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Drift Stumble Fall
Richard feels trapped in his hectic life of commitment and responsibility. From the daily mayhem of having young children, an exhausted wife and pushy in-laws who frequently outstay their welcome, Richard’s existence fills him with panic and resentment. The only place he can escape the dark cloud descending upon him is the bathroom, where he hides for hours on end, door locked, wondering how on earth he can escape.
Often staring out of his window, Richard enviously observes the tranquil life of Bill, his neighbour living in the bungalow across the road. From the outside, Bills world appears filled with comfort and peace. Yet underneath the apparent domestic bliss of both lives are lies, secrets, imperfections, sadness and suffering far greater than either could have imagined. Beneath the surface, a family tragedy has left Bill frozen in time and unable to move on. As he waits for a daughter who may never return, Bill watches Richards bustling family life and yearns for the joy it brings. As the two men watch each other from afar, it soon becomes apparent that other people’s lives are not always what they seem.
Drift Stumble Fall is author M. Jonathan Lee’s fifth novel, and is his most recent release.
Other novels by M. Jonathan Lee include the first and second parts of the ‘The’ trilogy ‘The Page’ and ‘The Radio’, dark family mystery ‘Broken Branches’ and ‘A Tiny Feeling of Fear’.
The Radio was nationally shortlisted for the Novel Prize in 2012.
Jonathan’s writing has always been inspired by a number of novels, including Alex Garland's The Beach, and his writing is comparable to Mark Haddon, Nick Hornby and Joseph Connolly.
Jonathan’s novels are published with the Northern Publishing House, Hideaway Fall. All novels published through Hideaway Fall are creative fiction that grab the attention of the reader and have unexpected twists in the plot. They stray away from sci’fi, romance novels and non-fiction, because as they state, they’re ‘not our bag’.
Jonathan is active in the author community, and has spoken on multiple occasions in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.
He is also a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness, which has led him to write regularly for the Huffington Post, the Big Issue and spoken at length on numerous occasions about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe.
“Honest, unpredictable and deeply moving.” Milly Johnson Sunday Times Bestseller
Often staring out of his window, Richard enviously observes the tranquil life of Bill, his neighbour living in the bungalow across the road. From the outside, Bills world appears filled with comfort and peace. Yet underneath the apparent domestic bliss of both lives are lies, secrets, imperfections, sadness and suffering far greater than either could have imagined. Beneath the surface, a family tragedy has left Bill frozen in time and unable to move on. As he waits for a daughter who may never return, Bill watches Richards bustling family life and yearns for the joy it brings. As the two men watch each other from afar, it soon becomes apparent that other people’s lives are not always what they seem.
Drift Stumble Fall is author M. Jonathan Lee’s fifth novel, and is his most recent release.
Other novels by M. Jonathan Lee include the first and second parts of the ‘The’ trilogy ‘The Page’ and ‘The Radio’, dark family mystery ‘Broken Branches’ and ‘A Tiny Feeling of Fear’.
The Radio was nationally shortlisted for the Novel Prize in 2012.
Jonathan’s writing has always been inspired by a number of novels, including Alex Garland's The Beach, and his writing is comparable to Mark Haddon, Nick Hornby and Joseph Connolly.
Jonathan’s novels are published with the Northern Publishing House, Hideaway Fall. All novels published through Hideaway Fall are creative fiction that grab the attention of the reader and have unexpected twists in the plot. They stray away from sci’fi, romance novels and non-fiction, because as they state, they’re ‘not our bag’.
Jonathan is active in the author community, and has spoken on multiple occasions in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.
He is also a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness, which has led him to write regularly for the Huffington Post, the Big Issue and spoken at length on numerous occasions about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe.
“Honest, unpredictable and deeply moving.” Milly Johnson Sunday Times Bestseller
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 12, 2018
21 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
M. Jonathan Lee
6 books51 followersM Jonathan Lee is a nationally shortlisted author who was born Yorkshire where he still lives today with twins, James and Annabel.
His debut novel, The Radio was shortlisted for The Novel Prize 2012. He has spoken in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.
His second novel, The Page was released in February 2015.
His much anticipated third novel, A Tiny Feeling of Fear was released in September 2015 and tells the story of a character struggling with mental illness. All profits from this novel are donated to charity to raise awareness of mental health issues. This was accompanied by the short film, Hidden which was directed by Simon Gamble and can be seen here.
In 2016, he signed for boutique publishers, Hideaway Fall and his fourth novel Broken Branches was released in July 2017, winning book of the month in Candis magazine for September.
He is a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness and writes his own column regularly for the Huffington Post. He has recently written for the Big Issue and spoken at length about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe.
His fifth book, the critically acclaimed Drift Stumble Fall was released in Spring 2018. His sixth novel, 337 was released on 30 November 2020.
His debut novel, The Radio was shortlisted for The Novel Prize 2012. He has spoken in schools, colleges, prisons and universities about creative writing and storytelling and appeared at various literary festivals including Sheffield’s Off the Shelf and Doncaster’s Turn the Page festival.
His second novel, The Page was released in February 2015.
His much anticipated third novel, A Tiny Feeling of Fear was released in September 2015 and tells the story of a character struggling with mental illness. All profits from this novel are donated to charity to raise awareness of mental health issues. This was accompanied by the short film, Hidden which was directed by Simon Gamble and can be seen here.
In 2016, he signed for boutique publishers, Hideaway Fall and his fourth novel Broken Branches was released in July 2017, winning book of the month in Candis magazine for September.
He is a tireless campaigner for mental health awareness and writes his own column regularly for the Huffington Post. He has recently written for the Big Issue and spoken at length about his own personal struggle on the BBC and Radio Talk Europe.
His fifth book, the critically acclaimed Drift Stumble Fall was released in Spring 2018. His sixth novel, 337 was released on 30 November 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
March 11, 2018
Poignant, emotive and thought provoking, all words that came into my head as I was reading "drift stumble fall" by M.Jonathan Lee. I loved it from start to finish and found it a really entertaining and enjoyable read.
Richard Brown feels trapped in his hectic family life. Staring out of his window he envies the tranquil life of Bill and Rosie, his neighbours living across the road. From his lounge, Bill keenly watches as Richard's young family grows. As the two men watch each other from afar, it soon becomes apparent that other people's lives are not what they seem.
There were so many true parenting/marriage incidents in the story that it made it feel so much like real life and I truly felt for Richard, knowing that he is far from alone in the world feeling trapped and stifled within his family routines. Many, many men (and women) will no doubt feel exactly the same way and wish for an escape route. This story was a typical and perfect example of the grass isn't always greener on the other side or in this story's case the snow isn't always whiter! Whilst Richard is envying the life of a elderly couple in the bungalow opposite, little does he know exactly how they are suffering emotionally with their sadness and tragedy. I found this part of the story very sad and the author conveyed their emotions and mental pain perfect along with the depression and anxiety Richard is obviously suffering. The tale truly reiterates the saying of 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone'.
I loved "Broken Branches" last year and knew I would be enjoying this book too, the author has a beautiful writing style that truly captivates the reader and he has fabulously captured a typical real life scenario and turned it into a brilliant and thought provoking story. Highly recommend!
Richard Brown feels trapped in his hectic family life. Staring out of his window he envies the tranquil life of Bill and Rosie, his neighbours living across the road. From his lounge, Bill keenly watches as Richard's young family grows. As the two men watch each other from afar, it soon becomes apparent that other people's lives are not what they seem.
There were so many true parenting/marriage incidents in the story that it made it feel so much like real life and I truly felt for Richard, knowing that he is far from alone in the world feeling trapped and stifled within his family routines. Many, many men (and women) will no doubt feel exactly the same way and wish for an escape route. This story was a typical and perfect example of the grass isn't always greener on the other side or in this story's case the snow isn't always whiter! Whilst Richard is envying the life of a elderly couple in the bungalow opposite, little does he know exactly how they are suffering emotionally with their sadness and tragedy. I found this part of the story very sad and the author conveyed their emotions and mental pain perfect along with the depression and anxiety Richard is obviously suffering. The tale truly reiterates the saying of 'you don't know what you've got until it's gone'.
I loved "Broken Branches" last year and knew I would be enjoying this book too, the author has a beautiful writing style that truly captivates the reader and he has fabulously captured a typical real life scenario and turned it into a brilliant and thought provoking story. Highly recommend!
May 5, 2020
Richard seems to be in the throes of a mid-life crisis. Married with two children, a nice house and a good job you'd think he'd be content but he's feeling trapped and just wants to escape to a quiet cabin in the woods. When his in-laws lunch time visit extends to a stay of a few days due to heavy snow, he plots how to escape his suffocating existence, convincing himself that his family would be better off without him. As the snow settles in trapping them all indoors he watches his elderly neighbours Bill and Rosie, who seem to have the perfect peaceful existence, with no noisy children around. But you can't always tell what someone else's life is like from outside and Bill and Rosie have had more than their share of heartache and do not enjoy the domestic bliss that Richard imagines.
Somehow, this novel told from Richard's point of view detailing the minutiae of his home life is a very engaging read. There is a gentle humour in many of the situations and an insightful study of the way people behave. Richard's wife Lisa is not a very appealing character and although she claims to love him tends to push him around and ignore his feelings. Although he clearly loves his exuberant children and is in fact a good father, I'm sure his resentment at the demands of parenting small children would resonate with many readers. The author also provides insight into the devastating effect those who go missing have on their families. While Richard's family life takes up most of the book, it is Bill and Rosie's story that puts everything into perspective for him and in the end is the most thought provoking.
With thanks to Netgalley and Books Go Social for a copy to read
Somehow, this novel told from Richard's point of view detailing the minutiae of his home life is a very engaging read. There is a gentle humour in many of the situations and an insightful study of the way people behave. Richard's wife Lisa is not a very appealing character and although she claims to love him tends to push him around and ignore his feelings. Although he clearly loves his exuberant children and is in fact a good father, I'm sure his resentment at the demands of parenting small children would resonate with many readers. The author also provides insight into the devastating effect those who go missing have on their families. While Richard's family life takes up most of the book, it is Bill and Rosie's story that puts everything into perspective for him and in the end is the most thought provoking.
With thanks to Netgalley and Books Go Social for a copy to read
October 1, 2018
Book Reviewed by Clive on www.whisperingstories.com
According to the Missing People charity one in every five hundred of the UK’s adults go missing every year. The reasons are varied but in many cases their families will never hear from them again.
In Drift Stumble Fall M. Jonathan Lee studies just two of these aspects in what is initially a simple story of a week of suburban domesticity featuring two middle class homes. On the one hand we have Richard giving us his narrative of how he plans to change his life from what he views as a humdrum personal prison, trapping him forever in a world that he is desperate to escape.
The second story features his elderly neighbours who, in Richard’s eyes, have all the peace and contentment that he craves.
Richard’s story is told in the first person, enabling us to get into his head and to understand his justification for considering the destruction of a family life that many would aspire to. Outwardly those nearest to him see nothing unusual except for the occasional odd moment. I was frequently tempted to shout at him to accept help by talking to talk to those he loved but sadly when people are as mentally confused as him they do not always see reason, regardless of how calm they may appear from the outside.
Despite the potential darkness of the situation M. Jonathan Lee tells his story in a light-hearted manner, easy to read and with great humour which varied from pure slapstick to subtle thoughts in his times of isolation. Look out for the morning after the pub night comments.
The author is clearly a good reader of character as all protagonists were convincing, no doubt drawn from traits of family and acquaintances.
Drift Stumble Fall is an enjoyable yet meaningful read. I have awarded the full five stars.
According to the Missing People charity one in every five hundred of the UK’s adults go missing every year. The reasons are varied but in many cases their families will never hear from them again.
In Drift Stumble Fall M. Jonathan Lee studies just two of these aspects in what is initially a simple story of a week of suburban domesticity featuring two middle class homes. On the one hand we have Richard giving us his narrative of how he plans to change his life from what he views as a humdrum personal prison, trapping him forever in a world that he is desperate to escape.
The second story features his elderly neighbours who, in Richard’s eyes, have all the peace and contentment that he craves.
Richard’s story is told in the first person, enabling us to get into his head and to understand his justification for considering the destruction of a family life that many would aspire to. Outwardly those nearest to him see nothing unusual except for the occasional odd moment. I was frequently tempted to shout at him to accept help by talking to talk to those he loved but sadly when people are as mentally confused as him they do not always see reason, regardless of how calm they may appear from the outside.
Despite the potential darkness of the situation M. Jonathan Lee tells his story in a light-hearted manner, easy to read and with great humour which varied from pure slapstick to subtle thoughts in his times of isolation. Look out for the morning after the pub night comments.
The author is clearly a good reader of character as all protagonists were convincing, no doubt drawn from traits of family and acquaintances.
Drift Stumble Fall is an enjoyable yet meaningful read. I have awarded the full five stars.
March 15, 2018
A cursory glance at neighbours Richard and Bill would appear to show their envy for one another’s lives, in an almost ‘the grass is greener’ type of way. But those first impressions can be deceptive.
Separated by a generation, and a mere strip of tarmac, their properties directly face each other. The exteriors successfully conceal the ghosts of happier times, but for wholly different reasons.
Each man acknowledges the presence of the other with an impassive hand raise from behind the protection of their respective double-glazing while contemplating one other’s contentment. Yet it’s one of those unfortunate occasions when the old phrase ‘not waving, but drowning’ truly applies.
The neighbours’ survival strategies and private reflections are so intimately tailored I felt as though I had trespassed into their most guarded trials, especially when their isolated journeys crossed in a profound and affective way.
A story narrated with a quiet composure, yet it has an incredibly powerful voice.
Separated by a generation, and a mere strip of tarmac, their properties directly face each other. The exteriors successfully conceal the ghosts of happier times, but for wholly different reasons.
Each man acknowledges the presence of the other with an impassive hand raise from behind the protection of their respective double-glazing while contemplating one other’s contentment. Yet it’s one of those unfortunate occasions when the old phrase ‘not waving, but drowning’ truly applies.
The neighbours’ survival strategies and private reflections are so intimately tailored I felt as though I had trespassed into their most guarded trials, especially when their isolated journeys crossed in a profound and affective way.
A story narrated with a quiet composure, yet it has an incredibly powerful voice.
April 20, 2020
I've been somewhat undecided on how to review and rate Drift Stumble Fall by M. Jonathan Lee. There is no question that it's an exceptional book, delving into the melancholy mind of Richard, who is married to Lisa and the father of young Hannah and Oscar.
Set over the course of several days during a continuous snowfall, which leaves Richard and family home bound along with his in-laws, we are witnesses to his mind's plan of escape from what he has determined is a trapped and chaotic life. Richard longs for his freedom and a simple quiet, with no screaming children or annoying wife hanging on to him, caging him in a world where he no longer wants to be. From the window of his home, he longingly watches his elderly neighbor Bill, who is apparently leading the uncomplicated and peaceful life he longs for.
Bill and his wife, however, are leading a much different life than the one Richard dreams about. Bill also watches Richard, knowing that his hopes for what his neighbor has have long disappeared.
This was a moving although at times hilariously funny novel about human nature and our oftentimes belief that the grass is always greener elsewhere. The author has a way of wording certain situations in the most comical terms, which often had me laughing out loud. These situations, as strange as it sounds, in no way detract from the seriousness of the subject matter; in fact, they actually highlight the absurdity of the lives we lead and those we think we want. The reason I found the novel hard to review is because I struggle with whether Richard's state of mind was due to depression or a simple midlife crisis. But then I wonder if a midlife crisis is actually that simple, and if maybe it really is a form of depression. I realized it made no difference as to my enjoyment of the story, which I found compelling. I decided I couldn't give it less than 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC of this touching book.
Set over the course of several days during a continuous snowfall, which leaves Richard and family home bound along with his in-laws, we are witnesses to his mind's plan of escape from what he has determined is a trapped and chaotic life. Richard longs for his freedom and a simple quiet, with no screaming children or annoying wife hanging on to him, caging him in a world where he no longer wants to be. From the window of his home, he longingly watches his elderly neighbor Bill, who is apparently leading the uncomplicated and peaceful life he longs for.
Bill and his wife, however, are leading a much different life than the one Richard dreams about. Bill also watches Richard, knowing that his hopes for what his neighbor has have long disappeared.
This was a moving although at times hilariously funny novel about human nature and our oftentimes belief that the grass is always greener elsewhere. The author has a way of wording certain situations in the most comical terms, which often had me laughing out loud. These situations, as strange as it sounds, in no way detract from the seriousness of the subject matter; in fact, they actually highlight the absurdity of the lives we lead and those we think we want. The reason I found the novel hard to review is because I struggle with whether Richard's state of mind was due to depression or a simple midlife crisis. But then I wonder if a midlife crisis is actually that simple, and if maybe it really is a form of depression. I realized it made no difference as to my enjoyment of the story, which I found compelling. I decided I couldn't give it less than 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC of this touching book.
March 30, 2018
Find all my book reviews, plus fascinating author interviews, exclusive guest posts and book extracts, on my blog: https://whatcathyreadnext.wordpress.com/
Richard seems to have everything – a good job, two lovely children, a nice house – but it isn’t making him happy. Richard feels trapped in a life that hasn’t turned out how he imagined, ‘trapped inside something I created.’ The heavy snowfall currently preventing his usual escape to work only increases this sense of entrapment. Seeking refuge in the kitchen, he finds parallels between the mundane activity of drying the dishes and his life: ‘I pick up another plate and begin to dry it slowly and carefully…Around and around in a circular motion, like the stylus on a record, in ever-decreasing circles… My mind drifts and I realise I share so much in common with the tea towel and the plate. An endless journey with no beginning and no end.’
Richard is actually a caring father but he doesn’t see that. Instead he is overly self-critical, perceiving only his failings, thinking even that his family would be better off without him. There are small signs of Richard’s growing desperation such as his reference to the front door as ‘the door to freedom’. The idea of escape and ‘starting over’ begins to dominate his thoughts and planning it provides him with a way to cope. He’s very practical and methodical about his plans but the reader does wonder if he would actually ever go through with it or if just the mere existence of the plan acts as a coping mechanism for him.
The routine of domestic life in Richard’s household – meal times, bath time, bed time, watching TV – is chronicled in minute detail; so much so that I began to have a lot of sympathy with Richard’s desire to break free from it all. I too found myself harbouring thoughts of escape when reading about mundane problems such as clearing snow from the drive and de-icing the car.
There were characters in the book I found it easy to empathise with – Richard, Richard’s father-in-law Kenneth, Bill and Rosie the neighbours across the road – and characters I frankly found irritating (Lisa and Dina, I’m looking at you.) Richard and his wife, Lisa, have a curiously distant relationship and I struggled to find much attractive about Lisa, what with her snoring and rather slobbish habits. However, I have to admit that the scenes of Dina, Lisa’s mother, and Lisa watching the TV together were amusing. I’m sure we all have experience of a relative who insists on talking or asking questions throughout a programme (“Is that so and so from such and such?”) so you have to restrain yourself from shouting, ‘If you’d just shut up, you’d know what was going on!”.
As events unfold over the space of just a few days, it transpires that the ‘quiet peacefulness’ and ‘utopia’ that Richard believes exists in the bungalow across the road is anything but. The irritations of Richard’s daily existence pale into insignificance compared with the tragedy that Bill and Rosie have experienced in their lives. In fact, the reader learns, Richard possesses everything that they have lost.
Drift Stumble Fall is a convincing portrait of a man struggling with the responsibilities of daily life, something I’m sure most of us can identify with from time to time unless we have been incredibly lucky. However, I found the story of Bill and Rosie the most compelling element of the book – a heartbreaking, moving and thought-provoking reminder that the grass may not be greener (in fact, it probably isn’t) on the other side of the fence.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers Hideaway Fall in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Richard seems to have everything – a good job, two lovely children, a nice house – but it isn’t making him happy. Richard feels trapped in a life that hasn’t turned out how he imagined, ‘trapped inside something I created.’ The heavy snowfall currently preventing his usual escape to work only increases this sense of entrapment. Seeking refuge in the kitchen, he finds parallels between the mundane activity of drying the dishes and his life: ‘I pick up another plate and begin to dry it slowly and carefully…Around and around in a circular motion, like the stylus on a record, in ever-decreasing circles… My mind drifts and I realise I share so much in common with the tea towel and the plate. An endless journey with no beginning and no end.’
Richard is actually a caring father but he doesn’t see that. Instead he is overly self-critical, perceiving only his failings, thinking even that his family would be better off without him. There are small signs of Richard’s growing desperation such as his reference to the front door as ‘the door to freedom’. The idea of escape and ‘starting over’ begins to dominate his thoughts and planning it provides him with a way to cope. He’s very practical and methodical about his plans but the reader does wonder if he would actually ever go through with it or if just the mere existence of the plan acts as a coping mechanism for him.
The routine of domestic life in Richard’s household – meal times, bath time, bed time, watching TV – is chronicled in minute detail; so much so that I began to have a lot of sympathy with Richard’s desire to break free from it all. I too found myself harbouring thoughts of escape when reading about mundane problems such as clearing snow from the drive and de-icing the car.
There were characters in the book I found it easy to empathise with – Richard, Richard’s father-in-law Kenneth, Bill and Rosie the neighbours across the road – and characters I frankly found irritating (Lisa and Dina, I’m looking at you.) Richard and his wife, Lisa, have a curiously distant relationship and I struggled to find much attractive about Lisa, what with her snoring and rather slobbish habits. However, I have to admit that the scenes of Dina, Lisa’s mother, and Lisa watching the TV together were amusing. I’m sure we all have experience of a relative who insists on talking or asking questions throughout a programme (“Is that so and so from such and such?”) so you have to restrain yourself from shouting, ‘If you’d just shut up, you’d know what was going on!”.
As events unfold over the space of just a few days, it transpires that the ‘quiet peacefulness’ and ‘utopia’ that Richard believes exists in the bungalow across the road is anything but. The irritations of Richard’s daily existence pale into insignificance compared with the tragedy that Bill and Rosie have experienced in their lives. In fact, the reader learns, Richard possesses everything that they have lost.
Drift Stumble Fall is a convincing portrait of a man struggling with the responsibilities of daily life, something I’m sure most of us can identify with from time to time unless we have been incredibly lucky. However, I found the story of Bill and Rosie the most compelling element of the book – a heartbreaking, moving and thought-provoking reminder that the grass may not be greener (in fact, it probably isn’t) on the other side of the fence.
I received an advance reader copy courtesy of publishers Hideaway Fall in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 23, 2022
This story takes place over the course of a week in December during a snow storm. Rich and Bill are neighbours. Rich has a young family and he feels trapped and suffocated by the needs of his wife and young children. He feels his only escape is taking extra long baths when everyone leaves him alone just for a little while, even though he hates taking baths. He spends his time planning his escape from his life (not in the way you think) and also observing his elderly neighbour, Bill, across the road. Bill appears to have a nice, quiet life with no responsibilities. Meanwhile, Bill is struggling with the death of his daughter a few years back and the disappearance of his other daughter 30 years ago. Bill and his wife, Rosie, are frozen with grief and live in the hope that one day their daughter will come home. Bill watches Rich and his bustling, lively family and envies the life they have.
This book was fantastic. There are no fireworks, it’s not a thriller, no twists and turns, so sex or violence, it’s a study into people and marriage and kids and the repetitiveness of day to day life, while exploring how things are not always how they appear and the grass isn’t always greener.
I love being introduced to hidden gems like this one. I look forward to reading more of his books!
This book was fantastic. There are no fireworks, it’s not a thriller, no twists and turns, so sex or violence, it’s a study into people and marriage and kids and the repetitiveness of day to day life, while exploring how things are not always how they appear and the grass isn’t always greener.
I love being introduced to hidden gems like this one. I look forward to reading more of his books!
March 25, 2018
Realistic and raw, Drift Stumble Fall is like a trap within a trap. It’s one of those books that take life and mirror it back to the reader in its truest form and you can’t help but feel how your heart feels heavy with it all.
I have to admit- this title was not the easiest of reads, not at all. It was challenging and sad and yet, I couldn’t stop.
Richard feels utterly overwhelmed. He has been driven to the end of his wits with the busyness, routine, hustle and bustle of his life, marriage and a couple of young kids. It’s simply all too much for him. It’s also completely relatable. I don’t think there’s a person on this planet that hasn’t been driven to the edge of insanity with exhaustion. So, the way Rich feels and what he plans to do about it is definitely not alien to the majority of people. His wife Lisa doesn’t at all come across as the most supportive wife and I very much disliked how she spoke to Rich like he was dumb or a nobody. Then again, thinking back, perhaps being in a low mindset perhaps Richard was only ever going to hear anything positive from his other half anyway? After all, there are a number of ways to ‘translate’ what we hear and a number of ways to receive what is being spoken to us.
Their kids are just kids- full of bouncing energy and in need of constant attention. A lot of Richard’s time revolves around his children and while he constantly wants to escape their presence because he simply can’t endure another fit and fight in between the kids, he also really loves them and takes care of them in a really special way. I loved his night time routine with Hannah. It just took me back to my own childhood when I had all sorts of secret codes and chats with my Pops right before going to sleep.
But as is the case with most humans, we always want what someone else has and so Rich looks out from his own chaotic bubble and notices a different kind of rhythm in a house across the street from him. Bill and his wife Rosie are an elderly couple who hardly leave their home. In fact, they never really leave. Richard notices their peace, their leisurely pace of life, their everything else that simply seems to be so much better and Richard wishes he had that. Anything but what he currently lives and breathes. But what Richard doesn’t know, is that Bill and Rosie live in a different kind of imprisoning turmoil of their own.
Interestingly I also had a few chuckles along the way- some of these were brought on by brilliantly placed similes by the author; the biggest chuckle I had was at myself. There is a scene where Richard looks across the street at Bill’s house again and wishes he was retired and it made me laugh because I have had the same thought myself quite often lately. In fact, when I mentioned it to my Pops over the phone the other week, he also laughed and told me to hang fire- he was going to retire first!
M. Jonathan Lee writes with conviction and daring and brutal honesty. There is simply no holding back as the grief, anxiety, exhaustion are poured from the pen to the page ready to grasp readers’ hearts in a grip and hang on with all might until the last sentence has come to an end.
Drift Stumble Fall is bittersweet throughout. It left me with a lot to mull over. But it also showed and proved to me that life is an act of balance, always, no matter how unfair or cruel it may seem. There are bad moments that sometimes feel enough for anyone to want to give up but there are also those moments which we study and file away in our heads as something entirely good and pure. We drift, stumble and fall in between these bad and good moments… The trick is always to ride out the bad as best we can and embrace the good as they come.. because the good will always come!
Most importantly, as Drift Stumble Fall took me down memory lane to my childhood, it left me feeling grateful of my parents and appreciative that while dealing with my child-self they had bigger problems to tackle at the same time. They must have been exhausted as well, so damn exhausted, and I am so happy we made it through all of these years of quite a few hardships with our family intact.
I have to admit- this title was not the easiest of reads, not at all. It was challenging and sad and yet, I couldn’t stop.
Richard feels utterly overwhelmed. He has been driven to the end of his wits with the busyness, routine, hustle and bustle of his life, marriage and a couple of young kids. It’s simply all too much for him. It’s also completely relatable. I don’t think there’s a person on this planet that hasn’t been driven to the edge of insanity with exhaustion. So, the way Rich feels and what he plans to do about it is definitely not alien to the majority of people. His wife Lisa doesn’t at all come across as the most supportive wife and I very much disliked how she spoke to Rich like he was dumb or a nobody. Then again, thinking back, perhaps being in a low mindset perhaps Richard was only ever going to hear anything positive from his other half anyway? After all, there are a number of ways to ‘translate’ what we hear and a number of ways to receive what is being spoken to us.
Their kids are just kids- full of bouncing energy and in need of constant attention. A lot of Richard’s time revolves around his children and while he constantly wants to escape their presence because he simply can’t endure another fit and fight in between the kids, he also really loves them and takes care of them in a really special way. I loved his night time routine with Hannah. It just took me back to my own childhood when I had all sorts of secret codes and chats with my Pops right before going to sleep.
But as is the case with most humans, we always want what someone else has and so Rich looks out from his own chaotic bubble and notices a different kind of rhythm in a house across the street from him. Bill and his wife Rosie are an elderly couple who hardly leave their home. In fact, they never really leave. Richard notices their peace, their leisurely pace of life, their everything else that simply seems to be so much better and Richard wishes he had that. Anything but what he currently lives and breathes. But what Richard doesn’t know, is that Bill and Rosie live in a different kind of imprisoning turmoil of their own.
Interestingly I also had a few chuckles along the way- some of these were brought on by brilliantly placed similes by the author; the biggest chuckle I had was at myself. There is a scene where Richard looks across the street at Bill’s house again and wishes he was retired and it made me laugh because I have had the same thought myself quite often lately. In fact, when I mentioned it to my Pops over the phone the other week, he also laughed and told me to hang fire- he was going to retire first!
M. Jonathan Lee writes with conviction and daring and brutal honesty. There is simply no holding back as the grief, anxiety, exhaustion are poured from the pen to the page ready to grasp readers’ hearts in a grip and hang on with all might until the last sentence has come to an end.
Drift Stumble Fall is bittersweet throughout. It left me with a lot to mull over. But it also showed and proved to me that life is an act of balance, always, no matter how unfair or cruel it may seem. There are bad moments that sometimes feel enough for anyone to want to give up but there are also those moments which we study and file away in our heads as something entirely good and pure. We drift, stumble and fall in between these bad and good moments… The trick is always to ride out the bad as best we can and embrace the good as they come.. because the good will always come!
Most importantly, as Drift Stumble Fall took me down memory lane to my childhood, it left me feeling grateful of my parents and appreciative that while dealing with my child-self they had bigger problems to tackle at the same time. They must have been exhausted as well, so damn exhausted, and I am so happy we made it through all of these years of quite a few hardships with our family intact.
April 13, 2018
I’m sure everyone is familiar with the concept of the grass is greener on the other side. Some people will watch their friends and neighbours rather enviously, wishing for their cars or their houses, or even their lives. It’s rather human, isn’t it? To want what someone else has? But you never really know what goes around behind closed doors, do you?
Richard is not a happy camper. He feels incredibly trapped in a life he didn’t specifically choose. Married and the father of two children, he often finds himself staring out of the window, watching his neighbour Bill and wishing for his quiet life. A life in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, full of peace and quiet and the ability to do what he wants whenever he wants to, instead of taking long baths and hiding himself away. And so Richard begins to plan his escape.
Neighbour Bill often stands by his window as well but for very different reasons. His life came to a rather abrupt stop years ago. All he’s done since then is wait, watching the world go by and his neighbours across the street. For the reader, it soon becomes apparent nothing is ever what it seems and you should always be careful what you wish for.
Drift Stumble Fall is a realistic, relatable, thought-provoking and sometimes quite emotional story about family, loss, feeling utterly trapped and never quite knowing what you have until it could be gone forever. It’s a raw, sometimes brutal but honest account of what I’m sure thousands of parents go through on a daily basis. When your children are bouncing balls of excitement and joy and you really just need a few minutes to yourself. When things about your partner start to annoy you and you wonder what you saw in them in the first place. It makes you appreciate and cherish what you have, your life and the people around you because it could all disappear in an instant.
I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Branches when it was published last year but I must say that for me, Drift Stumble Fall is even better. While this is a slow story, it held my attention throughout, despite some characters not exactly being all that likeable. But it’s beautifully written and I find I quite like the author’s writing style. It flows and feels natural and I can’t wait to read more by M. Jonathan Lee!
Richard is not a happy camper. He feels incredibly trapped in a life he didn’t specifically choose. Married and the father of two children, he often finds himself staring out of the window, watching his neighbour Bill and wishing for his quiet life. A life in a cabin in the middle of nowhere, full of peace and quiet and the ability to do what he wants whenever he wants to, instead of taking long baths and hiding himself away. And so Richard begins to plan his escape.
Neighbour Bill often stands by his window as well but for very different reasons. His life came to a rather abrupt stop years ago. All he’s done since then is wait, watching the world go by and his neighbours across the street. For the reader, it soon becomes apparent nothing is ever what it seems and you should always be careful what you wish for.
Drift Stumble Fall is a realistic, relatable, thought-provoking and sometimes quite emotional story about family, loss, feeling utterly trapped and never quite knowing what you have until it could be gone forever. It’s a raw, sometimes brutal but honest account of what I’m sure thousands of parents go through on a daily basis. When your children are bouncing balls of excitement and joy and you really just need a few minutes to yourself. When things about your partner start to annoy you and you wonder what you saw in them in the first place. It makes you appreciate and cherish what you have, your life and the people around you because it could all disappear in an instant.
I thoroughly enjoyed Broken Branches when it was published last year but I must say that for me, Drift Stumble Fall is even better. While this is a slow story, it held my attention throughout, despite some characters not exactly being all that likeable. But it’s beautifully written and I find I quite like the author’s writing style. It flows and feels natural and I can’t wait to read more by M. Jonathan Lee!
April 23, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Wow - this is such a beautifully written, powerful novel which, though not action-packed, really made me feel like I was inside the head of someone feeling so trapped and unhappy. It really spoke to me, and I feel that this is such an important book to read.
Though ultimately about two men who seem to think eachother's lives are somehow better than their own, the novel explores so much more than that, and you really need to read this novel to fully appreciate it.
M Jonathan Lee creates completely convincing characters who also aren't black and white, good or bad... Lisa and Richard both have their faults, and despite being inside Richard's head we can see he isn't perfect, and his wife Lisa isn't always in the wrong (but let's face it, she's really not a likable character!)
I feel that, though this book is in essence just about everyday life, both as Richard, a father feeling trapped by responsibility and regular routines, and Bill, a man who is struggling with loss and 'not knowing' - in one of the most difficult ways.
Richard wants escape so badly, I can almost feel it with him, and this creates an effectively claustrophobic feeling in Drift Stumble Fall. Similarly, though we see less of Bill, we get a glimpse of what life is like without closure and I felt so much for him and wife Rosie.
I didn't expect to be drawn in so much, but Drift Stumble Fall completely captured my attention and my heart. I really enjoyed Broken Branches but this novel is, to me, even better. Though it's bleak at times, it's incredibly powerful at creating a feeling of empathy, and is a novel I've continued to think about long after finishing.
Many thanks to Hideaway Fall for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
Wow - this is such a beautifully written, powerful novel which, though not action-packed, really made me feel like I was inside the head of someone feeling so trapped and unhappy. It really spoke to me, and I feel that this is such an important book to read.
Though ultimately about two men who seem to think eachother's lives are somehow better than their own, the novel explores so much more than that, and you really need to read this novel to fully appreciate it.
M Jonathan Lee creates completely convincing characters who also aren't black and white, good or bad... Lisa and Richard both have their faults, and despite being inside Richard's head we can see he isn't perfect, and his wife Lisa isn't always in the wrong (but let's face it, she's really not a likable character!)
I feel that, though this book is in essence just about everyday life, both as Richard, a father feeling trapped by responsibility and regular routines, and Bill, a man who is struggling with loss and 'not knowing' - in one of the most difficult ways.
Richard wants escape so badly, I can almost feel it with him, and this creates an effectively claustrophobic feeling in Drift Stumble Fall. Similarly, though we see less of Bill, we get a glimpse of what life is like without closure and I felt so much for him and wife Rosie.
I didn't expect to be drawn in so much, but Drift Stumble Fall completely captured my attention and my heart. I really enjoyed Broken Branches but this novel is, to me, even better. Though it's bleak at times, it's incredibly powerful at creating a feeling of empathy, and is a novel I've continued to think about long after finishing.
Many thanks to Hideaway Fall for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
March 27, 2018
*Thanks to Hideaway Fall for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!*
Actual Rating: 3.75
To start - I absolutely love the cover. The contrast between the cool colors of the background and the warmth of the window is perfection and it represents the story itself so accurately.
Drift Stumble Fall follows Richard Brown, a father who feels uncomfortably trapped in his role, shackled by the nonstop clamor and chaos by his children. He looks out his window into his neighbor's home and wishes for the quiet life that Bill has. But what he doesn't know is that Bill is dealing with some demons of his own, and the life seen through the window is only a tiny part of the truth.
One thing I actually really liked about this book was that most of the plot was emotional. If you look at events that actually happened, there really weren't much as the story was limited to a domestic setting. But since this book focused so much on the mental issues that Richard was going through, that was where most of the action happened.
Even though we were in Richard's mind, however, I really wish that there was more background to his character. I liked the development that took place during the story, but I don't think I was ever satisfied with the amount of backstory that we got for him. He kept saying that his life wasn't the one he "chose," but I never really found out how he ended up in it, which is why I felt it difficult to connect to his situation.
On the other hand, I really liked the amount of background that we got for Bill's storyline. Although the focus was less on him, the author was really able to pack a punch in the few chapters that centered around him, and I really wanted to know more.
The writing style was still great, and I love what the author sometimes does experimentally, such as changing up the page format, or making the word "disappear" actually disappear letter by letter. These were sparse, however, and I'd love to see more of these out-of-the-box moments.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to readers of contemporary, family, or mental illness novels. And man, this book really made me wish that I lived somewhere that snowed.
Actual Rating: 3.75
To start - I absolutely love the cover. The contrast between the cool colors of the background and the warmth of the window is perfection and it represents the story itself so accurately.
Drift Stumble Fall follows Richard Brown, a father who feels uncomfortably trapped in his role, shackled by the nonstop clamor and chaos by his children. He looks out his window into his neighbor's home and wishes for the quiet life that Bill has. But what he doesn't know is that Bill is dealing with some demons of his own, and the life seen through the window is only a tiny part of the truth.
One thing I actually really liked about this book was that most of the plot was emotional. If you look at events that actually happened, there really weren't much as the story was limited to a domestic setting. But since this book focused so much on the mental issues that Richard was going through, that was where most of the action happened.
Even though we were in Richard's mind, however, I really wish that there was more background to his character. I liked the development that took place during the story, but I don't think I was ever satisfied with the amount of backstory that we got for him. He kept saying that his life wasn't the one he "chose," but I never really found out how he ended up in it, which is why I felt it difficult to connect to his situation.
On the other hand, I really liked the amount of background that we got for Bill's storyline. Although the focus was less on him, the author was really able to pack a punch in the few chapters that centered around him, and I really wanted to know more.
The writing style was still great, and I love what the author sometimes does experimentally, such as changing up the page format, or making the word "disappear" actually disappear letter by letter. These were sparse, however, and I'd love to see more of these out-of-the-box moments.
Overall, I'd recommend this book to readers of contemporary, family, or mental illness novels. And man, this book really made me wish that I lived somewhere that snowed.
April 15, 2018
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
On the outside, it looks like Richard Brown has it all. He has a decent job, a wife, and two young children. What looks idyllic from the outside, is anything but on the inside. Richard hates his life. He feels trapped and the only feeling he can draw for his family is resentment. So, he spends his days staring out the window at Bill Marsden’s seemingly perfect life. Bill and his wife are old and the only occupants of the house across the street. And Richard would give anything to be in their shoes instead. But, unknown to Richard, Bill has his own problems.
The characters in this book have been written really well. Richard is obviously depressed, and that shows in his thoughts and actions. He is highly critical of himself and his failings as a father, when in fact, he’s good with his kids. Where many authors fail in writing depression accurately, Lee handles it expertly.
The writing is also excellent and poetic at times. The only negative I found was the ending, which, despite being heartbreaking and raw, felt a little abrupt and forced. But, I don’t know if this story could have ended any other way.
Drift Stumble Fall is poignant, sad, and accurately captures all the emotions an anxious or depressed person may feel. If contemporary books which discuss mental health and family life are your thing, you should definitely read Drift Stumble Fall.
Rating: 4 out of 5
On the outside, it looks like Richard Brown has it all. He has a decent job, a wife, and two young children. What looks idyllic from the outside, is anything but on the inside. Richard hates his life. He feels trapped and the only feeling he can draw for his family is resentment. So, he spends his days staring out the window at Bill Marsden’s seemingly perfect life. Bill and his wife are old and the only occupants of the house across the street. And Richard would give anything to be in their shoes instead. But, unknown to Richard, Bill has his own problems.
The characters in this book have been written really well. Richard is obviously depressed, and that shows in his thoughts and actions. He is highly critical of himself and his failings as a father, when in fact, he’s good with his kids. Where many authors fail in writing depression accurately, Lee handles it expertly.
The writing is also excellent and poetic at times. The only negative I found was the ending, which, despite being heartbreaking and raw, felt a little abrupt and forced. But, I don’t know if this story could have ended any other way.
Drift Stumble Fall is poignant, sad, and accurately captures all the emotions an anxious or depressed person may feel. If contemporary books which discuss mental health and family life are your thing, you should definitely read Drift Stumble Fall.
Rating: 4 out of 5
March 26, 2018
I first stumbled across M Jonathan Lee when I read Broken Branches last year. I loved it, and couldn't wait to read further work by this author. I was so excited to read Drift Stumble Fall, hoping that it would live up to my expectations, and my goodness, so it dId. This is a remarkable book thst explores and opens up a wide range of emotions. A gentle book that explores what it is to be human, and to live for every day.
The book focuses upon the lives of two men. We have Richard, the working man, the husband, the father of two who yearns for a different life of solitude. He dreams of the day that he can walk away from everything and start a new life. He just needs a plan. On paper you would think that Richard is an utterly unlikeable character, but, in fact, I found him to be hugely likeable. Who hasn't felt like this at some point? I could empathise with him. The dreams that he had, although I knew what he yearned for was wrong, in the deceiving of his family.
Richard wants to escape it all, the black cloud hanging over his head. The themes of mental health, anxiety, and depression run throughout the veins of this book. They are ever present, but they don't overpower the narrative. It's strange to say, but the book is not a downcast or depressing read. It's a thought provoking one. Making us question our own lives, what we value is important, and what we would do, if anything, to change that situation.
It explores life's expectations. Those that we place upon ourselves, when comparing our lives to others, and what others expect from us. Richard compares his life to Bill's, the elderly man who lives opposite him. To the outside world, here is a man who seems to have no pressures in life, no commitments, as he can always be seen standing at his window watching the day go by. But as the book explores, looks can be deceiving and the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Drift Stumble Fall is a gentle book that packs a punch. I was lulled into its steady beat of daily life, but when the ending came, with all of its revelations, it left me reeling.
This is a book about the human condition, about the sense of family, but that sometimes, even when surrounded by family, you can feel very much alone. It's a thought provoking read.
With thanks to the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.
The book focuses upon the lives of two men. We have Richard, the working man, the husband, the father of two who yearns for a different life of solitude. He dreams of the day that he can walk away from everything and start a new life. He just needs a plan. On paper you would think that Richard is an utterly unlikeable character, but, in fact, I found him to be hugely likeable. Who hasn't felt like this at some point? I could empathise with him. The dreams that he had, although I knew what he yearned for was wrong, in the deceiving of his family.
Richard wants to escape it all, the black cloud hanging over his head. The themes of mental health, anxiety, and depression run throughout the veins of this book. They are ever present, but they don't overpower the narrative. It's strange to say, but the book is not a downcast or depressing read. It's a thought provoking one. Making us question our own lives, what we value is important, and what we would do, if anything, to change that situation.
It explores life's expectations. Those that we place upon ourselves, when comparing our lives to others, and what others expect from us. Richard compares his life to Bill's, the elderly man who lives opposite him. To the outside world, here is a man who seems to have no pressures in life, no commitments, as he can always be seen standing at his window watching the day go by. But as the book explores, looks can be deceiving and the grass is not always greener on the other side.
Drift Stumble Fall is a gentle book that packs a punch. I was lulled into its steady beat of daily life, but when the ending came, with all of its revelations, it left me reeling.
This is a book about the human condition, about the sense of family, but that sometimes, even when surrounded by family, you can feel very much alone. It's a thought provoking read.
With thanks to the publisher for the Advanced Reader Copy.
February 28, 2018
The writing is good and it drew me in. The story is told almost in diary form and we get almost minute details of a week in family life, the dull moments, the almost farcical moments that every life has, and everything in between. The author has portrayed very realistic and believable relationships between the characters, all the little details in the interactions between them are spot on.
I just didn't connect with main character Richard. The blurb says that the author is a mental health awareness campaigner so I think Richard is supposed to be suffering from depression or anxiety. I don't know much about mental health issues and for me, it wasn't obvious from reading the story if Richard does have them or if he just doesn't want the responsibility of a family. I couldn't bring myself to feel much sympathy for him as he plots a way to run away from his family. I actually felt more that his wife Lisa was the one suffering from depression; she can't sleep, she doesn't do anything but watch tv and she gets angry at Richard for no reason at all.
The neighbour's story was moving and painful to read. I really felt for Rosie and Bill and their son-in-law. But in the end, their story and it's sad ending felt like it was there only to give Richard a wake-up call.
So it's not by any means a bad book, it's well written as a study of family life I found it interesting and engaging. I just didn't like the main character and I wasn't sure what the point of the story was. If I hadn't read the blurb I think I'd have been a bit lost.
I just didn't connect with main character Richard. The blurb says that the author is a mental health awareness campaigner so I think Richard is supposed to be suffering from depression or anxiety. I don't know much about mental health issues and for me, it wasn't obvious from reading the story if Richard does have them or if he just doesn't want the responsibility of a family. I couldn't bring myself to feel much sympathy for him as he plots a way to run away from his family. I actually felt more that his wife Lisa was the one suffering from depression; she can't sleep, she doesn't do anything but watch tv and she gets angry at Richard for no reason at all.
The neighbour's story was moving and painful to read. I really felt for Rosie and Bill and their son-in-law. But in the end, their story and it's sad ending felt like it was there only to give Richard a wake-up call.
So it's not by any means a bad book, it's well written as a study of family life I found it interesting and engaging. I just didn't like the main character and I wasn't sure what the point of the story was. If I hadn't read the blurb I think I'd have been a bit lost.
October 28, 2018
Richard isn't happy with his life. He often feels resentful of his wife and children, burdened by the weight of responsibility that goes hand-in-hand with having a family. When he isn't hiding in the bathroom to get a break from his family, Richard can be found gazing at a neighbor's home. Bill and his wife seem to have a perfectly peaceful life, and Richard envies them. Meanwhile Bill—a father without children—envies Richard and his young family. Both men wish for what the other has, neither one realizing that they are both deeply unhappy.
Most of the story takes place during an extended snowstorm that leaves the two neighbors stuck at home for days on end. Richard has the added aggravation of his in-laws being at his home, unable to leave until the weather turns.
This stationary setting and lack of people for the main characters to interact with made for a story that, unfortunately, often felt stagnant to this reader. Richard's dissatisfaction with his life and his reluctance to spend time with his family left me completely unable to connect with this character, and I strongly disliked him.
I was far more interested in Bill's character, even though his character interacted with even fewer people, for the most part. The reasons for his unhappiness made his character easy to sympathize with, and his interest in Richard's family made sense to me. My rating is based purely on the strength of his story—it kept me reading, despite my distaste for Richard's portion of the story.
I had hoped to enjoy Drift Stumble Fall as much as Broken Branches , and I was disappointed when I realized that wasn't going to happen.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Hideaway Fall.
Most of the story takes place during an extended snowstorm that leaves the two neighbors stuck at home for days on end. Richard has the added aggravation of his in-laws being at his home, unable to leave until the weather turns.
This stationary setting and lack of people for the main characters to interact with made for a story that, unfortunately, often felt stagnant to this reader. Richard's dissatisfaction with his life and his reluctance to spend time with his family left me completely unable to connect with this character, and I strongly disliked him.
I was far more interested in Bill's character, even though his character interacted with even fewer people, for the most part. The reasons for his unhappiness made his character easy to sympathize with, and his interest in Richard's family made sense to me. My rating is based purely on the strength of his story—it kept me reading, despite my distaste for Richard's portion of the story.
I had hoped to enjoy Drift Stumble Fall as much as Broken Branches , and I was disappointed when I realized that wasn't going to happen.
I received an advance reading copy of this book courtesy of Hideaway Fall.
April 21, 2018
This review may also be found on Books, Vertigo & Tea.
My Thoughts
After having read Broken Branches last year, I was certain I would connect with this latest title by M Jonathan Lee. Add my recent interview with the author discussing his important work with mental health and own personal connections, and picking up Drift Stumble Fall felt not only easy but necessary. Simply put, I was compelled do to so, much like I was compelled to finish this book in two small sittings.
The skinny..
Feeling caught in a life of neverending routine & responsibilities, Richard a father of two young children finds himself frequently searching for any form of escape. That escape seems to be limited to his few moments alone, locked away in the bathroom and attempting to drown out the noise and any reminder of his repetitive days. Seeing his neighbor Bill across the street, he desires to trade places. He envies Bill’s peaceful, noneventful life. Unknowingly to Richard, it is a life overshadowed by loss and grief. Bill spends his days longing for the happiness of family and commitments that surely Richard must have. But life is never as simple as it appears on the outside.
What I appreciated..
M Jonathan Lee’s incredible ability to immerse the reader deep within the mind of the protagonist.
The poetically raw and honest look at life and constant reminder that there are two sides to every coin.
The fact that this was not an entirely easy read, as we are exploring the internal struggles that come with exhaustion, depression and even grief.
The viable family life portrayed throughout that felt at times reminiscent of my own.
A beautifully executed narrative that explores life and its many difficulties through two varying perspectives.
Challenges some may encounter..
The slower paced progression and repetitiveness that is utilized to accomplish the themes contained within successfully (they serve their purpose well but be will be difficult for some readers).
Drift Stumble Fall is a heart-rending novel that dives beneath the comforting familiarities and truly explores the human condition. It is that constant and steadfast reminder that life affects each of us on varying levels and cannot be taken at face value.
*I would like to thank Hideaway Fall and the author for this copy. The above review is my own, unbiased and honest opinion.
The winter setting pairs wonderfully with a nice cup of chai.
My Thoughts
After having read Broken Branches last year, I was certain I would connect with this latest title by M Jonathan Lee. Add my recent interview with the author discussing his important work with mental health and own personal connections, and picking up Drift Stumble Fall felt not only easy but necessary. Simply put, I was compelled do to so, much like I was compelled to finish this book in two small sittings.
The skinny..
Feeling caught in a life of neverending routine & responsibilities, Richard a father of two young children finds himself frequently searching for any form of escape. That escape seems to be limited to his few moments alone, locked away in the bathroom and attempting to drown out the noise and any reminder of his repetitive days. Seeing his neighbor Bill across the street, he desires to trade places. He envies Bill’s peaceful, noneventful life. Unknowingly to Richard, it is a life overshadowed by loss and grief. Bill spends his days longing for the happiness of family and commitments that surely Richard must have. But life is never as simple as it appears on the outside.
What I appreciated..
M Jonathan Lee’s incredible ability to immerse the reader deep within the mind of the protagonist.
The poetically raw and honest look at life and constant reminder that there are two sides to every coin.
The fact that this was not an entirely easy read, as we are exploring the internal struggles that come with exhaustion, depression and even grief.
The viable family life portrayed throughout that felt at times reminiscent of my own.
A beautifully executed narrative that explores life and its many difficulties through two varying perspectives.
Challenges some may encounter..
The slower paced progression and repetitiveness that is utilized to accomplish the themes contained within successfully (they serve their purpose well but be will be difficult for some readers).
Drift Stumble Fall is a heart-rending novel that dives beneath the comforting familiarities and truly explores the human condition. It is that constant and steadfast reminder that life affects each of us on varying levels and cannot be taken at face value.
*I would like to thank Hideaway Fall and the author for this copy. The above review is my own, unbiased and honest opinion.
The winter setting pairs wonderfully with a nice cup of chai.
April 16, 2018
This novel is about a man who isn’t happy with his life. He feels cornered and yearns for something more… more adventure, more mental stimulation, less suffocation. He longs for the life of his neighbour across the road, peaceful and quiet, with no children to be entertained every minute of the day.
‘Maybe I’m a straight-line type of person who has accidentally chosen a circular life’
But is that life really as idyllic as he makes out?
Drift Tumble Fall is a novel made up of many quiet qualities and I enjoyed reading about both Richard and Bill’s lives equally. It seems they are two sides of a coin. At first it looks like one side is shining more brightly but all that glitters isn’t gold. The simmering emotions Richard goes through with regard to his marriage and parenthood will probably be a familiar feeling for many readers. Life is draining and time is slipping away. Richard is pretty relatable when he voices thoughts that are still kind of taboo to speak out loud. But haven’t we all been envious of someone else’s life that seems so much better than the one we have? Or am I the only one?
This novel surprised me quite a bit. First I was surprised with the way Richard chose to deal with his life. I didn’t really expect him to handle his idea how he decided was the way to go – he didn’t really explore other options either – but in the end my slight admiration for his audacity that I had at the start came to a stop and I found him to be quite egoistic and self-centered, a bit whiney as well because I became aware that he was one lucky bloke with his family. I became apprehensive whether he would really go through with his plans. I couldn’t quite believe it but it seemed nothing could stop him. I was hoping he would change his mind because I could see what he had and I wished he would come to that realisation as well but nothing seemed to get through to him.
It’s actually his neighbour, the one with the seemingly idyllic life, that will put a different light on the story. He did lead the quiet life Richard longs for but it’s a life that stems from tragedy and sadness, and is still eating away at him… and it’s an enormous reminder that you really never know what’s going on behind someone else’s door!
Drift Stumble Fall had a very reverberating plotline that is sure to touch everyone who reads this novel. It’s a very reflective novel and it didn’t miss its effect on me either. I might feel just a little bit happier about the path I chose in life than before I read this novel. Give it a chance and see how you feel once you’ve read it!
‘Maybe I’m a straight-line type of person who has accidentally chosen a circular life’
But is that life really as idyllic as he makes out?
Drift Tumble Fall is a novel made up of many quiet qualities and I enjoyed reading about both Richard and Bill’s lives equally. It seems they are two sides of a coin. At first it looks like one side is shining more brightly but all that glitters isn’t gold. The simmering emotions Richard goes through with regard to his marriage and parenthood will probably be a familiar feeling for many readers. Life is draining and time is slipping away. Richard is pretty relatable when he voices thoughts that are still kind of taboo to speak out loud. But haven’t we all been envious of someone else’s life that seems so much better than the one we have? Or am I the only one?
This novel surprised me quite a bit. First I was surprised with the way Richard chose to deal with his life. I didn’t really expect him to handle his idea how he decided was the way to go – he didn’t really explore other options either – but in the end my slight admiration for his audacity that I had at the start came to a stop and I found him to be quite egoistic and self-centered, a bit whiney as well because I became aware that he was one lucky bloke with his family. I became apprehensive whether he would really go through with his plans. I couldn’t quite believe it but it seemed nothing could stop him. I was hoping he would change his mind because I could see what he had and I wished he would come to that realisation as well but nothing seemed to get through to him.
It’s actually his neighbour, the one with the seemingly idyllic life, that will put a different light on the story. He did lead the quiet life Richard longs for but it’s a life that stems from tragedy and sadness, and is still eating away at him… and it’s an enormous reminder that you really never know what’s going on behind someone else’s door!
Drift Stumble Fall had a very reverberating plotline that is sure to touch everyone who reads this novel. It’s a very reflective novel and it didn’t miss its effect on me either. I might feel just a little bit happier about the path I chose in life than before I read this novel. Give it a chance and see how you feel once you’ve read it!
February 23, 2018
Have you ever sat and wished you had someone else's live and sit planning mentally planning to get away at the first opportunity you can get. This is what this story is like Richard and his family move in across from a elderly couple who live a quiet life and Richard dreams to be like bill and his wife and sits down to plan his escape route. But would Richard go through it after finding out what bill and his wife have had to live through. And when Lisa's father confides in Richard something that could change everything that Richard has every dreamt of. Could Richard ever go through with his dreams or will he stick with his family and be there when things are hard for them.
I did enjoy this book it grabs your imagination from the very first page which is why it only took me a couple of days to finish. The book is set out in a day to day diary style and you get the day to day account of Richards every day life.
I would defiantly recommend this book to everyone and anyone its one book that defiantly needs to be put on your to be read piles and should be the next one to read i guarantee that you wont be disappointed this is defiantly a 5 star book and i can not for one wait for M.Jonathan's next book to come out i think he is going to be one of my favourite authors out there.
I did enjoy this book it grabs your imagination from the very first page which is why it only took me a couple of days to finish. The book is set out in a day to day diary style and you get the day to day account of Richards every day life.
I would defiantly recommend this book to everyone and anyone its one book that defiantly needs to be put on your to be read piles and should be the next one to read i guarantee that you wont be disappointed this is defiantly a 5 star book and i can not for one wait for M.Jonathan's next book to come out i think he is going to be one of my favourite authors out there.
March 5, 2018
Thank you Hideaway Fall for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Richard is a typical middle aged married man, with a job, house, wife and 2 kids. But he wants to escape – he hates his life and craves to live in solitude and be able to live his life without responsibilities to anyone else.
Across the road live Bill & Rosie, an elderly couple. Richard envies their easy existence and seeing Bill often standing at the window looking out, wishes he had their lives.
Told mostly from the viewpoint of Richard, this is almost a diary of a week or so in his life, a time when he is snowed in with his family (including in-laws) and when he decides he is actually going to disappear from their lives. Despite describing the day to day events of life in quite a lot of detail (bath time, meal times, even time spent in bed), the author manages to make it compelling and I easily read it in just 2 days. We also learn of the heartbreak of Bill and Rosie, who have lost both their daughters (one to illness, the other who just walked out one day and didn’t return).
It’s a hard book to review – I must admit to similar feelings of craving time alone from the busy life of work and home so I get where he is coming from (but thankfully have never felt the urge just to pack it all in).
It was a good book to read but I’m struggling to give it more than 3 stars before I can’t say I really liked it, purely because of the subject of the story. It left me feeling a bit depressed. But I did enjoy the writing and would definitely be interested to see what else this author writes/has written.
Richard is a typical middle aged married man, with a job, house, wife and 2 kids. But he wants to escape – he hates his life and craves to live in solitude and be able to live his life without responsibilities to anyone else.
Across the road live Bill & Rosie, an elderly couple. Richard envies their easy existence and seeing Bill often standing at the window looking out, wishes he had their lives.
Told mostly from the viewpoint of Richard, this is almost a diary of a week or so in his life, a time when he is snowed in with his family (including in-laws) and when he decides he is actually going to disappear from their lives. Despite describing the day to day events of life in quite a lot of detail (bath time, meal times, even time spent in bed), the author manages to make it compelling and I easily read it in just 2 days. We also learn of the heartbreak of Bill and Rosie, who have lost both their daughters (one to illness, the other who just walked out one day and didn’t return).
It’s a hard book to review – I must admit to similar feelings of craving time alone from the busy life of work and home so I get where he is coming from (but thankfully have never felt the urge just to pack it all in).
It was a good book to read but I’m struggling to give it more than 3 stars before I can’t say I really liked it, purely because of the subject of the story. It left me feeling a bit depressed. But I did enjoy the writing and would definitely be interested to see what else this author writes/has written.
February 13, 2018
I was a massive fan of A Tiny Feeling of Fear and Broken Branches, so I was super-excited and privileged to receive an advance copy of M. Jonathan Lee's latest novel, Drift Stumble Fall. From the first page it 'feels' like a Lee novel - he knows how to hook you in from the start and paints the picture so effectively with fairly simple but detailed descriptions. Big on characterisation and well-observed scenes of the everyday life of a parent, Drift Stumble Fall is a slow-burner, but as with all of Lee's books, there is a dark side to the story. Here, it's the fact that the central character is seriously contemplating walking out on his family and just disappearing to start a new life somewhere. As a father to two young kids myself, I found this a little shocking, but I was fascinated to find out how the story would pan out.
Another superb story from one of my favourite authors! Highly recommended.
Another superb story from one of my favourite authors! Highly recommended.
April 5, 2018
The simplicity of this book is stunning! And that is how it gets you!! You follow the thoughts of two main starting with Richard Brown who seemingly has it all living in a nice house with his wife and 2 children, but feels trapped, restless and dissatisfied with life and is planning his escape. And he spends his time with envy watching Bill who lives across the street who he sees as having the perfect quiet life as it is just Bill and his wife Rosie.
But Bill is watching Richard and having the same envious thoughts about his lifestyle - sometimes the grass isn't always greener.
The routine of day to day living is taking its' toll on Richard, the little quirks he used to love about his wife now annoy him, and the only thought that gets him through each day is planning his new life.
What this book cleverly does is discuss normal life which makes it easier for the reader to connect with. We all have those thoughts that someone else is having a better life than us, without knowing the truth behind the curtains and as more is revealed throughout this story it hits you that appearances can be deceiving. You understand the frustrations they feel, the doubts that creep in their mind that the choices they've made are the wrong ones. But still reluctant to change things and so the daily routines go on...
I loved how the author created this world with very little action, but it's the observations that the characters make that resonate with you as a reader. It's the assumptions we all jump to about others which make the truth even more devastating when it is revealed and I did find myself shedding a tear or two whilst the lives of these two men played out on the pages. My heart was a little bit broken by the end!!
A stunning read and one that will stay with me for some time.
But Bill is watching Richard and having the same envious thoughts about his lifestyle - sometimes the grass isn't always greener.
The routine of day to day living is taking its' toll on Richard, the little quirks he used to love about his wife now annoy him, and the only thought that gets him through each day is planning his new life.
What this book cleverly does is discuss normal life which makes it easier for the reader to connect with. We all have those thoughts that someone else is having a better life than us, without knowing the truth behind the curtains and as more is revealed throughout this story it hits you that appearances can be deceiving. You understand the frustrations they feel, the doubts that creep in their mind that the choices they've made are the wrong ones. But still reluctant to change things and so the daily routines go on...
I loved how the author created this world with very little action, but it's the observations that the characters make that resonate with you as a reader. It's the assumptions we all jump to about others which make the truth even more devastating when it is revealed and I did find myself shedding a tear or two whilst the lives of these two men played out on the pages. My heart was a little bit broken by the end!!
A stunning read and one that will stay with me for some time.
April 28, 2020
This is the story about a man who loathes his life and has a plan to walk out on his family and disappear. With a “the grass is always greener” mentality, he thinks he would be happier if he lived the life his neighbor across the street lives however he has no idea the troubles his neighbors have. If he did know, would it make a difference? I really enjoyed this poignant and thought provoking story and I look forward to reading more books by this author. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 14, 2018
Two neighbours across the street – each trapped in their own world. Each craving for the other’s life – envying the other judging by appearances. One’s shocking truth is revealed to us, the reader. The other’s less shocking but still far-reaching plans… Drift Stumble Fall, the new atmospheric, dark, and captivating novel by M. Jonathan Lee.
“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.”
– Aldous Huxley
| Introduction |
“‘I love you,’ she says. Sometimes, I feel she does.” All he craves for is “a new beginning.” This is it – this is the gorge between Richard Brown’s daily life and inner thoughts. He feels stuck in his life with wife Lisa and their two young children. There is no escape from the daily routine, the children screaming and his wife, Lisa, working her way through cookies or whatever she can lay her hands on. If only he would have the life of his neighbour across the street, Bill. elderly, with a wife, no kids. Blissful quietness – you would be able to hear your own thoughts. If only…
| Storyline |
The book opens with Richard’s remarks that he “will cease to exist in three days.” As to the how we are yet unaware. But we perceive his restlessness, his ineptitude to cope with life as it is. On the outside, Richard has it all: a loving family, consisting of a wife, Lisa and their two children, Hannah and Oscar, a steady job and an own home. But Richard is screaming inside – he is desperate for change, for quietness and solitude. Something a family with two small children simply cannot provide. When the hall is your favourite place in the house because of the many options it has to offer, how fulfilling is your life? And how much do you long to escape it all? Richard does and every time he sees his neighbour from across the street, Bill, looking out of the window, he just longs for his life.
Bill is an elderly man married to Rosie and Richard is witness to the peacefulness of their life. Every day. Rosie, on the other hand, is worried. Bill seems more distant every day and sometimes, it is hard to reach him. Still, she counts her blessings the moments she has his attention like when he tells her “I’m lucky to have you, girl,” because she feels “exactly the same.” What is it Bill sees when he stares out of the window? Does he envy Richard’s life in the same way Richard does his? If only Richard would know… Little by little, we learn about Bill and Rosie’s past and the tragedy overshadowing everything. It makes seeing Richard desperately trying to escape his life so sad. Whilst Richard’s in-laws overstay their visit out of necessity (the snow makes it impossible to travel) Richard feels exhausted and seeks to find peace even for a while. If only he would know that peace is something Bill and Rosie will never have… would it make him reconsider his plans?
| My Thoughts |
Drift Stumble Fall is atmospheric. dark, emotive and poignant. Reading this novel makes me want to stop and breathe from time to time to avoid being overwhelmed by the sad feelings and dark thoughts. I felt sucked into the black hole of Richard’s thoughts – his desire to escape and disappear. The feeling of being trapped was enhanced by the snowfall forcing life to a standstill and the residents confined to their houses. I found it difficult to fully understand Richard and, although part of me empathised, the other part wanted to shake him and be at least open about what he plans to do. One sentence on page 255 was the decisive moment for me and it determined how I felt about Richard and his longing. It showed me the underlying motive to the plan to escape – and what it was based upon. It is all about the choices and promises we make in life but also about our incapability of objectively regarding our own life.
Those mixed feelings I had about Richard’s decision and motivation show how talented the author is in drawing his readers into the story and into the lives of his characters. His descriptions, even of ordinary daily chores and events, are insightful and make you experience what is happening, especially from Richard’s point of view as this is a first-person narrative interspersed with a third person narrative for Bill and Rosie’s tragic, moving and heartbreaking story which in itself, forms a strong counterpart to Richard’s life. To me, the fascinating aspect of Drift Stumble Fall lies in our perceptions and how deceiving they can be. We easily judge others by appearances and even when we think we base our decisions upon deliberate and well-considered opinions, we do not. Who can perceive how others feel, what life has dealt them and how they cope? Being judgmental is typical human but that does not make it right and this is what the author leaves us thinking about.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/drift-...
“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors of perception.”
– Aldous Huxley
| Introduction |
“‘I love you,’ she says. Sometimes, I feel she does.” All he craves for is “a new beginning.” This is it – this is the gorge between Richard Brown’s daily life and inner thoughts. He feels stuck in his life with wife Lisa and their two young children. There is no escape from the daily routine, the children screaming and his wife, Lisa, working her way through cookies or whatever she can lay her hands on. If only he would have the life of his neighbour across the street, Bill. elderly, with a wife, no kids. Blissful quietness – you would be able to hear your own thoughts. If only…
| Storyline |
The book opens with Richard’s remarks that he “will cease to exist in three days.” As to the how we are yet unaware. But we perceive his restlessness, his ineptitude to cope with life as it is. On the outside, Richard has it all: a loving family, consisting of a wife, Lisa and their two children, Hannah and Oscar, a steady job and an own home. But Richard is screaming inside – he is desperate for change, for quietness and solitude. Something a family with two small children simply cannot provide. When the hall is your favourite place in the house because of the many options it has to offer, how fulfilling is your life? And how much do you long to escape it all? Richard does and every time he sees his neighbour from across the street, Bill, looking out of the window, he just longs for his life.
Bill is an elderly man married to Rosie and Richard is witness to the peacefulness of their life. Every day. Rosie, on the other hand, is worried. Bill seems more distant every day and sometimes, it is hard to reach him. Still, she counts her blessings the moments she has his attention like when he tells her “I’m lucky to have you, girl,” because she feels “exactly the same.” What is it Bill sees when he stares out of the window? Does he envy Richard’s life in the same way Richard does his? If only Richard would know… Little by little, we learn about Bill and Rosie’s past and the tragedy overshadowing everything. It makes seeing Richard desperately trying to escape his life so sad. Whilst Richard’s in-laws overstay their visit out of necessity (the snow makes it impossible to travel) Richard feels exhausted and seeks to find peace even for a while. If only he would know that peace is something Bill and Rosie will never have… would it make him reconsider his plans?
| My Thoughts |
Drift Stumble Fall is atmospheric. dark, emotive and poignant. Reading this novel makes me want to stop and breathe from time to time to avoid being overwhelmed by the sad feelings and dark thoughts. I felt sucked into the black hole of Richard’s thoughts – his desire to escape and disappear. The feeling of being trapped was enhanced by the snowfall forcing life to a standstill and the residents confined to their houses. I found it difficult to fully understand Richard and, although part of me empathised, the other part wanted to shake him and be at least open about what he plans to do. One sentence on page 255 was the decisive moment for me and it determined how I felt about Richard and his longing. It showed me the underlying motive to the plan to escape – and what it was based upon. It is all about the choices and promises we make in life but also about our incapability of objectively regarding our own life.
Those mixed feelings I had about Richard’s decision and motivation show how talented the author is in drawing his readers into the story and into the lives of his characters. His descriptions, even of ordinary daily chores and events, are insightful and make you experience what is happening, especially from Richard’s point of view as this is a first-person narrative interspersed with a third person narrative for Bill and Rosie’s tragic, moving and heartbreaking story which in itself, forms a strong counterpart to Richard’s life. To me, the fascinating aspect of Drift Stumble Fall lies in our perceptions and how deceiving they can be. We easily judge others by appearances and even when we think we base our decisions upon deliberate and well-considered opinions, we do not. Who can perceive how others feel, what life has dealt them and how they cope? Being judgmental is typical human but that does not make it right and this is what the author leaves us thinking about.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/drift-...
March 7, 2018
Isn’t it just the most satisfying feeling when you read the first page of a new book and instantly know that you’re going to love it? This is exactly how I felt when I began this story.
Richard is restless. All his mind can think of is leaving his life behind. He wants to disappear abroad and live a new life. He’s been feeling like this for a long time. Living with his wife and two kids, just isn’t cutting it anymore. Each time he stares out the window, he sees his neighbour; Bill.
Bill’s life seems far more appealing to Richard – no kids, a tidy house, no job and a wife that seems charming. Albeit, this is what Richard speculates, from just viewing this man’s life through a window.
Bill stares out his window too, his reasons for staring out the window are different from Richard’s, but the key emotion is the same – they are both sad. Whilst they stare at each other, imagining what each other’s lives must be like, neither could ever guess the tormented thoughts that haunt them both.
This plot was utterly captivating. Lee’s writing style captures the raw depth and emotion in each character, creating characters that come alive on the pages.
This book was so much more than a story. It was a moment to reflect on yourself and the people around you. To put things into perspective. To think. I loved it.
I would recommend this to bookworms that love to really get to know their main character and explore their inner thoughts.
*Thank you so much Hideaway Fall for sending me a copy, it really is an utter delight to get to read such fantastic books*
Richard is restless. All his mind can think of is leaving his life behind. He wants to disappear abroad and live a new life. He’s been feeling like this for a long time. Living with his wife and two kids, just isn’t cutting it anymore. Each time he stares out the window, he sees his neighbour; Bill.
Bill’s life seems far more appealing to Richard – no kids, a tidy house, no job and a wife that seems charming. Albeit, this is what Richard speculates, from just viewing this man’s life through a window.
Bill stares out his window too, his reasons for staring out the window are different from Richard’s, but the key emotion is the same – they are both sad. Whilst they stare at each other, imagining what each other’s lives must be like, neither could ever guess the tormented thoughts that haunt them both.
This plot was utterly captivating. Lee’s writing style captures the raw depth and emotion in each character, creating characters that come alive on the pages.
This book was so much more than a story. It was a moment to reflect on yourself and the people around you. To put things into perspective. To think. I loved it.
I would recommend this to bookworms that love to really get to know their main character and explore their inner thoughts.
*Thank you so much Hideaway Fall for sending me a copy, it really is an utter delight to get to read such fantastic books*
April 14, 2020
It is difficult for me to evaluate this book, as I believe, at least in part, that my lackluster perception of it is shaped by how the publisher chose to classify this book. When I opted to request it through NetGalley, I did so based on the description provided and its categorization as "mystery/thriller" (as well as general fiction). The problem with labeling this book as "mystery/thriller" is that it leads the reader to expect a certain level of action or plot development that simply never materializes. One keeps waiting for something to happen, but it never does. Instead the books focuses on two sets of neighbors, each yearning for the lives led by the others. And because each yearns for the others' life, both are in effect paralyzed, doing nothing to make the life they have more bearable.. In terms of plot, this means that very little happens beyond the drudgery of their respective daily routines, which the author describes in painstaking detail. Hardly what one expects of a "mystery/thriller." In short, I do not think the publisher made a wise decision in labeling this a "mystery/thriller" as inevitably this label will seem a misnomer or blatant mischaracterization intended to attract a larger readership.
That said, the writing is superb, as is the character development. But with so little happening in terms of plot, this 'mystery/thriller' simply did not hold my attention.
That said, the writing is superb, as is the character development. But with so little happening in terms of plot, this 'mystery/thriller' simply did not hold my attention.
March 21, 2018
3.5 stars to Drift Stumble Fall by M. Jonathon Lee
Emotive, thought provoking and quiet yet beautiful in it's story telling, Drift Stumble Fall is a powerful little story about life. Richard seems to have everything. Wife, kids, a nice house and a stable job. These attributes don't stop him from feeling trapped in his supposed picture perfect life.
Through a diary entry style prose we get to experience Richard's day to day life and experience all the little things in life that are sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes have unbearable. Watching his elderly neighbour across the road, Richard begins to fantasise about leaving everything behind and starting new, shedding the robes of his old life, kids and all, and taking back a life he feels is being stolen from him.
What this book did really well is accurately portray life. It didn't hide away from showing the monotony of the endless cycles of every day and the routines we find ourselves in. The wanderlust that ignites in us all at some point, the moments where you just want to escape everything and go somewhere completely different. In this aspect I really felt I could really relate to the story which made it a very poignant novel.
The only issue I had with this book was that Richard was a very morally grey character. There were moments when I could understand his thoughts and feelings and recognise them from depression, but there were times and certain moments in this book where his character were very twisted and problematic. It just lead to me not feeling that empathetic towards his character and it just made him very unreadable.
All that said, this was still a really solid read. It told a very real tale of life with an interesting twist at the end. I loved the prose the author used as it made the story feel very personal and I just overall really enjoyed reading this. If you are looking for a quick reads that packs an emotional punch then definitely check this one out!
Emotive, thought provoking and quiet yet beautiful in it's story telling, Drift Stumble Fall is a powerful little story about life. Richard seems to have everything. Wife, kids, a nice house and a stable job. These attributes don't stop him from feeling trapped in his supposed picture perfect life.
Through a diary entry style prose we get to experience Richard's day to day life and experience all the little things in life that are sometimes good, sometimes bad and sometimes have unbearable. Watching his elderly neighbour across the road, Richard begins to fantasise about leaving everything behind and starting new, shedding the robes of his old life, kids and all, and taking back a life he feels is being stolen from him.
What this book did really well is accurately portray life. It didn't hide away from showing the monotony of the endless cycles of every day and the routines we find ourselves in. The wanderlust that ignites in us all at some point, the moments where you just want to escape everything and go somewhere completely different. In this aspect I really felt I could really relate to the story which made it a very poignant novel.
The only issue I had with this book was that Richard was a very morally grey character. There were moments when I could understand his thoughts and feelings and recognise them from depression, but there were times and certain moments in this book where his character were very twisted and problematic. It just lead to me not feeling that empathetic towards his character and it just made him very unreadable.
All that said, this was still a really solid read. It told a very real tale of life with an interesting twist at the end. I loved the prose the author used as it made the story feel very personal and I just overall really enjoyed reading this. If you are looking for a quick reads that packs an emotional punch then definitely check this one out!
September 9, 2022
I didn’t know what to expect from this book. The cover and description caught my eye and as I started to read I knew that this book was going to take me on a journey for which I was unprepared. It is deeply human, bare, open and heartbreakingly honest in its portrayal of a man who feels the claustrophobia of his existence slowly crushing him. He dreams of a life unlike the one he has, where he can leave behind the burdens of family life and experience the freedom he feels will enrich his existence. He has a plan.
The writing is exceptional in this book. I forgot that I was reading a work of fiction and was completely engrossed in the story. I read it in one sitting, staying up until the early hours to do so. The dark solitude of night probably enhanced my enjoyment for the book even further.
I recommend this book to all humans. Be prepared to feel.
The writing is exceptional in this book. I forgot that I was reading a work of fiction and was completely engrossed in the story. I read it in one sitting, staying up until the early hours to do so. The dark solitude of night probably enhanced my enjoyment for the book even further.
I recommend this book to all humans. Be prepared to feel.
April 12, 2018
Another excellent novel from M.Jonathan Lee. I highly recommend this book.
I was drawn into this book from the very first page, I wanted to devour it and know who was who and what was going to happen, there and then.
This story is really well thought out, I especially thought the gloomy, snowy weather helped to set the ambience for the story, if it had been warm and sunny, I feel it wouldn't have worked !
I also felt it was really clever how Richard referred to his mental state of mind in the beginning as a pendulum.
I suffer from anxiety so I could really relate to parts and references from this story, I especially liked this reference that Richard made - "A broken leg is always better than a migraine. The visual helps the story." This is so true when it comes down to mental health issues.
I think because I could relate to Richard at times, it made me like him even though because of the storyline I should have disliked him as a mother of 2.
This story will make you appreciate what you have and realise that not everything is always as it seems.
I was drawn into this book from the very first page, I wanted to devour it and know who was who and what was going to happen, there and then.
This story is really well thought out, I especially thought the gloomy, snowy weather helped to set the ambience for the story, if it had been warm and sunny, I feel it wouldn't have worked !
I also felt it was really clever how Richard referred to his mental state of mind in the beginning as a pendulum.
I suffer from anxiety so I could really relate to parts and references from this story, I especially liked this reference that Richard made - "A broken leg is always better than a migraine. The visual helps the story." This is so true when it comes down to mental health issues.
I think because I could relate to Richard at times, it made me like him even though because of the storyline I should have disliked him as a mother of 2.
This story will make you appreciate what you have and realise that not everything is always as it seems.
February 14, 2021
Richard's lack of contentment.
From the very beginning of this book, I didn't like how Richard was thinking.
Just because he couldn't hack the family thing and basically wanted to give up his responsibilities,he decided to desepair and leave his family alone.
In my opinion this kind of selfishness must not be forgiven, no matter how his wife and his two kids were acting.
It's his fault that he discovered late that the life he wants to live doesn't include any of what he has now ( family, friend,work...)
In addition to his misguided perception of his neighbor's life Bill, that pushed him to wish to change places with him,not knowing anything about Bill's tragedy.
From the very beginning of this book, I didn't like how Richard was thinking.
Just because he couldn't hack the family thing and basically wanted to give up his responsibilities,he decided to desepair and leave his family alone.
In my opinion this kind of selfishness must not be forgiven, no matter how his wife and his two kids were acting.
It's his fault that he discovered late that the life he wants to live doesn't include any of what he has now ( family, friend,work...)
In addition to his misguided perception of his neighbor's life Bill, that pushed him to wish to change places with him,not knowing anything about Bill's tragedy.
March 1, 2018
After reading Broken Branches I was obsessed with M.Jonathan Lee’s writing style. He has an evident talent with imagery. I’m was not surprised that this book was utterly brilliant.( I was however pleasantly surprised with how fitting it was for the current weather, as my entire local area is being beaten to death by storm Emma) Definitely a cosy read with a dark moral. I love it when stories with a moral are interesting and intriguing without being ultimately cheesy and cliche. Can’t wait to see what story he shares with us next.
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