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Blythe
Darkly beautiful and profound.
With a wicked twist.
Blythe takes her stand in a world of physical and spiritual torment, while Aaron confronts the village leaders including his own father to find and free his love after an act of betrayal. The darkness consuming Blythe does not limit itself to her prison. Through trickery, traps, and seduction, the evil that claimed her dupes a growing cross-section of the village until only Aaron seems to have the strength to fight back.
In a work of poetic prose in a timeless setting, this cross-genre work of literary fiction plummets us into the darkest recesses of our world and lifts us to examine the most sublime potentials of our spirits.
On its surface, Blythe is a love story, but, more deeply, it is a timeless, redemptive allegory on the spread of AIDS across society and the search for a cure.
With a wicked twist.
Blythe takes her stand in a world of physical and spiritual torment, while Aaron confronts the village leaders including his own father to find and free his love after an act of betrayal. The darkness consuming Blythe does not limit itself to her prison. Through trickery, traps, and seduction, the evil that claimed her dupes a growing cross-section of the village until only Aaron seems to have the strength to fight back.
In a work of poetic prose in a timeless setting, this cross-genre work of literary fiction plummets us into the darkest recesses of our world and lifts us to examine the most sublime potentials of our spirits.
On its surface, Blythe is a love story, but, more deeply, it is a timeless, redemptive allegory on the spread of AIDS across society and the search for a cure.
420 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2017
3 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
John Kramer
1 book19 followersJohn E. Kramer writes literary fiction. He is an award-winning screenwriter and public relations practitioner. Kramer has spent his professional career defending the constitutional rights of those who could not afford to defend themselves. His debut novel, Blythe, was published by the small, independent Virginia-based press, Freedom Forge Press, LLC.
Visit my Amazon author page at:
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Visit my Amazon author page at:
https://www.amazon.com/John-E.-Kramer...
Visit me at Facebook:
www.facebook.com/JohnEKramer
Follow me on Twitter:
@JohnEKramer
Visit my Blythe Book page at:
www.Amazon.BlytheBook.com
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 29, 2018
'BLYTHE' Plumbs the Depths of Humanity in Christian/Fantasy Novel
John Kramer's Christian Fantasy BLYTHE explores many spiritual and philosophical depths of character and theme but left me a bit puzzled on just how to classify the book. I believe it was an allegory. I don't tend to read a book's cover copy before reviewing it. I want to discover what it's about as I go.
The story opens with a mysterious figure who trudges along in an unnamed town. With that image, Kramer paints a bleak portrait of struggle and the opening chapter ends with this: "...The harbinger had come home." Harbinger means a sign, indication, or signal. Darker terms for the word includes portent, omen, or forewarning. Okay, this isn't good.
We follow the title character, Blythe, and her family: Father Duffy and mother, Iris. Blythe's an excellent painter (Picasso, not Sherman Williams). Duffy's a decent man who loves to say, "absolutely, absolutely" when in agreement. The running gag is he can't or won't fix his leaky roof. He chides his wife Iris by saying, "It’ll be the death of you; it’s on your side." Iris works in a successful bakery. But something's amiss within this unit and a couple of them harbor dark secrets that I won't reveal.
Aaron, Blythe's knight-in-shining-armor, works for his father's bookshop but gets short shrift in respect compared to his lazy brother, Maddox, who also works at the shop. Their father, Lucre, owns the shop and doesn't hesitate to snap at Aaron for everything. This family also hides a couple of buried secrets that I won't reveal either.
The other cast of characters includes Parissa who despises Blythe and wants Aaron for herself. Sergio and Augustus, Aaron's friends. Ladies Sylvia and Kagetsu, both of which at one time or another attracts the eyes of Sergio. Also, in the cast of characters are Father Philip, the local spiritual leader, Blythe's friends, Maria, Mab, and Haskel, another man of wisdom. But the character that most grates the nerves of these people and mine as well, is Notte. Must read it to concur.
So, all these folks find themselves amidst a hidden mystery that involves the kingdom of Henry IV. Those who enter rarely leave and those who gain entrance must qualify in a very special way. As the story progresses, several of the people of the unnamed town or valley (at least I don't recall a name) wind up residents within the kingdom of Henry IV. If I seem vague about the story, I am for two reasons. One, I don't want to expose too much of it and two, during and after the read, I wondered what I just read. It didn't feel like fantasy, more like a drama, but clearly fantastical elements play a part in the book.
I especially like the courage of Blythe and Aaron. I appreciate the expounding of Father Philip and Haskel, like the ‘Yoda’ of Star Wars. However, I think the story slows too much in giving these life lessons no matter how uplifting and deep-seated the knowledge they advocate. I do have to say some of the characters don't use sound judgment when they clearly know, so I thought, that others don't have their best interests in mind. (See Blythe and Iris). I wanted to scratch more than my head on some of their decisions. Wow! Maybe a little annoying too was a few things that seem like big events occur off-screen.
When the final conflict plays out the story takes on a more thriller aspect for the ending, yes, but I wished for more of that. BLYTHE feels more like a character piece or study than this exhilarating speculative fiction piece. That makes this more of a literary piece and what it did for me was to stretch my reading genre capacities. It was different for me. I recommend patience, not to pray for it Christian readers lol. The story is what it is and maybe that's due to author Kramer's background as a communications director in the legal field. He brings such intellect to his characters that I think it slows the narrative too much.
At the end of the day, the people who populate BLYTHE keep the reader's interest despite some misgivings about the narrative pace and meaning. Again, it's a literary piece that takes its time. There is light profanity within and implied sexual intercourse as well. I give it Four out of Five stars.
P.S.: I read the cover copy and understand better Kramer's goal for BLYTHE. I stand by my review, but I comprehend his mission.
John Kramer's Christian Fantasy BLYTHE explores many spiritual and philosophical depths of character and theme but left me a bit puzzled on just how to classify the book. I believe it was an allegory. I don't tend to read a book's cover copy before reviewing it. I want to discover what it's about as I go.
The story opens with a mysterious figure who trudges along in an unnamed town. With that image, Kramer paints a bleak portrait of struggle and the opening chapter ends with this: "...The harbinger had come home." Harbinger means a sign, indication, or signal. Darker terms for the word includes portent, omen, or forewarning. Okay, this isn't good.
We follow the title character, Blythe, and her family: Father Duffy and mother, Iris. Blythe's an excellent painter (Picasso, not Sherman Williams). Duffy's a decent man who loves to say, "absolutely, absolutely" when in agreement. The running gag is he can't or won't fix his leaky roof. He chides his wife Iris by saying, "It’ll be the death of you; it’s on your side." Iris works in a successful bakery. But something's amiss within this unit and a couple of them harbor dark secrets that I won't reveal.
Aaron, Blythe's knight-in-shining-armor, works for his father's bookshop but gets short shrift in respect compared to his lazy brother, Maddox, who also works at the shop. Their father, Lucre, owns the shop and doesn't hesitate to snap at Aaron for everything. This family also hides a couple of buried secrets that I won't reveal either.
The other cast of characters includes Parissa who despises Blythe and wants Aaron for herself. Sergio and Augustus, Aaron's friends. Ladies Sylvia and Kagetsu, both of which at one time or another attracts the eyes of Sergio. Also, in the cast of characters are Father Philip, the local spiritual leader, Blythe's friends, Maria, Mab, and Haskel, another man of wisdom. But the character that most grates the nerves of these people and mine as well, is Notte. Must read it to concur.
So, all these folks find themselves amidst a hidden mystery that involves the kingdom of Henry IV. Those who enter rarely leave and those who gain entrance must qualify in a very special way. As the story progresses, several of the people of the unnamed town or valley (at least I don't recall a name) wind up residents within the kingdom of Henry IV. If I seem vague about the story, I am for two reasons. One, I don't want to expose too much of it and two, during and after the read, I wondered what I just read. It didn't feel like fantasy, more like a drama, but clearly fantastical elements play a part in the book.
I especially like the courage of Blythe and Aaron. I appreciate the expounding of Father Philip and Haskel, like the ‘Yoda’ of Star Wars. However, I think the story slows too much in giving these life lessons no matter how uplifting and deep-seated the knowledge they advocate. I do have to say some of the characters don't use sound judgment when they clearly know, so I thought, that others don't have their best interests in mind. (See Blythe and Iris). I wanted to scratch more than my head on some of their decisions. Wow! Maybe a little annoying too was a few things that seem like big events occur off-screen.
When the final conflict plays out the story takes on a more thriller aspect for the ending, yes, but I wished for more of that. BLYTHE feels more like a character piece or study than this exhilarating speculative fiction piece. That makes this more of a literary piece and what it did for me was to stretch my reading genre capacities. It was different for me. I recommend patience, not to pray for it Christian readers lol. The story is what it is and maybe that's due to author Kramer's background as a communications director in the legal field. He brings such intellect to his characters that I think it slows the narrative too much.
At the end of the day, the people who populate BLYTHE keep the reader's interest despite some misgivings about the narrative pace and meaning. Again, it's a literary piece that takes its time. There is light profanity within and implied sexual intercourse as well. I give it Four out of Five stars.
P.S.: I read the cover copy and understand better Kramer's goal for BLYTHE. I stand by my review, but I comprehend his mission.
August 6, 2017
I have no idea how to classify this book--it's as if the author of The Hunger Games trilogy went drinking with Friedrich Hayek ("The Road to Serfdom") and C.S. Lewis, and they all decided to write a novel together (while drinking). :)
The book is all about faith and freedom and redemption, and, yet, it is about none of these things. I have concluded that it is one of those rare books where you get out of the book what you put in, only with your thoughts more deeply developed and your words more lyrically written.
I realize my review is somewhat cryptic, but the book defies classification and is one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished it. It isn't the kind of book I normally read, and it's not always a comfortable read (intentionally so). Even with those caveats, I really enjoyed it, and it will keep me thinking for quite a while.
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to get your mind to go down roads it doesn't normally travel, I highly recommend "Blythe" to get those brain cells going!
The book is all about faith and freedom and redemption, and, yet, it is about none of these things. I have concluded that it is one of those rare books where you get out of the book what you put in, only with your thoughts more deeply developed and your words more lyrically written.
I realize my review is somewhat cryptic, but the book defies classification and is one of those books that stays with you long after you've finished it. It isn't the kind of book I normally read, and it's not always a comfortable read (intentionally so). Even with those caveats, I really enjoyed it, and it will keep me thinking for quite a while.
If you're looking for something out of the ordinary to get your mind to go down roads it doesn't normally travel, I highly recommend "Blythe" to get those brain cells going!
June 20, 2017
Blythe is a thought-provoking first novel by author John Kramer. The story begins in a normal town populated by characters who are all of us. They go about their daily lives, some happy, some not. Some have settled for that which they have and some seek more. For the first few chapters, it seems like a slice of life story, but just wait… things are about to change.
The setting segues from an “every town” to a dystopian kingdom that is the now. It is today’s dystopia. The one in which we all live, every day. It’s today and tomorrow, and yesterday.
Within a gripping love story, Kramer distills our society to an in-depth look at how our choices impact our morals, faith, and ability to love, as well as how our morals, faith and ability to love impact our choices. More importantly, the story explores whether we can find redemption and how that might be achieved.
I found myself unable to stop thinking about the symbolism and themes which permeate the novel. Even days later, I find myself pondering the statement this story makes about our society and my own life and choices.
Read it, and be prepared to become engrossed in the journeys the characters face as they grow and change.
The setting segues from an “every town” to a dystopian kingdom that is the now. It is today’s dystopia. The one in which we all live, every day. It’s today and tomorrow, and yesterday.
Within a gripping love story, Kramer distills our society to an in-depth look at how our choices impact our morals, faith, and ability to love, as well as how our morals, faith and ability to love impact our choices. More importantly, the story explores whether we can find redemption and how that might be achieved.
I found myself unable to stop thinking about the symbolism and themes which permeate the novel. Even days later, I find myself pondering the statement this story makes about our society and my own life and choices.
Read it, and be prepared to become engrossed in the journeys the characters face as they grow and change.
June 17, 2017
In Blythe, John Kramer has masterfully created a world set in the past yet dealing creatively and genuinely with issues that are current and relevant to us today. The question of forgiveness vs. condemnation, acceptance vs. discrimination, banishment vs. inclusion runs through this book on every level. How do we deal with those that are different from us by race or gender or sexual orientation? How does the Church see its role and our role in this scenario? John Kramer paints Christianity in its finest form, with love, acceptance and help to all who need it: “Human action is God’s will, not blind indifference in the face of suffering.”
John Kramer has created a world that is flawed but healing. A world in which each of us can easily identify our own lives and trials.
I became enthralled with the characters, and entrenched in their experiences. Kramer creates a gripping world that destroys the conventional boundaries of literary genres.
A must read!
Karen Pulice
Early Reader
Facebook
May 31, 2017
John Kramer has created a world that is flawed but healing. A world in which each of us can easily identify our own lives and trials.
I became enthralled with the characters, and entrenched in their experiences. Kramer creates a gripping world that destroys the conventional boundaries of literary genres.
A must read!
Karen Pulice
Early Reader
May 31, 2017
June 21, 2017
Colorfully rich, as is appropriate for a book written by a landscape painter.
Compassionate and courageous, as is appropriate for a book written by a good man.
Full of youth and energy, as is appropriate for a book written by John Kramer.
As a fan of magical realism, humanism, and morality that attracts rather than attacks, I thoroughly enjoyed editing an earlier manuscript of Blythe. I have great confidence in the final outcome and recommend it heartily to you.
Compassionate and courageous, as is appropriate for a book written by a good man.
Full of youth and energy, as is appropriate for a book written by John Kramer.
As a fan of magical realism, humanism, and morality that attracts rather than attacks, I thoroughly enjoyed editing an earlier manuscript of Blythe. I have great confidence in the final outcome and recommend it heartily to you.
November 1, 2017
Interesting and thought provoking.
I had a hard time getting into this book. The first third is a lot of introducing of characters, of which there were a lot, without much plot or action. Once you get through that though, the book really picks up steam and is riveting.
I had a hard time getting into this book. The first third is a lot of introducing of characters, of which there were a lot, without much plot or action. Once you get through that though, the book really picks up steam and is riveting.
March 14, 2019
A must read...
John Kramer crafts a book that mirrors one of the worst diseases of our time. The book wrestle with real life issues from a spiritual perspective. What is the answer to a stubborn heart? In the end, forgiveness . . .
John Kramer crafts a book that mirrors one of the worst diseases of our time. The book wrestle with real life issues from a spiritual perspective. What is the answer to a stubborn heart? In the end, forgiveness . . .
June 9, 2017
I enjoyed John Kramer's terrific character development in his intriguing story of personal insight, deficiency, betrayal, subjugation, tolerance, bravery, love, and liberation.
January 17, 2018
John's style is evocative of Gabriel García Márquez, very colorful detailed character descriptions mixed with casually expressed raw emotions. Each page is a delightful literary surprise.
Read
September 10, 2017Review to follow ...
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews