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The Difficult Journey
What if the world was like this?
This book is about human nature. Compassion, hatred, fear, love and intense passion in every form. It is the story of a group of people, and their actions and responses to another group of people, who happen to be trying to move from point A to point B on this planet of ours, for whatever reasons. Whatever position of opinion from which you approach this story, it will not be what you expect. It wasn’t what the main characters were expecting either. Buckle up for an intense journey, and leave your preconceptions at the turnstile folks.
A modern tale for modern times.
This book is about human nature. Compassion, hatred, fear, love and intense passion in every form. It is the story of a group of people, and their actions and responses to another group of people, who happen to be trying to move from point A to point B on this planet of ours, for whatever reasons. Whatever position of opinion from which you approach this story, it will not be what you expect. It wasn’t what the main characters were expecting either. Buckle up for an intense journey, and leave your preconceptions at the turnstile folks.
A modern tale for modern times.
300 pages, Paperback
Published August 17, 2016
1 person is currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
May J. Panayi
26 books17 followersI'm a writer, see website and a voracious reader. I love to travel especially to the Greek islands and Cyprus where I have family, but everywhere too. I love to cook and invent recipes. I maybe love to eat what I cook a bit too much. I'm Greek Orthodox now, but used to be a Witch and High Priestess and run a coven. I've been writing since I was five and have now written nine books and am working on the tenth, horror this time. I love cats, but have not got any living with me just now since my little guy died in 2011 and broke my heart. I'm happily married to Chris since 1995. We have no kids. I live in central Brighton and write looking out of the window at the sea.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 16, 2016
This book will be viewed by many as controversial and the content will evoke strong opinions from people. The first thing I should say is that I enjoyed reading the book. The author bravely tackles the issues currently facing Europe with regard to religious divide, terrorism, refugees and immigration. We see the human side of these problems through a cast of fictional characters who have to face these problems from a variety of perspectives. The author is even handed in how she tackles these huge problems with understanding for all sides of the debate. Although the general theme of the book is not uplifting because the author paints a realistic picture of how the problems are getting worse with no solution on the horizon, nonetheless there are moments of uplifting human kindness by individuals, which demonstrate that the majority of us just wish to live in peace with our neighbors as we are all members of the same human race whatever our color or religion.
September 19, 2016
It takes a very brave person to write a novel about immigration, religion and cultural clashes in the current climate, risking controversy and criticism from both sides of the debate. And this is honestly a very brave book, not pandering to either side.
Indeed, if this fictionalised account of several individuals and families achieves one thing it is to chow that there are not two sides to the issue; it is a complex, multi-faceted matter, with many layers of right and wrong, often overlapping.
The author shows us violent extremists and terrorists among both immigrants and those who feel threatened by immigrants. She shows us people desperate for new lives, people willing to integrate and contribute, and others wishing to help who are so naive that they are very lucky to escape with their lives.
It's a complex issue and a depressing one, with no easy answers, and where any firm line - whether pro or anti - is going to hurt a lot of people, and where the lack of a firm line is going to hurt a lot more people. The author is wise enough not to pretend to have the solution, but I think she does succeed in showing the problem through a wide range of eyes. I'm not going to insult anyone by preaching my own opinion from the pulpit of a review, I'll simply say that this is a well balanced book, compassionate of human suffering, but recognising very real danger, on all sides of the equation.
I suspect the alarming scenario of the last couple of pages, together with its consequences, is actually all too likely.
An extraordinary and powerful departure from the author's usual style, demonstrating her versatility anew. It makes you think. And that is always a good thing.
Indeed, if this fictionalised account of several individuals and families achieves one thing it is to chow that there are not two sides to the issue; it is a complex, multi-faceted matter, with many layers of right and wrong, often overlapping.
The author shows us violent extremists and terrorists among both immigrants and those who feel threatened by immigrants. She shows us people desperate for new lives, people willing to integrate and contribute, and others wishing to help who are so naive that they are very lucky to escape with their lives.
It's a complex issue and a depressing one, with no easy answers, and where any firm line - whether pro or anti - is going to hurt a lot of people, and where the lack of a firm line is going to hurt a lot more people. The author is wise enough not to pretend to have the solution, but I think she does succeed in showing the problem through a wide range of eyes. I'm not going to insult anyone by preaching my own opinion from the pulpit of a review, I'll simply say that this is a well balanced book, compassionate of human suffering, but recognising very real danger, on all sides of the equation.
I suspect the alarming scenario of the last couple of pages, together with its consequences, is actually all too likely.
An extraordinary and powerful departure from the author's usual style, demonstrating her versatility anew. It makes you think. And that is always a good thing.
September 18, 2016
This was a book I certainly won’t forget. The author has taken topical issues and created a dramatic, fictional story, which will definitely impact its readers and get you thinking. I’m not sure I truly liked the content and I do think this book will be viewed as controversial and potentially create strong opinions (particularly in today’s climate).
I certainly did not expect this story from the synopsis and I would like to see a cover that fits the drama of the story.
I commend the author for her courage in writing this story!
I certainly did not expect this story from the synopsis and I would like to see a cover that fits the drama of the story.
I commend the author for her courage in writing this story!
August 30, 2016
I have no doubt this book set out to be controversial. The fictional reality that Panayi has created here is one possible scenario as the world and GB moves forward from Brexit and the possible collapse of the EU.
I applaud Panayi for attempting this work, although the fictional religion, terrorists, God and Holy Book, were so obviously meant to represent today's parallels, that calling them something different was a little pointless in my opinion. If you are going to write about this, you have to be prepared, to be honest, and courageous. That having been said, I can understand why the author would choose not to do so.
If Panayi's motive in writing this work was to make people think about what might happen in the future and to make them talk, I am sure she achieved that. The story is harsh and at times extremely bigoted and prejudiced, but again I believe the author was trying to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and get the discussion going.
Is it a realistic scenario, of our near future? I doubt it and as a PinkoLib (as the book so endearingly describes me) I sincerely hope not. Did it make me think and ponder where we are heading, especially given the levels of anti-Islam and xenophobia sweeping the world particularly in the US and Britain? Yes, it did. Is it timely? Probably and for that reason alone I will doff my cap to the author.
Did I enjoy the subject matter and the handling of it? Not at all, but that doesn't stop me recognising a genuine effort to make a political statement and to applaud that effort.
The five stars I give this book is in recognition of the need for this type of discussion to be held now, before the author's scenario starts to come true.
I applaud Panayi for attempting this work, although the fictional religion, terrorists, God and Holy Book, were so obviously meant to represent today's parallels, that calling them something different was a little pointless in my opinion. If you are going to write about this, you have to be prepared, to be honest, and courageous. That having been said, I can understand why the author would choose not to do so.
If Panayi's motive in writing this work was to make people think about what might happen in the future and to make them talk, I am sure she achieved that. The story is harsh and at times extremely bigoted and prejudiced, but again I believe the author was trying to push the boundaries of what is acceptable and get the discussion going.
Is it a realistic scenario, of our near future? I doubt it and as a PinkoLib (as the book so endearingly describes me) I sincerely hope not. Did it make me think and ponder where we are heading, especially given the levels of anti-Islam and xenophobia sweeping the world particularly in the US and Britain? Yes, it did. Is it timely? Probably and for that reason alone I will doff my cap to the author.
Did I enjoy the subject matter and the handling of it? Not at all, but that doesn't stop me recognising a genuine effort to make a political statement and to applaud that effort.
The five stars I give this book is in recognition of the need for this type of discussion to be held now, before the author's scenario starts to come true.
November 12, 2016
'The Difficult Journey' - an understatement!
The title and easy-going cover do little to reflect the actual content and direction of the book. The book description does set the scene for what are politically controversial and challenging topics. Set in the near future, the book paints a particularly grim picture of Europe dealing with the consequences of failed immigration control. The author isn't advocating one or other side of the central controversy, and it is a work of fiction so I was content to read the author's perception and vision. Several story arcs run in parallel and I wasn't clear where they are going until much later. I like a good ending in a book of fiction and this one was not one I liked. I tried to think how I would have ended the book and I couldn't. Maybe it is too complex and difficult to find a good end for these complex issues. Certainly a thought-provoking read.
The title and easy-going cover do little to reflect the actual content and direction of the book. The book description does set the scene for what are politically controversial and challenging topics. Set in the near future, the book paints a particularly grim picture of Europe dealing with the consequences of failed immigration control. The author isn't advocating one or other side of the central controversy, and it is a work of fiction so I was content to read the author's perception and vision. Several story arcs run in parallel and I wasn't clear where they are going until much later. I like a good ending in a book of fiction and this one was not one I liked. I tried to think how I would have ended the book and I couldn't. Maybe it is too complex and difficult to find a good end for these complex issues. Certainly a thought-provoking read.
August 31, 2016
A strong and controversial read that will surely device opinions. Whilst the organisations and content are make believe, it is easy to decipher the intention behind the written words. Whilst I personally think the world will be a better place then this book suggests after brexit, it is certainly a interesting and honest account. I suspect this book will get knocked for being too controversial, but that is exactly what it's meant to be. Panayi always brings something to the table in an interesting and thought provoking read that may cause a stir.
October 23, 2016
The book cover and the synopsis are tame compared to the actual story. I have to say to the author, thanks for your courage. Panayi has opened a can of worms, some of which were stark reminders of what's going on in our world with regards to Immigration.
I enjoyed the read. I didn't agree with all of the author's views or her vision, for that matter. But it was a very worthwhile glimpse into a topic that dominates the Western hemisphere, at the moment.
I enjoyed the read. I didn't agree with all of the author's views or her vision, for that matter. But it was a very worthwhile glimpse into a topic that dominates the Western hemisphere, at the moment.
October 31, 2016
An Interesting And Thought Provoking Book
The Difficult Journey is an interesting and thought-provoking book that covers issues of religious divide, terrorism, refugees and immigration facing Europe through a cast of fictional characters. As another reviewer said: “it is a well-balanced book, compassionate of human suffering, but recognising very real danger, on all sides of the equation.”
The Difficult Journey is an interesting and thought-provoking book that covers issues of religious divide, terrorism, refugees and immigration facing Europe through a cast of fictional characters. As another reviewer said: “it is a well-balanced book, compassionate of human suffering, but recognising very real danger, on all sides of the equation.”
November 2, 2016
An impressive book that will divide opinion. I found this a troubling read, as I suspect is intended, and it certainly makes interesting reading. I do not agree with the author's interpretation in many places, but I think she did a good job in tackling difficult themes.
August 18, 2016
With the influence of George Orwell's 1984, and J.G. Ballard's Drowned World and High Rise clearly showing; this book throws a big What If? out there. In a world a lot like ours is now, with a lot of real places, a fictitious group and some imaginary places are added into the mix to bring everything to an effervescent point. What if the world was like this instead of the way it is?
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews