Author: Penny Rudge
ISBN: 978-034-912248-9
RRP: $29.99
With a title like ‘Foolish Lessons in Life & Love’ whose first thought wouldn’t be “hmmm, well this could be the story of my life”. I know it was certainly mine.
Set in multi-cultural London this book is written in the third person about Taras, born in London with Balkan heritage. At times the English seems a little broken. This doesn’t detract from the story, but it does make it necessary to focus a little more than you otherwise would. Still a really good book to curl up with on a lazy Sunday afternoon and immerse yourself in.
23yr old Taras begins the story living at home with his struggling single mother in a flat that is way too small, working for a company in the midst of a takeover and dealing with the breakup of his relationship. Things are looking a little grim but an optimistic attitude will ensure that in the end everything works out as it should. Except that, as often happens in life, things are set to get a lot worse and much more complicated before they get better.
Though his mother has been in London near on 25 years she is still very set in the ways and culture of her upbringing, and is not shy about voicing her opinions on these things. This can make life a little difficult for Taras as I’m sure you can well imagine.
The journey you will take with Taras moves you forward through his life as well as far into his past as he remembers some of the experiences that have shaped him.
From the beginning questions will be raised about the reasons for his circumstances. Throughout the book you will glimpse all of the possible outcomes but still be surprised by the final unveiling.
This is very much a coming of age story in which you will follow Taras’ journey from immature young man at home to finding the kind of man he wants to be, actually out in the world at last.
There is something in here for everyone! And besides – who hasn’t learnt a few foolish lessons in life and love?
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!