Authors Books

Brendan Behan's memoir of his time incarcerated in England , is a comical, sympathetic and humanistic work of art. As a young IRA member arrested in Liverpool at the age of 16 in possession of explosives he demonstrated a remarkably fatalistic viewpoint for someone so young and seemed to take in the experience as an observant participant in a human drama without a hint of self pity.

As he begins in a remanded prison before his transfer to London and ultimately to a Borstal (reform school) he meets with a variety of characters both fellow prisoners and "screws" or guards and they populate his story that also includes incredibly detailed descriptions of the routine of a life behind bars.

Behan became famous as a playwright and notorious drinker in his later years and died tragically young apparently from years of heavy drinking. He is a writer of great insight and power and should not be missed by anyone interested in Irish literature.

I was epecting something a little more politically polemic or bleak, but this account is hysterically funny and inspired. Behan's writing is always vital, his grasp of dialogue perfect, but this novel enjoys a pacing brilliance I dared not hope from a playwright. Most dramatists have trouble with narrative prose because the rhythms are different, but not so with this account of his jail time as an adolescent in England.

I'm an avid reader and can't believe I overlooked this book for so long. Perhaps I dismissed Behan as a professional Irishman, known more for his carousing than for his writing. What a mistake! This memoir is profound, profane, funny and, ultimately, humane. Read this book now; you're in for a treat.

This autobiographical account of Brendan Behan's arrest and imprisonment from 1939 until around 1943 in a British Borstal (youth correctional facility)is an outstanding piece of literature.

There are four primary strenghts to this great work.

First, the language is witty, charming, and creative. I found the mixture of Irish and British male adolescent working class slang to be musical and amusing. Behan had a wonderful sense of dialogue and the manner in which young men verbally duel with each other, striving for rank and dominance and friendship.

Second, the story is unique. A 17 year old IRA terrorist is arrested and sent to a youth facility full of adolescent petty criminals. The worlds of incarcerated vs. free; adult vs. adolescent; Catholic vs. Protestant; Irish vs. English: and criminal vs. political prisoner are just a few of the wonderful tensions and juxtapositions that Behan creates.

Third, is Behan's slow pace and ability to observe the most remote details, describe them uniquely, and then weave these streams of images together to create a world and to populate it with characters that ring true with every word.

Fourth, the story is a tremendous testament to the goodness of mankind. Underneath the tensions, the rivalry, the ideology, the story reveals the simple common kindness of mankind. Brendan Behan may have evoked this kindness through his own exceptional openness and acceptance of his fellowman or he may have observed this kindness through this insightful but possibly biased vision of the innate goodness of mankind; but, none the less, his faith in our sometimes distorted and crippled species shines through the autobiography like a beacon of hope.

I wish I could have given more than 5 stars to this superb work. Don't rush through this book. Let Behan take you into his experiences and his kind view of the world of man.

There are several excellent reviews for this title, so I won't attempt to reinvent the wheel with mine.

The best I can say is that with each page of this incredible book, I find myself closer to a person I never thought I'd like, let alone truly love.

When all is said and done, Brendan Behan is not about The Cause or The Revolution or liberalism or conservatism or anything. Brendan is a human being, in it for Brendan and his best interests. But don't let this make you think that he is a selfish being. Quite the contrary... Brendan finds the humanity in others, far away from the propaganda and agendas he's been fed since infancy. And in that, Brendan finds the humanity in himself.

He's been gone now for... well, longer than I care to believe. But in this, his most powerful and insightful work, he speaks to an audience that is far from outdated, saying the things he feels and believes, with an honesty that most of us wish we had, but work far too hard to conceal. His candidness speaks to our deepest secrets, and opens up a self-awareness in those who wish to explore it.

I am an avid reader, 40 years and going... and I count this as my single favorite book. That is not a distinction given lightly.

Brendan Behan may not be here now, but his message of humanity and humor and growth is ageless. I can only hope that more people take a moment to read it.

This book contains stories with contemporary characters so life-like you might feel like emailing one or two with your thoughts. The backdrop of Arizona is a setting that is at once organic and otherworldly, like a lunar landscape. The dialogue is surprising and clear-toned. These are vivid and haunting stories.

Ryan Harty has wowed me with this prize-winning collection.
Each of the eight stories deals with sadness in indelible forms. One of my favorites in the collection centers around a husband and wife and their robot son who seems to be coming apart. The ways in which each family member handles the boy's breakdown mirror survival techniques of people dealing with illness: The wife distances herself; the husband tries to fix the situation; and the son tries to hide his problems.

In another story, a brother cleans the apartment of his dead, mentally ill sister and ends up sweeping all of her cats out onto the street.

The last story, September, is a gorgeous account of one young man's first love: the mother of one of his friends.

I highly recommend this SSC!

This is one of the best story collections I've read in years. Every story is strong, all the characters are incredibly real, and there's an overall sense of sadness that knocks you on(...). Not that the stories are depressing, per se. In fact, they can be hilarious at times, and there's almost always a feeling of hope at the end. I came across "Why the Sky Turns Red When the Sun Goes Down" in BEST AMERICAN SHORT STORIES 2003,and while I love that story (it's about a family with a robot boy), there are others here that I like even better. "Crossroads" and "September are my favorites. An amazing book. I look forward to whatever Harty writes next.

While I was reading this book, I couldn't wait to get home from work so I could fall back into the stories. Now I'm walking around with the characters in my head, like old friends. It's a beautiful book, the kind you want to recommend to everyone you know. Ryan Harty is a wonderful writer.

People often romanticize the SouthWest, imagining coyotes and endless desert and cowboys; however modernity has cut off a lot of the romance. Wal*marts, strip malls, endless bars, parking lots, concrete offices, endless cold air chilling the outdoors dot this landscape. Harty knows this and invigorates his character, develops his plots and gives people a history, an emotional depth deeper than any desert valley. I am not sure whether his one more science short story in this collection is a hit or miss-a rather Bradbury-esque story, it is off from the rest of the book. His teenage/young adule male characters are intense, brooding, lost, and not always likeable-but you won't forget them. Their is a palable sadness, a desolateness nature in his writing, it is very moody, but there is a kind of hope borne of small suburban trials and tribulations that keeps you reading.

I am not a great fan of most contemporary short stories, which tend to be literary to a fault or edgy and cynical to the point of tedium, but I picked up this collection because I loved the title and it gave me great pleasure from beginning to end. Yes, I often wanted to hit the characters over the head, but I always had to find out what happened next, and it always satisfied. The writing is clean and lively and very funny without ever losing its heart, and Erian has a remarkable talent for ending stories on the perfect note. I look forward to reading more from her.

I loved this collection of page-turning, dynamic short stories. Every character is engaging and tangible, and each one is faced with (or creates) situations that are by turns poignant, frightening, and hilarious. I found myself cringing at them, rooting for them, and seeing myself in them. The writer is psychologically smart and her storytelling is skillful; you find yourself drawn into each story with the first few sentences and hooked to the end. I strongly recommend this collection to anyone who likes a good read combined with substance and insight.

let me start by saying that this is the only book i have ever felt compelled to review on this site, and probably will be the only one for quite some time. picking up this book was an impulse buy, as i violated two main rules in purchasing it: firstly, i don't buy authors i haven't heard of; and secondly, i shy away from women in contemporary fiction because i have gotten burned way too much in the last few years. that being said, this collection is one of the finest that i have read in my life. the protagonists are all empowered females, so the book has a feminist flair, but what is most interesting about the presentation is the decidedly anti-feminist undercurrent. erian never leaves things clear cut. when her characters makes conscious decisions that empower them, that allow them to flaunt their power and their sexuality, i found myself cringing because while these are powerful decisions, they are not exactly the right ones, and the characters know it. there is a self-destruction in the exercising of their femininity that is at once wholly new, unexpected, admirable, and tragic. erian's prose is economic and careful, and her stories taunt the reader with abrupt endings and open interpretation. she will end a story right as she leads up to a confrontation that has been building for fifteen pages, and it is here that she empowers her reader, by allowing them to take an active role in ending the story. based on what we have read, we know in our hearts how the story will end based on what we drew from the body of the prose; but our endings will all be different. erian's voice is immediate and achingly contemporary...it makes fare like the canon of oprah's book club seem inept and maudlin. this is power in storytelling. i can't wait for her upcoming novel.

This book is definitely worth reading. The story about the girl losing her virginity absoulutely killed me. I was almost embarrassed while reading it, it felt so real, I felt as though I were intruding on a real person's privacy. For me that is a sign of really good writing. Looking forward to more by the author.

Left to their own devices the women of Alicia Arian's first collection of short stories often willfully set down the wrong path as a way to feel more alive, even if the consequences are dire. Her heroines are self absorbed, masochists but somehow we, as readers, are compelled to stick with them through the ugliness that is all too familiar. Arian delves into the shameful moments that all of us share without moral proselytizing. She engages us through her acerbic wit and an assured hand. One after the other, each of her stories is a tart treat. Damged goods never were so prized.

This collection of stories, poems and articles is wonderful. Like Libete, it has great insight into the workings of the Haitian spirit with the realities of Haiti's situation.

Moving, engrossing and very familiar, at times, anyone with distant connections to a land and culture twice removed will find the selection mesmerizing. Edwidge did an excellent job of giving the reader variety and substance.

It was a joy to open this book and inhale the contents with eyes closed. I couldn't put it away and still grab it sometimes to read over and over the enchanting and some sad memories from these Haitian authors. As an author myself I can acknowledge their powerful statement in literature. I would recommend it to anyone who is seeking to appeciate and learn about the Haitian culture.

I was excited when I heard that this book was coming out and did not miss the chance to buy it at publication. To say I was inspired when reading the book would have to be an understatement. I have always been proud to be Haitian but reading through the book heightened my pride incredibly. It is a fantastic collection of talented and gifted Haitian writers who speak to you at so many levels of what it feels like to be a Haitian either born and raised in Haiti or born and raised here in the states. I identified with many of them and marvelled at how humorous and deep our experiences range. The stories are funny, touching, educational and inspiring. I'm glad that there are so many Haitian people out there who are proud of where they come from and are helping the rest of us shout with pride as well. Thank you, Edwidge. You are an inspiration and a gifted person and I thank you for bringing this collection out into the public.

I ordered this book based on name recognition, the editor.

This book should be mandatory reading for all students of social studies.

Well witten, candid short stories.

Thank you to the contributors for their thoughts and experiences.

Thank you to the editor, for exposing and immortalize the words and thought of a nation.

Please order this book, find out for yourself. Trust me, once you start reading, you will not stop.

This book is an excellent compilation on various aspect of Haiti, Haitian/American Culuture.

The stories and poems touch on so many different aspects of life as a haitian from being haitian homosexual, to being a restavek, to interracial dating, to name a few of the topics touched on.

This book is a must-read for all HAITIANS and anyone interested in understanding the Haiti and her people.

In a time where deep thought and contemplation of the deeper questions of existence are no longer that attractive, this work is, literally, a God sent!

PROS:
-great for the intellectual on a road trip

CONS:
-none

Would I BUY IT AGAIN:
-yes

Would I give it as a GIFT:
-yes

I love Lewis, so of course I love these CD's. Anytime I take a roadtrip, these help me pass the time. They also sharpen my logic and my spiritual outlook. If you're even the slightest bit interested, I highly encourage this as an investment in a higher degree of listening. The voices perform the work well and clearly. It may not be good for workout music, but for what it is, it is amazing.

Just as the Bible, these books apply to past, present and future humanity! A very interesting incite to what we already know and need to be reminded of regularly. I will read (listen) to all of them again, as once is just not enough to grab it all! C.S.Lewis is a Master writer!

The reading of each book was complete and well done. I had started 2 of these as books, "Mere Christianity" and "The Great Divorce", but I never seemed to find time to read them. I can listen to the CDs working around the house or in the car. "The Screwtape Letters" were great. A real reminder how clever satan is at making you think that the issue is solely yourself or others. He is called the deceiver for a very good reason. "Mere Christianity" is a very thoughtful book and one worth discussing with others (Book Club, Book study etc.) "The Great Divorce" has nothing to do with marriage, but our divorce from God and how he wants the best for us and we settle for so much less. After listening to this book you will make decisions differently. "The Problem with Pain" is intense. C.S. Lewis is indeed a critical thinker. Pain is the result of the fall from grace and about how grace restores you (much different from curing you). Each time you listen to one of these CDs you will learn more about yourself, God and your relationship with Him. If you are not certain of who God is and is satan is real these CDs will be very helpful.

Great doggy tales (and tails) for Christmas. Hounds and murder, a great way to spend the holidays. A great gift for the mystery-animal lover...or for yourself!

You'll want to wolf this one right down, but don't! Save it for one of those long waits at the airport, tiring trips over the holidays, or enjoy it with a cup of nog and a turkey sandwich after the big day has come and gone. For humor, suspense, and sometimes even touching stories, these tales should please dog lovers and mystery fans alike. No bones about it!

I'm more of a cat person than a dog person, but that didn't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the collection of short mystery stories in "Canine Christmas." There are more than a dozen stories in the collection and what's refreshing about them on the overall is their diversity and generally gentle nature. No gore, no guts, no agonizing graphical displays of violence. I selfishly bought the book for myself, but now I think I'll probably tuck it under the tree for someone else. Honestly? It just made me smile. That's worth sharing.

This collection of Christmas themed canine tales was filled with favorite and new authors for me. I loved Leslie O'Kane's contribution, as well as those by Patricia Guiver and other well known authors of dog mysteries. There were several unfamiliar authors and their stories were just as good. Each short story is very well crafted. I have to say my favorite story was by Virginia Lanier, her JoBeth Siddons series of Bloodhound mysteries has always been one of my favorites.

CANINE CHRISTMAS is a Christmas mystery anthology and each mystery includes one or more canines.

I have always said a presenter or editor could not go wrong with an anthology. But when the anthology takes on a special subject such as this one I feel it makes even more entertaining. CANINE CHRISTMAS has a wonderful variety of authors such as, Parnell Hall, whose story "Clicker Training" leads the way; Virginia Lanier who treats us with another story involving her bloodhounds; H. Robert Perry writes a `tongue in cheek' (at least that's how I took it) mystery called the "Toy Pincher," which I found it quite humorous; Mark Graham's serious story "Fencing Crib" brought some emotions out of me; Jeffrey Marks offers us a hard-to-solve whodunit in "Yellow Snow; Deborah Adams writes a very funny story about a Psycho Santa and his elves and there's more! After reading each one I am quite sure anyone who reads CANINE CHRISTMAS will find a favorite among the many tails... I mean tales.

Note: Holiday mysteries are a treat to read, especially during the Christmas season, but mind you if you stick to enjoying them only one month out of the year, you will miss out on the many, many holiday reads that have been offered in the past and will be offered in the future. For myself, I have found reading holiday books can be just as magically all year around.

The book is interesting reading eventhough the narrator sounds a bit self-righteous to me. Too much of "I always knew best" for my taste. This is only referencing the personal remarks in the book; the description of the grinding poverty in the big cities and what the Depression years did to the people is really well written. All in all, I'd wish that especially young people read this book.

"A Choice of Weapons" is one of my favorite books. The compelling autobiographical story captures for us the experience of one of America's greatest treasures, Gordon Parks. His path from poverty and isolation to riches and notoriety is much more than just a story, it's an accounting of his life as an African American with rural roots in an America that was not welcoming nor supportive-- despite his amazing talent. He overcame that to become one of the world's best-known photographers, filmmakers, poets, and musicians. A fine person, strong with his mother's teaching, he brought his spirit to the world.

Mr. Parks was recently buried in his hometown (Fort Scott, KS), not long after coming home to a wonderful celebration of his life and work-- a celebration that is an annual affair as part of the Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity that has been founded there. I met him during the first celebration in 2004, going into the old Liberty Theatre to view a retrospective of his films. He was charming and personable, and his eyes sparkled with happiness; the peace of forgiveness and homecoming emanated from him. He had struggled and triumphed, and the prairie wind was still fresh within him.

I encourage everyone to read this book and to explore the huge body of Gordon's work. You will be moved. You will be spurred to find the best of yourself...

I write this after hearing the news of his passing. This book gave hope to another youth who had lost his parents and was looking for a reason to become a man. The effect this book had on me cannot be overestimated. It was to set me on the path to becoming a photographer, and to pursue writing among other things. It was required reading for me when I was in High School, and the only book I read all the way through.

I absolutely love this book.
I am an avid reader but reserve my recommendations for very few books and authors. I hold dear a carefully chosen list of books that receive unjustly low profiles and recommend them to always-thankful friends. This book, by Gordon Parks, (as well as Manchild in the Promised Land, by Claude Brown) rank high on my list. Gordon Parks is an amazingly gifted human being.

.... In my opinion,its imagery and descriptive scenarios will have you imagining as if it were you in the midst of the Great Migration. Concluding that "youth as it should be at seventeen was not for me, and that full manhood must come quickly if I was going to make it", Parks describes the journey in which he endures in order to make it through various seasons in the year. In trying to conquer the obstacles that each season brings, Parks learns to rely on his "choice of weapons" which allow him to see different walks of life. If you do choose to read Parks' autobiography, please don't forget to reflect upon what choice of weapons you have chosen in coping with life.

Not being an avid reader or attender of stage plays, I had never heard of Christopher Durang until five or six years ago, when I stumbled upon a cable-produced adaptation of his play "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You." Irreverent humor lampooning religious belief systems is a favorite genre of mine, along with gun-wielding nuns, so I wasted no time in picking up this collection of short plays.

While Durang is basically a humorist, many of his plays involve the lampooning of other plays. This can be a detriment to a reader who, like me, is unable to pick out the subtle stabs at the set design and dialog patterns of other well known playwrites. But it is a minor stumbling block, and not a mjor obstacle to enjoy Durang's offbeat sense of humor.

If you aren't hip to the stage scene, but still enjoy humor with an edge, do what I did. Pick up this collection for "Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You", then peruse the rest with an open mind.

After reading this book, I fell in love with it and am determined to be the proud owner of every single thing Christopher Durang has EVER written! I think he is the most brillian playwright alive, I absolutely idolize him, I'm applying to the college he is a professor at in the hopes of getting a class with him. His plays are so amazing and clever and witty and insightful, I'm directing 'Wanda's Visit' next year and am so enthusiastic about it that I've already blocked and lighted the entire thing. Would be an absolute dream for anyone to direct or perform in any of his works, I highly recommend anything he's ever written. Ever.

Christopher Durang was the playwright of choice for my high school speech team when it came to picking pieces for ensembles or duos. Many will most likely see why after reading some of the one-acts in this brilliant collection. These one-acts include:

A Stye of the Eye- Jake is a hillbilly in his thirties. He is, in the words of Durang, a "rage-a-holic". Infuriated by his actress wife's latest play, Agnes is Odd, where she plays an insane nun who babbles incoherently in Latin, he freaks out and supposedly kills her, only for his "good" brother Frankie to find out that she's not really dead, and then she falls in love with him. Jake finds out, explodes and kills his brother for cheating with his wife. The only catch is, Frankie and Jake are not really brothers, they are two sides of the same person.

Naomi in the Living Room- Naomi is an eccentric woman, who likes to give tours of her house, even to her son John, who used to live there, and his wife Johnna.

Business Lunch at the Russian Tea Room- Melissa is a Hollywood agent with a lot of outlandish ideas. She's heard from others that this guy named Chris is a great writer, and she tries to sell him on the idea of writing a screenplay, either a remake of Cruising/Bugsy Malone, or a story about a priest and a rabbi who fall in love, and then, both get sex changes, unbeknownst to each other.

DMV Tyrant- James Agnes' temporary license has expired so he must pay a visit to the Division of Motor Vehicles, where he comes face to face with a DMV lady from Hell.

Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All- Sister Mary is a crazy nun (insanity and eccentricity seem to be a running motif for Durang) who gives lectures on Heaven and Hell, and fires guns in church.

Other one-acts in this collection are 1-900-Desperate; Mrs. Sorken; Funeral Parlor; John and Mary Doe; For Whom the Southern Belle Tolls; Medea; Nina in the Morning; Canker Sores and Other Distractions; The Hardy Boys and the Mystery of Where Babies Come From; Wanda's Visit; The Book of Leviticus Show; Woman Stand-up; Women in a Playground; Phyllis & Xenobia; Desire, Desire, Desire; One Minute Play; Diversions; The Nature and Purpose of the Universe; 'dentity Crisis; Death Comes to Us All, Mary Agnes; Titanic and The Actor's Nightmare.

When I was a senior in high school (way back in '97), I took a class called "Dramatic Text and Performance." In previous years, the class had read and performed morality plays and classical drama, but our professor picked this book as our text for the semester. Never before or since have I laughed so hard in any class. I just wish I had stolen the textbook when I had the chance!

I loved this book. It is a wonderful collection of Durang's plays, though not my absolute favorites. I loved Beyond Therapy, and I think some of these plays could be worked into longer ones, though I'm not sure whether they'll be very funny then. If you liked this book, I also recommend Take Ten: New 10-Minute Plays, edited by Eric Lane. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

Meri Weiss' first novel, "Closer to Fine", is well written, clever, engaging and flows brilliantly. The characters are developed perfectly allowing any reader to quickly connect to his or her favorite. The story is thought provoking and set in a very personal view of New York City. I very much look forward to reading more from Meri.

You know those books you pick up and start to read and within a few pages you're completely sucked in? For me, this great book by Meri Weiss, is one of those books. I just loved the story and characters...very relatable. I would highly suggest buying this book.

This books dumps you right in the middle of a young woman's life. She's taking a bold and unusual step--she's come to take care of her estranged brother who is dying of AIDS. At first she finds herself ill-prepared for the task, but as they get to know each other she comes to better know herself, and then lose herself in her grief for the years she lost with this man. His death sends her spiraling downward and her loyal troupe of flamboyant friends drag her back to life--and new discoveries about old feelings. This book is all about the value of friendship, family, and knowing yourself. There are hilarious moments, tender moments, tear jerking moments, and loads of memorable characters. What really drew me in is the novel's extensive use of music to set the mood, tempo and themes of the moment--there is a clear and strong soundtrack to this book that had me jumping on ITunes and/or digging through old CDs to enhance my reading. This is Weiss's first novel--but I am VERY sure it will not be her last--she has a strong and talented voice that will resonate for people and make them come back again and again.

Closer to Fine, by Meri Weiss, is an absolutely stellar debut novel! Without knowing it, one would likely never know that this is Ms. Weiss' first--it is THAT GOOD! The prose is that of a seasoned writer, the characters are so well-rounded you will believe you know them (or at least would want to be friends with them), and while the plot offers a twist when compared to today's typical main stream fiction, it is a story ANY reader can relate to and appreciate. Though this story is FUN to read, and moves quickly, it is also jam-packed with the journeys and struggles of FAMILY, FRIENDS, and the ultimate (perhaps unending) "search" to find oneself. If you've ever been a 20 or 30-something (or 40, 50, 85), you won't want to miss out on this fantastic novel! Cliche, but it can't be helped, you WILL laugh (often out-loud!), you will cry, you will identify with the cast and crew of this novel, you will wax nostalgic, and you will find yourself swept away into the world of those who comprise Closer to Fine. READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!! You'll be glad you did!

Meri Weiss kept me engaged from the very beginning of her book, "Closer to Fine". She accomplished an instantanous connection that new young novelists are not always capable in doing. Meri Weiss found her voice which was clear and presice; yet she keep me wondering; what is going to happen next? She found the emotions, passions and depth in describing both New York City, the mountains of New York State and the desires of the Hamptons, all very different locations, of which I am so familar with. I loved the trips her characters take together, she brought youth and vitality to each of these characters souls!
I look forward to her next endeavor and wonder where "we" will be taking another trip!

This is a series of short stories that combines four rare qualities: masterful plots, superb writing, an unforgettable central character, and some of the funniest lines in literature. The central character is a retired brigadier from the cavalry of Napoleon, who is recounting his memories while drinking in a cafe. The stories he recounts are exciting and gripping adventures- indeed, just on that level they would be a pleasure to read. But what makes them extra special is the humour that stems from his extraordinarily conceitful personality- he is so full of himself, but doesn't realise it. A typical quote is the Brigadier describing a fellow cavalryman: '...he was just above the ideal height for a man, being about half an inch taller than myself.' He is also unstintingly obsessed with sex, without thinking for a moment that there is anything unusual or wrong about it..' I saved two of the pictures. One, The Crucifiction of St Benedict, I gave to my mother; the other, Nymphs Surprised while Bathing, I kept for myself.' I could read these stories again and again. I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone who enjoys good writing, wickedly clever plots and ironic humour.

Astounding. One of the best books I've ever read. Teaming with charm and intelligence. A.C.D. is a true Master. These stories are every bit as worthy as the impeccable Holmes tales. I even believe that Doyle's writing had matured beyond Holmes by the time he penned these tales. These stories contatin all the rich characterization and masterful plots of Holmes, but are infused with deeper insightfulness, well-conveyed through poetic language. Fully satisfying.

How Sir Arthur Conan Doyle can write a character that is irritatingly arrogant yet, charmingly loyal and naive is beyond me. The depth of Gerard's character rivals even the great Sherlock Holmes. Just as with his more famous counterpart(Holmes), Gerard is not just a hero(although there can be no questioning his bravery),he can also be a clown,(without ever realizing it)a ladies man, the greatest swordsman in the Grande' Armee(or at least so he tells us). With exciting short stories we venture through Gerard's career as a cavalry officer. He quite often bumbles his way into situations an officer of his rank should never allow himself into yet, it is these situations once gotten out of(after much daring and a little bit of luck)that build not only his career but, the readers passion for his character. These stories are an excellent companion to the more famous Sherlock Holmes stories. Where have all the writers with skills like Doyle's gone?

This work of Sir Conan Doyle clearly shows that detective stories did not limit his interests. An excellent adventure and a well written one. What else do we need in a good book? This is very solid five stars.

Well now, I know you have been here: You have found a book that is so delightful that you just cannot bear to put it down. I know that we all have experienced this. But folks, I will tell you in all honesty that I became quite ridiculously attached to this book to its final page. I brought it to work to be my next " On my break read.." but found that the first night I drove home after having left it in my locker ( as is my custom ) I felt compelled to return to work and fetch it. Thanks goodness I live about 3 miles from my workplace! Well, certainly many of us carry books with us to stores and such so that we have something to read when we are caught in the "express" lane ( ! ) and this became another one of those.
But I found myself reading it at stop lights and becoming irritated when the light changed before I had a chance to really GET anywhere...Now I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would like this character Gerard as much as I do, given that, in my mind, he stood in Sherlock's shadow, but I have become quite smitten with him! I fancied myself a Doyle fan, but had never read this series, as I was too enraptured by the mysteries and dectective stories. How sad that I waited so long to try these wonderful stories! No doubt that some of you ladies out there might be thinking that a series of stories about a soldier in Napoleon's army might be as interesting as televised fishing, or that they would only appeal to a man, but nay! Not so! If you are a fan of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock, then you will be every bit as entertained by Gerard. Doyle's style is no different, it is just as voluptuous. Only his main character has changed. He is an entirely different sort of fellow from our man Sherlock, but no less exciting in his own way...Very much like... if you were to, perhaps, put Dr. Watson's character in Gerard's place. Oh but I cannot tell you how very enjoyable these stories are, and it has been awhile since I have felt so passionate about a character...I kept longing for more..At times there would be a turn of the phrase that would make me laugh out loud, and then a bit later perhaps I would be curled on my chair with my hand across my chest, eyes wide in amazement! - as if being TOLD these stories by an old war hero! At times the events are so marvelous ( unbelieveable bits of luck and chance..) that I am reminded of Michael Palin's "Ripping Yarns," when an entire escape scene is deleted and Micheal returns to the camera and exclaims, " What an AMAZING escape!" There is that gaffy quality to it...But at the same time, there are "scenes" where this character's humanity is so full and well spent that one feels a sincere warmth for him..
But I have prattled on long enough. If you are looking for a good read, with nearly everything a story depends upon to be a real page-turner, then by all means, DO check this book out! It is, as they say over the pond, " Ripping good stuff. "