He has come to the island to get away from the world, but now the world is coming to the island...
Theodore Lambert is disillusioned with the world. But who cares? Theodore’s wife, Amber, is convinced that the end of the world is coming in the form of a giant asteroid.
Needing a detox holiday, Theodore and his family find themselves living in a mystical island lighthouse on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, far away from the lunacy of the modern world.
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
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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
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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.
Theo Lambert is totally disillusioned with life - he hates his job, hates modern life in general- his teenage kids appear to live on another planet - and his wife ( who has an obsession with conspiracy theories ) calls him while he's stuck in traffic, to tell him that a giant asteroid is heading for earth in the next week, and will essentially signal the end of the world! But if it all sounds like doom and gloom, then you haven't read Jonathan Dunne before - because he's extremely funny!
This latest piece of news tips him over the edge, so he decides to hire a caravan on the cliff tops overlooking the Atlantic, and spend some quality time with his family - minus any modern technology.
How the family finally end up in the middle of the Atlantic on a lighthouse I'm not divulging, but rest assured it's a journey of discovery, and a very amusing journey at that. Theo is a delightfully sarcastic protagonist, who brings the narrative to life with some cracking one liners and his observations on the other characters are priceless. If you haven't read Irish author Jonathan Dunne before, you're in for a treat. He's nothing if not creative, and strives to be completely original, and that certainly shows in this latest quirky offering. Expect the absurd, in this rather darkly comic tale, but don't expect it be like anything else you've read before. Really love this author!
I received this book as an ARC for honest review. I really enjoyed this book. Mr. Dunne has an unusual, quirky sense of humor that made for a laugh out loud good read. The unexpected, comedic turns the story takes makes for a book you don't want to put down. The tale is about a strange but loveable family, struggling with issues but finds a way, albeit unusual, to try to solve some problems, and come to grips with those they can't change. Characters include a father/husband tired of life in a world that has nothing but bad news, to a wife/mother who dwells too much on conspiracy theories, a daughter in love with a low I.Q. boxer, and a son who throws his voice through a dog, to a midget with a mouth from hell, and a hippy-hermit they call "The Island God" work to create a memorable story. I think this would make a rollicking good comedic movie. I recommend this book to anyone wanting a good laugh and a happy ending. : )
This is a wonderfully developed story, with endearing characters. Cudos to Jonathan Dunne for creating a remarkable world for the reader to become immersed in. I know I have never read anything quite like Lighthouse Jive and will place it on the recommend highly shelf.
Another hilarious and sarcastic novel and protagonist. If you've ever felt the urge to simply "get away from it all" or if you've ever felt nostalgic for "the good ol' days" then Lambert is the character for you.
Take a trip with Lambert and his quirky family and find yourself on a literary adventure of a lifetime.
In Lighthouse Jive, Jonathan Dunne gets philosophical and attempts to answer the deepest existential question of all time: Are we human or are we dancer? Well, sort of.
Meet the Lamberts. They are far from the perfect family. Theodore is a dictator who commits despicable crimes against iPhones. (But makes up for it with his sweet, sweet moves) Amber is a conspiracy nut of questionable morals. (You know what you did!) Artemis has the worst taste in boys. Apollo is a ventriloquist. There's also a dog, a midget, a moron and a god.
Possibly his best novel...a fiercely imaginative story that's whimsical but relatable at the same time, it's a funny, dark apocalyptic tale that'll make you laugh and cry in equal measure, with one crazy character and scenario after another lighting up it's pages.
Hopefully it'll be the book that brings him the widespread recognition he deserves.
Do you ever get the feeling all you want to do is give everyone and everything a nicely polished finger - yes… that finger, and get away from it all? I do, Theo did.
There's plenty of references which make this story very real, actual. How often I giggled - understanding very well the seriousness of the situation, I still whispered: #truestory ?!?
The characters reinforce this & give a bit of extra schwung. They are developed in such a way you've got the feeling you really know them, can easily relate to several or even be one!
Well, some of them we DO know already! Familiar faces (and places) pass the revue once more. By the way, I never realised how much I appreciated this, until now. It made me smile - and it kinda gave me the comforting feeling of coming home, being understood.
If you haven't read any other of his works and hence haven’t met all , no need to worry! Dunne magically weaves previous stories and personages into the next in a manner it won't influence your reading experience! Hard to explain and I don't have any clue how exactly he does it, but it's genius. Or rather: he is!
Now get yourself a copy, switch off your phone and jive away!! ;-)
Theo Lambert is sitting in his car, stuck in the traffic and fed up with the modern way of living and how the world has become. His impulsive decision to take his (unique) family on holiday for a few days is not only spontaneous and unprecedented, but also the opening of Pandora's box for a series of events, both profound and comical.
Theo leaves to find peace. This universal image of peace that he has created in his head where this requires solitude in an isolated place, detached from everything that has to do with the outside world is soon crambled down by life's lesson - you will never achieve your own version of "perfect" because no one can predict the imponderables on the way. However, it is never too late to achieve peace inside you. The medium used here for this epiphany is an island with a lighthouse. Theo's family and other unsual characters are also part of this character growth (and not just for Theo).
After reading four of the author's novels I may safely say that I am used and attracted to his strange universe. Mr Dunne is focused on the idea of existentialism...doubts, illogical behaviour and communication break-downs lead to this sort of "theatre of the absurd" which in turn leads to acceptance. Acceptance of the absurdity and the mystery of human existence and finally liberation, no matter how different this is for each one of us. This is all heavy stuff, right? It is indeed, yet the author has a unique pen. Contrasts that complement each other, themes and tidbits that make sense after a while if you pay attention (and trust me...attention comes so effortlessly), a narrative structure that is balanced throughout, surprising references from his previous books and more importantly, the sense of humour. This last one, black, clever and subtle, permeates the entirety of the book and even in the most gloomy of moments you don't feel the depression of the situation, but the hilarity instead.
Mr Dunne is my favourite (living) writer and his books are film material. Five stars of course!
Another amazing story written in a humorous and sarcastic way!
Read this book, if you're just as fed up with the horrible news going on in the world; never something good, so instead of listening to it, you just need to escape the everyday life; just like the Lamberts. Join the Lamberts on an unforgettable, fun journey to the Lighthouse Jive, and just like them forget about the horrors of the world. Explore some great, quirky characters, that only Jonathan Dunne can create.
Have you ever wanted to escape the everyday world to a quiet place for a few days? That is what Lambert was trying to do, get away from everything, disconnect from the world and enjoy a few days of peace and harmony. But his plans didn't work exactly as planned. Follow Lambert and his family in this fun adventure to the end of the world away from the world, where he continuously tries to rediscover and reconnect with his family. They will make you laugh and for sure you will enjoy every moment of their lives described in this story.
Like the previous books by Jonathan Dunne, this one as well made me laugh or smile pretty much the entire time I read it. I love the sarcasm, the humour, the layout of the story, the characters and the small teachings you can get from a story. My favorite saying in 'Lighthouse Jive' was 'every man is an island'. Because in the end, in life, everyone will find out that you have a lot to discover about yourself too,it's not just about the people and world surrounding you :-).
Read this book when I was sick in bed, gave me a good laugh... It was a quick read for me.
This book tells me once in a while we need to - - go on trips/vacation with no mobile phones/gadgets - dance like no one's watching with your loved one - husband, wife, son, daughter or who so ever, but dance - talk to strangers to get a hang of their feelings (don't leave the weird ones :P because you will get a good conversation out of it, but be careful with creepy ones! ;))
The story isnt about fantasy creatures and all, its about the normal (weird) family members (who in spite of being weird at times) still stay as one team.
If you are looking for a good fast read book, then i recommend this one right away.
If you've read any of Jonathan Dunne's books you should know to expect a few things. First you should expect memorable, one-of-a-kind characters. You should expect a unique story that takes twists and takes you on a journey through all kinds of emotions, from suspense to sorrow to lust and everything in between. You should expect to encounter characters and references from his other works as well as recurring themes such as hope, dead/lost lovers, and wonder. This work does not disappoint. Just as I finished reading this book I turned on the radio and what did I hear? I heard Britney Spears' "Till the World Ends" and it made me smile to think that it fit in with the ending of the book.
Theo Lambert and his family decide to take a break from their hectic lives, to switch off and unplug for a holiday far, far away from it all. They find themselves on a mysterious island where their wildest dreams come true. Their dream, however, is short-lived because just as they feel like they are truly getting away from the chaos of the world, the world is now coming to them.
As I was reading this book I came to really identify with the characters. I love the way the author develops the characters so that you can relate with them and really feel what they're feeling. I could totally relate to them needing to take a break from it all. Who doesn't want to just unplug once in a while & get away from all the social media, technology, politics, bad news all the time and just the hustle and bustle of everyday life? All of that can become overwhelming to the point that you wish you could just disappear to a remote island and not have to worry with the outside world or responsibilities.
That's just what Theo and his family do. Pick up this book and be ready for an adventure.
Lighthouse Jive encapsulates the absurdity of life, both between the lines and the written lines. This succinct fact will fly gallantly over some of the more 'reserved' readers heads. Why would Lambert, who dreams of a world without morons, surround himself with morons (he himself probably being one)? It doesn't make sense, right? WRONG! It does make sense, and this is the absurdity and genius of Dunne's Lighthouse Jive. This is where the comedy (albeit of a blackish nature) lives. This is the moral of the tale - it's impossible to get away from. It is a mirage that Lambert never arrives to, which is what the island becomes a metaphor for. Many readers not clued into Mr Dunne's fiction probably will have a problem with various elements - elements which make his books what they are, which is why Dunne's books are one-of-a-kind. CAUTION: A Reader not willing to go with the flow of Dunne's novels is better off sticking to the typical fodder force-fed to readers. A reader not willing to let themselves fall SHOULD NOT open that first page because it's on Page 1 where Dunne's world becomes oddly tilted and left of centre. Lighthouse Jive is a black comedy and reserved for the finer palate.
Theo Lambert is sick of all that the world has to offer: the hustle, the bustle, and all of that technology taking people away from each other. Needing to get away from it all, Theo packs up his family for an impromptu vacation to the coast. Now THIS is where the adventure really begins.
Mr. Dunne has the knack for taking Mr. Joe Average and turning him and his world into something extraordinary. Filled with moments of angst interspersed with humor, this book was a pleasure to read.
I received this book as a 'giveaway' and it is the first Jonathan Dunne novel I have read. It is perhaps not a book I would normally have gone for - but this is the great thrill of 'giveaways', you have the opportunity to go for books that you might not otherwise try.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it quite unlike anything I can recall reading before. The quirky nature of the very original story, whilst not totally realistic, was close enough to avoid being too far fetched and was a breath of fresh air in terms of providing escapism which was both light-hearted/whimsical and somewhat dark at the same time. It was very funny (sometimes LOL), well written and with good characterisations. The theme of chaos in living our modern hi-tech lives was neatly played out and something I suspect we can all relate to.
I will certainly be looking to try some other works by Jonathan Dunne and thank him very much for my 'giveway'.
No other way to put this; the book was fun. It had a snappy plot movement, a lovable, eclectic cast and a twist that hits you from the sky. The odd thing about this book is that as I read it, I pictured the story in my mind as a Pixar movie, rather than live action characters. The little submarine, motorcycle, lighthouse, Island God Gonzo and Handbrake all seemed like things/people/places that would come to life through the mind of a graphic artist.
It was a fun book to read and at the end of stressful days in the last week, a welcome break from reality, much like the lighthouse and island.
The island beckoned to me, the solitude inviting. I could relate. I laughed out loud and fell in love with a hippie biker Island God and and finally understand the quote by James Rozoff, "Each man is an island unto himself, but though a sea of difference may divide us, an entire world of commonality lies beneath.
Another great story by Dunne! A sort of channeling the fatigue with human race through the family going on a holiday. And then... Funny moments, great characters, not without tragedy. Enjoyed this a lot. On the side note- Old Castle tourist office should start paying him, even though this is not set in the town- ha ha.
Life is chaotic, circus-like, and crazy. Between family and work, cell phones and social media, politics and crazy people - how can one possibly escape and just have solitude?
Theo Lambert attempts to do just this: escape from the craziness of life with his family to enjoy quiet time. Only Lambert discovers that you can't escape crazy!
I found the book to be a neat metaphor for life: life is chaotic with technology and circus-like with family/work obligations and crazy with the multitude of people around us. The book with all of its characters and plots and adventures is quite similar! I did wonder if it was too much because there was lot going on, but when I sat back to reflect, I realized the true metaphor and it allowed me to just go with it. It's certainly a whirlwind story!
Mr. Dunne is a fantastic storyteller. He weaves in pop culture, metaphors, chaos, quirky characters who are unlike anyone else, irony, and humor. I never know where his stories will take me, but I always love the journey. And I always feel like the journey is memorable and will stick with me. I certainly have not forgotten about many of his other characters and their stories.
Readers can identify with Lambert and his desire to unplug because he is losing himself. We all have those moments. I highly recommend that you jump into Lambert's vacation and enjoy the quirky chaos that ensues!
Thank you Jonathan Dunne for the Advance Readers Copy in exchange for an honest review.
Theo Lambert is sick of his every day life with traffic and news bogging him down. With an asteroid headed toward Earth the world may or may not be ending. So Theo decides to pack up his family to escape the constant pull of electronic devices and heads out for a relaxing family vacation. He gets more than he bargained for when his so-called vacation turns out to be everything but relaxing.
I really enjoyed Jonathan Dunne's newest release. I could completely relate to the frustrations of the world today, where everyone has their iPhone attached to them and the news is more depressing than informative. Jonathan Dunne's writing is unique, fun, and never disappointing. I would highly recommend checking out this tale of a family trying to come together in a world that is trying to drive them apart.
Another great work by Jonathan Dunne! Once again he has brought us a fantastic story replete with intriguing characters--creatively chosen and masterfully developed--all wrapped up in this exciting adventure. I've always thought about what it would be like to get away from it all, from the the people to the technology, and Mr. Dunne has explored exactly what that getaway would entail--with some twists of course. A humorous tale, enjoyable read, and highly recommended!
Another book to add to my top favorites of all time. Every character has a colorful personality, the atmosphere is almost dream-like, and the humor and events present juxtaposition of light-heartedness in the wake of impending doom.
As anyone here knows I HATE Spoilers so try not to spoil things myself. When I first saw the cover for this book I didn't know what to expect. The first chapter "Traffic Jam" made me think I was in for a boring read, after all who likes to be stuck in a Traffic Jam right. Anyhoo as I got into the book a little more I thought ok not boring at all and was hooked. I fell in Love with the characters, the location the whole thing and by the end well after ups and down had settled I wanted to run off the the Island myself (though I don't think my family would like that). It's very well written and draws you in and makes you feel apart of it. I'd just like to say, THANK YOU! to the Author Jonathan Dunne for a great Adventure. :D
Another enjoyable and indescribable novel by Jonathan Dunne full of memorable offbeat characters, a bizarre plot, lots of humor and perhaps some moral lessons hidden beneath the maelstrom. Truly a favorite author of mine.
Such a fun read, I loved it! Poor Handbrake, gorgeous but dumb as a brick. I envisioned him as Vinnie Barbarino type. This is a story that will stick with me.