UNCONDITIONAL

by Ant Richards, Marek Dąbrowski (Illustrator)

THIS IS NOT A LOVE STORY. THIS IS A STORY ABOUT LOVE.

When Chris and his father Phil decide to spend a long weekend break in Bilbao, their relationship is stretched to the limit.

All because of a woman.

Chris learns the hard way how actions have consequences. Phil also learns that it takes unexpected blows to put love to the test.

‘Believe me son, I do love you,’ Phil said to Chris once, ‘that’s why you still breathe.’

Killing your offspring – as justified as it may sometimes seem – is simply not an option.

57 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2021

About the author

Born at St. Mary Abbots Hospital in Kensington, London, however I spent my formative years in South America.

Following my interest and love for the creative side of life, I trained and worked as a recording engineer in leading dubbing and voiceover studios. In that area, I developed skills in all different range of sound post-production as well as occasional work as a voiceover artist.

In the mid nineties, I returned to my native London where I ended up working in the Travel Industry where, despite it no longer being the glamorous industry it was portrayed to be - I was clearly duped - I still managed to indulge in my other passion; travelling.

Still unable to become a millionaire and live the debonaire lifestyle I craved, the dormant writing talent in me began to flourish. Or so I thought.

For better or for worse, I began a new career as an accomplished author writing about my travels, reviewing destinations, accomodation and flights. I published in some well known and respected websites and online forums in addition to other obscure and dubious sites, in most cases with a varying degree of success - however, despite my best efforts, I am still unable to enjoy the freebies and perks I desperately wished for after all the trouble I'd gone through.

It was only a matter of time before I seriously considered writing my first novel. After many failed attempts, years of solitary confinement (in pubs, cafes, airport lounges, hotel rooms... and more bars) IN YOUR DREAMS came to life, and terrorised the literary world, again with a with a varying degree of success - within my neighbourhood and local pub in Lee. I will be releasing my second book DAMNED IF I NDON'T (Short thrills) around end of November 2017. After that, I will continue work on my second novel - still untitled.

I lives in South East London with my family. I supports Liverpool, therefore I am definitely a hopeless dreamer. Or a masochist.

Reviews

[Julia DeBarrioz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this little shorty is Ant Richard's best work yet! It's a wryly narrated coming of age tale through the eyes of Chris, a seventeen year old boy on the cusp of manhood, on holiday with his dad in Bilbao, Spain. I found it honest, accurate, and highly amusing! Chris, like most teenagers, is full of cheek & moodiness, and his [mis]adventures stumbling through his first solo night with some girls in Bilbao is full of blunder and learning experiences. By the end young Chris actually learns a thing or two about how to behave as a human being--and the twist even made me cry a little! Well done all around. ::standing ovation::

I highly recommend the audio version! The actors did an excellent job bringing this tale to life! Richards, the author himself, has a voice made for narration, and Piñero and Olarte did such a great job as well!

[D'Beau Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not being in my writing genre, this is one author I seem to like the more I read him. He can take you from loving, heart endearing romantic tales (Full Circle), to hilariously fun-packed dark humour (No easy answer & He climbed out through the bathroom window) and now this.

A tale that will resonate both as a parent as well as a son. Funny at times, mostly endearing, crudely honest and raw. The ending however, in good Ant Richards' style, a dagger blow you sure didn't see coming.

Beautifully written.