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Conditions #2
Conditioned
CONDITIONED dives back into the world of gardener Charles, his friends and the state of his mental health – one year on. We meet loner Simon and his battle with the outside world, co-dependent Martha and her abusive husband Clive, neurotic poet Catherine on the verge of getting married, Tony, who finds his strange brother Charles a challenge, psychic Elaine looking for a new direction in life and quirky widow Sarah Roseberg who has a go at sorting out all of their problems.
CONDITIONS aimed to sensitise readers and make them think about tolerance and acceptance. CONDITIONED wants readers to look beyond their attitude towards Conditions and examine what we all do and what we can do to overcome our challenges. The sequel is another snapshot of this circle of friends. Some will have improved their lives, others will not.
CONDITIONS aimed to sensitise readers and make them think about tolerance and acceptance. CONDITIONED wants readers to look beyond their attitude towards Conditions and examine what we all do and what we can do to overcome our challenges. The sequel is another snapshot of this circle of friends. Some will have improved their lives, others will not.
220 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 16, 2015
8 people want to read
About the author
Christoph Fischer
49 books468 followersChristoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.
Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.
Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 18, 2015
"Some things you can't change about yourself ... they are part of you. Other things you have conditioned yourself to be and it's up to you to give up on them."
Conditioned, book two in the Conditions series is another sharp, insightful read. An absorbing read that had stirred my interest right off the bat. I like the author's easy straight forward style and direct approach. Not over worked or trying too hard. And of course, there is the drama! Oh, how I love reading about someone else's stress. At times, I couldn't help but laugh as some of dialogue was so hilarious.
This is an inviting look at friendships, loyalty, friendship, and judgement. An interesting take that was relatable. Funny how we can sometimes rationalize situations or people in our lives. We all do it. Though, some of us tend to be more delusional in our thinking, giving others more credit than they deserve. The human existence is an mystifying thing and this book shares that in living color.
Quote ~
"Any wedding needs a little tension and the potential for a scandal. It will spice things up and make it more memorable. If nothing else, it will become an anecdote to tell your children and grandchildren."
Conditioned, book two in the Conditions series is another sharp, insightful read. An absorbing read that had stirred my interest right off the bat. I like the author's easy straight forward style and direct approach. Not over worked or trying too hard. And of course, there is the drama! Oh, how I love reading about someone else's stress. At times, I couldn't help but laugh as some of dialogue was so hilarious.
This is an inviting look at friendships, loyalty, friendship, and judgement. An interesting take that was relatable. Funny how we can sometimes rationalize situations or people in our lives. We all do it. Though, some of us tend to be more delusional in our thinking, giving others more credit than they deserve. The human existence is an mystifying thing and this book shares that in living color.
Quote ~
"Any wedding needs a little tension and the potential for a scandal. It will spice things up and make it more memorable. If nothing else, it will become an anecdote to tell your children and grandchildren."
October 28, 2015
‘Conditioned’ is a fascinating psychological study of a group of friends who are anticipating a seemingly happy occasion, the wedding of Catherine and Robert, but for many of them, their lives seem to descend into personal hell.
In each chapter we move into the head of a different character and gain an appreciation of their interpretation of the upcoming event. The story becomes progressively more complex and interwoven as each character’s back stories, interactions and thoughts are developed until it’s a living, throbbing web of intrigue. Christoph Fischer’s talent lies in the way he makes you see a character but then shifts the perspective to reveal other facets of their personality and background, making you question your previous thoughts, beliefs and judgements about them. His characters are well developed with an array of interesting flaws. He explores many human conditions and failings such as addiction, domestic violence, judgement, intolerance and depression. I especially liked the way the author examines his characters’ assumptions—where people develop ideas in their heads about the motivations of others for their behaviour when the reality can be totally different.
This was a fascinating and thought provoking read.
In each chapter we move into the head of a different character and gain an appreciation of their interpretation of the upcoming event. The story becomes progressively more complex and interwoven as each character’s back stories, interactions and thoughts are developed until it’s a living, throbbing web of intrigue. Christoph Fischer’s talent lies in the way he makes you see a character but then shifts the perspective to reveal other facets of their personality and background, making you question your previous thoughts, beliefs and judgements about them. His characters are well developed with an array of interesting flaws. He explores many human conditions and failings such as addiction, domestic violence, judgement, intolerance and depression. I especially liked the way the author examines his characters’ assumptions—where people develop ideas in their heads about the motivations of others for their behaviour when the reality can be totally different.
This was a fascinating and thought provoking read.
October 27, 2015
Conditioned is the second book in the series about Charles and Tony, family and relationships. In the first book these two characters unite for their mother’s funeral, but in this one we begin on a happier note with the Catherine and Robert’s impending wedding. Having read Mr Fischer’s other books, I had high expectations. He is a master of highly descriptive passages, which delve into complex character situations and relationships and, in one word this author is literary authenticity in its purest form.
In all his books he manages to force the reader to think about the human condition and how we all behave with one another in difficult and sometimes unacceptable circumstances. In this particular story, he further demonstrates his ability to interact with his characters’ minds, as they cope, struggle, and overcome bias, judgemental, and intolerant persons – but not in a glossy or fairytale fashion – no, there are many facets to Mr
Fischer’s writing and storytelling abilities, and he displays these with realistic and complex situations.
I found this second book every bit as compelling as the first. The pace was slightly livelier, and the characters’ development from the first book, Conditions, made them even more believable and ‘human’.
In all his books he manages to force the reader to think about the human condition and how we all behave with one another in difficult and sometimes unacceptable circumstances. In this particular story, he further demonstrates his ability to interact with his characters’ minds, as they cope, struggle, and overcome bias, judgemental, and intolerant persons – but not in a glossy or fairytale fashion – no, there are many facets to Mr
Fischer’s writing and storytelling abilities, and he displays these with realistic and complex situations.
I found this second book every bit as compelling as the first. The pace was slightly livelier, and the characters’ development from the first book, Conditions, made them even more believable and ‘human’.
November 28, 2015
Can People Change Their Patterns and Conditions?
Conditioned is the second book in the series. I read it first, wondering if starting with the second book was a good idea. It was! Conditioned reads well as a standalone novel.
The author weaves the stories of real-life people. Catherine and Robert get married, although Catherine doesn’t appreciate Robert’s independence and survival instincts. Martha contorts her behavior, pandering to a self-centered alcoholic. Clive is the center of the universe, with Martha his self-appointed handmaiden. Personal trainer Edgar is unbearably perky, focusing on stretches and reps. Simon is still hurt and angry. Tracey used him as a gateway to the rich and famous, discarding him once she gained her entre to a glittering world. Elaine learns the tarot cards have a macabre sense of humor.
Conditioned is a skillful look into psyches. Author Christoph Fischer shows the reader what people don’t always understand. Some things can’t be changed in life, but other things can be changed. It requires awareness of self to determine which is which.
Conditioned is the second book in the series. I read it first, wondering if starting with the second book was a good idea. It was! Conditioned reads well as a standalone novel.
The author weaves the stories of real-life people. Catherine and Robert get married, although Catherine doesn’t appreciate Robert’s independence and survival instincts. Martha contorts her behavior, pandering to a self-centered alcoholic. Clive is the center of the universe, with Martha his self-appointed handmaiden. Personal trainer Edgar is unbearably perky, focusing on stretches and reps. Simon is still hurt and angry. Tracey used him as a gateway to the rich and famous, discarding him once she gained her entre to a glittering world. Elaine learns the tarot cards have a macabre sense of humor.
Conditioned is a skillful look into psyches. Author Christoph Fischer shows the reader what people don’t always understand. Some things can’t be changed in life, but other things can be changed. It requires awareness of self to determine which is which.
October 19, 2015
If you enjoyed Fischer’s novel, Conditions, this next offering in the series is a must. The action centers on the impending marriage of Catherine and Robert, two characters introduced in the first book. Last united for the funeral of Charles’s and Tony’s mother, the friends of the couple prepare for the approaching wedding. Fischer offers the reader glimpses into the changing relationships, expectations, and choices of the characters, while exploring the way that realistic and complex relationships weave together and play off one another.
Conditioned is well-crafted with careful attention to character depth. It touches on themes of friendship, family, love, domestic violence, and mental health from a variety of perspectives. Any reader who enjoys a character-based story with nuanced relationships will enjoy this read and hope for another in the series.
Conditioned is well-crafted with careful attention to character depth. It touches on themes of friendship, family, love, domestic violence, and mental health from a variety of perspectives. Any reader who enjoys a character-based story with nuanced relationships will enjoy this read and hope for another in the series.
December 19, 2015
Great Sequel.
After reading, “Conditions”, I’d hope for a continuation of the story. Fortunately author Christophe Fischer decided to write one. This book takes place one year after the events of the first book with the main characters reappearing in different pairings.
Catherine and Robert are getting married, but Catherine might be having second thoughts. Martha has returned to her abusive ex. Will things be different this time? Tony the brother of Charles has made some major life changes. Will these changes draw him closer to his brother? If you want to know the answer to these questions, read this book!
This book is a beautifully written character driven story of relationships. I hope the story of these characters continues in another book. Although this is a sequel to "Conditions", it can definitely be read as a stand a lone.
After reading, “Conditions”, I’d hope for a continuation of the story. Fortunately author Christophe Fischer decided to write one. This book takes place one year after the events of the first book with the main characters reappearing in different pairings.
Catherine and Robert are getting married, but Catherine might be having second thoughts. Martha has returned to her abusive ex. Will things be different this time? Tony the brother of Charles has made some major life changes. Will these changes draw him closer to his brother? If you want to know the answer to these questions, read this book!
This book is a beautifully written character driven story of relationships. I hope the story of these characters continues in another book. Although this is a sequel to "Conditions", it can definitely be read as a stand a lone.
January 7, 2016
I recommend to fans of contemporary fiction and readers who enjoy character driven novels but I would suggest reading the previous book, Conditions first which I enjoyed reading some months ago.
In Conditioned the same group of friends are brought together to celebrate a wedding rather attend a funeral as in Conditions.
Events in the book take place over a couple of days but during the brief period many of the central characters are forced to confront their fears, their past and their delusions under the watchful eyes of their friends who know them best. An insightful study of what it means to be human in the modern western world and how our own judgements and those of the people around us shape our decisions.
My only negative is I thought it ended rather abruptly.
Very enjoyable.
In Conditioned the same group of friends are brought together to celebrate a wedding rather attend a funeral as in Conditions.
Events in the book take place over a couple of days but during the brief period many of the central characters are forced to confront their fears, their past and their delusions under the watchful eyes of their friends who know them best. An insightful study of what it means to be human in the modern western world and how our own judgements and those of the people around us shape our decisions.
My only negative is I thought it ended rather abruptly.
Very enjoyable.
October 25, 2015
This book is a follow up to Conditions, it takes place a year after the initial book and gives us a few answers that were left. I love that the author took so many issues that truly do fall under mental health, addiction, abuse, depression and brought them to life with characters everyone can relate to. there's no one alive that can't relate to at least one character and the issues that they are currently going through. the story is very heartfelt and really brings to light issues people do not want to talk about. I was shocked at how the book ended, it ended rather quickly. I have grown quite attached these characters and hope there is another installment.
November 1, 2015
Mr. Fischer always delivers the goods. I didn't read the first book, but had no trouble getting into this one at all. An odd-ball assortment of characters all of whom are trying to find their way in the cold world. A wedding form the catalyst for the coming together of most of them in a group. This is a grand tour through a minefield of emotions. Good one.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews