Ray's Game: A Metaphysical Romantic Comedy

by Jools Berry

Actor Ray Haff, a modern-day Cary Grant, should be happy. A successful actor in possession of good looks and the Hollywood lifestyle should be happy, shouldn't he? But at 43, Ray is increasingly convinced something in his shallow showbiz life needs to change. But what? And how? When a red carpet run-in lands him in hospital and an out-of-body encounter with “It”, angels Patience, Prudence and Freddie the dog are charged with steering him in the right direction.

From Hollywood to London and Barcelona and back again, Ray's Game is a charming, funny and romantic tale of what happens when we really set our hearts on what we want in life...and how the universe conspires to make it happen.

Audible Audio

First published October 8, 2013

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jools Berry and I have a long acquaintance through a mutual friend, one who died a short time ago; this has only tightened our bond, even through we have met but a few times. Jools and Kathy, our mutual friend, shared a deep fascination with the spiritual connections that they felt in the world. I didn't (and don't) always share their enthusiasm, but it's nonetheless true that I feel close to both, even with Kathy gone.

I mention all of this by way of introduction, as the spiritual plays a strong role in this delightful story of film star Ray Haff, whose life turns upside down when's he punched out on the red carpet. In the coma which follows, he experiences rather an epiphany. To tell you more would spoil the pleasure of seeing how Berry introduces her larger theme into this apparent rom-com, the genre at which Haff has excelled. Perhaps he's outgrown these parts, as may well be true of the roles he plays in his own life.

Larger forces are at work in several directions, from his seven-year-old goddaughter to a puppy to his publicist and even to figures which seem at first otherworldly. Haff's realizations how his life might change are influenced by all of these figures, the movie god's retinue and the merely mortal.

Delicious fun for the casual reader, and more thought-provoking as it proceeds. Highly recommended for a short, engaging, and deeply felt tale of love, redemption, and friendship.

[Mr Rodney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in two sittings, couldn't put it down (ok, I put it down once). If you enjoy romantic fiction this had a great deal of wit and connects with the concept of a spiritual dimension to our lives. But in an amusing way. Nothing heavy here. No religious nonsense or lecturing, just an idea of another dimension helping our hero get through life really. So the book entertains as well as engaging your imagination. But I have to say I am a sucker for a romance. Just don't tell my mates down the pub, ok.