Review by A Carman -- The Sojourners by T. L. Hughes

[A Carman]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Sojourners" by T. L. Hughes.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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With the fading darkness of a break-up, Mike sets out with two friends to seek the dawn of a new adventure. What is he seeking? a job in a foreign land? a new girlfriend? a carefree life? Does Mike simply want to “get away from it all”? Does Mike even know what he really wants? Surprises await him at every turn.

Set in the 1980’s, T. L. Hughes’ 2019 book The Sojourners is a work of historical fiction. Travel with Mike through ancient cities. Ponder the atrocities within the German concentration camps. Hum along with hit songs from the 80’s. What else might you discover along the way? Let your imagination carry you away as you read.

There were some aspects of this book that I really liked. I am a detail oriented individual, so I liked how descriptive the author was in setting each scene. I could imagine exactly what was happening. I liked the historical references throughout the book. I even searched Online to further educate myself on some of the events the author mentions. I liked the scenes that depict Mike’s interactions with the local children. Those were tender, sweet moments in this book.

But now the rose-colored glasses come off. There was plenty about this book that I disliked. I thought some of the bathroom scenes and inebriation scenes were far too descriptive. I also disliked the “loose” lifestyle of the characters. There were plenty of shenanigans along the way, especially in regard to the characters’ means of transportation. I furthermore disliked how many scenes and discussions within the book took place in bars or involved several rounds of beer. The book got boring for me very quickly. The characters’ subconscious goal seemed to be finding the next bar. Finally I disliked the “loose” language of the characters. The author’s use of vulgarity, profanity and borderline foul language is substantial. I felt “polluted” and repulsed by so much foul language by the time I finished the book.

I give this book 2 out of 4 stars. I do not give this book 1 star, because the book was well edited. I do not give this book 3 or 4 stars because I disliked it and would not personally recommend this book to anyone. This book is not good for children or adolescents. It might be of general interest to college students or young adults who will not be bothered by the foul language.

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The Sojourners
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