The Summer of Madness by Alex Raphael
From the back cover: The Summer of Madness by Alex Raphael In the summer of love, or rather of madness, a whole set of stories are emerging. But there is one that has got everyone talking. When Kurt Vannes decides to win back his ex-girlfriend with the help of a literary classic, he sets off a string of events that will build to a dramatic finale.
My Review:
Wuthering Heights is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to read this novella. The story centers on the protagonist, who commits to reading aloud each day in a very public place from his ex-girlfriend’s favorite novel, Wuthering Heights. At first, people take no notice of him, but he soon becomes a sensation. Will this literary public display of affection win back his love, or will it open new opportunities for him that he never imagined?This is a very brief book, and the story moves along at a fast clip. I read the entire novella in one sitting because I quickly become deeply invested in the hero’s story. I also thoroughly enjoyed all the quotes and references to Wuthering Heights.
I was very pleased with the way this novel ended. I don’t want to give it away– but I was interested to see how the author would resolve the complex issues he explores in the novel. He doesn’t shy away from the fact that such a huge public display could be rather creepy and even stalker-ish. In the end, he finds a resolution that manages to be both romantic, feminist, and realistic.
If you enjoy short romance novels with lots of literary depth, then you will definitely have a great time reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book from Rachel at Rachel’s Random resources. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Get your copy at the following links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1798966220 – US readers
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Summer-Madness-Alexander-Raphael/dp/1798966220/ – UK readers
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Alex Raphael started writing when at college, where his love of reading evolved into a desire to write, in particular focusing on poetry and short stories. Studying English and American Literature at university meant he took a break from writing, as well as giving him the chance to see more of Mexico on his travels. He concentrated on his journalistic career while working on different writing projects, but his favourite genre of literature has always been short stories as they are what first inspired him to write.
That’s why his first book was The Summer of Madness, a romantic short story that tells of a guy who goes out to try to win his ex-girlfriend back. Will you be rooting for Kurt and his big public gesture or is it more complicated than that and you don’t want her to date him again? Either way you’ll get to know a memorable set of characters along for the ride.
His second book Illusions, Delusions reflects Raphael’s love of alternative short stories from the writers of his childhood and challenges the idea of the narrative. Will your favourite be the story in the form of a questionnaire, a poem or a set of jokes, among the seven very different styles?
Alex Raphael is currently working on his third collection of short stories, which will provide a wide blend of genres and an assortment of very original premises and distinctive character, with his trademark imagination, humour and memorable dialogue.
Social Media Links
– http://www.alexanderraphaelwriter.com/
https://alexraphael.wordpress.com/
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My name is Rev. Rebecca and I blog about faith, books, and disability awareness. Please subscribe by typing your email into the box labeled “Subscribe,” so that you never miss a post! I am also the author the books Through My Good Eye: A Memoir in Verse and The United Methodist Church and Disability.
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Great post.
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