What do you think?
Rate this book
FAB #1
FAB
December 8th 1980.
Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon - ageing hippy, part-time drunk and Rolling Stones fan, is on his way home from the pub when he accidentally saves John Lennon from the assassin’s bullet.
By way of thanks, Jagger is offered a job working for the former Beatle and the two men quickly become friends.
But as the 1980s move forward, things quickly get out of control. When Lennon suffers a couple of career setbacks, he tries to win back the adulation of his fans by moving into politics. But the 1980s version of John Lennon is a far cry from the radical left-winger of old. And much to Jagger’s horror, when Lennon quickly becomes an unstoppable force in American politics, the working-class hero is transformed into a right-wing poster boy.
There’s even talk of a Beatle in the White House.
‘FAB’ is a fast-paced, rip-roaring ride through the 1980s – a decade in which greed was good and shoulder pads made sense. It was an era of uncertainty - of Cold War and nuclear weapons. ‘FAB’ also pokes fun at our obsession with celebrity, whilst fondly recalling some of the unique fashions and pop culture moments that made the 1980s so unforgettable.
Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon - ageing hippy, part-time drunk and Rolling Stones fan, is on his way home from the pub when he accidentally saves John Lennon from the assassin’s bullet.
By way of thanks, Jagger is offered a job working for the former Beatle and the two men quickly become friends.
But as the 1980s move forward, things quickly get out of control. When Lennon suffers a couple of career setbacks, he tries to win back the adulation of his fans by moving into politics. But the 1980s version of John Lennon is a far cry from the radical left-winger of old. And much to Jagger’s horror, when Lennon quickly becomes an unstoppable force in American politics, the working-class hero is transformed into a right-wing poster boy.
There’s even talk of a Beatle in the White House.
‘FAB’ is a fast-paced, rip-roaring ride through the 1980s – a decade in which greed was good and shoulder pads made sense. It was an era of uncertainty - of Cold War and nuclear weapons. ‘FAB’ also pokes fun at our obsession with celebrity, whilst fondly recalling some of the unique fashions and pop culture moments that made the 1980s so unforgettable.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 6, 2015
14 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Mark Gillespie
51 books142 followersThese days, Mark Gillespie writes psychological thrillers, suspense and horror. Previously, between the years 2016-2020, he wrote a lot of apocalyptic/dystopian fiction.
Mark is a former professional musician from Glasgow, Scotland, who nowadays lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Íde and a small menagerie of four-legged rescue creatures.
Favourite books: I am Legend, The Razor's Edge, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Body (Stephen King), I'll Be Gone in the Dark, Trainspotting...
Favourite films: Jaws, Ikiru, The Invitation, Vertigo, The Thing, Eyes Without a Face, Seven Samurai, The Wicker Man...
You can find him on Facebook as Mark Gillespie's Writing Stuff. He's also on Twitter as MarkG_Author.
Website: www.markgillespieauthor.com
Mark is a former professional musician from Glasgow, Scotland, who nowadays lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Íde and a small menagerie of four-legged rescue creatures.
Favourite books: I am Legend, The Razor's Edge, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Body (Stephen King), I'll Be Gone in the Dark, Trainspotting...
Favourite films: Jaws, Ikiru, The Invitation, Vertigo, The Thing, Eyes Without a Face, Seven Samurai, The Wicker Man...
You can find him on Facebook as Mark Gillespie's Writing Stuff. He's also on Twitter as MarkG_Author.
Website: www.markgillespieauthor.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 12, 2017
An odd allo-historical novella, with the premise every Beatle fan wants.
A burning out ex-hippie Rolling Stones fan accidentally saves John Lennon from assassination. Lennon gives the guy a job as a factotum, and general flunky. As the 80s progress, Lennon makes some bad career choices, and takes the route open to a celebrity: Politics.
From there, things really spiral out of control, until the twist ending.
Interesting, to say the least.
A burning out ex-hippie Rolling Stones fan accidentally saves John Lennon from assassination. Lennon gives the guy a job as a factotum, and general flunky. As the 80s progress, Lennon makes some bad career choices, and takes the route open to a celebrity: Politics.
From there, things really spiral out of control, until the twist ending.
Interesting, to say the least.
February 14, 2016
FAB is a very entertaining read and the twist at the end made my day. I love when a book manages to surprise me. The whole world has speculated about "what if" John Lennon had not been killed. Everyone talks about his potential, about the fact that he was a musical genius, about his charisma, and, of course, about a possibility of a Beatles reunion. But I don't think anyone has speculated in the opposite direction; the possibility of a John Lennon who is despicable and hungry for power. This book paints a very interesting picture of what could have been the life of the legend that is John Lennon.
February 3, 2016
Great read. I've never encountered an alt-history book with the main character being a music and cultural icon. The story gently sucks you in and I immediately to a shine to the main character,Jagger and wanted to keep turning the pages to find out how this was going to go. Not disappointed.
July 27, 2017
Not kindle unlmited, All individually available, bit cheaper to get the 3 pack set. Bought this while back but hadn't read it until now. Few insosistencies or just worded too oddly {if he bought a beard why was he cutting up a wig to make a beard, etc} even though could have been just a bit better was interesting alternate history type thing. The ending/last 1/3 was definitely uhm 'different'. Got 1 on freebie day then bought the 3 pack.
FAB
1980. John Lennon survives the assassin’s bullet.But with his showbiz career stuck in in the doldrums, the legendary songwriter is now chasing a career in mainstream politics. And much to the horror of some onlookers, this 1980s version of Lennon is a far cry from the radical left-winger of old.Soon he becomes an unstoppable force in American politics. The working-class hero is transformed into a right wing poster boy.There’s even talk of a Beatle in the White House.
FAB : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 1)
FAB: The Fifth Angel : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 2)
FAB: Revolver : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 3)
The Complete FAB Trilogy: What If John Lennon Had Lived?
FAB
1980. John Lennon survives the assassin’s bullet.But with his showbiz career stuck in in the doldrums, the legendary songwriter is now chasing a career in mainstream politics. And much to the horror of some onlookers, this 1980s version of Lennon is a far cry from the radical left-winger of old.Soon he becomes an unstoppable force in American politics. The working-class hero is transformed into a right wing poster boy.There’s even talk of a Beatle in the White House.
FAB : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 1)
FAB: The Fifth Angel : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 2)
FAB: Revolver : What If John Lennon Had Lived? (The FAB Trilogy Book 3)
The Complete FAB Trilogy: What If John Lennon Had Lived?
June 30, 2019
Interesting.
Decent story and not what I would have thought. As a believer of Lennon and his liberalism I was shocked that he was portrayed so evil but it was still a good read. It really moved. I read it in about 2 hours so that shows it was compelling.
Decent story and not what I would have thought. As a believer of Lennon and his liberalism I was shocked that he was portrayed so evil but it was still a good read. It really moved. I read it in about 2 hours so that shows it was compelling.
March 3, 2017
Excellent
Fab book, if you pardon the pun. Well written and keeps a good pace throughout. Looking forward to reading more.
Fab book, if you pardon the pun. Well written and keeps a good pace throughout. Looking forward to reading more.
August 16, 2021
A fun, quick read. Alternate history. Interesting character in "Jagger".
June 7, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review.
I have read many miscellaneous books: all covering diverse genres, and most with fantastical ideas. However, this is unlike anything I have ever read. This is not just because it is eyeopening, but of how personal anything revolving around this subject matter is to me. It is impossible to be too judgmental of anything written about what could have happened had John Lennon lived because the possibilities are endless. Yet I am still impressed someone had the gall to write down their perceptions of it.
This novella is told through an interview and interspersed with various snippets of what happened throughout the years 1980-1988. Whatever formatting techniques used were done well because it flows appropriately and was quite a flourishing read. It moves fast, despite the novella being told third-person limited through the main character, Jagger. It is an accomplishment to write a good O.C. in a fiction about real people.
Grammar usage and punctuation need some editing. Albeit interviews are a less formal style of writing than prose, there still needs to be more commas and another read-through of this. There are also several errors in an interview where the dialogue was switched. This can be cause for much confusion in the flow of the rising action so it should be edited further.
As for the premise of the story, it is at times so unbelievable that I have to remind myself it isn't. Kanye West is running for president, so perhaps in an alternate universe it is far more logical John Lennon would be as well. I also find it a bit amusing that John would be chosen I would have loved to see a few footnotes at the end of the book to see if these ideas were researched and entirely plausible.
As for the cultural aspect of the decade of this story, it is realistic in my opinion.
It is admirable that John isn't romanticized in this book, but some of the choices made here are sad to believe. However, we can't argue that it couldn't have happened because 1. We don't personally know him and 2. We don't know what he would have done had he survived. I tend to maintain a positive image of him because he is in part a musical mentor to me and I do admire what he did stand for: rock and peace. I realize he did not always stand by peace in his personal life and that he likely had insecurities inwardly, but he did make a difference in the world around him.
I am far from the most sentimental person on the planet, but even if This book could be a metaphor for growing up: people do often change the courses of their lives after a close call with death or a successful career is breached and waning during their middle age.
If there is one thing I am sure of, John would have loved the ending to this book. It's far-fetched and crazy and just brilliant. I'm begging the author for a sequel.
I have read many miscellaneous books: all covering diverse genres, and most with fantastical ideas. However, this is unlike anything I have ever read. This is not just because it is eyeopening, but of how personal anything revolving around this subject matter is to me. It is impossible to be too judgmental of anything written about what could have happened had John Lennon lived because the possibilities are endless. Yet I am still impressed someone had the gall to write down their perceptions of it.
This novella is told through an interview and interspersed with various snippets of what happened throughout the years 1980-1988. Whatever formatting techniques used were done well because it flows appropriately and was quite a flourishing read. It moves fast, despite the novella being told third-person limited through the main character, Jagger. It is an accomplishment to write a good O.C. in a fiction about real people.
Grammar usage and punctuation need some editing. Albeit interviews are a less formal style of writing than prose, there still needs to be more commas and another read-through of this. There are also several errors in an interview where the dialogue was switched. This can be cause for much confusion in the flow of the rising action so it should be edited further.
As for the premise of the story, it is at times so unbelievable that I have to remind myself it isn't. Kanye West is running for president, so perhaps in an alternate universe it is far more logical John Lennon would be as well. I also find it a bit amusing that John would be chosen I would have loved to see a few footnotes at the end of the book to see if these ideas were researched and entirely plausible.
As for the cultural aspect of the decade of this story, it is realistic in my opinion.
It is admirable that John isn't romanticized in this book, but some of the choices made here are sad to believe. However, we can't argue that it couldn't have happened because 1. We don't personally know him and 2. We don't know what he would have done had he survived. I tend to maintain a positive image of him because he is in part a musical mentor to me and I do admire what he did stand for: rock and peace. I realize he did not always stand by peace in his personal life and that he likely had insecurities inwardly, but he did make a difference in the world around him.
I am far from the most sentimental person on the planet, but even if This book could be a metaphor for growing up: people do often change the courses of their lives after a close call with death or a successful career is breached and waning during their middle age.
If there is one thing I am sure of, John would have loved the ending to this book. It's far-fetched and crazy and just brilliant. I'm begging the author for a sequel.
December 24, 2015
"FAB" by Mark Gillespie is an interesting short read. It would most easily be categorized as an 'alternate history' type tale, similar in genre to "Man in the High Castle" by the late great Phillip K. Dick. In this story the seminal event upon which the narrative turns is the world which would exist if Mark David Chapman had not been successful in his assassination of John Lennon. Full disclosure – I received this story at no cost from a blog site in exchange for my honest review.
Our story opens and we are introduced to Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon, who is being interviewed as a witness by a representative from the FBI. We learn thru mild exposition that Salmon, who everybody calls by his nickname Jagger, is the personal assistant of John Lennon. His ‘claim to fame’ and the way he acquired such an interesting position of trust was that by the merest coincidence he happened to stumble into the path of Mark Chapman in the early hours of December 8th, 1980 and accidentally foil his attempted assassination of Mr. Lennon. The agent conducting the investigation is a rabid Beatles fan and he persuades Jagger to relate the events of that fateful day, and we (the reader) are brought along into the flashback as silent witnesses to this history altering event.
No spoilers but our tale picks up pace from this point, with Mr. Gillespie using a variety of devices, (flashbacks, ‘news-reel’ and cultural references), to illustrate how different the world might have been had this alternate version of that days’ events occurred. Throughout the story Jagger plays an important role, both as a vehicle thru which the narrative is carried forward and as our ‘tie back’ to the John Lennon who ‘was’ versus the Lennon who he now ‘is’ in this imaginative other reality. Suffice to say that there are many surprises and avid fans of Lennon may discover their current concept of the man stretched in ways they might find uncomfortable. It was (for me) an entertaining read, albeit quite short and a bit under-developed.
I gave this story a rating of three stars. The writing was solid, but lost a few points for being overly descriptive in parts, (telling vs. showing), and relying too heavily on devices rather than events to move the plot forward (in my humble opinion). The dialog lacked depth and was somewhat formulaic, with no real sense of intimacy for any character. It was hard to pick out a hero or a villain in this tale and the author spends a lot of time having his characters engage in political diatribes, to the detriment of what promised to be a good story in premise. The overall presentation was clean and nearly error free, showing good attention to detail and editing. With better attention paid to the plot, and with a more dynamic story arc, this story could evolve into an excellent read.
Our story opens and we are introduced to Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon, who is being interviewed as a witness by a representative from the FBI. We learn thru mild exposition that Salmon, who everybody calls by his nickname Jagger, is the personal assistant of John Lennon. His ‘claim to fame’ and the way he acquired such an interesting position of trust was that by the merest coincidence he happened to stumble into the path of Mark Chapman in the early hours of December 8th, 1980 and accidentally foil his attempted assassination of Mr. Lennon. The agent conducting the investigation is a rabid Beatles fan and he persuades Jagger to relate the events of that fateful day, and we (the reader) are brought along into the flashback as silent witnesses to this history altering event.
No spoilers but our tale picks up pace from this point, with Mr. Gillespie using a variety of devices, (flashbacks, ‘news-reel’ and cultural references), to illustrate how different the world might have been had this alternate version of that days’ events occurred. Throughout the story Jagger plays an important role, both as a vehicle thru which the narrative is carried forward and as our ‘tie back’ to the John Lennon who ‘was’ versus the Lennon who he now ‘is’ in this imaginative other reality. Suffice to say that there are many surprises and avid fans of Lennon may discover their current concept of the man stretched in ways they might find uncomfortable. It was (for me) an entertaining read, albeit quite short and a bit under-developed.
I gave this story a rating of three stars. The writing was solid, but lost a few points for being overly descriptive in parts, (telling vs. showing), and relying too heavily on devices rather than events to move the plot forward (in my humble opinion). The dialog lacked depth and was somewhat formulaic, with no real sense of intimacy for any character. It was hard to pick out a hero or a villain in this tale and the author spends a lot of time having his characters engage in political diatribes, to the detriment of what promised to be a good story in premise. The overall presentation was clean and nearly error free, showing good attention to detail and editing. With better attention paid to the plot, and with a more dynamic story arc, this story could evolve into an excellent read.
December 29, 2015
Love this book's intelligent concept (though I am sure that the author, Mark Gillespie, will get some hate mail.)
What if Lennon had lived... ? ? ?
I am not a Beatles fan; like this book's character Jagger I am a Stones' fan. Still, I appreciate the Beatles' impact on their days. And, while I think that Lennon's famous song "Imagine" features a totally unrealistic concept, I believe it's a good thing to dream "unrealistic" dreams like "(all of us) ...Living life in peace..."
This book's clever concept features the complete opposite, equally unimaginable as Lennon's "Imagine."
The book begins with Mr. Nobody "Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon" saving John Lennon from Mark Chapman's bullet, by accident. Jagger is drunk. He does not even see the threat, he stumbles, thereby hindering the impending catastrophe. The grateful Lennons hire Jagger as a personal assistant. Jagger goes on to live his dream life, spending his days with John, Yoko , and Sean, until - John Lennon becomes a Republican.
I know, - it's unimaginable just like "...all of us "living life in peace..."
In this fictitious story Lennon follows Reagan, goes a on powertrip, runs for office, and becomes the "Beatle Governor" of New York. He won't stop there and eyes a run for the highest office in the country.
Reagan, Schwarzenegger, and the Bushes have cameo roles.
To cut it short, Lennon won't be president.
So, what's the story here and why do I think it's brilliant?
With his fictitious story, author Gillespie reminds us, especially in the years 2015/16, that crazy and unimaginable things are happening in American politics.
Absurdity can only be illustrated with more absurdity.
In general, people like to attach the word "unimaginable" to positive things, like
"... No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man..."
Gillespie's book reminds that unimaginable negative developments aren't all that "unimaginable."
If it would be an option, I'd love to see this book turned a play, for the theater. It might do great off-Broadway. Maybe even John Lennon would have appreciated the idea.
5 stars, + I loved the cover, too.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
What if Lennon had lived... ? ? ?
I am not a Beatles fan; like this book's character Jagger I am a Stones' fan. Still, I appreciate the Beatles' impact on their days. And, while I think that Lennon's famous song "Imagine" features a totally unrealistic concept, I believe it's a good thing to dream "unrealistic" dreams like "(all of us) ...Living life in peace..."
This book's clever concept features the complete opposite, equally unimaginable as Lennon's "Imagine."
The book begins with Mr. Nobody "Murphy ‘Jagger’ Salmon" saving John Lennon from Mark Chapman's bullet, by accident. Jagger is drunk. He does not even see the threat, he stumbles, thereby hindering the impending catastrophe. The grateful Lennons hire Jagger as a personal assistant. Jagger goes on to live his dream life, spending his days with John, Yoko , and Sean, until - John Lennon becomes a Republican.
I know, - it's unimaginable just like "...all of us "living life in peace..."
In this fictitious story Lennon follows Reagan, goes a on powertrip, runs for office, and becomes the "Beatle Governor" of New York. He won't stop there and eyes a run for the highest office in the country.
Reagan, Schwarzenegger, and the Bushes have cameo roles.
To cut it short, Lennon won't be president.
So, what's the story here and why do I think it's brilliant?
With his fictitious story, author Gillespie reminds us, especially in the years 2015/16, that crazy and unimaginable things are happening in American politics.
Absurdity can only be illustrated with more absurdity.
In general, people like to attach the word "unimaginable" to positive things, like
"... No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man..."
Gillespie's book reminds that unimaginable negative developments aren't all that "unimaginable."
If it would be an option, I'd love to see this book turned a play, for the theater. It might do great off-Broadway. Maybe even John Lennon would have appreciated the idea.
5 stars, + I loved the cover, too.
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
February 23, 2017
Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you could change something that happened in history? Have you ever read a book and wondered what would happen if you saved a character from an untimely death? That’s exactly what Mark Gillespie’s novel, FAB is about. In an alternate timeline, John Lennon’s life is saved. The world becomes a distinctly different place because of it.
You don’t need to be a Beatles fan to appreciate this novel by Mark Gillespie. Even the main character is more of a ‘Stones’ guy. You do, however, need a very big imagination. The ‘what ifs’ this book explores as reality are indescribable.
The author doesn’t present the book as a story, but rather as an FBI interrogation written in a transcript format, with chapters alternating between the investigation and the main character’s flashbacks of the events. This makes for a different reading experience that not everyone may appreciate. I personally found the author’s expression and technique to be a refreshing change of pace.
Because of the way FAB dives straight into the interrogation, some readers may have a problem getting into the story. The first page isn’t gripping. Once you read a few chapters, it becomes a different story. Plot twists or easter eggs keep the pages turning and the mind whirling. Keep reading to the very end. I think you will be surprised with how this story plays out.
I would classify FAB as an alternative history fantasy. Readers should be aware there is significant content about the use/misuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Gillespie lists his work in the satire genre of general fiction. I have to admit there were a few good chuckles.
Recommended read for anyone looking for something a little different.
Rating: 4.5 stars
You don’t need to be a Beatles fan to appreciate this novel by Mark Gillespie. Even the main character is more of a ‘Stones’ guy. You do, however, need a very big imagination. The ‘what ifs’ this book explores as reality are indescribable.
The author doesn’t present the book as a story, but rather as an FBI interrogation written in a transcript format, with chapters alternating between the investigation and the main character’s flashbacks of the events. This makes for a different reading experience that not everyone may appreciate. I personally found the author’s expression and technique to be a refreshing change of pace.
Because of the way FAB dives straight into the interrogation, some readers may have a problem getting into the story. The first page isn’t gripping. Once you read a few chapters, it becomes a different story. Plot twists or easter eggs keep the pages turning and the mind whirling. Keep reading to the very end. I think you will be surprised with how this story plays out.
I would classify FAB as an alternative history fantasy. Readers should be aware there is significant content about the use/misuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Gillespie lists his work in the satire genre of general fiction. I have to admit there were a few good chuckles.
Recommended read for anyone looking for something a little different.
Rating: 4.5 stars
December 26, 2015
One does not have to be a Lennon fan, modern history buff or even a fan of eighties pop-culture to appreciate FAB. Mark Gillespie's imagining of what life may have been like had John Lennon not been killed in December of 1980 is unique and entertaining. The creative unveiling of the story through the rememberings of the unwitting hero, Murphy "Jagger" Salmon, combined with the use of FBI interview, third party narrative, news broadcasts and even movie critic reviews, paints a completely alternate reality of not only John Lennon, but the tumultuous world events of the eighties as well.
Gillespie's twists and tweaks to actual historical events are ingenious and the emergence of the alternate Lennon will likely unnerve avid Lennon fans.
Had this been a full-length novel, further character, plot and dialogue development would be necessary. However, given the nature of a novella, I believe the current state of FAB is spot-on. The only challenge I personally had with FAB is language. While I understand the use of various curse words can lend to the believability of a character or storyline, I don't believe the amount of foul language used in this story is necessary to further the storyline or develop the characters.
Overall, Gillespie's writing style is easy to read, conversational and engaging, making FAB a quick, can't-put-down read. Once you embark on the FAB journey, be sure to stay on course until the very end...it's one you won't see coming.
Gillespie's twists and tweaks to actual historical events are ingenious and the emergence of the alternate Lennon will likely unnerve avid Lennon fans.
Had this been a full-length novel, further character, plot and dialogue development would be necessary. However, given the nature of a novella, I believe the current state of FAB is spot-on. The only challenge I personally had with FAB is language. While I understand the use of various curse words can lend to the believability of a character or storyline, I don't believe the amount of foul language used in this story is necessary to further the storyline or develop the characters.
Overall, Gillespie's writing style is easy to read, conversational and engaging, making FAB a quick, can't-put-down read. Once you embark on the FAB journey, be sure to stay on course until the very end...it's one you won't see coming.
May 2, 2016
Provocative, almost absurd story full of "what ifs".
This novella guides us through several years after the official date of John Lennon's death, speculating about what might happen if he survived. The story is told via interviews with Lennon's personal assistant, Murphy Salmon, called Jagger, and his memories. I was given the story for free in return for an honest review.
The story begins as an investigative interview between federal agent Vogel and the witness, Jagger. The latter introduces us into the plot by describing his accidental saving of the Beatle, when the murderer-to-be Mark Chapman gets hit by drunken Jagger. The FBI agent leads the plot asking questions about Lennon's life after the incident, investigating the crime and threats.
In short, here is the list of factors I particularly liked about the novella: range of literary tools used, easy readable form, speculative and absurd thoughts and realistic description of various situations.
On the other side, things I did not like: non-complex characters (it was hard to pick a hero, reader has very little chance to build a relationship with the characters), not very complimentary choice of "parallel reality" for Beatles fans, slow pace (too many detailed descriptions, slowing down the plot), flat dialogues.
I consider this novella as an average story, with the potential of great improvement after a good edit. Entertaining, but a bit slow.
This novella guides us through several years after the official date of John Lennon's death, speculating about what might happen if he survived. The story is told via interviews with Lennon's personal assistant, Murphy Salmon, called Jagger, and his memories. I was given the story for free in return for an honest review.
The story begins as an investigative interview between federal agent Vogel and the witness, Jagger. The latter introduces us into the plot by describing his accidental saving of the Beatle, when the murderer-to-be Mark Chapman gets hit by drunken Jagger. The FBI agent leads the plot asking questions about Lennon's life after the incident, investigating the crime and threats.
In short, here is the list of factors I particularly liked about the novella: range of literary tools used, easy readable form, speculative and absurd thoughts and realistic description of various situations.
On the other side, things I did not like: non-complex characters (it was hard to pick a hero, reader has very little chance to build a relationship with the characters), not very complimentary choice of "parallel reality" for Beatles fans, slow pace (too many detailed descriptions, slowing down the plot), flat dialogues.
I consider this novella as an average story, with the potential of great improvement after a good edit. Entertaining, but a bit slow.
March 8, 2016
Here’s an original approach to story telling, with a format I wasn’t so sure about at first, but then really got into how it played out – a good bit of the story is written in a Q&A interview with the main characters. Style of writing aside, this is a really interesting “what if” scenario partly based on real-life celebrity John Lennon being central to the plot.
The “what if” John Lennon lived – and became the complete opposite of what we remember him for, as he embraces right-wing politics – really made me think, and the twists and turns that surround his political ambitions really kept me in suspense. This all made for a good time of a book, and I enjoyed reading FAB, the first part of a trilogy.
Back dropped by the 80s era, it was good for my sense of nostalgia of my teenage years, and made me remember a lot that I had forgotten. Will Lennon win in politics? Will he fall to corruption and greed of the 80s? Will America ever be the same again? With the current Presidential race of 2016 in motion, this was a perfect book to read as we all contemplate current events, and to reflect on history – even if it is a wild alternative history. But with the way political reality is happening right now, maybe the author has a sixth sense of what the inner workings of America’s politicians and ruling parties are really like.
I think you’ll enjoy FAB!
The “what if” John Lennon lived – and became the complete opposite of what we remember him for, as he embraces right-wing politics – really made me think, and the twists and turns that surround his political ambitions really kept me in suspense. This all made for a good time of a book, and I enjoyed reading FAB, the first part of a trilogy.
Back dropped by the 80s era, it was good for my sense of nostalgia of my teenage years, and made me remember a lot that I had forgotten. Will Lennon win in politics? Will he fall to corruption and greed of the 80s? Will America ever be the same again? With the current Presidential race of 2016 in motion, this was a perfect book to read as we all contemplate current events, and to reflect on history – even if it is a wild alternative history. But with the way political reality is happening right now, maybe the author has a sixth sense of what the inner workings of America’s politicians and ruling parties are really like.
I think you’ll enjoy FAB!
May 9, 2016
I read this book because I thought it was an interesting premise, John Lennon alive and well after 1980. I was surprised by the idea of John Lennon being a right-wing republican, and friends with Ronald Reagen. It seemed far fetched considering how liberal Lennon was in real life. It did; however, make for an interesting story. The book was mostly written with a first person point of view. Jagger is telling the story. I would have liked a bit more interaction between characters, and not just telling a story. There was a bit of third person writing near the end of the book when Lennon and Jagger meet at a bar in Bermuda. The book ended with a mystery, and definitely makes me want to read the next book of the trilogy, so I will be anxiously awaiting it's release in July 2016.
May 13, 2016
Thought-provoking "what-if?"
If John Lennon had lived longer, he would have gone on to produce even more amazing music, no? No. Author Gillespie delves deeper into the character of the restless, unpredictable Lennon, who doesn’t follow the expected path. After all, he’s John Lennon.
Contrast Lennon with Jagger, a man who refuses to change. Jagger has saved Lennon by accident, and gains the job of personal assistant for his reward. Over the years, he watches Lennon’s transformation with growing alarm. Finally, the man who prefers drifting to directing life must act.
The ending twist surprised and delighted me, left me grinning and eager to read the next volume in the FAB trilogy.
If John Lennon had lived longer, he would have gone on to produce even more amazing music, no? No. Author Gillespie delves deeper into the character of the restless, unpredictable Lennon, who doesn’t follow the expected path. After all, he’s John Lennon.
Contrast Lennon with Jagger, a man who refuses to change. Jagger has saved Lennon by accident, and gains the job of personal assistant for his reward. Over the years, he watches Lennon’s transformation with growing alarm. Finally, the man who prefers drifting to directing life must act.
The ending twist surprised and delighted me, left me grinning and eager to read the next volume in the FAB trilogy.
January 6, 2016
I LOVE the concept of this book. I wish it was a full length novel, and not a novella. Basically a man by the name of Jagger accidentally knocks down the assassin who shot John Lennon, and he saves Lennon's life. He becomes Lennon's assistant and lucky charm. As he works for Lennon he watches him become a man that he hates. The story is told as an interview between Jagger and law enforcement, and it is about an event that takes place a the end of the book that I totally did not see coming!
Overall, well done Mr. Gillespie. This book is well written. I am not a Beatles fan at all, and I was totally engrossed in this book. Very good read. Thank you!
Overall, well done Mr. Gillespie. This book is well written. I am not a Beatles fan at all, and I was totally engrossed in this book. Very good read. Thank you!
March 16, 2016
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if John Lennon not been killed in December of 1980? I have not wondered myself but now this author has helped me to think of something different. I think I would love to read a book about what it would be like if Marilyn Monroe had lived her life here on earth but that is just me! lol I think the book was very creative and worth my time reading it. I think it was a fun read for me! * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 22, 2017
As you can tell from my start and finish dates, this is a brief work, somewhere between a short story and a novella. It's also a "what-if?" story, speculating on what might happen if john Lennon had survived his assassination attempt. No spoilers here, but i will say it takes some interesting twists and the ending is a surprise. Enjoy!
November 21, 2016
I can be fun to read about what could have been. And I thought, oh, a book about John Lennon and a possible future of his. But, no, why would he be like this? It's about the last thing I would have expected. Which is maybe why he wrote this book. It was interesting but pretty improbable.
May 23, 2016
Easy to read and follow. This is the first book in a trilogy. It is told in a passive tone. More dialogue would help. The reader is left wanting to find out more.
October 6, 2016
Fun little "What if?"
Cute little potshots at history and culture.
Predictable ending but I'm interested in part 2.
Needed more Charles Manson.
Cute little potshots at history and culture.
Predictable ending but I'm interested in part 2.
Needed more Charles Manson.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews