Childish Ways, by Fran Gabaldoni: #BookReview.

On By stuartakenIn Author, Book, Creative Writer, Fiction, Reading, Review

194 pages
Fiction

An interesting and relatively unusual approach to the novel, this story uses the format of first-person narrative from the point of view of a young boy, alternating with the emotionally charged diary entries the same person makes as the father of a young girl suffering from leukaemia. The contrast between the carefree and joyful life of youth and the dread, torment, despair, anger, and bitterness felt by the adult plunged into a crisis with no clear outcome and lacking any real means of parental control, makes for a powerful, emotional, challenging story.

As a writer, I’m obliged to mention that the book needs a little more editing; tenses are sometimes mixed, even within a sentence. But that’s the pedantic view of someone who writes professionally and therefore cares deeply about language.

The story, told in terms that make it seem autobiographical, is full of that untroubled irresponsibility felt and displayed by pre-pubescent boys given freedom to enjoy life. The diary, however, establishes the helpless responsibility encountered by parents of a small child facing a potentially terminal illness that, regardless of outcome, will involve her in significant discomfort, danger, and great pain. How does a loving parent deal with such trauma?

This is a book that will cause any empathetic adult to laugh, curse, scream, hope, and cry. It’s no easy read, but it’s uplifting, despite the challenging nature of the subject.

[Any review is a personal opinion. No reviewer can represent the view of anyone else. The best we can manage is an honest reaction to any given book.]

11 thoughts on “Childish Ways, by Fran Gabaldoni: #BookReview.”

  1. You are one of a few that take the time to actually read the book and tell the truth. I have had offers to write a review for a price, and I had to give them the “talking points” so they could spruce it up to entice people to buy it. It sticks in my craw to write it myself, pay them for writing it, and then see one that doesn’t tell much about the book. Some of my Beta readers write, “I liked it,” did me no favors. I can take criticism. I know I am not perfect.

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    1. I’ve never paid for a review, not earned anything from writing one for other authors, Brenda. I’m often offered copies in exchange, of course. But I always declare that fact in the review, so readers know how I obtained the book. And I always give an honest review. Only once or twice have I failed to review a book because it was just so dreadful I couldn’t bear to read more than the first two chapters!

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  2. This sounds very interesting but also a bit heartbreaking, but then again, life is part love and part sorrow. Beautifully reviewed Stuart, thank you for letting us know about this book and the author’s style. It sounds like you enjoyed it. I like the fact that even with a difficult subject the author was able to still add humor. We could all use more of that these days. Thanks again Stuart. Hugs Joni

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      1. Nothing. If you can create that kind of emotion you have done what you set out to do. I hope you and Valerie are doing well and staying warm. I really enjoyed your review. Well done. Please give my best to Valerie too. Love y’all 💕❤️Joni

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          1. I am so glad you will be able to get vaccinated. So grateful that we have a President Elect Joe Biden here to move things along soon. You and Valeria are healthy and will be able to relax a bit after you know you have been protected against the virus.
            Have an amazing day my friend. Love to you both. 🤗💕❤️Joni

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            1. I’ll be in the 4th group, Valerie in the 5th, so probably late January for us as things stand at present. Once Biden is in office, I expect your own programme will start to move, too. It’s clear Trump doesn’t care at all about his people or his country, so you’ll be well rid of that parasite.
              You and Scott keep safe and stay well, Joni.

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              1. Just please you two be careful. I am so grateful that the Trump era is almost behind us. He did so many things that we must try and make right now. Some things can’t be undone. We are being very careful, thank you two. Have a great weekend my friends. Love ❤️ Joni

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  3. This is a great review. I often wonder why it is so hard for someone to write a review for a book. If you like or loved it, it should be easy to express your feelings. I find it easier to express them in writing more than in person.

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    1. Thanks, Brenda. As a writer aware of the both the value and the potential for personal disappointment in reviews, I find I couch my words carefully when reviewing others’ books. I write reviews because I know they help authors find readers in a marketplace so overcrowded it is almost impossible to have your voice heard. We put a lot of time, effort, and, if we’re genuine, a lot of ourselves into our writing, so I feel it is only fair and socially responsible to provide honest reviews so that other readers can make up their minds whether or not to read the books.

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