Sunflower

by Aleksandr Jarid

Burnt out, broke, obsessive freelance journalist Hugo Jenson sees his world closing in all around him.

Feeling suffocated with simple daily tasks, he struggles to maintain functioning in today's society. He has lost the woman that loved him unconditionally, lost respect professionally from his colleagues and has debt mounting all around him.

Just when he felt all was lost, a stranger befriends him and takes his hand on a quest to redeem himself on every aspect of his life. Hugo chases the lost Sunflower of Vincent Van Gogh to prove his obsession was not futile in nature.

A new friendship brings Hugo validation in himself and seeks to settles the monsters within him. But what is unleashed instead, is far worse than he could have ever imagined.

277 pages, Paperback

Published July 13, 2022

About the author

Aleksandr lives in London, UK. Having a passion and fascination of history and how that is reflected in culture around the world, he focuses his writing on that view point.

He started his writing in an attempt to visualise aspects of emotion with his own personal journey experienced over the years. Very quickly understanding that this was his medium to deal with self reflection and growth.

“Writing gave me the door to help unravel the aspects that our brain cortex locks away, deep within us, to alter how we interact with others and the world around us. Fearful events, trauma and hurt that we do not process correctly can cause pain for those around us that care. It is very easy to project pain in others and our surroundings if we do not look within us first. It has now become a lifelong mission for me to become a better version of me and continue to value important lessons to always be learnt. Human interaction needs to always make us reflect and better ourselves.”

Focusing now on bringing all that his inner passion and reflection has taught him to share in his writing with others. He is embarking on writing a series of novels with a narrative of meaning and thought.

He is a keen health advocate and exercise enthusiast with an addiction to all things that taste like coffee!

Reviews

[Farda Hus · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars.

This book was about Hugo Jenson, who’s on a heist for Van Gogh paintings, pretty much as you’d guess from the title. He’s joined by his new friend, Femi. The story is told in two timelines, Now and Past. I liked it, but that’s about it.

Someone on Instagram recommended this as a “hidden gem,” saying it was so sad and thought-provoking. For me, it was just an okay read. The ending felt unsatisfactory, rushed, maybe? I don’t know; I didn’t feel a thing. They called it thought-provoking, but I couldn’t care less. Guess I’m just a numb biss.

[Sumit RK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some stories convey a far deeper meaning than what the words can express. Like a layered piece abstract art, conveying a different meaning with each viewing. Sunflower is one such book that reveals many more layers which you ponder over the events in the book.

Sunflower is the story of a weary and broke freelance journalist Hugo Jenson who is struggling in life, both personally and professionally. When everything seems lost, he meets a mysterious stranger, Femi, who asks to join him on a quest to find a missing famous painting “Sunflowers” by Vincent Van Gogh. Soon the hunt for Sunflower proves to be an obsession for Hugo. Hugo has to deal with his new obsession coupled with his internal demons. Can he survive this ordeal and find the painting? Can Femi be trusted?

'Sunflower' is a blend of drama and thriller, narrated in dual timelines with one timeline narrating Hugo’s search for the painting along with Femi. The story is engaging right from the prologue that pulls you in from the start. The story plays out in different locations from London to Egypt in a thrilling manner. As a character driven book, Hugo’s character solely carries the story. His personal troubles compounded by his childhood trauma and his obsession for finding the painting is captured beautifully in a frighteningly life-like portrayal. Hugo feels driven yet vulnerable, making you relate to his troubles and obsession.

What sets apart the book is the excellent writing and beautiful poetic prose capturing complex emotions and dilemmas of the characters, making you reflect and making you introspect. The hunt for Sunflower adds a unique angle to a pensive story.

Overall, Sunflower is a well written story with a engrossing plot and some well-crafted characters. If you love a nice thoughtful story you will love this book.

[Dalia (book_o_creativity) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Hugo is obsessive when it comes to his research on Vincent Van Gogh. Somewhere down there he relates with this enigmatic artist and his paintings. He wants to prove to this world that it is somewhere out there, and it did not get destroyed in the war. While pursuing his passion Hugo comes across a man, Femi, whom he considers his friend. But is he? Together they will embark on a journey to find something that was believed to be destroyed during the World War ll. But as Hugo struggles with his daily life, dealing with past traumas, it is too late for him to withdraw from the project he has signed up for.

'Sunflower' is a mystery thriller that exudes dark academia vibe set in the foreground of Vincent Van Gogh and deep psychological trauma. Paintings and childhood trauma, two entirely different world yet the author has amalgamated this two so beautifully that it feels just perfect to a reader. This book invoked a feeling so relatable yet at the same time carried the known anticipated thrill that comes with mystery books as such. The entire narrative is split into two times, before and after each depicting the way the main character push forward in life despite having so much going on inside him. This is strongly a character driven book and I cannot stress enough on the point that how much I enjoyed being in the characters head. It felt so real to read his vulnerable side. I love Hugo's character except that he uses too much curse words. The relationship he shares with Femi is another noteworthy thing in this book.

I found the plots arranged in a very constructive way, everything making sense as I go through the book. It definitely has that jumpy feeling at the start, the mysterious vibe but as the book reaches the ending it lost some of that thrill. Writing style is good. I was expecting a different ending, but what I got was no less than a shock, the ending almost got me crying. Recommended to mystery thriller lovers.

[Sophie Narey (Bookreview- aholic) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first insight into the writing style of this author and I loved it! His techniques to keep the reader wanting more and staying hooked were perfect.

In the book it immediately has great depth too it as it is a first person narrative so you really feel connected to the characters and the storyline. It is fast paced with plenty of twists to keep you guessing what's happen next ! A really great read.

[Anjali Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugo Jenson, a freelance journalist, is in search of a very precious piece of art: the lost sunflower painting by Vincent Van Gogh. He believes this painting is his only chance at redemption. He believes this painting will put everything in his life in place, from his finances to his relationships, and he will finally be happy. Will Hugo's life go as he has planned, or will things start going wrong, causing more trouble in his life?

This is one of the most well-written thrillers I have read in recent times. It constantly kept me on the edge of my seat. Art and mental health being at the centre of the story made it very interesting for me. The book is written from Hugo's point of view, and reading it feels like we are in Hugo's head, having full access to his thoughts, emotions, and anxiety and confusion, which makes it an immersive and gripping read.

The way this book is written is very different, interesting, and exciting. It is not written in a linear format of time, but the narration jumps from after to before and now in the story, which makes it very interesting to read. I really liked the plot and pacing of this book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I definitely recommend it to all the thriller fans out there.

[Manisha G · Rating 4 out of 5]

| BOOK REVIEW | - 🍁 The Book, Sunflower by Aleksandr Jarid , Is a Fictional Story.
🍂

🍁 The story revolves around the character named Hugo Jenson, a freelance journalist who is broke due to some personal, financial and other reasons. His story has been portrayed by the author in an intriguing manner. Read the story to know more about the character namely Hugo Jenson.
🍂

🍁 The Language of the Book Is Lucid. The Wrting Style of the Book Is Fast - Paced. The Cover and The Title of the Book Are an Absolutely Appropriate.
🍂

🍁 The Book Is a Good Pick for Someone Who Likes to read Fictional Stories.
🍂

| PERSONAL INSIGHT | - 🌸 The Story is Fictional in Nature Yet the Writing Style of the Story Is So Impressive That a Reader Would Feel That Events Are Happening in Real in Front of Him/her.
🍂

🌸 Each and Every Scene Is Written with an Intricate Details. The Imagination Behind the Story Is an Impeccable. The Execution of That Imagination Is Done Wonderfully.

[Rimi]

Review:

This is story of Hugo Jensen and his quest to find himself, redeem himself,as well as The Sunflower of Vincent Van Gogh to prove himself.

Hugo Jensen is a freelance journalist, and has obsession over Vincent Van Gogh. Who's also struggling his professional life as well as his personal life, struggling with abandonment issues and co-op dependency also. In the midst of his struggling he gets a mystery letter, where someone knows about his obsession over Vincent van Gogh and wants to meet him. From there he goes on in a quest involving Sunflower, the famous painting by his favourite paiter, across Egypt. But he finds himself in more mysteries soon.

The plot of mysteries as well as Hugo's own journey is so well written that I finished it in two settings. The author thoroughly discusses the struggles Hugo is on, and him finding himself in this journey is so beautiful to follow too. And all these makes the character of Hugo Jensen is a memorable and real, relatable one.

The story goes in two different timelines - past and present, but without breaking the flow, the pace of the book, the mysterious settings of the book is also make the book captivating from the very beginning.

Written in simple language the book is a really memorable one and also my first 5 stars book of the year. So definitely recommend to everyone.

[Mareena Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sunflower" by Aleksandr Jarid is an amazing thriller story.

The tale revolves around Hugo Jenson who is a freelance journalist. He is completely broke due to some financial, personal and professional issues.This book will make you sit at the edge of the seat,as the author brings Hugo's traumatic past and correlates it with his present.

Could paintings be a reason for someone's existence?
Hugo has to face several emotions while dealing with his life.
"Sunflowers" by Vincent Van Gogh was his saviour when he found his world turning upside down.
How the painting and his life is connected?
will Hugo be able to achieve what he wants?
Go and grab a copy to find answers for all these queries.

This book will hook you till the end and keeps you curious to know the climax. Author's simple yet beautiful way of writing makes this even more fascinating. Highly recommended to people who are least interested in cliches. Huge applause to the author for giving this thrilling reading experience.

[Book Swimmers · Rating 4 out of 5]

- We all have done something, whether big or small in our past that we aren't proud of. We either accept it, change it, or we bury it deep in a box and forget about it. However, The latter is never a great option as the past has a way of catching up to us. Hugo is a man with an unfortunate past. He is troubled by it and how it affects his present life and relationships.
Things take a surprising turn when he chances upon a mystery and set out to solve it, in hopes to redeem himself.

- The mystery involving the painting by a famous painter - Vincent Van Gogh was a great element in the story. The vivid descriptions of both the artist and the painting were an absolute joy to read. Hugo's character development is commendable. I found myself constantly tranced in hope that he fulfills his goal.

- This is a thriller-adventurous read. The narration is elucidating. The world-building is strong and the plot is gripping. It is a roller-coaster ride of multiple emotions and entertainment. Even the cover page is simple and stunning.

[Authorsdestination · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple yet sophisticated book written to broaden one's perception and check one's own role and involvement in the same. This is the first book by Aleksandr I am reading and he hasn't disappointed me.

This book narrates the struggle of a broken person, who has face hardship almost in every aspect of his life. He lost love of his life, was about to lose his job and was mentally paranoid. On his quest to find the famous van Gogh "Sunflower" painting, he met a person who make him realise his self esteem and guided him.

Sunflower doesn't seem like any other ordinary read and holds more than one can expect out of it. Written to highlight the concerns which linger around the society we all are dwelling in.
What lies ahead of the tale will take you to another journey. Written to give an insight and widen our thoughts with reference to the same,the author was successful in serving his motive. A great and must-readread of a kind book.

The story is a quick read, written in simple language, crisp, and the one that will grab your attention. You will love this one.

The climax will bring you to the edge of your seats for sure. The author keeps the readers hooked to the book such that you'll be intrigued thinking of the content in the next page.

[Readwithmadhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setbacks, doubts, failures, fears, heartbreaks and tragedies are parts of life that each and every single individual has to face at some or the other point in their existence.

However, it is imperative that we all must remember that these stretches of difficulty are just moments of time that will soon pass, and we must never loose hope.

Sometimes, all it takes is a single step in the right direction when shifting our own thoughts isn’t enough to pull us out of the vicious cycle, and that is exactly what we see happen with our main protagonist from the book, ‘Sunflower’ by author Aleksandr Jarid.

Most of the people have had the experience of being infatuated over things which they believe in. Similarly, Hugo from the story was also passionate about discovering and proving that the masterpiece of Vincent van Gogh had survived.

But the reasons of him for finding this were what led to his rumination and when things did not go according to his liking, it left behind a huge setback for him to bounce back from.

Alternating between the past and present, this is truly a highly engrossing tale which shows us just how perspective is the key to achieving and there is nothing that remains constant, not even our struggles.

The ending of the book does leave the readers with a lot to ponder about and I can say that it was one which I was not at all expecting, hence it did shock me. So I am going to give this FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[kanchan bisht · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Aleksandr Jarid” is going to be my new favorite author, for his character development and writing that evokes emotions. “Sunflower” is the first book I read by the author, and the interesting plot kept me entrance till the last page.

The book follows the story of a freelancer journalist Hugo Jensen, who hit the rock bottom, personally and professionally. He had lost love, was about to lose his job, and was mentally paranoid. He was also obsessed with the quest to find long lost famous Van Gogh “Sunflower” painting. On his journey, his path crossed with a stranger, Femi, who became his guide, a friend in his quest of finding painting and self-exploration.

Sunflower is a deeply character-driven novel, and the author has done a superb job developing the emotionally vulnerable characters and allowing the reader to connect with them. I loved the effortless timeline hops in the story that will raise tension between the readers and will keep them on edge. The blend of VanGogh and his famous art pieces give a story historic touch. As the novel progresses, emotional trauma, relationships, and work-life balance become more prominent.

Overall, I loved Hugo’s adventurous self-exploration journey. I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Christian Freed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sunflower is an interesting take on the classic hunt for lost art in the aftermath of the Nazi looting of Europe by a man in search of redemption. Bouncing back and forth between today and the past, the author weaves an engaging tale that pulls you in from the beginning. This whirlwind adventure, with a twist ending I didn’t see coming, travels the globe from London to the sands of Egypt. While there are bumps in the road, the story is well thought out and written in a flowing manner that is easy to read. Sit back, buckle up, and prepare to lose yourself in the hunt for one of the most famous paintings in the world.

[Bookwithmadhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

There comes a certain point of time in each and every single person’s life when they might feel like things are not going the way they want, which may result in them feeling a bit lost, and unsure about what step they need to take.

Sometimes, the person is not even sure why they feel lost, but there is this sensation of being utterly aimless that they seemingly just can’t shake off, which in turn, makes them just push themselves from one day to another, rather than living it.

Hence, it can be seen that there are many reasons why we might feel lost, but all it takes is one solid reason which will help us try to find ourself again, which is what Hugo, from this book, understands, and thereby sets on a journey of discovery.

The road which our main protagonist had embarked upon was not an easy task, and there were certainly many roadblocks that were bound to come his way, but he was adamant and truly believed in what he knew, and thus setting on a mission to find evidence to support his claims was what gave him purpose.

Often, we may have heard about how Art has the ability to connect individuals to the whole wide world, and the essence of it all lies in the tiniest of the details, the one which helps create bonds with everything that our eyes can take in.

Right from a very young age, Hugo felt this connection with paintings, and how he carried it through out as he grew up, keeping it safe there in his heart where no one and nobody could ever touch it, which in the end, also becomes his absolution. Hence I am going to give this FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐There comes a certain point of time in each and every single person’s life when they might feel like things are not going the way they want, which may result in them feeling a bit lost, and unsure about what step they need to take.

Sometimes, the person is not even sure why they feel lost, but there is this sensation of being utterly aimless that they seemingly just can’t shake off, which in turn, makes them just push themselves from one day to another, rather than living it.

Hence, it can be seen that there are many reasons why we might feel lost, but all it takes is one solid reason which will help us try to find ourself again, which is what Hugo, from this book, understands, and thereby sets on a journey of discovery.

The road which our main protagonist had embarked upon was not an easy task, and there were certainly many roadblocks that were bound to come his way, but he was adamant and truly believed in what he knew, and thus setting on a mission to find evidence to support his claims was what gave him purpose.

Often, we may have heard about how Art has the ability to connect individuals to the whole wide world, and the essence of it all lies in the tiniest of the details, the one which helps create bonds with everything that our eyes can take in.

Right from a very young age, Hugo felt this connection with paintings, and how he carried it through out as he grew up, keeping it safe there in his heart where no one and nobody could ever touch it, which in the end, also becomes his absolution. Hence I am going to give this FIVE STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is quite good, in my opinion. I think that it opens strongly with the prologue, giving you an immediate idea as to what the book is going to follow, and providing you with some questions, too, which you’re going to want to have answered. Usually, I’d hope that a prologue would give you an idea as to whether or not you’re going to like the book, but for this one, I think that it’s too short for you to be able to begin to form an opinion, and so I’d suggest moving onto reading the first chapter, too, at least.

Just as a side-note, I do think that it’s a little odd that this book has a “Contents” section given that it’s a normal, fiction novel, and so it’s just a load of chapters in chronological order with a prologue and a small section at the back to display other books by the author. It’s a waste of space to have a content area, in my opinion, and would only increase the price of any printed version.

This book does something which I’ve seen this author do before, and something which I think is quite an interesting way of formatting a story, and that’s jumping back and forth between the past and the present with every chapter, showing, essentially, two stories side-by-side and linking them together. It’s an interesting way of telling a story, and while I understand that it could be slightly confusing sometimes as you may start to forget what’s happened when, or forget that the chapter which you’re reading is set in a different time to the previous chapter, I do think that it’s a nice change of pace from the usual, linear flow of a regular novel.

The plot of the book is quite good. It didn’t blow me away completely like some other books have done, but it definitely kept me entertained while I was reading. I’d say that this is the type of book, for me, that I’d like to read mostly to pass the time, like while on a train or a bus, but it may be incredibly-enthralling for other people, so I’d say that it’s a good idea for you to continue to read the book if the prologue and the first chapter peak your interest. After all, the first chapter is quite long, so you should be able to gauge a good idea within that.

Overall, I’d definitely suggest that you pick this book up and try to read it. It’s definitely a good story, at least, and I don’t really have many complaints about it. It should be noted that it does use some strong language, so if you’re not a fan of that, then you probably won’t like the book very much, but, otherwise, give it a shot!

[Prajwal Shettigar · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Sunflower" written by Aleksandr Jarid takes the readers on a thrilling ride through the tumultuous life of Hugo Jenson, a freelance journalist grappling with a multitude of challenges. This captivating novel explores themes of personal redemption, the pursuit of obsessions, and the unexpected consequences that can arise from unearthing buried truths. From the very beginning, readers are drawn into Hugo's world of desperation and despair. The author skillfully portrays his burnout, financial woes, and fractured relationships, evoking a sense of suffocation and entrapment. It is within this state of vulnerability that a stranger enters Hugo's life, offering him a chance at redemption and self-discovery.

The quest to find the lost Sunflower of Vincent Van Gogh becomes a catalyst for Hugo's personal journey. This mission serves as a metaphor for his obsession, a means to validate himself and reconcile his past mistakes. Through the search for this elusive masterpiece, Hugo embarks on a transformative path, hoping to regain lost love, respect, and purpose.

The development of Hugo's character is one of the book's strengths. His emotional turmoil and internal struggles are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making him relatable to readers. As he unravels the layers of his own psyche, his evolution is both compelling and thought-provoking, exploring the limits of obsession and the consequences of unchecked desires.

While the book successfully builds suspense and maintains a gripping pace, there are instances where the plot becomes slightly convoluted. Some threads feel underdeveloped, leaving unanswered questions. Additionally, the introduction of secondary characters could have been explored further to enhance the overall depth of the story.

Nevertheless, "Sunflower" delivers an enthralling exploration of one man's quest for redemption and the unforeseen consequences that follow. The writing is engaging and descriptive, transporting readers into the mind and world of Hugo Jenson. It invites introspection about the price one is willing to pay for validation and the potential ramifications of unearthing buried secrets. Be prepared to embark on a gripping journey that explores the complex interplay between obsession, redemption, and the dark side of self-discovery.

[Tejas · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Sunflower" by Aleksandr Jarid is a captivating tale that follows the journey of Hugo Jensen, a down-and-out journalist struggling to regain control of his life. The book's title, "Sunflower," serves as a symbol for Hugo's pursuit, representing both his personal and professional aspirations.

The narrative revolves around Hugo Jensen, a character who resonates with the reader due to his relatable struggle with financial hardship and personal setbacks. Hugo's determination to overcome adversity forms the backbone of the story. His quest to locate Van Gogh's elusive "Sunflower" painting serves as a metaphor for his own search for meaning and purpose in life.

One of the standout features of "Sunflower" is Hugo's habit of engaging in self-talk. This internal dialogue provides insight into his thoughts, fears, and hopes, creating a deep connection between the reader and the protagonist. It allows us to witness Hugo's inner transformation as he confronts his demons and strives for a brighter future.

The book expertly navigates the theme of resilience in the face of adversity. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope, much like the way the sunflower always turns toward the sun. This metaphor is brilliantly woven throughout the narrative, symbolizing Hugo's unwavering determination to find his own 'sun.'

Aleksandr Jarid's writing style is both evocative and engaging. He paints vivid pictures of Hugo's struggles and triumphs, immersing the reader in a world of desperation, hope, and eventual redemption. The pacing of the story keeps you invested, with each chapter revealing new layers of Hugo's character and his quest for the "Sunflower" painting.

In conclusion, "Sunflower" is a remarkable novel that explores the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through the lens of Hugo Jensen's journey, readers are reminded that even in the toughest of times, there is the potential for growth, change, and finding one's inner 'sun.' Aleksandr Jarid's skillful storytelling and the relatable nature of Hugo's character make "Sunflower" a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a reminder that there's always light at the end of the tunnel.

[noorthebookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt out, broke, obsessive freelance journalist sees his world closing in all around him.

Feeling suffocated with simple daily tasks, he struggles to maintain functioning in today's society. He has lost the woman that loved him unconditionally, lost respect professionally from his colleagues and has debt mounting all around him.

Just when he felt all was lost, a stranger befriends him and takes his hand on a quest to redeem himself on every aspect of his life. Hugo chases the lost Sunflower of Vincent Van Gogh to prove his obsession was not futile in nature.

A new friendship brings Hugo validation in himself and seeks to settles the monsters within him. But what is unleashed instead, is far worse than he could have ever imagined.
___
This book is marked under the thriller, suspense genre but i found it philosophical. This is my second read from the author's work (I read 23 minutes too) and the writing style of the author is philosophical & engaging, so much so that one gets lost in it & then in our own thoughts, our life etc for quite sometime.

“Get over it, Hugo, and do something useful with your time and life. Like, sort your finances out. Get a proper job. Get your relationship back on track.”--
Isn't this relatable? People hear not to listen but to given advice.

“Why are all lessons in life taught to us in every minute of our existence, yet we only learn in the last moments of reflection?”--
These and many such profound, brainstorming thoughts are found in the book. I found the book, about self, self exploration, relationships, friendships, heartbreaks, betrayal and about humans.

"I just need the opportunity to find it and prove that the masterpiece of Vincent van Gogh survived."--
I found the end totally heart rending. I survived the first half, even the middle of the story but the end was a total tear jerker. " Trust" is something too precious, to break at the drop of a hat. But I guess, humans are becoming more self centered and heartless and less kind & "human" per se.

The narrative is is written is "before" & "now" format & can take a little bit of time to get a knack of it. Recommend it for a seasoned reader & not a beginner. Also there is liberal use of the cuss word f***.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always I want to start by saying that I was given a copy of this to review as part of a @thebooknetwork book tour. My review is honest and left voluntarily. #TheBookNetwork #Sunflower #AleksandrJarid

 

I want to start this by saying I adore the works of Vincent Van Gogh and I loved Aleksandr Jarid’s Fateful Hope so I already had high hopes for this novel and I can say it did not disappoint.

 

Sunflower follows Hugo Jenson who is a burnt out, broke and obsessive freelance journalist who sees his world closing in. Feeling suffocated by every day life and tasks he is slowly failing to function in today’s society. He’s lost it all, the woman he loved, his professional respect and has debt mounting around him. All he has is his obsession with Van Gogh. When all seems lost a stranger befriends him and soon he is chasing the famous lost Sunflower of Vincent Van Gogh to prove that his obsession was true all along.

 

I have to say I think I preferred this one to Fateful Hope but that is not to say that book was not amazing. Again with slight Dan Brown Vibes and good action thriller Sunflower has a lot going for it. I adored the perspective of the novel and Hugo. While he may not be the best protagonist it was wonderful to see one so human. He struggles, he worries and he fights to keep going all fuelled by his obsession. I also adored the duel timeline of before and now. I was worried the shifts would be jarring or frustrating but far from it I adored learning the pieces of the tale a bit at a time. It added to the suspense and the mystery.

 

Sunflower ticked a lot of boxes for me but the biggest was the character building. I adored peering into Hugo’s mind and seeing his interactions add to this the thriller and action aspects of the plot and it was a dream.

 

I will definitely be looking for more books by Jarid in the future since each one so far as been a delight and ones I couldn’t put down. If you love a good thriller or just adore Van Gogh this is a book for you!

[Nilofar Yasmin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"It is so easy for people to judge aspects of mood disturbance when they will never totally understand the burden one goes through."
.
Our human mind is a complicated blend of both beauty and bad, provided how we mend it to become how and what we are! Hence, its vital to feed it with right proportions of goodness and positivity.
This book by Alaksandr infuses the same theme with mind chaos and art history to portray the mind conditions of modern man.
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Hugo is one such character from this book who faces hardships in very aspect of his life. He isn't sailing smooth with his career, relationship and finances. He feels miserable and unable to perform even the basic daily activities. He draws fascination from Vincent van Gogh's art. Little did he know that those art can change his very life' existence.
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This book is a witty representation of dealing with a chaos mind, and guess what, the contents felt familiar and relatable to one's own life stories. Narrated in the first person perspective, the protagonists's character seemed to be alive. Reading his journey felt like a two way communication between the narrator and the reader.
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I haven't read such a creative and in depth description of art before. With Gogh's paintings, various life's philosophy had also been discussed.
“Yes, yes. That’s a beautiful piece.” “That painting is so beautiful, but yet so misunderstood by everyone.”
One shouldn't underestimate the tale behind each creation of art in any form. And one shouldn't underestimate the depth of emotions one feels esp. when going through folds of turmoil. Reading this book allowed me to better connect with myself and its needs. And I hope this book can serve as a treat for curious minds who love the vastness of both its dark and soft side.
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“Even the brightest sunflowers wither away, Hugo.”
The book title played a significant role in unfolding this one of a kind story. You will eventually know once you run your fingers through the pages.
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Kudos to author for bringing this piece of Art to us readers.

[Shweta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugo Jenson, a freelance journalist, fights mightily across the pages of the compelling and reflective book Sunflower. With his job in ruins, his personal connections in ruins, and his money in tatters, the protagonist's life has reached a breaking point.

Readers are taken on a journey through Hugo's mental and emotional agony as he tries to deal with the expectations of contemporary society in the course of the novel. Readers are likely to identify with Hugo's experience of being overwhelmed since the author does a remarkable job of expressing the smothering feeling that comes with attempting to keep up with everyday activities and responsibilities.

However, there is a glimmer of hope when a stranger enters Hugo's life and offers him a chance at redemption. This newfound friendship provides Hugo with a sense of validation and purpose, as he embarks on a quest to prove that his obsession with Van Gogh's sunflowers was not in vain.

The plot takes an unexpected turn, however, as the consequences of Hugo's pursuit reveal themselves to be far more devastating than he could have ever anticipated. It is this twist that adds an intriguing element of suspense and keeps readers engaged until the very end.
But when a total stranger comes into Hugo's life and gives him a second opportunity at forgiveness, there is a glimmer of hope. Hugo gains confidence and a sense of direction from his new friendship as he sets out on a mission to show that his fascination with Van Gogh's sunflowers was not in vain.

The plot, however, takes an unforeseen turn as Hugo's quest has far more negative effects than he could have possibly imagined. This turn of events adds a captivating element of tension and keeps readers interested all the way to the very conclusion.

The exploration of the human psyche in "Sunflower" is one of its strongest points. The author examines themes of obsession, self-discovery, and the darker facets of human nature through Hugo's journey. Hugo's battles with his inner demons along the road make for a thought-provoking book.

[Debabrata Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

👉𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊:-
📚ⓉⒾⓉⓁⒺ:- Sunflower
🖋️ⒶⓊⓉⒽⓄⓇ:- Aleksandr Jarid
🗞️ⓅⓊⒷⓁⒾⓈⒽⒺⓇ:-
🔤ⓁⒶⓃⒼⓊⒶⒼⒺ:- English
📖ⒻⓄⓇⓂⒶⓉ:- Ebook
👉𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒:-
Life is unpredictable!!
You never know what's going to happen with you in the next moment. But the thing that matters the most to tackle each n every situation for your own survival.
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Book revolves around the main protagonist Hugo Jensen who is a freelancer journalist by profession but both his personal & professional lives are completely scattered.
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He is going through some trauma which is damaging his mental health with each passing day in the calendar.
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He is a great fan of not fan he is mad for the "Sunflower" painting by Van Gogh.
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He is in search of the painting just when he encountered with someone about whom he is completely unaware. But he assured him to help in the heist of the painting. The name of that stranger protagonist is Femi.
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To know more about the book grab it & give it a try.
👉𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 :-
🙂 Cover of the book is elegant but it's not that impact visually what I expect from such a mind blowing plotline. It somehow couldn't connect to me.
🙂 The writing style of the book is perfect. The author nicely mixed both Art & Mental health
🙂 All the characters are developed so nicely in the book that you will directly connect with them. Author gives equal importance to every individual & make them worthy in the plotline.
🙂 The narrative style of the book is simple & plotline is elegant. But sometimes simplicity impacts you the most & the author perfectly did here where the author mixed art & mental health in a quite balanced manner.
🙂 The author is perfectly focused on a quite unique topic which is rare to find in this genre. But the author gave his complete effort to make the young generation learn something new which will add values to their life.
🙂 The Book is perfectly paced that keeps you hooked up till the last page.
𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑:-🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Shivam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Sunflower by Aleksandr Jarid is an undeniably exhilarating and interesting novel that spotlights on the existence of Hugo Jenson. Hugo is an independent columnist who is an admirer of history and craftsmanship. He particularly put resources into the life and specialty of Vincent Van Gogh since he connects with the craftsman in numerous ways. In light of the principal character Hugo Jenson who is in injury and has lost the motivation behind living, seeing him like this he gets a companion who assists him with defeating old injury. Very much like a circle, his life goes on, in and around with the hustles and inconveniences of life on both individual and expert front. Yet, the expectation he clutch the Craft of Sunflower that ended up being an unexpected on which he has intended to carry back things ordinary to his life.

The novel is about a columnist Hugo Jensen who is confronting a great difficult situation in his expert as well as affection life. There are a couple of occurrences like Hugo losing his adoration, contacted my heart. The aggravation of losing somebody is very unmistakable in him as a person and an individual can connect with it in their reality. This, I might want to presume that the creator has firmly communicated genuine feelings in his fictitious person, the hero Hugo. To realize more you ought to peruse this book. Generally, I cherished the book and firmly prescribe individual perusers to check it out. Also, in conclusion, I'd thank the one who altered this cover, else it would have required pretty much months to run over the read, post completing different books of my assortment.

The composing style of the creator is extremely captivating. The plot and characters are grown so well and kept the perusers snared till the end. The characters were so beautiful and totally prevailed upon me. I appreciated perusing this book to such an extent.

[Shrejal Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Read !!

Book ~
Sunflower

Author ~ Aleksandr Jarid

This is an enchanting novel that takes the peruser on an excursion of self-disclosure, recuperating, and reclamation.
The story spins around the existence of Hugo, an independent columnist who is going through a calamity. As he attempts to grapple with his monetary battles and a new separation, he meets a more interesting who leads him on a mission to track down the incredible canvas Sunflowers.
One of the most striking highlights of this book is the writer's depiction of Hugo's personal strife.

The creator likewise introduced the story in the main half like that main appearance the hopelessness in the existence of Hugo anyway after a place of time he mets a more peculiar who before long turns into a companion as Hugo didn't had nobody left at this point. This companionship was the defining moment in his life. It resembles the platitude when a man is soaking in a sand trap all he wants is a hand and exactly the same thing happens to Hugo as he hit absolute bottom in his life. This new companion of his provides Hugo another motivation throughout everyday life and presently he is completely ready to go on the mission to track down the work of art "Sunflowers" by Vincent Van Gogh.

Character driven spine chillers are truly capricious when you initially begin understanding it, yet as the story advances, one gets to know the fundamental person and afterward it doesn't remain so unusual. The Plot is An Intriguing. The Author has Narrated Scenes in a Well - Paced Manner. The Storyline moves Forward with a Fast - Paced Style. The Imagination of the Author Behind the Story is An Impeccable. The Execution of that Imagination is Done by the Author in An Amazing Manner.The Language of the Book is Lucid. The Writing Style of the Book Is Gripping. The Cover of the Book is Fabulous. The Title of the Book is Well - Chosen.

Highly recommended 💫

[Sagar Naskar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review ~ 📚

Title : Sunflower
Author : Aleksandr Jarid

Aleksandr Jarid's gripping thriller Sunflower explores the intricacies of human emotions and obsessions. Hugo Jenson, a struggling freelance journalist battling both emotional and professional strife, is the protagonist of the novel. When he meets Femi, a stranger who sets him on a mission to locate the missing Vincent Van Gogh sunflower artwork, his life takes an unexpected turn. This journey becomes more about Hugo's self-discovery and atonement than it does about art.

The story is expertly crafted, switching back and forth between two timeframes that shed light on Hugo's life both before and after meeting Femi. The author skillfully blends psychological and artistic themes to create a compelling examination of obsession, desire, and the human psyche.

Because of Hugo's deep character development, readers will be able to relate to his fears, anxieties, and inner demons. The plot is given an intriguing element by Femi's enigmatic presence, which blurs the boundaries between deceit and trust. Because of the captivating writing style, readers are able to relate to Hugo's feelings and internal conflict.

Hugo Jenson is my favorite character because he is deep and relatable. It portrays his journey from hopelessness to self-discovery and anguish effectively. Because of his shortcomings and weaknesses, he is a captivating protagonist who uses his tenacity and need for atonement to move the plot along.

I heartily suggest Sunflower to people who appreciate suspenseful psychological thrillers with an original artistic flair. Aleksandr Jarid's novel is a thought-provoking and captivating read because of his adept narrative, well-developed characters, and examination of human emotions. The author's deft integration of psychological and artistic elements results in a unique story with a profound effect.

⭐ Rating : 4/5 🌟⭐
⭐ Must Recommended 🌟

[Nisa Parveen Shaikh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burnt out, broke, obsessive freelance journalist Hugo Jenson sees his world closing in all around him. Feeling suffocated with simple daily tasks, he struggles to maintain functioning in today's society.
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Hugo is a freelance journalist who is a lover of history and art. He is especially invested in the life and art of Vincent Van Gogh since he relates to the artist in many ways. Hugo has also suffered some trauma in his young formative years of life and is facing its repercussions. He is taking therapy sessions to make peace with his inner demons and live a life without hurting other people in his life.
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On meeting a mysterious man with a shady past, Hugo’s expertise on the subject of all things Gogh is called upon to locate one of the most well-sought after treasures in the artist community. A missing, presumed destroyed, addition to the ‘Sunflower’ collection. The book traces the journey of how Hugo is called upon to help out with this so-called project but things are seldom what they seem. As the journey unfolds a lot of things come to light and although I knew what was coming in the end, but as the protagonist was hoping for an alternative end so was I.
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I loved the representation of a character going through trauma and trying to fight their inner demons. The characters were very detailed and comprehensive. And while reading the book I've also become an admirer of Vincent Van Gogh. The chapters were divided into 2 aspects in time referred as ‘Now’ and ‘Before’. Although at first I had difficulty understanding the order of the events, the part where the events merge was very well written. The language, the flow of the book, the descriptions - everything was written beautifully.
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In conclusion, I enjoyed the book. It was a good read but I just wanted something more for Hugo but I totally understood that what happened was for the best.

[Somnath Das · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aleksandr Jarid's, "Sunflower" is a thrilling and fast-paced novel that tells the story of Hugo, a freelance journalist who is going through a difficult time in his life. As he struggles with money issues and a recent break-up, he finds solace in an interesting stranger who leads him on a quest to find the famous painting "Sunflowers" by Vincent Van Gogh. The book is written in a dual narrative style, switching between the present and the past, which keeps the pacing moving quickly and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book.

Jarid's writing is clear, concise and skillful, and he has done extensive research on Van Gogh and his paintings. The author's talent for storytelling is evident in the way he weaves together the different timelines, and the way he develops the characters is truly impressive. The protagonist, Hugo, is a complex and relatable character who is dealing with trauma, and the author does an excellent job of portraying his emotional turmoil.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is the representation of a character who is going through trauma and trying to fight their inner demons. The author does a great job of depicting the inner workings of the character's mind, and the way he portrays's the character's journey towards healing is truly commendable. The book is also a great way to learn about Vincent Van Gogh and his paintings, and it will definitely make you appreciate the artist's work even more.

In conclusion, "Sunflower" by Aleksandr Jarid is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery, a well-written story, and an in-depth exploration of a character's mind. The book is well-researched, expertly written, and will keep you at the edge of your seat until the very end. This is truly a great read, one that you will not be able to put down once you start reading it

[Simonti Ghosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up "Sunflower" by Aleksandr Jarid with cautious excitement, drawn in by the promise of a tale about a struggling journalist, Hugo Jenson, on a quest for redemption. As I delved into the pages, I found myself immersed in Hugo's world, a world plagued by self-doubt, financial woes, and lost love.

From the very beginning, this book gripped me, revealing Hugo's burning passion for his work and his unyielding belief in a hidden masterpiece. It was as if I could feel his determination coursing through the words. I could relate to his frustrations, his need to prove himself against a sea of skeptics.

As Hugo's journey unfolds, a mysterious stranger, enters his life, offering a lifeline of friendship and a chance at redemption. The dynamics between them, their conversations, held a raw authenticity that resonated with me.

The inclusion of young Hugo's heartfelt letter to Vincent van Gogh added a poignant touch to the narrative, shedding light on the depth of Hugo's connection to art and his yearning for understanding. It was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of creativity. The poignant quote, "The sorrow will last forever," echoed in my mind long after I closed the book.

Aleksandr Jarid's writing style is straightforward yet evocative, making it easy to connect with the characters and their journeys. The narrative unfolded seamlessly, drawing me deeper into Hugo's world with each page.

"Sunflower" is a tale of passion, redemption, and the enduring power of art. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is a glimmer of hope, a chance for transformation. As I turned the final page, I couldn't help but feel inspired to pursue my own passions with renewed vigor. It is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a reminder of the beauty that can emerge from our deepest struggles.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunflower is a gripping, fast-paced novel that tells the story of Hugo, a freelance journalist who is spiraling quickly to rock bottom. With no money, a fresh breakup, and friends and colleagues who just seem to be through with Hugo, he isn’t sure how to go on until he meets an interesting stranger who leads him down a rabbit hole looking for the famous painting “Sunflowers” by Vincent Van Gogh. As Hugo embarks on this quest to find this exquisite painting, he will have to face his inner demons and emotional turmoil while dealing with his crumbling life and future. Will Hugo make it through? Can he survive this? Will he find the painting? Jarid will keep you at the edge of your seats looking for answers. This was so incredibly well done! I couldn’t put this book down as I was so invested in Hugo’s story.

Part of what makes this book so good is that this book is so well written. Each chapter changes time periods - before or now - allowing the author to tell a dual story of how Hugo got into the situation he is in and how that situation is playing out at the same time. I really loved this style of storytelling as it kept the pacing moving quickly and really kept me engaged the whole time. I was constantly wanting to know what was going on in both timelines throughout the whole book. This is also due to the author’s clear talent and skill as a writer. In addition to his talent as a writer, I felt like Jarid has clearly done some research about Van Gogh and his paintings. Phenomenal writing, timeline switches, and a well-developed, interesting plot make this one of the best books I’ve read this summer. If you need a book that you won’t be able to put down, this is the one! Don’t miss out on this book!

[Shaikhnagma · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's quite sight in being dishelf and vulnerable. It allows you to feel something or everything on level where not many people could catch you. Thus that's how the protagonist of the story have built. As he usually says 'I diagnosed myself as a fully-fledged narcissist.'

Sunflower is a intriguing story written by Aleksandr Jarid. The story revolves around Hugo the protagonist who runs around on the verge of his emotions. Life gives you dark clouds all together without the clear hint, Hugo went out of places when he lost the girl he loved and heard people says names about the career that was dear to him.

God's plan has always been out of our imagination. Among the chaos Hugo find the hands that pulled him off the darkness was the man that showed him a new journey and stayed right beside him as his friend. But he didn't know the pulling off from the one chaos was nothing but pushing him off to another once. His life took a sharp turn when he finds himself in the mids of mess of a Sunflower that belongs to Vincent vangogh. The mystery goes intriguing as Hugo and his new friend goes on mission to find all the puzzle pieces.

The story is intriguing and interesting. The language is subtle as well as I love the dictionary. The words have been kept very thoughtfully which makes each scenes to appear right infront of your eyes as if your watching a movie.

PS.. I cried out at the end for many reasons. Hugo is the character that doesn't fear to show his emotions. He might say he's naracist but he's the lovable guy. I learnt alot of things from him. I liked him only to cry out loud in the end. I love the letter for Vincent vangogh that he wrote. It was a gesture of love to me. Truthfully :))