Messenger of Truth: A Maisie Dobbs Novel (Maisie Dobbs Novels)

Book Description

London, 1931. The night before an exhibition of his artwork opens at a famed Mayfair gallery, the controversial artist Nick Bassington-Hope falls to his death. The police rule it an accident, but Nicks twin sister, Georgina, a wartime journalist and a infamous figure in her own right, isnt convinced. In Messenger of Truth, Maisie once again uncovers the perilous legacy of the Great War in a society struggling to recollect itself. But to solve the mystery of Nicks death, Maisie will have to keep her head as the forces behind the artists fall come out of the shadows to silence her. Following on the bestselling Pardonable Lies, Jacqueline Winspear delivers another vivid, thrilling, and utterly unique episode in the life of Maisie Dobbs.

Customer Reviews:

A Little Off-Balance.......2007-07-26

"God, he's just a little off balance," thought Maisie Dobbs about Officer Tucker while he was questioning her. For Maisie is investigating the death of an artist who supposedly accidentally fell from a scaffold while he was preparing to mount his mysterious triptych (3-piece art work) in a museum in England. Off balance is right, and Georgina Bassington-Hope, a famous journalist in her own right, is convinced that her artist brother, Nicholas, was pushed off the scaffold to his death. Hired by Georgina, Maisie sets of to slowly, methodically investigate the Bassington-Hope family, friends and acquaintances. Her method is fascinating reading as she quietly intuits each vital step in this formidable process, punctuated by significant opposition from the police and some smugglers.

The reader through Ms. Winspear's carefully detailed presentation meets these characters and gets to share in the intimate knowledge about their finer and gauche personality aspects. A psychologist as well as Investigator, she's got the talent with which one is born and that which can't be taught! Astute and compassionately honest she is!

Depression England and the awful World War that preceded it are frankly and carefully presented, leaving no doubt how these events created suffering and incomparable struggle for all who are surviving both. Indeed these characters somehow manage to thrive out of some deeper fine qualities that slowly emerge as Daisie continues her exploration into the seamier side of men and women of both the upper and lower class British citizens.

This is a fine, fine novel that will thrill the true mystery lover who really doesn't want to figure out the puzzle on page 1 or 100 but wants to relish the truly intriguing art divided into successive canvases of a classic, wonderful mystery!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on July 25, 2007

Messenger of Truth: A Maisie Dobbs Novel.......2007-07-24

The book is well written, a good story line and makes for enjoyable light reading.

A Maisie Dobbs Novel .......2007-07-18

Some books you read as a main course dinner others you save for the dessert. This book could fall into either category. A top read when you
choose to read. The person of Maisie Dobbs has been building for the past three books, and has proven to be a top notch detective and a business person. Be prepaired to find that you will have a hard time putting this book down.

Maisie Dobbs #4.......2007-07-14

I love this series! A thinking woman! Looking forward to the continuation of the series.

A dry watershed.......2007-06-24

This is Jacqueline Winspear's fourth novel about Maisie Dobbs, "psychologist and investigator." Fans of the series may be slightly disappointed, but should still enjoy it. First-time readers will wonder what all the fuss is about. For, as I suspected already in the third novel, PARDONABLE LIES, the narrative span is becoming difficult to sustain over four books.

But Winspear's sense of period seldom lets her down, and there are still many interesting things here: her view of the vibrant art scene between the wars or the heady night world of jazz clubs and cocktails, contrasted with the effect of the Depression on the out-of-work poor and the lamentable state of public health. And those parts of the story which have to do with the rags-to-riches rise of the heroine (housemaid, war nurse, Canbridge graduate, private investigator) are mercifully shorter -- though Maisie's emotional problems would mean very little to those who had not read the earlier books. But Winspear seems caught on a difficult watershed: on the one hand, continuing to write about the legacy of the First War, which no longer has the resonance that it had in her first books; on the other, exploring the life of a nation moving inexorably towards the Second. There are aspects of both here, but they do not blend easily. If she is to continue, the author needs to move forward rather than back -- and also develop the inner life of her heroine so as to make her interesting for who she is now, rather than as the product of previous books in the series.

Readers who want to read more about the role of artists in the first War -- an important element in this book -- might be interested in REGENERATION by Pat Barker. Although Barker's novel deals with poets (Sassoon and Owen among them) rather than painters, it tackles head-on the conflict between war's brutality and artistic sensitivity, which has been a persistent theme in Winspear's books, and a moving one.

Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light (A Jennifer Scales Novel, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

LOVED THIS and ALL THE JENNIFER SCALES TO DATE
Wow! What a surprize
Dire Dragon
Wonderful fiction for all ages
Possibly the best line ever written in teen fiction

Jennifer Scales and the Messenger of Light (A Jennifer Scales Novel, Book 2)
MaryJanice Davidson , and Anthony Alongi
Manufacturer: Berkley Jam Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0425210111

Book Description

Where can you find weredragons, beaststalkers, and werachnids all in one room? Jennifer Scales's family reunion.

Getting through high school is hard enough. Jennifer Scales has the added pressure of her weredragon life, taking trips to Crescent Lake to morph into a dragon under the constant threat of enemy attack. What's worse, she's also half beaststalker from her Mom's side. Beaststalkers and weredragons are mortal enemies, and tension is growing over some suspicious deaths lately. She must prove to both sides that they can live in harmony, just like her family. Well, most of the time. That is until Jennifer finds out that she has a half-brother with a few too many legs.

Unfortunately he's bent on some payback for a lifetime of abandonment and Jennifer's dad is his number-one target. Her life's starting to look like a daytime talk show. Somehow she will have to convince everyone to get along, before they take matters in their own claws.

Customer Reviews:

LOVED THIS and ALL THE JENNIFER SCALES TO DATE.......2007-08-10

I am a huge MJD fan and when I saw these I had to get them. I loved them even though the target audience is teens. She is witty and clever and her characters make you ache for them.

Wow! What a surprize.......2006-08-15

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It seemed that MJD books were becming stale and overwritten and this was a breath of fresh air. While written for a younger crowd, the adult reader will find much to enjoy! The characters are well-developed, the plot line is fantastic, the sub plots fit the main plot exceedingly well. The heorine is a strong positive character that has to work through obstacles that most of us can identify with (who's going to ask us to the dance??) and captures the readers imagination with her love of her parents, her family, friends, and "special" skills. WOW! I can't wait for the next Jennifer Scales book!

Dire Dragon.......2006-08-07

When she was 14 years old, Jennifer Scales discovered that she was a weredragon - as is her father, as is her grandfather. She is able to change form from human girl to a beautiful dragon. Not only that, but she is the Ancient Furnace, an extremely special dragon fifty generations down the line. Furthermore, her very existence shocks both sides of her lineage, because her mother is one of the beaststalkers, sworn enemies of weredragons.

Her parents' generation is made up of various wereanimals and beaststalkers who populated a small town in Minnesota, where life is otherwise normal. Many of the adults are riddled with venom and cruel intentions which they have passed on to their children, who grew up together. They go through the motions - school, work, and home - for the sake of all of the "normal" people who also live there.

Jennifer celebrates her fifteenth birthday early in this book, cake and all. Shortly thereafter, her family tree gets shaken up. A horrid beast is attacking those near and dear to her father. It's up to the Scales to figure out who it is and how to stop it. When they discover the truth, they are struck close to home. Jennifer and her family must re-evaluate their senses of tradition and loyalty.

Even though Jennifer would like nothing more than to go to the Halloween dance and be a normal tenth-grader, she never denies her destiny nor tries to change her true nature. In fact, she enjoys being a weredragon. It is her love for her parents and grandfather that sees her through the darkness and the battles.

This is the second book in an ongoing series. The first, Jennifer Scales and the Ancient Furnace, was released last year. I always recommend reading series in order, so although Light does recap previous events, I encourage readers to get Furnace first and see if they like it.

Wonderful fiction for all ages.......2006-07-23

The Jennifer Scales series capture teenage angst dead on target. I came upon this series by accident as a fan of other works from the author. Imagine my suprise seeing such a well written "Teenage science fiction". I read from start to finish. Jennifer has a mouth on her; similar to my own teenagers. The story was emotional at times; but wonderfuly written by the authors (how do you do that??). Thank you for such a great series, hope to see future installments.

Possibly the best line ever written in teen fiction.......2006-07-16

Near the end of the second, and quite wonderful Jennifer Scales book, the most perfect description appears that pretty much says everything you ever need about teenagers and reality. Don't worry, it isn't a spoiler, but could anyone possibly top "She followed him down the hallway, smelling the faint odor of unshowered boy"? It rings true, as does virtually everything having to do with growing up and dealing with relationships in this book. Yes, it is a fantasy novel, and gloriously, it is written on several levels, so that both my 12-year old and I enjoyed it equally (since I cannot let her read MJD's adult fiction yet). My daughter agreed that the teenagers were accurately depicted, the plot was filled with twists and action, and the ups and downs were all there for a reason. MaryJanice Davidson's trademark humor, a little downplayed for a younger audience, is augmented by what must be Tony Alongi's gift for narrative description. The combination pulls you into the story and does not let you go. The broad hints at a third book were greeted, in our household, by sighs of relief and irritation that the next book was not available already.
There is humor, the angst of adolescence, the importance of relationships -- all without the heavy-handedness of most "uplifting" teen fiction. All this AND a great plot, too! I cannot wait for the next installment.

Bright Messengers: A New Novel Set in the Rama Universe (A Bantam Spectra Book)

Average customer rating:

Great stroy. Tie up the ends a little tighter.
All wound up and no where to go...
Looks like Sci-Fi is too much for Lee Alone
Loved it
review

Bright Messengers: A New Novel Set in the Rama Universe (A Bantam Spectra Book)
Gentry Lee
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0553090062
Release Date: 1995-05-01

Book Description

To Sister Beatrice, a priestess of the global Order of St. Michael, the cloud of tiny white particles is a message from God. To Johann Eberhardt, a German systems engineer, it is an anomaly of physics. But to the Rama society, it may; be the long-awaited proof of nonhuman intelligence. On Mars, Johann and Beatrice will meet, drawn together by a fabulous account of a vast city lost beneath the red planet's harsh landscape. Joined by none Martian colonists, the mystic and the skeptic will board a strange craft that will hurtle them toward the truth behind the mysterious bright messergers and a startling journey into the heart of the unknown.

Customer Reviews:

Great stroy. Tie up the ends a little tighter........2007-05-07

This book and it's sequel are excellent stories. I gave 4 stars beacause I wish the author had tied up the loose ends a little better. I like all mystery to be resolved in the end of a story. It didn't take away from my enjoyment of this book.

All wound up and no where to go..........2006-07-13

It kept me reading, just barely. I found myself frustrated throughout the book. It was *almost* a very good book, but some things kept insinuating themselves between me and the enjoyment of the book.

Gentry Lee, while he did make characters that I found, at first, to be very interesting, and while he did come up with a rather interesting plot, failed to give the characters, story, or setting enough believability, so that in the end I was left feeling frustrated.

The characters start out well enough, but then never really grow or show more of themselves. Characters go on and on in sections of dialogue that sounds far too pompous to be believed. Zero-gravity or tenth-gravity environments contain such impossibilities as rivers and waterfalls and boats, and the people seem completely unaffected by no gravity.

Characters make decisions that seem to have no logic behind them and in the end, I was just left wondering why on earth anyone would write this much material into a book to leave it with no real ending that made any sense to anyone. It was a very obvious: "And to find out what happens next, you'll have to buy the next instalment!"

I'm not sure I want to bother, especially as the three characters I'd hoped to see working together through the book are separated permanently.

Looks like Sci-Fi is too much for Lee Alone.......2004-10-06

Up until page 212, this seems like an acceptable science fiction story. Tantalizing hints, solid science, and interesting characters. I admit, some of them are two dimensional, but at least they are interesting, and their firm viewpoint is well portrayed.

After that we have inexplicable aliens giving our main characters increasingly pointless tours, while removing carefully all the other characters from the situation, for no explicable reason. We have situations described as 'zero gravity' with: Walking, shuffling, floors, cielings, climbing (Even tiredness while climbing), a RIVER, a BOAT in the river, SEATS in the boat, Earthlike scenes with trees, and squirels, while our carefuly segregated main characters sitting and eating a picnic . . .. All still in a zero G setting, with no explanations, adaptation, nothing.

From the before mentioned page 212 on, this book continues downhill, into a train wreck. If you are serious about your Sci-fi, and care about motivations, I would reccomend skipping this one, and looking to Niven, or Clarke, or Heinlein, or, above all, Spider Robinson.

Loved it.......2004-01-01

It took a while but when I finally got into the book, it was truly captivating. Unlike others, I was not annoyed with Sister Bea. The story of her and Johann was a good one, tedious at parts. Does anyone else ever notice that religious folks of the future, particularly Catholics, seem to hearken back to the Middle Ages in dress, custom and manner.

Toward the middle of the book they are taken in an alien craft and whisked to the stars. The action was riveting and not at all derivative of Rama. Too bad that the sequeal was the pits.

review.......2000-10-30

fantastic book up to the very end. drops off at the end.

Average customer rating:

Good fiction
Emotionally uninvolving
Exquisite handling of multiple points of view - must read

The Messenger: A Novel
Mayra Montero , and Edith Grossman
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060929618
Release Date: 2000-05-30

Amazon.com

Here are the facts: in June of 1920 the legendary Italian tenor Enrico Caruso arrived in Havana, Cuba, on tour. During a matinee performance of Aïda a bomb went off in the Teatro Nacional, and Caruso, in a panic, rushed out into the streets of the city and disappeared for several days. Taking off from this historical footnote, Cuban-born writer Mayra Montero has impressively imagined what might have occurred during the singer's "lost weekend." The Messenger is narrated by Aida Petrirena Cheng, a Chinese Cuban mulatto woman whom Caruso literally runs into just moments after the explosion. If the singer is shocked by events, Aida is not; she has already been warned by her godfather, a Santería priest, that a man "will come to crown you and tell you that you are the queen of his thoughts. Before that you will hear the thunder, the walls will fall down, there will be dust and fire." She instantly recognizes that Caruso is the man of her godfather's vision, and with that recognition comes a frisson of fear, for old José de Calazán Bangoché had given another warning.

"On that day--listen carefully--take your protection out of your clothing and put it over your hair. Then you bring me that man, you will have to bring him to me." He picked up the ékuele and hid it between his hands. "He is coming to die. But if you don't want that, bring him to me right away, he will not die. Bring him so you won't be tainted. He is not coming to die: he is already dead when he comes."

Aida does as she is told, bringing Caruso to her godfather's house where she and the singer soon become lovers. As their love affair escalates, so does the danger--from the people Caruso believes are trying to kill him, but even more from the disease that is slowly consuming him.

Montero tells this star-crossed tale from several perspectives: Aida, her daughter, Enriqueta, and the testimonials of several different witnesses to the events of that June day when the bomb first went off. Propelled by the rhythms of santeria, infused with folk lore and magic, The Messenger is a magical portrait of love that comes too late--and death that comes too soon. --Alix Wilber

Book Description

Set in Cuba, The Messenger tells the story of a pair of doomed lovers-world-famous tenor Enrico Caruso and his Chinese-Cuban mullatta mistress. In June 1920 a bomb exploded at the Teatro Nacional in Havana at the very moment that Enrico Caruso was singing RadamÈs in the opera AÏda. In a panic, he fled the theater and disappeared into the streets of Havana. What happened to him is the story imagined by Mayra Montero. As Caruso tries to escape the murderous agents of the Black Hand, he is drawn into a passionate love affair with Aida Cheng, a woman whose godfather is the powerful Afro-Cuban santero JosÉ de CalazÁn. Told by Enriqueta, the daughter born of the love affair, and by Aida herself as she lies dying many years later, The Messenger unfolds its mysteries against the rhythms of African santerÍa and Chinese folk magic and weaves a brooding, compelling tale of love and death.

Customer Reviews:

Good fiction.......2001-01-21

I loved the book because it deals with Enrico Caruso, the greatest tenor who ever lived, and it is very well written. The story takes place in Cuba and describes what happened after a bomb exploded during an Aida performance of Caruso (this starting place of the story really happened) - for the rest of the story - one has to admit that it is purely fictional. Caruso taking part in strange Voodoo ceremonies, the black hand persecuting him and chasing him all over Cuba and he strangely in love with a Chinese girl. Also in the description of the looks and the character of Caruso I could not actually recognize him.... But who cares when the story as a story itself is so exiting. The magic of the book lies in its description of fate and tragedy around the famous man. Somehow its easy to take mentally part in the story...and you'll read it in a night, so thrilling and exiting is the book... I had the feeling it was written by somebody who fell in love with the famous voice and added a little bit too much imagination :-) It's like an opera of Verdi - you think it's absurd, but you love it.

Ps: Who already owns the book and is interested to know, the name written on the picture (KiKo) is one of Caruso's nicknames. If you want to have a look on it, you'll find it in Dorothy Caruso's book about her husband.

Emotionally uninvolving.......2000-10-21

The story of a brief romance between the opera singer Enrico Caruso and a Chinese-mulatta Cuban woman, Aida Petrirena Cheng, narrated by their illegitimate daughter. The romance is doomed because Caruso is only making a short tour in Cuba, he's married, the Sicilian Black Hand is making death threats, and he may be seriously ill (the last I never figured out).

The story is presented like a tragic opera. Unfortunately, although competently written the book is emotionally uninvolving throughout. The characters, though not stereotyped, never came to life, and neither did the story. It always seemed as though everyone was making much too much of a fuss about everything. So Caruso had a (fictional) fling; what's the big deal?

Exquisite handling of multiple points of view - must read.......1999-05-02

The Palm of Darkness left me wanting more of Mayra Montero. I expected another excellent book - I got an exquisite one. Montero masterfully handles a variety of voices, scene changes that are cultural as well as temporal, and weaves them into a magnificant unity. The story is sufficiently compelling that one appreciates the craftmanship only in retrospect.

Book Description

An unspeakable secret turns an idyllic North Dakota farm into a living nightmare in The Messengers, the upcoming U.S. debut by Thai filmmakers The Pang Brothers (The Eye). Sam Raimi's production company Ghost House has teamed with Dark Horse Comics to create this unique interpretation. Written by Jason Hall (Beware the Creeper, Pistolwhip) and drawn by Kelley Jones (Conan: Book of Thoth, Batman & Dracula: Red Rain), The Messengers tells the haunting tale of the Solomon family from a whole new perspective, turning the film on its ear and combining the events of the movie with chilling new scenes and details about the mysterious drifter who comes to help a troubled family farm and the dark secret that he's running from...

The Messenger of Magnolia Street: A Novel

Average customer rating:

---Couldn't put this book down until I finished it---
If Stephen King wrote Christian fiction, it might be like this
Messenger delivers
My visit was too short!
The Messenger Of Magnolia Street

The Messenger of Magnolia Street: A Novel
River Jordan
Manufacturer: HarperOne
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060841761
Release Date: 2006-01-03

Book Description

". . . when I look I see an open gate where there should be none. And what longs to enter through it, darkness and devastation. And I can feel that evil longing emptying out the good of Shibboleth, pulling on it with every rancid breath as it stands waiting for the gate to open farther."

The Messenger of Magnolia Street tells the haunting story of three childhood friends who reunite to fight the unnamed presence that is slowly draining their beloved town of goodness and light. Nehemiah Trust fled his hometown of Shibboleth twelve years ago, after the death of his mother. Now chief of staff for a powerful senator, Nehemiah has washed his hands of Shibboleth. But one night his older brother Billy and childhood friend Trice appear at his front door. Something is wrong, they tell him. Nehemiah is needed back home.

This mesmerizing novel of love awakened, purpose abandoned, and legacy reclaimed begins as slow and easy as a southern Sunday, but as the town of Shibboleth begins to sense the approaching darkness, the three friends must race against time to save the lifeblood of the place they call home. The solution requires a willingness to sacrifice everything.

Customer Reviews:

---Couldn't put this book down until I finished it---.......2006-10-14

I found THE MESSENGER OF MAGNOLIA STREET to be both intriguing and eerie, and a very magical story. I plan to read it again soon because there are so many nuances in the story and I want to make sure that I didn't miss anything.

It's the tale of hard times that come to a cozy little town in Alabama called Shibboleth. The changes to the town take place over a twelve-year period and seemed to have started after Nehemiah Trust left the town to work for a senator in Washington, D. C. Nehemiah was bright, kind and admired by everyone. The changes to the town were slow but a feeling of darkness, and in many people, forgetfulness, was sliding into their minds and thoughts. The town and citizens were becoming parched and dry just like the land around them.

Not everyone was completely aware of the changes, but Nehemiah's brother Billy knew some odd things were taking place. When his best friend, Trice told him they needed to get Nehemiah to come home he agreed. Trice had always had some kind of psychic insight and Billy also longed for his brother's presence. Nehemiah reluctantly returns to his hometown and the childhood friends reunite in a bond to save Shibboleth.

The characters in "Messenger" are wonderful. The story is told by an angel who calls himself the Recorder and he sometimes tells us what God has to say. For instance, Aunt Kate is a bigger than life and kind-hearted woman who owns the local diner. She offers food and good will to all that need it. At one point we are told that everyone loves Kate, and the Recorder tells us that God loves her too!

I can't wait to see what River Jordan writes next!

If Stephen King wrote Christian fiction, it might be like this.......2006-06-06

At times, this novel seems like something Stephen King might write: some horrible evil thing is about to destroy a town, and a trio of childhood friends must find a way to fight it. There are two major differences between this book and a Stephen King book, however: 1) the religious tone, and 2) the details (or lack thereof) of the story.

The Messenger of Magnolia Street is definitely religious in tone; if I had a dime for every time a character is saved by prayer or divine intervention, or prayer or divine intervention or faith is alluded to, or God pops up as a sort of supporting character, I would have enough money to go out and buy another book. A reader who enjoys Christian fiction, who enjoys reading books that feature angels and miracles, might enjoy this book much more than I did.

The other nagging feature of this book is in the lack of details. Several of the characters don't seem to have jobs, and many aspects of their lives just aren't described. Even the evil thing itself is not specifically described until the end. The story was still compelling, however, and in some ways very well-written.

Messenger delivers .......2006-06-06

Thank you for the adventure and most importantly for the reminder that sometimes a parched soul needs only a droplet of dream to be renewed. Just like the folks of Shibboleth craved Nehemiah's stories, so it is for souls like mine. And, Messenger does the trick. It takes you to another place and TIME, but drops you off back at home - with a whole new perspective. I swear I saw a little gold dust in the sand hugging my feet just as I closed the cover. This story is as captivating as the intriguing, beautiful cover promises.

My visit was too short!.......2006-05-01

Shibbleth is not on any map; there are no GPS coordinates, but there is a guide book. In The Messenger of Magnolia Street, Author, River Jordan takes you there; she shows you where to look, then leaves to wander its streets. River Jordan writes with a southern style that reflects small town influence. Her deep faith is evident in tale of the classic battle of good and evil.

The Messenger Of Magnolia Street.......2006-04-16

I loved this book!! River Jordan writes with the descriptive qualities of Truman Capote. She makes you feel you are envolved as all of the events as they unfold. This is a "can't put down" read, so make sure you have a quiet nook and time to read about all the good people in Shibboleth!

Rivers style is very easy to read and you find yourself engrossed in the characters. I was left hanging on the edge of my seat in total anticipation of events swirling around in this wonderful story.

It is a story of good and evil and how each character had a part in bringing a positive outcome.

Please please read this book!! It is the feel-good book of the year. It made me feel there was hope in this world.

York Notes Advanced on "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens (York Notes Advanced)

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York Notes Advanced on "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens (York Notes Advanced)
Nigel Messenger
Manufacturer: Longman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Archie (Messenger Service,, No.177,1967)

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Archie (Messenger Service,, No.177,1967)
Archie Comic Publications Inc
Manufacturer: Archie Comic Publications Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000MUQCX2

Product Description

Archie,Messenger Service,Archie Comic Publications Inc,

Average customer rating:

A Style Reflective of the Times...
Sex and Activism on Two Wheels
A bumpy humpy ride

Cyclizen: A Novel
Jim Provenzano
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1430322330

Book Description

The third novel by the author of "PINS" and "Monkey Suits" takes readers on a swift ride of bike messengers, AIDS activism, gay sexuality and urban angst.

Customer Reviews:

A Style Reflective of the Times..........2007-09-07

Written in a seat-of-the-pants tenor, "Cyclizen" evokes the mood and tone of the times in which it is set. In a basic, sort of scruffy narrative, he tells a very sweet story in the context of a time when a movement was gaining its footing and becoming a "community."

The backdrop of activism, the journey through the edges of Gordon Gekko's Wall Street, the exploration of feelings captured, recaptured, sought after and lost all come together in a narrative that is compellingly evocative; especially if you were around, during those times...

There are some powerful moments, articulated throughout the book; and the end was, to me, quite moving. It won't be moving, though, if you go right to the last pages; you must READ THE BOOK!

So buy it. Read it. Keep Provenzano fed.

Sex and Activism on Two Wheels.......2007-08-22

While Cyclizen is the third novel by Jim Provenzano, it's the first novel of his I've read. Written in a first-person narrative (a writing style I enjoy immensely), it's set in New York City in 1992. Gay activism, such as ACT UP and Queer Nation, were at their peak and the start of the "greed is good" Wall Street days.

Kent, the protagonist, becomes a bike messenger, and with that he recounts his adventures -- sex, friendships, and even gets wrapped up in the "greed is good" Wall Street of the day. One of aspects of first-person writing, fiction or non-fiction, is the writer can fully explain what's really going through the character's mind. I know what Kent is thinking about more fully when he is by himself or interacting with the other players in his life.

Cyclizen is mean to be an entertaining read without hitting the reader over the head with a specific point (or issue). Kent's passion about his activism is apparent, but it is his own, not meant to "teach a lesson" to the audience.

I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for an example of gay fiction that isn't heavy or moralistic, but simply a good novel!

A bumpy humpy ride.......2007-06-14

Cyclizen is another stylistic departure for one of my favorite gay fiction writers.

While it's a far veer away from "Pins" (there aren't any teenagers or wrestles), it seems a good follow-up to "Monkey Suits," which had its flaws, but focused on the same time and setting. This seems to be the downtown version.

"Cyclizen" is much more personal; a first-person telling leaves you wondering less about the main character, who provides a lot of personal details, and more about the wider world of activism and bike messengering he inhabits. New York itself becomes a character.

I got a lot of poetic passages, some sexually explicit yet written with a motivation, a why, why his hot ex-boyfriend activist clone dumped him, and why Kent is hesitant to connect fully with Ness, who could be his true love. All of this is told with a wry combination of humor and bluntness.

His affair with Sheets, the closeted marketing guy with a scheme, embodies the 80s corporate gay white guy. It's interesting to get his naive perspective to counter Kent's almost cynical tone about his years spent in ACT UP.

This was a breeze to read, with action, politically charged sex, and a bit of old mythological stuff woven in, too. I look forward to reading it again on a hot beach.

Defiance #4 The Messenger Part 4 of 4 Vol. 1 September 2002

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Defiance #4 The Messenger Part 4 of 4 Vol. 1 September 2002
Douglass D. Barre
Manufacturer: Image Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Image Comics | Publishers | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RCGJYC

Product Description

"The Messenger Part 4"

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