4 out of 4 stars
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Captain Jolly’s Do Over by J. R. Ingrisano is a fictional story that reads like a memoir. It deals with issues of family and other personal relationships.
What happens when your life implodes and everything you thought you could count on is gone? Pick up and move to an island, of course! The story is told in the first person through the eyes of Captain Jolly. He has bought a catamaran and takes tourists on snorkeling expeditions. Evenings are spent at the Sunset Bar with many “ex-pats”, who have come to the island for a variety of reasons, and the storyline revolves around Jolly’s interactions with them. Some are funny, some sad, and some a little scary. Life is never as simple as it seems and I believe Jolly learns this and more as his story progresses.
I liked the premise of the story; Jolly is living on the island and wondering what happened to what he thought he wanted out of life. While telling his story Jolly goes back and forth between the life and pain he left behind in the states and his current life on the island. I found this style at times confusing and he often repeated himself. There is quite a cast of characters, some whose story is known and others remain a mystery. Most of them you don’t really get to know; much like it might be in reality I suppose. We only see the other characters through the eyes of Captain Jolly unless he shares an anecdote they have shared with him. I felt like I was listening to someone telling the story of their life and at times getting off track as one can do in person. All issues are not tied up at the end and a new scenario is hinted at so I’m pretty sure we can expect another book from this author.
I give this book 4 out of 4 stars. The bits of confusing storyline are not enough to take away from the overall book. The author’s descriptions of the island life and the characters give you a good sense of feeling like you are there. I felt I knew Jolly and some of the other characters well and understood their motives. I did enjoy reading the book and will read the sequel I believe is coming. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read about life in general and island life in particular. There are many insights into the human experience to be gained while keeping the tone light.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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Captain Jolly's Do Over
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