‘Everything happens for a reason.’ It’s 1972. Raymond Mann is seventeen. He is fearful of life and can’t get off buses. He says his prayers every night and spends too much time in his room. He meets Ernest Gardiner, a gentleman in his seventies who’s become tired of living and misses the days of chivalry and honour. Together they discover a love of sunflowers and stars, and help each other learn to love the world. Ernest recounts his experiences of 1917 war-torn France where he served as a photographer in the trenches … of his first love, Mira, and how his life was saved by his friend Bill, a hardened soldier. But all is not as it seems, and there is one more secret that will change Raymond’s life for ever. Cold Sunflowers is a story of love. All love. But most of all it’s about the love of life and the need to cherish every moment. Find out more about the book and its author at Mark Sippings' website.
Born in Walthamstow in 1959, Mark Sippings now lives in Essex and has two daughters. He spent most of his working life as a Civil Servant contributing to speeches for the Minister for Women and developing new ways to assist disabled people find their way back into employment. In the '80s he owned and ran a restaurant in Colchester and travelled around the world. He now spends his time switching between fronting a retro rock covers band, Psycho Dehlia, www.psychodehlia.com. 'Extra' acting work, where he has played an office worker, caveman and zombie, and writing, both poetry and novels. Mark loves to hear from his readers and you can find out more at www.coldsunflowers.co.uk
Such a sweet tale of the unlikely friendship between an elderly man and a teenager. United by their love of sunflowers, gardening and nature and connected too by the fear of what their futures may hold. Beautifully told.
It is a remarkable testament to the way of the world right now that authors who self publish can find their books taken on an equal footing with those published through traditional mainstream houses. And so it should be.
This is, to an extent, taking us back to the old tradition of authors printing their own books (many books we now consider great classics were entirely funded by their authors originally). It's also testament to the great writers who are out there who really don't need to sell their soul to an editor to have their work read and loved by readers. Indeed, apart from the great feeling of prestige from being 'formally' published, there's no real benefit to any author going with a traditional house.
There is a flipside though: editors check for errors. We all make them and it is very useful to have someone looking out for them. Our errors hide themselves from us - they're pesky like that. Likewise, an editor, or at least a writing mentor, can help us see issues or difficulties with our plot, themes, or scenes which just don't quite work. Indeed, a substantial amount of my income comes from doing just this for clients - reading their manuscripts and helping them tighten their ideas.
It took me a while to realise that Mark Sippings' novel of a friendship between a teenage boy and an old man was in fact an indie-published book. I had the book recommended to me and was given a copy. It is beautifully and professionally produced on the whole and well done to the author for getting his writing out there! I was about a third of the way through the story before I began to click on that this wasn't quite the full package.
The reason I did so was two-fold. Firstly, there are errors. Not many, but a few, and that is a clue - though I've found many an error in trad-published books and top-quality newspapers too, to be fair. My own published work is far from perfect too. Nevertheless, when you see too many errors it does start to make you frown.
The second reason was a dissatisfaction with the plot ideas and general pace of scenes. It FELT like the kind of book the author should have employed me (or someone like me) to improve before publication. There were many scenes which should have been twice the length and so many times I felt we needed to delve deeper into who the characters were. I felt like I was watching a heavily edited movie where whole weeks and months pass by within minutes. Some scenes in the book were very much sketches of what should have been longer scenes. The plot depended on depth and it was simply lacking.
Similarly, the crescendos were all wrong. I awaited a showdown of some sort with the youths that badger young Raymond from the start. It didn't really happen. The motif of the franc which recurs throughout the novel didn't really gain the impact it needed to, and was borderline silly. And the cold sunflowers of the title? Beats me. Sure, sunflowers are a recurring motif, but their significance never really comes through - especially the adjectival 'cold'. Finally, the catchphrase, 'everything happens for a reason'. Apart from this being such a hackneyed cliche as to elicit groans from the off, it also proves largely untrue. Considering what happens to most of the main characters, it would have been truer to say 'everything happens, and most of it is pretty damned shit and pointless' - but I guess that's less prosaic.
The annoying thing is that all of these faults could have been avoided with a bit of advice from a decent editor. This is not a piece of experimental literary fiction where you can trash rules of engagement and do weird and wacky things with the storyline. It was a pleasant tale, simply told and intended to entertain. And it does do that, to an extent. But with tightening of nice ideas that didn't go anywhere and a general consideration of what works for the reader, this could have been something really very special. Instead, it is very predictable and ultimately rather put-down-able. What a pity.
The fact that I had the book recommended to me tells you that people have, and do, enjoy the story. It certainly is pleasant enough, I'll grant you. But it is a shame that the potential of this kind of tale was not fully utilised. There was a little gem here, but it remains largely uncut.
Slow to start. Writing is beautifully done. Characters are relatable. Middle was ok Ending has too many coincidental happenings to tie it all up nicely at the end which made it a bit sappy and “happily ever after.”
A simple and pleasant read. Although I enjoyed the story lines and progression of the characters, the recurring sentiment of ‘everything happens for a reason’ wasn’t my cup of tea...especially in the context of talking about the First World War...
Wow, wow, wow! This book got me lost into another beautiful world and was simply stunning. This is the 3rd book that has now made me cry. This is a story about an unusual friendship that grows between a shy, anxious young lad & a happy, cheerful, lonely old man. It’s just beautiful
This book is nothing special or spectacular, but I really liked it. There's a simplicity to it, and that simplicity gives it a charm that makes the book extremely enjoyable. The main character, Raymond, is a relatable protagonist and his character growth feels mature and realistic, which is something that is lacking from a lot of stories. The story wasn't anything particularly brilliant but it felt personal to me, maybe because I'm a bit like Raymond in the sense that I'm an aimless teenager who hasn't really changed much since he finished his A levels. But, it's more than that. All the characters in the story feel like real people, and that's the best part. They're real, imperfect people, growing up in a real, imperfect world (even the elderly ones).
In a strange way, it's a little bit like Fahrenheit 451, in that it's a love story but not a traditional one. I won't spoil either of those books but I think I'd like to read more of those kinds of books, where it's not necessarily love between two people, but rather a more general kind of love of something. Like I said before, it doesn't do anything particularly mind-blowing (hence the lack of a 5 star rating) but it was a really fun book to read, and one that I would love to read again for the first time, just because of some of the feelings that it invoked.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I'd rate it 4 and a half stars if I could, just because I think it has a universal message and that message is demonstrated to the reader in a really elegant way. The message itself is one that I vehemently believe to be true, but even despite it (which again I will not spoil), the book balances highs with lows extremely well (which sounds odd but you'll get it when you read it). Stories, at the end of the day, are meant to invoke feelings and make a strong argument for their "moral", and this book does that pretty much perfectly.
i read this a while ago, though the opening is quite slow and at some points the book can be set at a slow pace i quite enjoyed the tranquil feeling it created. it’s one of those reads where you can lay back; i do love books that have me on edge, peering closely to rapidly read every word to find out what happens next, although i hold great respect for those books i can just peacefully whip out and read calmly. this book had me smiling, crying, pondering- it took me on an emotional carousel. of course, not all points of the book were calm, some points were extremely tense and shocking. what really makes me adore this book is the metaphor of the sunflowers throughout the book- one of the main factors on why i felt the way i did throughout the book. i’d recommend this book for any of you reading this if you enjoy war-themed books and are willing to let the words flow past you and encapsulate you into serenity and succumb to the vicious undertones and past. have fun reading :))
Blergh... so sickly sweet and twee. An inspirational message? Not really, it’s all been done before! Didn’t enjoy the simple and childish manner this book was written in. Full of cliches and extremely predictable, I am very surprised there are not more 1 and 2 star reviews. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
A great idea for a coming of age story, bringing together three generations however, the story is poorly written. Predictable, basic description and a lot of cliches. An enjoyable book, but I would not recommend it.
Nice premise to the story and it did touch me but the writing was very childish and the descriptions were poor - long dark hair, longish dark hair, long dark hair tied back, they irritated me. Not quite Mitch Albom!
This was a lovely quiet and unassuming read. A love story unfolds through retrograde storytelling which then spills over to the present day at the end of the novel. An unlikely friendship develops between Raymond and Ernest, separated by decades but a joint love of sunflowers. Both characters have an influential affect on each others lived
There are so many charming elements, alongside more unpleasant aspects of reality along the way so it’s not all sugary coated. You have characters with their own personal challenges who strive to overcome them with friendship and love playing its part in that process.
The importance of recording the past as evidence and a means of understanding events runs throughout the novel with Ernest the successful photographer bringing the past and the present together and Mira his first love recording events as she saw them in her journal. However things are not always as we think we see them.
Everything happens for a reason is a recurring phrase in the novel and whether you believe in fate or are a die hard existentialist you will have to make up your own mind as the story concludes with the collision of past and present.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was cleaning out my bedroom when I found this book under my bed. I bought it a few years ago and forgot I owned it, so I thought I’d pick it up and give it a read. I’m so glad I did. This was such a beautiful, wholesome little read and I absolutely loved the journey of this story. My grandad is my favourite person on the planet, and the character of Ernest really stood out to me and learning about Ernest’s past in the war and who he became, really reminded me of my grandad and it was super touching. This was a unique and compelling story of a young boy called Raymond and the unlikely friendship that is made between him and Ernest and it is really refreshing to read.
The twists and turns that come to ahead, in learning about Ernest’s past and how it effects the future are really remarkable and I could of kept reading about Ernest’s life as it was so moving and cleverly written. I adored the ‘three musketeers’ friendship of Bill, Ernest and Mira - it was heart warming and beautiful.
This is a book that’s been following me the last couple of years, and one I regret sleeping on for so long. I typically tend to go for stories that lie in a much darker realm than this, but Cold Sunflowers has captured my heart. I don’t think a book has moved me like this one has. I cried from just how endearing and sweet the relationship between Raymond and Ernest was, and how they blossomed and bloomed as the book went on. Their sunshine touched other characters in the book and beautifully wove them into their tenderness. There were some points in the book I found a little predictable- though it did not hinder my enjoyment for one moment. I was in tears for the last third of the story and was crushed when I reached the final page. I wanted to continue reading and being apart of the lives’ in Cold Sunflowers. A charming book through and through. Highly recommend and I know the next title I see by Mark Sippings I will be picking up.
I would not have normally picked up this book had If i had been searching the shelves of a library or browsing in Amazon. It was chosen by a member of my book club for each of us to read. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to savor this story of the friendship between a man in his 70s and a boy in his late teens. It takes us through the evolution of the boy being an awkward, self-conscious, solitude, boy to a man who realizes his worst in the world. The relationship between Ernest and Raymond is sweet, profound, and loving. The stories They share with each other causes both men to grow and accept where their lives will lead them. The prose are not what fine literature is made of. The analogies somewhat overworked but it still was a lovely story. The ending was quite a surprise.
A story with heartwarming intentions but so many errors scattering around. So hard to feel connected with the story and some behaviors of the characters. For example, the general was acting so dumb in the midst of World War I. Seriously, I don't get it. Why does he have to be so self-absorbed and unintellectual? I honestly don't get the humor out of the character since it is so unrealistic. And Raymonds flickered the franc and told Aimee to chase after it. Like, for what??? And I know the main theme of the book is "everything happens for a reason", but when the quote is mentioned in every chapter, it becomes more and more forced, less and less convincining. So sad it could have been much better...
I really Liked Cold Sunflowers by Mark Sippings. This is M Sippings first novel and I will be watching for future novels by him.
Cold Sunflowers was a very sweet book about fear and how friendship with unexpected people and love can help one overcome the fear. It is a story about a young man and an older gentleman and how a chance meeting developed into a friendship and nurturing of sunflowers. Their friendship had unexpected results.
I would highly recommend Cold Sunflowers to readers who like: well written fiction, well developed characters and plot and stories about love and friendship.
Cold Sunflowers is a sweet story about a young anxiety-ridden man and his blossoming friendship with a lonely elder man. I loved this story, the prose is easy to read and latch onto and the story has a wonderful flow. The main characters felt like real people and their easy made friendship felt even more real. This wholesome story about love and dreams where sunflowers are a running motif is the perfect pick-me-up. A great story of two people coming out of their shells and both being the better for it.
4.5 stars This novel was so beautifully written! In 1972 shy, self-conscious and awkward teen Raymond meets Ernest, a lonely widower in his 70's who takes him under his wing. Ernest's past unfolds, including memories of his soldier years in WWI. Ernest and Raymond develop a special relationship which enables Raymond to blossom and gives Ernest a new purpose to live. This is a beautiful story of love, living life and trusting that "everything happens for a reason."
An amazing and soulful read. The whole book unfolded into a suspenseful and surprising story. Lots of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. A young soldiers story of been a photographer, now an old man, and how he becomes best friends with a young man who is struggling to find his way. They both love sunflowers and poetry. A love story too! One of my best reads ever!
I very rarely leave a written review for books. But this one...wow. It is not often you come across a book that makes you smile, sob, chuckle, love and feel everything in between. I fell in love with the characters and the story. Despite at times being able to predict where the story was heading, I had a warm fuzzy feeling the whole time I was reading it. Basically, read this book, you won’t regret it.
What a beautiful book. Relatable characters, most with an inner core of decency, a great story line and the benefit gained by the friends from their experiences together was clear and moving. There were some chapters where I wanted to know more, and some where I could have been left quite happily to wonder, rather than have it all tied up nicely. However these did not spoil the overall experience and enjoyment of reading this book. Uplifting and compassionate.
Such a sweet read about a friendship between a young, jobless man struggling with anxiety and mental health. He gets bullied and humiliated by some guys when an old man also get roped in an unlikely friendship blooms when they find the have a similar interest in sunflowers. The old man helps the boy find confidence and happiness, and the boy unbeknown to him helps the old man fight his loneliness. Such a sweet friendship
Started and finished date - 06.01.25 to 08.02.25. My rating - three Stars. This book was okay read but I didn't love it and the cover of book was okay also the writing was okay and the paced of plot felt rush in some part but in other parts of the plot felt slow. The atmosphere was good and the the ending of the book was okay. The characters was fine but I would have like them flash out bit more
Saw the title and thought I'd have a read ,it intrigued me..I'm so glad I did .so lovely to read a new book with a slightly different slant . The characters shine , I saw the colours, the faces, the smiles and love in their eyes. A love story in its simplest form..love for a girl, a parent, a friend..for a feeling, for life. I loved this and will definitely look out for Mr Sippings next novel
Wish I could rate this book a 10! What a wonderful, heartwarming story. All I can say is “Wow!” I would only hope more people would find and read this story. It would be one of the best things they could spend their time doing. As a debut book, the author has won my heart. I hope to see more of his books in the future.