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The Conversion
Book by Alvarez, Corwyn
107 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 23, 2020
I definitely had mixed feelings about this book!
I thought the story was really good. Especially from about halfway through, when the action picks up, I found that I'd sit down for five minutes and forty minutes later I was still reading it! The story encompasses many themes, from love and friendship to religion and illness. It was really interesting to follow the story of Ellen and Sheldon (and the animals!), and see how each of them develops over time.
Unfortunately though, I didn't get along very well with the writing style. I found that the dialogue could be a bit static and jumpy, meaning it didn't always flow very well for me. I also found the narrative to be quite unrelenting; it felt like the story was constantly moving too quickly forward in direction/time, and there was never much of a pause to explore the events, surroundings or emotions of a scene or character. However, this is of course just personal preference.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book, but I made the choice to write a review, and all opinions are my own.
I thought the story was really good. Especially from about halfway through, when the action picks up, I found that I'd sit down for five minutes and forty minutes later I was still reading it! The story encompasses many themes, from love and friendship to religion and illness. It was really interesting to follow the story of Ellen and Sheldon (and the animals!), and see how each of them develops over time.
Unfortunately though, I didn't get along very well with the writing style. I found that the dialogue could be a bit static and jumpy, meaning it didn't always flow very well for me. I also found the narrative to be quite unrelenting; it felt like the story was constantly moving too quickly forward in direction/time, and there was never much of a pause to explore the events, surroundings or emotions of a scene or character. However, this is of course just personal preference.
Note: I received a free review copy of this book, but I made the choice to write a review, and all opinions are my own.
April 8, 2012
"Hope is the thing with feathers," Emily Dickinson once wrote. In The Dog Walker, Corwyn Alvarez tells us, with resounding clarity, that "Love is the thing with fur." She tells this message through the story of Benny, a recent high school dropout who wishes to start a dog-walking business. Benny (unsurprisingly) is an adamant dog-lover.
But the bulk of this book isn't really centered on dogs. Rather, this book details Benny's messed up personal life. He's friends with a drug dealer, a veteran with PTSD, and a prostitute. Once I got that information, I realized that The Dog Walker is a much more grown-up book than I thought it would be. Flawed characters definitely add interest to this book, however, I think that their personalities tend to bloom into over exaggeration.
This is the sort of book that kind of wanders aimlessly while managing to discuss some profound messages, as if Benny is some sort of Holden Caulfield (from The Catcher in the Rye) who has a more screwed up life situation. I wasn't really used to the aimlessness in this book, so it kind of came off as a bit confusing for me.
The Dog Walker is a book that manages to profoundly change a person while telling them a tragic story. It might get a bit mixed up, but it's a rare gem that deserves to be (forgive the pun) dog-eared.
But the bulk of this book isn't really centered on dogs. Rather, this book details Benny's messed up personal life. He's friends with a drug dealer, a veteran with PTSD, and a prostitute. Once I got that information, I realized that The Dog Walker is a much more grown-up book than I thought it would be. Flawed characters definitely add interest to this book, however, I think that their personalities tend to bloom into over exaggeration.
This is the sort of book that kind of wanders aimlessly while managing to discuss some profound messages, as if Benny is some sort of Holden Caulfield (from The Catcher in the Rye) who has a more screwed up life situation. I wasn't really used to the aimlessness in this book, so it kind of came off as a bit confusing for me.
The Dog Walker is a book that manages to profoundly change a person while telling them a tragic story. It might get a bit mixed up, but it's a rare gem that deserves to be (forgive the pun) dog-eared.
March 27, 2012
Kinda torn over this one. A big part of me loved the narrator.. He is simple minded and the book shows the reader that that's actually a good thing. "Intelligent people" over complicate things, get mean to get what they want... This narrator though he doesn't have a high IQ, takes like with a sense of humor and above all, has a simple understanding of things and treats others well.
I loved his sarcasm, his humor, the look at life from his POV.
I did not like or care for the whore subplot. I didn't care about most of the characters in the book. The dogs didn't play as big a role as I hoped in the book overall. Really, this book isn't about dogs, but a look at the seamier side of life: drug dealers, drug users, prostitutes, people in ill health, homeless people...from a simple person's POV.
I appreciate what it tried to convey, but I didn't really like it due to its side line characters and content.
I loved his sarcasm, his humor, the look at life from his POV.
I did not like or care for the whore subplot. I didn't care about most of the characters in the book. The dogs didn't play as big a role as I hoped in the book overall. Really, this book isn't about dogs, but a look at the seamier side of life: drug dealers, drug users, prostitutes, people in ill health, homeless people...from a simple person's POV.
I appreciate what it tried to convey, but I didn't really like it due to its side line characters and content.
September 23, 2012
Seventeen year old Benny, tired of being in the "slow classes" drops out of school to start his business as a dog walker. He has loved dogs his entire life and adopts his new best friend from the animal shelter. As Benny travels through his daily activities it is not surprising to discover that he is not only attracted to stray, down-on-luck dogs, but his friendly giving nature also attracts him to the strays of the human race. A drug dealer, homeless panhandler, elderly folk, vietnam vet and an anorexic hooker all find a place in Benny's heart.
This was an enjoyable story of relationships. I often found myself smiling at the antics of the canines....and also the humans.
This was an enjoyable story of relationships. I often found myself smiling at the antics of the canines....and also the humans.
August 19, 2020
‘Lenten Rose’ is a sentimental tragedy and an ambitious attempt to make romance feel real and relatable. It is of no surprise to me that this is a semi-autobiographical tale based on real events, the day to day mundanity of the protagonists’ life feels specific and authentic. Unfortunately, the ‘realness’ of the novel is also its fundamental downfall: the everyday life of everyday people is extremely boring.
When we are introduced to Sheldon, he is already in love with Ellen and the reader misses out on the staple meet cute that is almost a rite of passage in all romance fiction. The couple faces no real threat of ever breaking up, there are no crazy exes, drunken mistakes or life changing decisions that keeps the relationship exciting for the reader. Instead of drama or any semblance of a plot there is… nothing. For the few hundred pages, we are given unnecessary detail of the couple discussing what to have for breakfast, how they would like their coffee and what flowers to put in their garden. It seems that the novel is so focussed on creating a believable and relatable relationship that it forgets that most people don’t care. On top of this, neither of them are particularly likeable, Sheldon is jealous to the point of possessive and Ellen is immature and bossy (despite her being considerably older). Their obvious character flaws, their age gap, their relationship as colleagues and even their opposing outlook on what they want in their future gives the plot ample opportunity for tension but it constantly fails to deliver. Problems and characters are constantly bought up and then immediately forgotten about.
It is also important to mention the book contains the extremely dated character trope of the ‘sexy secretary’, who despite working for a sexual predator, is slut shamed throughout. Her role in the narrative is both mind boggling and inconsistent. The dark, toxic relationship with her boss is the only sub plot with any meaning or significance and the way it is brushed over is inconsiderate.
But then, at around the three hundred pages mark, the reader is tragically hit with the purpose of the novel. The style and flow of the writing suddenly becomes gripping and the authenticity only adds further merit. I would definitely recommend getting lost in your feelings with the final quarter of this book. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of the novel, is that most people would have given up reading it before getting to this point.
*I was given a free copy to review this book. All opinions are completely my own.*
When we are introduced to Sheldon, he is already in love with Ellen and the reader misses out on the staple meet cute that is almost a rite of passage in all romance fiction. The couple faces no real threat of ever breaking up, there are no crazy exes, drunken mistakes or life changing decisions that keeps the relationship exciting for the reader. Instead of drama or any semblance of a plot there is… nothing. For the few hundred pages, we are given unnecessary detail of the couple discussing what to have for breakfast, how they would like their coffee and what flowers to put in their garden. It seems that the novel is so focussed on creating a believable and relatable relationship that it forgets that most people don’t care. On top of this, neither of them are particularly likeable, Sheldon is jealous to the point of possessive and Ellen is immature and bossy (despite her being considerably older). Their obvious character flaws, their age gap, their relationship as colleagues and even their opposing outlook on what they want in their future gives the plot ample opportunity for tension but it constantly fails to deliver. Problems and characters are constantly bought up and then immediately forgotten about.
It is also important to mention the book contains the extremely dated character trope of the ‘sexy secretary’, who despite working for a sexual predator, is slut shamed throughout. Her role in the narrative is both mind boggling and inconsistent. The dark, toxic relationship with her boss is the only sub plot with any meaning or significance and the way it is brushed over is inconsiderate.
But then, at around the three hundred pages mark, the reader is tragically hit with the purpose of the novel. The style and flow of the writing suddenly becomes gripping and the authenticity only adds further merit. I would definitely recommend getting lost in your feelings with the final quarter of this book. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of the novel, is that most people would have given up reading it before getting to this point.
*I was given a free copy to review this book. All opinions are completely my own.*
September 2, 2020
‘Lenten Rose’ was a book of two halves for me. The opening few chapters held some potential for me as we as the reader followed these characters getting to know each other, and being able to get to know them ourselves. It was devoid from some of the cliches expected from a romance novel, which was appreciated.
However from around Chapter Six, the mundaneness of the story begins to kick in, and by the time Sheldon and Ellen decide to take their relationship seriously, I began to lose interest in where they were going next. So much had been revealed about them in their introduction to each other that there was nothing new or exciting to look forward to learn about them, which was one of the best parts of a character and their development. Instead they fall into a pattern revolving around caring for animals, swimming, gardening and watching television at Ellen’s two properties - all described in excellent and believable detail, with simple but equally believable dialogue. The daily conversations between the two and those around them were consistent with the repetitive nature of the relationship - reasonably simple and everyday, keeping to similar topics.
There were some sections that I did have to question the significance of their involvement in the plot. The potentially thought-provoking plot points like the murder of a co-worker or the humerus interactions with swingers and other eccentric characters are not taken far enough. They are so minimal that they are unable to provide a brief reprove from the everyday doings of Ellen and Sheldon.
It is at the roughly halfway point of the story that this begins to change for me. The slow emergence of concern and mystery of what is wrong with Ellen begins to break up the previous routine that had been established. It is here the emotional aspect of the relationship is laid bare for the first time and fully understood on my part. The tenderness and loving care from Sheldon is a gentle example of how much love they truly hold for one another, and watching this remain solid in her deterioration to the end provides the growth I had hoped for earlier on. It was now I saw appreciated the routine of their relationship, and understanding the link towards the author own life story made me appreciate this section even more.
*Disclaimer: This book was received and reviewed for free as part of an ARC and Book Review Service. These views are my own, are unbiased and honest
However from around Chapter Six, the mundaneness of the story begins to kick in, and by the time Sheldon and Ellen decide to take their relationship seriously, I began to lose interest in where they were going next. So much had been revealed about them in their introduction to each other that there was nothing new or exciting to look forward to learn about them, which was one of the best parts of a character and their development. Instead they fall into a pattern revolving around caring for animals, swimming, gardening and watching television at Ellen’s two properties - all described in excellent and believable detail, with simple but equally believable dialogue. The daily conversations between the two and those around them were consistent with the repetitive nature of the relationship - reasonably simple and everyday, keeping to similar topics.
There were some sections that I did have to question the significance of their involvement in the plot. The potentially thought-provoking plot points like the murder of a co-worker or the humerus interactions with swingers and other eccentric characters are not taken far enough. They are so minimal that they are unable to provide a brief reprove from the everyday doings of Ellen and Sheldon.
It is at the roughly halfway point of the story that this begins to change for me. The slow emergence of concern and mystery of what is wrong with Ellen begins to break up the previous routine that had been established. It is here the emotional aspect of the relationship is laid bare for the first time and fully understood on my part. The tenderness and loving care from Sheldon is a gentle example of how much love they truly hold for one another, and watching this remain solid in her deterioration to the end provides the growth I had hoped for earlier on. It was now I saw appreciated the routine of their relationship, and understanding the link towards the author own life story made me appreciate this section even more.
*Disclaimer: This book was received and reviewed for free as part of an ARC and Book Review Service. These views are my own, are unbiased and honest
August 19, 2020
I found the opening chapters of the novel very engaging; Alvarez treads a well-trodden path of the classic love story, without tripping over many of the tired old cliches about stolen looks and characters fumbling their words. Thankfully the narrative is as certain of itself as the characters are and it feels like very little time is wasted telling the reader things we have already guessed at.
Broadly speaking the central characters are engaging enough to pull the reader along, particularly Ellen whose unique brand of independence is integral to her character and not simply tacked on as an after thought; she's a strong female character but doesn't really care what you think of her anyway. Similarly I found Sheldon to be just the right level of accommodating to Ellen's various requests and demands without being overly ingratiating.
My main issue with the text is the dialogue and the way in which characters communicate. The dialogue is frequently robotic and insists on telling us how characters feel rather than showing us. This is a book in which characters say things like 'I know. I can hardly believe it. It seems too good to be true.' and 'Got it. I'm glad you won at bingo. I love you.' The writing style generally has a very stop-start feeling; often a full stop is used and the sentence is brought to an end when it could easily have been connected into the next sentence. Fortunately, the story itself had enough subversions and twists to distract from my issues with the writing style and dialogue.
Without ruining any plot points, I'll say that the twists and turns were certainly unexpected and I would never have guessed that this darker, more lively storyline was the direction the novel was going to take. After a bright start and a considerable lull in the middle, I found the final act enthralling and ultimately found the conclusion satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book as part of an ARC pool, I was not paid or coerced in anyway and the opinions expressed above are my own.
Broadly speaking the central characters are engaging enough to pull the reader along, particularly Ellen whose unique brand of independence is integral to her character and not simply tacked on as an after thought; she's a strong female character but doesn't really care what you think of her anyway. Similarly I found Sheldon to be just the right level of accommodating to Ellen's various requests and demands without being overly ingratiating.
My main issue with the text is the dialogue and the way in which characters communicate. The dialogue is frequently robotic and insists on telling us how characters feel rather than showing us. This is a book in which characters say things like 'I know. I can hardly believe it. It seems too good to be true.' and 'Got it. I'm glad you won at bingo. I love you.' The writing style generally has a very stop-start feeling; often a full stop is used and the sentence is brought to an end when it could easily have been connected into the next sentence. Fortunately, the story itself had enough subversions and twists to distract from my issues with the writing style and dialogue.
Without ruining any plot points, I'll say that the twists and turns were certainly unexpected and I would never have guessed that this darker, more lively storyline was the direction the novel was going to take. After a bright start and a considerable lull in the middle, I found the final act enthralling and ultimately found the conclusion satisfying.
I received a free copy of this book as part of an ARC pool, I was not paid or coerced in anyway and the opinions expressed above are my own.
September 23, 2020
I enjoyed the storyline for Lenten Rose, especially when I found out how much it was influenced by the author’s own experiences. However I found that at points, there was too much dialogue and description that meant it took a lot longer for events to happen than necessary. Many quirks about the two main characters’ (Ellen and Sheldon) personalities such as feeding a stray cat were repeated too often in too much detail that the story soon felt very repetitive. I did like the themes such as Catholicism and romance, as these helped me to emotionally connect to the story. The ending was especially emotive.
Although I thought Ellen and Sheldon’s relationship was interesting in terms of the ways it developed throughout the book, I did find Ellen to be quite bossy which meant I didn’t feel as connected to the characters as I do normally with this genre of book. Her bossiness does make sense considering she is clearly a successful woman used to living alone, but I think it would have been nice if she treated Sheldon with a bit more kindness considering how much he does for her. Overall, I did enjoy elements of this story such as the storyline and developing relationships, but personally found too many of the little details were repeated far too often that it felt repetitive and slow-moving.
*Please note* I received a copy of this book for free, but it was my own decision to write a review, so the review is completely my own opinion.
Although I thought Ellen and Sheldon’s relationship was interesting in terms of the ways it developed throughout the book, I did find Ellen to be quite bossy which meant I didn’t feel as connected to the characters as I do normally with this genre of book. Her bossiness does make sense considering she is clearly a successful woman used to living alone, but I think it would have been nice if she treated Sheldon with a bit more kindness considering how much he does for her. Overall, I did enjoy elements of this story such as the storyline and developing relationships, but personally found too many of the little details were repeated far too often that it felt repetitive and slow-moving.
*Please note* I received a copy of this book for free, but it was my own decision to write a review, so the review is completely my own opinion.
August 12, 2020
Lenten Rose is a heartwarming story of love and loss. Sheldon and Ellen's relationship is depicted thoroughly from beginning to end, enabling the reader to feel well connected to the characters and deeply invested in their story at times. Sheldon's character is particularly likable with his catholic faith and love for animals which makes him particularly well rounded and interesting.
I found the book easy to read and often found myself wondering what was going to happen next.
However, the dialogue was at times rushed and awkward, many conversations had no real significance to the storyline or character development and were therefore unnecessary. The middle section of the book was rather monotonous with the daily routine of Sheldon and Ellen being repeated many times. Another thing I struggled with whilst reading was finding much relatability or likeableness in Ellen's character who many times was very annoying. She came across as rude and childish at times despite her being an older and successful woman. Her character had a lot of potential, being a woman with ambition and also possessing some attributes that make her interesting such as her eclectic music taste.
The story overall is a realistic one and I believe a lot of people would be able to relate to the relationship's ups and downs and the experience of losing a loved one.
(I received a digital copy of this book in order to write an honest and unbiased review)
I found the book easy to read and often found myself wondering what was going to happen next.
However, the dialogue was at times rushed and awkward, many conversations had no real significance to the storyline or character development and were therefore unnecessary. The middle section of the book was rather monotonous with the daily routine of Sheldon and Ellen being repeated many times. Another thing I struggled with whilst reading was finding much relatability or likeableness in Ellen's character who many times was very annoying. She came across as rude and childish at times despite her being an older and successful woman. Her character had a lot of potential, being a woman with ambition and also possessing some attributes that make her interesting such as her eclectic music taste.
The story overall is a realistic one and I believe a lot of people would be able to relate to the relationship's ups and downs and the experience of losing a loved one.
(I received a digital copy of this book in order to write an honest and unbiased review)
September 24, 2012
Benny Mozer is mentally-challenged 17 year old living with his long suffering mother in the quirky and charming town of Mayfield. Benny is only qualified for one job: walking dogs, which he excels at. He is something like a "dog whisperer". He brings the same caring and compassion to the people around him, even those which seem beyond redemption.
I was a little disappointed with this book; it was not quite the heartwarming story I was expecting. Most of the focus was on the people around Benny, especially the young the prostitute he befriends, and not on the dogs.
It's emphasized early on in the book that Benny is "special needs", but it doesn't go into exactly what his specific disability is. Through his language and actions in the book, Benny seems to me pretty typical of a lot 17 year old boys. The character of the mother also bothered me; she was cold one minute and friendly the next, and it seemed odd that she did not push him harder not to drop out of school.
There is no real plot to this book, which I'm not complaining about it; it's more like a chapter of Benny's life, and a lesson of compassion and the human heart. I like the idea of the story, I just think it could have been done better.
I was a little disappointed with this book; it was not quite the heartwarming story I was expecting. Most of the focus was on the people around Benny, especially the young the prostitute he befriends, and not on the dogs.
It's emphasized early on in the book that Benny is "special needs", but it doesn't go into exactly what his specific disability is. Through his language and actions in the book, Benny seems to me pretty typical of a lot 17 year old boys. The character of the mother also bothered me; she was cold one minute and friendly the next, and it seemed odd that she did not push him harder not to drop out of school.
There is no real plot to this book, which I'm not complaining about it; it's more like a chapter of Benny's life, and a lesson of compassion and the human heart. I like the idea of the story, I just think it could have been done better.
March 30, 2012
When I first came into the world of reviewing books, I gave myself a 100 page limit. If after the first 100 pages I was not getting into a book, than I would stop. With this book, it almost became that way. However, for some strange reason, I didn't want to give up on this book. I was hoping that it would bloom to my liking. As I continued, this book did get better but in the end it was a book that wasn't right for me.
I thought when first looking at this book that it was to be about a person walking dogs and it was. However, it focused on him and the life that he was apart of around him. With helping a friend sell drugs, to signing up for a prostitute but only to talk with her. Benny was a person that could be a person to talk about problems with. Not only because he has a set of his own problems but also because I believe he would be a good person to talk with.
Overall, I kept waiting for this book to bring about something I could sink my teeth into. Like I said before, this book is not for me but there are many people who I believe who would love to read the story of Benny...The Dog Walker.
I give this book 3 souls!
I thought when first looking at this book that it was to be about a person walking dogs and it was. However, it focused on him and the life that he was apart of around him. With helping a friend sell drugs, to signing up for a prostitute but only to talk with her. Benny was a person that could be a person to talk about problems with. Not only because he has a set of his own problems but also because I believe he would be a good person to talk with.
Overall, I kept waiting for this book to bring about something I could sink my teeth into. Like I said before, this book is not for me but there are many people who I believe who would love to read the story of Benny...The Dog Walker.
I give this book 3 souls!
August 19, 2020
*I received this book free of charge but all views expressed are my own and I will not/have not receive any financial benefits from posting this review.
Both Sheldon Sapp and Ellen Rabavski are characters that are well constructed from the beginning and this development continues throughout the novel. It is highly effective as a romance novel and it was very easy to become invested in the blossoming relationship between Sheldon and Ellen. Furthermore, the darker twists that the author introduces are well placed as it creates a shift in the tone of the story as well as the pace of it. Although the blurb does make you aware that something darker is to be expected, they still helped to reduce the slight monotony of the first part of the book.
However it should be noted that the language used is overly clichéd and so I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy that style of novel. Another problem I found is that the speech did not really serve any purpose and sometimes it seemed to stunt the progression of the plot.
Overall I found this an enjoyable story to read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy reading romance novels.
Both Sheldon Sapp and Ellen Rabavski are characters that are well constructed from the beginning and this development continues throughout the novel. It is highly effective as a romance novel and it was very easy to become invested in the blossoming relationship between Sheldon and Ellen. Furthermore, the darker twists that the author introduces are well placed as it creates a shift in the tone of the story as well as the pace of it. Although the blurb does make you aware that something darker is to be expected, they still helped to reduce the slight monotony of the first part of the book.
However it should be noted that the language used is overly clichéd and so I would recommend this novel to readers who enjoy that style of novel. Another problem I found is that the speech did not really serve any purpose and sometimes it seemed to stunt the progression of the plot.
Overall I found this an enjoyable story to read and I would recommend it to readers who enjoy reading romance novels.
August 4, 2016
The Dog Walker by Corwyn Alvarez. For dog lovers and those who like sweet, sentimental stories. Benny is a mentally challenged young man who decides to drop out of school and start his own dog walking business. He makes many friends, human and canine, and brightens the lives of those around him. Sweet, compassionate, loyal and honest, he changes other peoples lives with kindness. He makes friends with an assortment of interesting characters: the anorexic prostitute he falls in love with, the crazy neighbor who thinks he is still in Vietnam, a drug dealer, a retired lawyer he rides the bus with, and of course all the dogs he walks were the best characters. This is a really short, cute and sweet little story. It reminded me a of “The Curious Dog in the Nighttime,” and a little of “Forrest Gump.”
September 18, 2012
This might be one of my favorite books I've read this year. I thought I went into this first-time novelist's story without expectations, but clearly that was wrong because I was surprised and even shocked by several things in the story. That is good writing.
I loved good-hearted Benny who believes in the inherent goodness of everyone, and his overwhelming love for dogs. Although it reminded me a tiny bit of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon, but that's not right either. I think perhaps I should say CIotDitN inspired The Dog Walker. Both protagonists are young men who see the world differently, other than that, the story's are different.
I ate it up with a spoon. I look forward to many more stories from Mr. Alvarez.
I loved good-hearted Benny who believes in the inherent goodness of everyone, and his overwhelming love for dogs. Although it reminded me a tiny bit of the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon, but that's not right either. I think perhaps I should say CIotDitN inspired The Dog Walker. Both protagonists are young men who see the world differently, other than that, the story's are different.
I ate it up with a spoon. I look forward to many more stories from Mr. Alvarez.
October 26, 2012
A quiet story. I didn’t love this book, but I wanted to keep reading it. The voice of Benny throughout is a key to liking and understanding what happens. His open-hearted dealings with all around him are much like the dogs he loves so dearly. He lets people be themselves and accepts them for it. He seems not to understand negative motives – or at least still accepts the people without understanding. Again, much like a dog might still love and remain loyal to an owner who kicks or mistreats them. There’s something to be learned from that, but I wish it had just been written with something more – and I’m not sure what. More plot, maybe? If I hadn’t felt so unsettled about that, I’d have given it more stars.
July 25, 2020
While this initially appears to offer a promisingly poetic frame for a typical romance story, the language in this novel quickly becomes overly simplistic and dialogue-heavy. It's hinted that the details of the story mirror intimate and genuine events from the authors life - which indeed amount to a fascinating and heartbreaking life story - but the haste in which these events are recreated in the novel forces even the most emotional moments of The Lenten Rose to fall slightly short of achieving any sense of depth that the reader can connect with.
*I received this book for free in digital format from the publishers, who encourage their pool of readers to provide feedback but in no way require us to leave online reviews unless we want to.*
*I received this book for free in digital format from the publishers, who encourage their pool of readers to provide feedback but in no way require us to leave online reviews unless we want to.*
June 24, 2021
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2021
Saint Philomena's life, as known, was martyred at a young age as she refused to marry Emperor Diocletian and gave herself up to Christ in a time when Christendom was young. Truly little of her life is known but this fictional telling of her is very engaging and well imagined.
The story begins on the island of Corfu with the King's physician, Publius, telling the story of the saint known as Lumena or Philomena "friend of the light."
The story continues from her birth through to her trial for her refusal to marry. If you want accuracy, we cannot find more than the facts that are known, but for a wonderful reading of a fictional telling please do not hesitate to read Corwyn Alvarez's book.
Saint Philomena's life, as known, was martyred at a young age as she refused to marry Emperor Diocletian and gave herself up to Christ in a time when Christendom was young. Truly little of her life is known but this fictional telling of her is very engaging and well imagined.
The story begins on the island of Corfu with the King's physician, Publius, telling the story of the saint known as Lumena or Philomena "friend of the light."
The story continues from her birth through to her trial for her refusal to marry. If you want accuracy, we cannot find more than the facts that are known, but for a wonderful reading of a fictional telling please do not hesitate to read Corwyn Alvarez's book.
September 29, 2012
It was a quick, simple read and some of the story was cute. But there really wasn't a plot and so many of the details just didn't add up. I grew up outside of Baltimore (where this story supposedly takes place) and there is no where around Baltimore where you can ride your bike up to the mountains. And one day he is walking through the snow and ice and suddenly it starts raining. The story seemed to end rather suddenly, like the writer got tired of writing. So, I guess I didn't like the book that much.
October 22, 2012
This is the sort of book where an intellectually challenged young man wins the heart of the reader and the other characters in the book by his honesty and simplicity. Unfortunately, my heart wasn't won. The hero was supposed to have a very low IQ, but was far more articulate and perceptive than he should have been. And as far as changing the people around him by his simplicity, they didn't seem to change at all - and they were not particularly interesting to begin with. Even the dogs failed to engage me.
November 10, 2012
Hmmmm, I admit I enjoyed reading this book. Yes, it was an easy read. No, it's not great literature. But there was something in the protagonist's voice that won me over - he's a 17 yr old High School dropout that's supposedly kind of mentally impaired, but is older than his years and wiser than his IQ. His observations of life are always interesting, the story wasn't saccharine, and I like dogs as much as Benny. So, for me, it was win-win. I would read another book by this author - I think this is the first?
November 23, 2012
This was picked to read by a member of my book club. The book is about a mentally-challenged teenager who quits school to start a dog walking business, and meets unusual characters while doing so. The book seemed to me to be a good first draft with potential to be developed into a meaningful book. Problems: the "mentally-challenged" youth seemed way to clever in his responses, thoughts and repartee; many of the unusual characters did not result from his dog walking business, but were known to him before, which begs the question: why the "dog walker"?
September 21, 2012
disappointed so far. about half way through and I have no emotion toward any of the characters. writing style is plain and uninteresting. but I started it, so I will finish it....uggghhh...luckily it is a relatively short book and now it is done. completely uninspiring. story is more about main character's ridiculous infatuation with an anorexic hooker. none of the characters are complete or believable. don't waste your time on this book.
August 12, 2020
I actually liked this book, the first few chapters had me laughing, the mid-section of the book did get slightly flat and comfortable, but that made it a nice read. While the ending was almost expected, I think that it was really well written and at one point almost had me in tears because I was sad to see the story end. If you wanted a romance with an easy plot to follow, I definitely recommend this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 19, 2020
Lenten Rose initially held the promise of portraying all the trappings of a modern romance novel. However as the book progressed on I was disappointed by the overly simplistic language and overused metaphors. In my eyes Lenten Rose redeemed itself purely through its well developed characters who the reader, I feel, can easily relate to at times. Great for a light afternoon read but would stay away if you are looking for something to thrill.
August 13, 2012
This was a nice easy read, but I feel didn't live up to the description. Because this book is only written in Benny's perspective, the reader doesn't get any indication or hint the lives of the members of the community are changed by him. I see his strength of character a la Forrest Gump, but because he doesn't realize how he's helped people, we don't either.
October 20, 2012
Very very sweet book, about a 17 year old young man who is below average intelligence, had to always be in special ed classes in school, who dropped out of school after being tired of being called retard, whose mother demanded "What are you going to do now??" and he replied "Become a dog walker". You fall in love with his innocence and his kindness to animals and to people.
October 7, 2013
Not an awful book, but not believable. As far as I can tell, the author"s only concession to the narrator's low IQ was to sub in a "ya" for every "you" when he spoke. Otherwise, his cognitive abilities far exceeded his supposed disability. If I weren't trying to meet a reading goal, I might not have finished the book. I'm not entirely glad I did.
January 3, 2015
Easy reading
It was an easy read with a nice story line. The lead character was someone you would cheer on and hope he got what he wanted. Not a lot of detail on the other characters but it was a good book. I would recommend it to family and friends if they wanted something light to read and a good storyline.
It was an easy read with a nice story line. The lead character was someone you would cheer on and hope he got what he wanted. Not a lot of detail on the other characters but it was a good book. I would recommend it to family and friends if they wanted something light to read and a good storyline.
September 12, 2012
Darling and funny. Ending got wrapped up too quickly and a little fantastical, but all in all the book is a good read. Any animal lovers will appreciate this story and I personally dare any woman not to fall in love with Benny.
September 14, 2012
This is a simply written book about an intellectually challenged young man who "falls in love" with a prostitute. It reads like a YA book and perhaps it is as there are no explicit scenes and the young man survives the story unsullied by his loves occupation.
Very strange but sweet in a way.
Very strange but sweet in a way.
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