s what the sceptical call it. Romantics call it the yin-yang love between being and human being, light and, oh, so very dark.
And her guardian angel Mr. Brick Shithouse makes it even more complicated...
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 8, 2013
10 people are currently reading
6104 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Dunne
24 books1,302 followersExclusive!
Chapter One of The Reek audiobook — upcoming Book 10 in the Old Castle Chronicles horror series. Written and narrated by Jonathan Dunne. To be published in December 2025. Sneak Preview available now and exclusively at Jonathan's YouTube audiobook channel!
https://youtu.be/giLSbqnQdag
Jonathan's next novel, supernatural horror The Reek, is slated for release in December 2025!
https://tinyurl.com/346fwhrn
Supernatural horror Halfway House coming Spring 2026!
https://tinyurl.com/338zumv8
OUT NOW! Dead Air Vol 2 of The Dead Series in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/76KU54N
OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 2 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series.
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OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 1 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series. Keep an eye out for Vol 2 in the coming weeks!
https://a.co/d/2i8iwB9
OUT NOW! Fireman in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/9PJLr30
Jonathan has an exciting lineup of new horror titles in progress. To stay updated on his latest horror offerings, be sure to follow him on his Amazon author page and Goodreads. Jonathan writes dark fiction and hangs around the local cemetery more often than is healthy, whether in his homeland of Limerick, Ireland or his second home in Toledo, Spain. He will be in the mountains if he isn't at the cemetery. Jonathan holds a BA in Literature.
Jonathan's audiobooks YouTube page (work in progress):
https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanDunn...
Jonathan's Amazon Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonatha...
Jonathan's Bookbub Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jonat....
Chapter One of The Reek audiobook — upcoming Book 10 in the Old Castle Chronicles horror series. Written and narrated by Jonathan Dunne. To be published in December 2025. Sneak Preview available now and exclusively at Jonathan's YouTube audiobook channel!
https://youtu.be/giLSbqnQdag
Jonathan's next novel, supernatural horror The Reek, is slated for release in December 2025!
https://tinyurl.com/346fwhrn
Supernatural horror Halfway House coming Spring 2026!
https://tinyurl.com/338zumv8
OUT NOW! Dead Air Vol 2 of The Dead Series in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/76KU54N
OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 2 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series.
https://a.co/d/gnGHpMP
OUT NOW! The Boneyard: Short Fictions of the Morbid and Macabre Vol 1 of short horror collection The Boneyard Series. Keep an eye out for Vol 2 in the coming weeks!
https://a.co/d/2i8iwB9
OUT NOW! Fireman in Kindle, paperback, and hardback! Audiobook read by the author.
https://a.co/d/9PJLr30
Jonathan has an exciting lineup of new horror titles in progress. To stay updated on his latest horror offerings, be sure to follow him on his Amazon author page and Goodreads. Jonathan writes dark fiction and hangs around the local cemetery more often than is healthy, whether in his homeland of Limerick, Ireland or his second home in Toledo, Spain. He will be in the mountains if he isn't at the cemetery. Jonathan holds a BA in Literature.
Jonathan's audiobooks YouTube page (work in progress):
https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanDunn...
Jonathan's Amazon Page:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jonatha...
Jonathan's Bookbub Page:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jonat....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 5, 2022
What a weird, wacky & wonderful world exists inside the head of Jonathan Dunne, and thank goodness he decided to share it with the rest of us! I loved his ' Balloon Animals' and hoped that this one would be as good - and it was. The language and situations described are not for those easily offended, the author doesn't tie things up with a pretty silk bow, he just tells it how it is, but he is funny, although some of it is quiet dark at times. On another level, I found it to be a deeply emotional experience too. Very enjoyable.
August 31, 2016
With a story full of gypsies, ghosts, mental health issues, love, death, outcast animals, and family issues; how could you go wrong? You can't. Not in my opinion anyway. I loved every page of this book.
In this fictional tale, Valentina “Cabbage” Moone has written her autobiography which may or may not be used in an educational syllabus with select edits. No worries, Cabbage lets you know what areas should be omitted for educational use. She tells her life story from conception to how she came to fall for her dead lover. Literally and metaphorically.
With a helplessly romantic father and feisty gypsy of a mother, Cabbage has her hands full. But the living aren't the only ones she has to deal with. She also has a gift passed down from her gypsy white-witch grandmother; she can communicate with the dead. In the first days of her life she meets her guardian angel and that is only the beginning of what is to come.
This tragicomedy novel will have you laughing and cringing at the same time as you follow Cabbage on her adventure through life, as short lived as it may be. With the setting in the European countries of Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain; this book had me reminiscing of my time spent in Europe and longing to visit again.
I found it especially unique that Cabbage speaks directly to the Reader. Yes, you, the actual reader of the book. This offbeat, fresh, funny, and lively (or not so lively in some cases, he-he) book will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It is part coming-of-age tale, part paranormal mystery, and part tragicomedy that had me reading late into the night.
U.S. readers need to put Irish author Jonathan Dunne on their radar. You will not be disappointed. I gave it a '5 star' rating and would highly recommend to all readers, especially ones that enjoy zany characters and a wild ride.
In this fictional tale, Valentina “Cabbage” Moone has written her autobiography which may or may not be used in an educational syllabus with select edits. No worries, Cabbage lets you know what areas should be omitted for educational use. She tells her life story from conception to how she came to fall for her dead lover. Literally and metaphorically.
With a helplessly romantic father and feisty gypsy of a mother, Cabbage has her hands full. But the living aren't the only ones she has to deal with. She also has a gift passed down from her gypsy white-witch grandmother; she can communicate with the dead. In the first days of her life she meets her guardian angel and that is only the beginning of what is to come.
This tragicomedy novel will have you laughing and cringing at the same time as you follow Cabbage on her adventure through life, as short lived as it may be. With the setting in the European countries of Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain; this book had me reminiscing of my time spent in Europe and longing to visit again.
I found it especially unique that Cabbage speaks directly to the Reader. Yes, you, the actual reader of the book. This offbeat, fresh, funny, and lively (or not so lively in some cases, he-he) book will appeal to a wide variety of readers. It is part coming-of-age tale, part paranormal mystery, and part tragicomedy that had me reading late into the night.
U.S. readers need to put Irish author Jonathan Dunne on their radar. You will not be disappointed. I gave it a '5 star' rating and would highly recommend to all readers, especially ones that enjoy zany characters and a wild ride.
March 30, 2014
It has to be another 5 stars!!!!
I honestly think i laughed on every page and
laughed out loud a lot of the time!
As well as being funny this is a clever and strangely
logical story.I never know what was going to happen next
and just went with the flow.It's a very dark sort
of comedy and there is no writer i can compare it
to except maybe Flann O'Brien's "The Third Policeman"
and to be compared to Flann O'Brien is high praise indeed.
So i highly recommend this funny,crazy,
rollercoaster ride of a story.
Look forward to the authors next book.
I honestly think i laughed on every page and
laughed out loud a lot of the time!
As well as being funny this is a clever and strangely
logical story.I never know what was going to happen next
and just went with the flow.It's a very dark sort
of comedy and there is no writer i can compare it
to except maybe Flann O'Brien's "The Third Policeman"
and to be compared to Flann O'Brien is high praise indeed.
So i highly recommend this funny,crazy,
rollercoaster ride of a story.
Look forward to the authors next book.
July 15, 2016
It took me long time to read this book, because I happened to have my holiday just before, during, and after. Anyway - This is a hilarious, wacky story of a peculiar girl in a peculiar family. It's beyond your comfort zone a bit, probably, and is entertaining until the end. But not in a pink, fuzzy way, but at times through dramatic happenings, absurdities, and a well written narrative. The characters are amazing ( I couldn't stop thinking how Alan Tudyk would be excellent as the father). Tragicomedy is how I see life, and this book takes a humane and humorous stance on serious issues, which I relate to, laughing. An perfect example of a great title bundled with a great cover- this raised my interest in it in the first place. I recommend.
July 4, 2014
What an interesting read! I don't think I've read a book like this in a while. Very enjoyable.
The book begins in the present, then goes through an "autobiographical" presentation of the main character's life. Character names are different and humorous. Situations are unique and funny. Because the reader knows how the book ends, it is interesting to see how the author gets there. And then just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something different happens.
The actual writing is a little different and there are a few weird spellings - I attribute it to the voice of the main character who is largely uneducated. Because it is in her voice, therefore her writing, that's where some of these spellings and odd ways to say happen (another way to say it is that the author is truly writing in his main character's voice).
This book held my attention all the way through, I wanted to see how it played out even though I knew what would happen, and I laughed at many things. It's a love story, it's an "autobiography" of growing up in a strange family, it's a story about confidence and standing up for what you believe in, and it's all very quirky. Go for it and read it!
The book begins in the present, then goes through an "autobiographical" presentation of the main character's life. Character names are different and humorous. Situations are unique and funny. Because the reader knows how the book ends, it is interesting to see how the author gets there. And then just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something different happens.
The actual writing is a little different and there are a few weird spellings - I attribute it to the voice of the main character who is largely uneducated. Because it is in her voice, therefore her writing, that's where some of these spellings and odd ways to say happen (another way to say it is that the author is truly writing in his main character's voice).
This book held my attention all the way through, I wanted to see how it played out even though I knew what would happen, and I laughed at many things. It's a love story, it's an "autobiography" of growing up in a strange family, it's a story about confidence and standing up for what you believe in, and it's all very quirky. Go for it and read it!
November 25, 2015
I received my copy of this book through Goodreads, with the author personally sending the book to me.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book that exceeded all my expectations. A highly original story full of quirky, weird characters, with lots of twists and turns. The dark humor kept me chuckling and imagining as I was reading about one crazy adventure after the other. Poor Cabbage, brought up by dysfunctional, offbeat, somewhat irresponsible parents; trying her best to survive after being born in a cabbage patch. Be warned, this book is not for anyone that might be easily offended. A very worthwhile, highly imaginative and refreshing read. Jonathan Dunne is an extremely talented author, and I look forward to reading more of his books.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book that exceeded all my expectations. A highly original story full of quirky, weird characters, with lots of twists and turns. The dark humor kept me chuckling and imagining as I was reading about one crazy adventure after the other. Poor Cabbage, brought up by dysfunctional, offbeat, somewhat irresponsible parents; trying her best to survive after being born in a cabbage patch. Be warned, this book is not for anyone that might be easily offended. A very worthwhile, highly imaginative and refreshing read. Jonathan Dunne is an extremely talented author, and I look forward to reading more of his books.
July 25, 2016
This is my 1st book by Jonathan Dunne, so i didn't know what to expect.
What a fantastic interesting book! I don't think I've ever read a book like this. Fantastic! The reader knows how the book ends, So it's interesting to see how the author gets there. And then just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something different happens.
The book begins in the present, then goes through a journey of the main character's life. The character names are different and funny (like Cabbage). This book held my attention all the way through, I wanted to see how it played out, even if i knew what would happen. It made me laugh.
What a fantastic interesting book! I don't think I've ever read a book like this. Fantastic! The reader knows how the book ends, So it's interesting to see how the author gets there. And then just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, something different happens.
The book begins in the present, then goes through a journey of the main character's life. The character names are different and funny (like Cabbage). This book held my attention all the way through, I wanted to see how it played out, even if i knew what would happen. It made me laugh.
July 23, 2014
First off, yes I won this in one of the Goodreads giveaway, which the author promptly sent me (it is me who is running horribly behind on everything). He also wrote me a lovely note and autographed it, which was extremely unexpected and sweet.
Ok so on to the book. It is an odd book about an odd life. While it wasn't knee slapping, roll on the floor hilarious it was rather humorous and was no hardship to read. In case someone doesn't speak stars, I found myself somewhere between like it and love it, at times more towards like it and others more towards love it. I like when an author goes out on a limb and writes something a little different and I love it when it isn't serious, I get enough serious in real life. I don't want to summarize it because better people than me get paid to do that and hopefully will do a lot better job than I would.
Ok so on to the book. It is an odd book about an odd life. While it wasn't knee slapping, roll on the floor hilarious it was rather humorous and was no hardship to read. In case someone doesn't speak stars, I found myself somewhere between like it and love it, at times more towards like it and others more towards love it. I like when an author goes out on a limb and writes something a little different and I love it when it isn't serious, I get enough serious in real life. I don't want to summarize it because better people than me get paid to do that and hopefully will do a lot better job than I would.
December 19, 2013
I read this author's first book (Balloon animals) and liked it so much that I was fearing that his second book would not keep the standard....but it certainly did!
The author was able to deliver another great book, a well written, witty, tragic comedy with endearing characters. You just get to accept them and love them with their flaws. Incredibly realistic even in the most incredible situations.
You never read anything like it. I dare you to prove me wrong....Enjoy the read!
The author was able to deliver another great book, a well written, witty, tragic comedy with endearing characters. You just get to accept them and love them with their flaws. Incredibly realistic even in the most incredible situations.
You never read anything like it. I dare you to prove me wrong....Enjoy the read!
November 3, 2016
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ loved this book. I'm not usually drawn to this type of book and haven't read anything like it in years. Starting off with Valentina 'cabbage' Moone's impending suicide and straight into the autobiography of her unconventional yet hilarious and often sad life. So far the best black comedy I've read! Great characters I will never forget
April 30, 2014
I want to be someone's Cabbage. The story behind her name alone is one of the most interesting I have read in a long time. Our poor little gypsy girl with her wacky parents, bound to be a victim to quirky DNA. Valentina 'Cabbage' Moone begins her life mute to the world by default, not realizing her parents don't have the gift to communicate through their minds. Clairvoyance passed by her wild, controlling gypsy mother and burrowed into her soul instead. Her father is a romantic with fairy floss in his head, and apt to weep before standing up to his demanding, often mean-spirited but sexy wife.
Readers meet an angel named Mr. Brick Shithouse that becomes her confidant, even when she is tossed in the nuthouse. Cabbage has a real flame, Marty Magma Molloy, deceased race-care driver, certified Lothario who wants to woo her into his death bed so their love can be the eternal sort.
From the start when her parents fall in love, the reader knows this is not an ordinary story by any means. This is one of the most unusual books I have ever read. Jonathan Dunne's jocularity is a gift that never waned in Living Dead Lovers, and certainly humor isn't an easy beast to guide. I am going to push this one on my friends, because I hang out with people as weird as myself who will get this. It is a hard story to review because the characters are vibrant and they will make you want to jump in and smack them, or hold them up and say 'damn it man, grow a backbone!" While Nicky, Cabbage's mother, is selfish and vain one cannot imagine the story being as wonderful without her.
Jump in the caravan and join this wacky little family.
Readers meet an angel named Mr. Brick Shithouse that becomes her confidant, even when she is tossed in the nuthouse. Cabbage has a real flame, Marty Magma Molloy, deceased race-care driver, certified Lothario who wants to woo her into his death bed so their love can be the eternal sort.
From the start when her parents fall in love, the reader knows this is not an ordinary story by any means. This is one of the most unusual books I have ever read. Jonathan Dunne's jocularity is a gift that never waned in Living Dead Lovers, and certainly humor isn't an easy beast to guide. I am going to push this one on my friends, because I hang out with people as weird as myself who will get this. It is a hard story to review because the characters are vibrant and they will make you want to jump in and smack them, or hold them up and say 'damn it man, grow a backbone!" While Nicky, Cabbage's mother, is selfish and vain one cannot imagine the story being as wonderful without her.
Jump in the caravan and join this wacky little family.
January 15, 2014
I've been a huge fan of Jonathan Dunne since his excellent first novel, Balloon Animals. His second book, Living Dead Lovers somehow manages to be even more of an uproarious lark than his debut. Ms. Cabbage is a beast of a character.
I hope Mr. Dunne not taking his well deserved rest in Toledo, but working on the follow-up.
I hope Mr. Dunne not taking his well deserved rest in Toledo, but working on the follow-up.
April 26, 2021
Very quirky. Very strange. Very fun.
July 26, 2014
A Gypsy, A Postman, and Clairvoyant Cabbage: Living Dead Lovers
When a wacky romantic of an Irish Postman meets a gypsy with negligible powers, a series of unbelievably crazy happenings occur. What else would you expect from a book by Jonathan Dunne?
Thus begins my review of Living Dead Lovers, by Jonathan Dunne. Mr. Dunne has an undeniable gift for writing ironic comedy which seems to transcend our beliefs of what is possible. Line after line, paragraph after paragraph, and page after unbelievable page, his characters go through the trials and tribulations of their lives. I find the experience of reading Jonathan Dunne’s books to be a much needed escape.
If you have read his book, Balloon Animals (Amazon review here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3F6NEEU...) you will see the circumstances of how I came to discover its charm, and the writing of Jonathan Dunne, in general. I also interview him about that book, here: http://wp.me/p35Mk4-3c.
I chose to read Living Dead Lovers, his second novel, at another stressful time, and it truly delivered. From the opening line of the story, you can tell this book will be different. It is a fictional memoir (at least I certainly hope it is!) and brings you, The Reader, into the lives of Willy the postman, Nicolasia the wanna-be-powerful gypsy, and Cabbage, their clairvoyant daughter. We are taken on the road with these three characters as they live the lives of gypsies in their broken down two-tone caravan.
To say that this book is funny is a gross understatement. From the moment that Willy meets Nicolasia, to conception in a raunchy toilet stall, to the birth of their baby, to the tattoo parlor, and so on, my sides hurt from laughing; from page 1! But this book also had some very tender and sweet moments. I found myself feeling deeply for the characters, especially Cabbage who doesn’t seem to understand why she is the way she is. I felt for the ghosts who visited her and for her guardian angel, Mr. Brick. This book has a lot to offer.
Jonathan Dunne has agreed to participate in another interview on my blog soon, and I look forward to publishing his responses. I am so glad to have discovered this author. I hope you will too!
When a wacky romantic of an Irish Postman meets a gypsy with negligible powers, a series of unbelievably crazy happenings occur. What else would you expect from a book by Jonathan Dunne?
Thus begins my review of Living Dead Lovers, by Jonathan Dunne. Mr. Dunne has an undeniable gift for writing ironic comedy which seems to transcend our beliefs of what is possible. Line after line, paragraph after paragraph, and page after unbelievable page, his characters go through the trials and tribulations of their lives. I find the experience of reading Jonathan Dunne’s books to be a much needed escape.
If you have read his book, Balloon Animals (Amazon review here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3F6NEEU...) you will see the circumstances of how I came to discover its charm, and the writing of Jonathan Dunne, in general. I also interview him about that book, here: http://wp.me/p35Mk4-3c.
I chose to read Living Dead Lovers, his second novel, at another stressful time, and it truly delivered. From the opening line of the story, you can tell this book will be different. It is a fictional memoir (at least I certainly hope it is!) and brings you, The Reader, into the lives of Willy the postman, Nicolasia the wanna-be-powerful gypsy, and Cabbage, their clairvoyant daughter. We are taken on the road with these three characters as they live the lives of gypsies in their broken down two-tone caravan.
To say that this book is funny is a gross understatement. From the moment that Willy meets Nicolasia, to conception in a raunchy toilet stall, to the birth of their baby, to the tattoo parlor, and so on, my sides hurt from laughing; from page 1! But this book also had some very tender and sweet moments. I found myself feeling deeply for the characters, especially Cabbage who doesn’t seem to understand why she is the way she is. I felt for the ghosts who visited her and for her guardian angel, Mr. Brick. This book has a lot to offer.
Jonathan Dunne has agreed to participate in another interview on my blog soon, and I look forward to publishing his responses. I am so glad to have discovered this author. I hope you will too!
May 12, 2015
This has been a first-reads book and I'm going to be open here...my previous experience with the other first-reads has made me somewhat cautious in terms of expectations, but I have to say...this one exceeded them.
The plot of the book is unusual in itself - it's the autobiography (pseudo of course) of a half-gypsy teenage girl, able to contact the dead. This is pretty unconventional if you ask me, which is why I got into the giveaway in the first place. But if a book doesn't have the supporting material, the talent needed, no matter the promising premise, then it's nothing but a house of cards. What made this book stand out from the rest is that it has an anarchic logic from beginning to end. The element of tragicomedy is always there. The heroine deals with the weirdness in her life with a sense of humour that doesn't seem out of place, but on the contrary, it is the factor that makes her a strong character and elevates her in our eyes. Because the book focuses on three main characters (the girl and her parents), the author has had the freedom to develop them to their fullest extent for 354 pages. I had the luck to read a complete psychogram of the heroes, which is rare in most books. Unconventionality also exists in that it uses a straightforward narration, a sort of "conversation" with the reader. If I am to use a term, I would say that it is the cinematic equivalent to "breaking the fourth wall". It addresses the reader as if they were there.....a wink to them to acknowledge them and make them part of the story so as to make them relate to the heroine better. My sole "complaint" has been the ending which I thought was somewhat rushed, always contrasting it to what has preceded it. And that's why I decided to give it four stars instead of five.
All in all, I recommend the book to everyone who's not "afraid" to get out of their comfort zone, reading something that is not classically written in form. I trust that you'll find it quite enjoyable. I know I did.
The plot of the book is unusual in itself - it's the autobiography (pseudo of course) of a half-gypsy teenage girl, able to contact the dead. This is pretty unconventional if you ask me, which is why I got into the giveaway in the first place. But if a book doesn't have the supporting material, the talent needed, no matter the promising premise, then it's nothing but a house of cards. What made this book stand out from the rest is that it has an anarchic logic from beginning to end. The element of tragicomedy is always there. The heroine deals with the weirdness in her life with a sense of humour that doesn't seem out of place, but on the contrary, it is the factor that makes her a strong character and elevates her in our eyes. Because the book focuses on three main characters (the girl and her parents), the author has had the freedom to develop them to their fullest extent for 354 pages. I had the luck to read a complete psychogram of the heroes, which is rare in most books. Unconventionality also exists in that it uses a straightforward narration, a sort of "conversation" with the reader. If I am to use a term, I would say that it is the cinematic equivalent to "breaking the fourth wall". It addresses the reader as if they were there.....a wink to them to acknowledge them and make them part of the story so as to make them relate to the heroine better. My sole "complaint" has been the ending which I thought was somewhat rushed, always contrasting it to what has preceded it. And that's why I decided to give it four stars instead of five.
All in all, I recommend the book to everyone who's not "afraid" to get out of their comfort zone, reading something that is not classically written in form. I trust that you'll find it quite enjoyable. I know I did.
August 11, 2014
Recieved a free copy from Goodreads.
Finally getting around to my review as I finished quite some time ago......life got in the way!
I had never read one of this authors books before this and I can definitely say I will be seeking out his other novels to read. I thoroughly enjoyed "Living Dead Lovers" right from the first page to the last page. "Cabbage" pulled me in and really never let go, the more I read the more attached I became to all the characters in the book. At many points throughout the story I wanted to grab her father (Willy) by the shoulders, shake some sense into him and tell him to "grow a pair"! As for Cabbages mother....let me just say, she is what I would call a mother from Hell. As in all good novels, there is always at least one character who gets under your skin for one reason or another. This novel made me chuckle many times and it provided me with a very enjoyable reading experience. Thanks Jonathan!
Finally getting around to my review as I finished quite some time ago......life got in the way!
I had never read one of this authors books before this and I can definitely say I will be seeking out his other novels to read. I thoroughly enjoyed "Living Dead Lovers" right from the first page to the last page. "Cabbage" pulled me in and really never let go, the more I read the more attached I became to all the characters in the book. At many points throughout the story I wanted to grab her father (Willy) by the shoulders, shake some sense into him and tell him to "grow a pair"! As for Cabbages mother....let me just say, she is what I would call a mother from Hell. As in all good novels, there is always at least one character who gets under your skin for one reason or another. This novel made me chuckle many times and it provided me with a very enjoyable reading experience. Thanks Jonathan!
March 25, 2014
I received this book as part of Goodreads first-read program.
Living dead lovers is a quirky book about a girl called Cabbage and her even quirkier family. I found the book to be really interesting and unlike anything I have read before. The story is dark yet sweet and leaves you thinking about it after you finish.
I find Cabbage to be a sad girl tied to the struggles of her gypsy family, dominated by her gypsy mother and desperate to help her depressively romantic father. For most of the book I find Nicky an oppressive, over-bearing and almost sadistic character but there has to be a villan in every story.
I really enjoyed reading the book and am giving it 4 stars. I would recommend. the book to anyone who enjoys a good laugh or a darker side.
Living dead lovers is a quirky book about a girl called Cabbage and her even quirkier family. I found the book to be really interesting and unlike anything I have read before. The story is dark yet sweet and leaves you thinking about it after you finish.
I find Cabbage to be a sad girl tied to the struggles of her gypsy family, dominated by her gypsy mother and desperate to help her depressively romantic father. For most of the book I find Nicky an oppressive, over-bearing and almost sadistic character but there has to be a villan in every story.
I really enjoyed reading the book and am giving it 4 stars. I would recommend. the book to anyone who enjoys a good laugh or a darker side.
May 25, 2014
This absorbing book explores the fascinating life of “Cabbage” Moone the spirit medium who has a soft spot for certain non-living entities. Cabbage has had a tough upbringing; having a dominant controlling mother and spineless but loveable father, while having to deal with the presence of spirits is not easy to say the least. Especially when she falls in love with them!
Cabbages biography contains much hardship but it is told in a humorous and unconventional style which I enjoyed greatly.
Cabbages biography contains much hardship but it is told in a humorous and unconventional style which I enjoyed greatly.
December 22, 2013
Having thoroughly enjoyed Jonathan Dunnes first novel Balloon Animals, I was excited to read this novel and I wasn't a bit disappointed! Jonathan's quirky sense of humour has come across thoroughly in this book, a humour I really enjoy, keep up the good work Jonathan, I await your next book excitedly:)
June 10, 2014
If anything in Jonathan Dunne's first book ("Balloon Animals") offended you, you really should stay away from "Living Dead Lovers".
It's rude, crude, and almost juvenile in places - but oh, so very funny!
Those with a warped, twisted, slightly disturbing sense of humour will love it - those of a more sensitive nature will loathe it. You have been warned!
It's rude, crude, and almost juvenile in places - but oh, so very funny!
Those with a warped, twisted, slightly disturbing sense of humour will love it - those of a more sensitive nature will loathe it. You have been warned!
August 19, 2017
I was going to write a witty review, full of puns and inside-jokes and oh how hilarious it would be! But I remembered I can't write, so I'll just say one thing: Living Dead Lovers accomplished something that I never thought possible. It made me say "Cabbage is awesome!" (Sorry, I couldn't resist this one pun. I'll leave now. Read this book!)
March 2, 2014
I loved this book, just as I loved Mr. Dunne's first book, Balloon Animals. I enjoyed following Valentina throughout her "gypsy" (personal knowledge here, I think) life as it was so easy to relate to the characters. Humorous, engaging, and wonderfully written. Highly recommended!
March 23, 2020
Living Dead Lovers - My Review
Ghosts, gypsies, Mr.Brick Shitstorm, what more could you ask for?
Living Dead Lovers was a wild ride from start to finish. I heavily enjoyed it, although i feel like the ending was a bit rushed.
Ghosts, gypsies, Mr.Brick Shitstorm, what more could you ask for?
Living Dead Lovers was a wild ride from start to finish. I heavily enjoyed it, although i feel like the ending was a bit rushed.
February 2, 2014
Another great read from Mr Dunne, really enjoyed it and can't wait for more from him.
July 4, 2017
Very interesting!!
July 7, 2022
Sweet
I loved this book, such a sweet story. Oh, how the brain of Mr. Dunne works. Amazing. Always sad when the story ends, although this ending is bitter sweet.
I loved this book, such a sweet story. Oh, how the brain of Mr. Dunne works. Amazing. Always sad when the story ends, although this ending is bitter sweet.
August 24, 2024
Highly recommend the audio version to hear the author narrate. So far, these novels are about community, family, and love... in a Deadpool sort of way but without all the violence.
July 8, 2014
A great read. Never knew where Cabbage would take me next. Her parents whirlwind romance, Mr Brick SH and all the characters she encounters, in this world and the next. Written in a picaresque style, Despite the laughs Cabbage gradually becomes aware of the ramifications of her gift and Mama's manipulation of her/it.
Occasional spelling/format issues were a nuisance, but I tend to think these are a result of the Kindle format.
Occasional spelling/format issues were a nuisance, but I tend to think these are a result of the Kindle format.
March 9, 2017
My second trip into the world of Jonathan Dunne, this time with the half-gypsy girl "Cabbage", raised in a caravan and looked after more so by her guardian angel Mr. Brick than her dysfunctional but well-meaning (maybe...?) parents. We meet her at the top of a cliff and learn her entire life story on the way down.
Another Dunne book that reads like a cult classic movie that is sure to grow better with age!
Another Dunne book that reads like a cult classic movie that is sure to grow better with age!
August 7, 2014
**I received this book as a Goodreads First Read**
Before I picked up this book, for some reason I thought that it was an autobiography. It definitely wasn't that.
This is the story of Cabbage, a half-gypsy who can see and speak to the dead. You'll follow her through her life, growing up in a two-tone mobile with her eccentric gypsy mother and romantic father.
Before I picked up this book, for some reason I thought that it was an autobiography. It definitely wasn't that.
This is the story of Cabbage, a half-gypsy who can see and speak to the dead. You'll follow her through her life, growing up in a two-tone mobile with her eccentric gypsy mother and romantic father.
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