Review of In Lieu of Flowers

[Neha Panikar]

[Following is a volunteer review of "In Lieu of Flowers" by Keith Steinbaum.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum is an engaging fantasy novel with supernatural elements, intertwined with history and a bit of folklore involving two gravesites in Evergreen Cemetery. One occupant has a warning to give; the other is who the warning is about.

The story begins in Bucharest, Romania in the early 19th century when Gunari, a poor local, is enticed by a demonic entity to steal a baby, Petre. Gunari reluctantly agrees but fails in the kidnapping when his sister recognizes the baby and insists on returning him to his mother, Naomi. Naomi is the Jewish midwife who although not Romanian, is well-liked and appreciated for the work she has done for all the Romanian families. With the kidnapping thwarted, the Devil curses Petre for all eternity. It proclaims to return seventy-four years after Peter’s death to claim and possess his soul. Shortly after, Naomi meets a Romanian gypsy who foretells the tragic fate of Petre, that he will be taken from her two more times. Naomi then moves to the USA with her family.

Petre (now Peter) Levy, grows up, fights in World War II and is killed in action. He is buried alongside his family at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.

In present-day Los Angeles, a veteran named Terrence Covington works at the cemetery. His wife, Juana is learning Braille to pursue her love of reading due to her failing eyesight in her old age. Terrence is thus familiar with Braille script, although not entirely fluent. Close to Peter’s seventy-fourth death anniversary, Juana passes away and is buried next to the Levy family at the Evergreen Cemetery. During one of his visits to the grave, Terrence encounters strange supernatural occurrences, with Juana leaving a message for him in Braille fashion using marbles. These messages, over a few more days, reveal to be a warning for some horrifying events to come, and an appeal to Terrence to prevent them from happening. Would Juana and Terrence be able to prevent the horrid events in time? Would the Devil succeed in claiming and possessing Peter after all? What is the significance of seventy-four years? Would Peter’s mother be separated from him in the afterlife as well? Read this book to find out.

I enjoyed the writing style, the language, the varied characters and their sub-plots in the story. The main characters were well-developed and drove the narrative forward. I particularly liked the creativity in using Braille as the mode of communication between the dead and the alive. Also, the addition of the earthquake tremors that only Terrence could feel when Juana communicated was very creative and unique. It added to the thrill of the narrative. I also liked the idea wherein Rabbi Michael recollects his childhood memory of being curious about how God communicates with the blind/deaf/mute. This added quite a depth to Michael’s character and how he thought, despite being a Rabbi.

I was hoping for more depth and reasoning for the Devil’s acts. The interaction between humans and the dead also felt under-explored. The end felt rushed, as they ended up being too simple, predictable and very similar to other known horror stories. At times, the narrative was also laden with over-explained philosophical diatribes, which seemed a bit unnecessary. These were an unwelcome distraction to the main plot and dragged the overall pace as well.

The plot and circumstances were promising for a thrilling storyline, but somehow it was lost in the other aspects of the book.

All the above critiques would warrant a star deduction in my opinion. Hence, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

I didn’t find any grammatical errors, so the book was professionally edited. The book has some descriptions of gruesome murders, so it may not be suitable for children.

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In Lieu of Flowers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

[RJ Reviews]

A while back, I almost picked up this book. Supernatural is my favorite genre and this book sounds like an amalgamation of supernatural and folklore. Your indepth analysis of the book's plot hooked me. A lovely review! Well done with that. Keep up the great work.

[Priya Murugesan]

You have mentioned the negative points very well. As you said, the plot is very intriguing and captivating. But looks like the execution is not done well.

[Sarah Zain]

I liked the way you presented the details of the story. Whether ups or downs you marked it clearly. Great review!

[Arshadq]

Sounds like a very mysterious book. I would love to read this book. The way you have explained everything so clearly in your review makes me wanna read this book as soon as possible. I am a big fan of Supernaturals and this seems like the perfect pick. Although as you mentioned the rushed ending and all that, but I still want to read it for myself. Amazing review!

[Gerry Steen]

[Following is a volunteer review of "In Lieu of Flowers" by Keith Steinbaum.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

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In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum is an engaging fantasy novel with supernatural elements, intertwined with history and a bit of folklore involving two gravesites in Evergreen Cemetery. One occupant has a warning to give; the other is who the warning is about.

The story begins in Bucharest, Romania in the early 19th century when Gunari, a poor local, is enticed by a demonic entity to steal a baby, Petre. Gunari reluctantly agrees but fails in the kidnapping when his sister recognizes the baby and insists on returning him to his mother, Naomi. Naomi is the Jewish midwife who although not Romanian, is well-liked and appreciated for the work she has done for all the Romanian families. With the kidnapping thwarted, the Devil curses Petre for all eternity. It proclaims to return seventy-four years after Peter’s death to claim and possess his soul. Shortly after, Naomi meets a Romanian gypsy who foretells the tragic fate of Petre, that he will be taken from her two more times. Naomi then moves to the USA with her family.

Petre (now Peter) Levy, grows up, fights in World War II and is killed in action. He is buried alongside his family at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.

In present-day Los Angeles, a veteran named Terrence Covington works at the cemetery. His wife, Juana is learning Braille to pursue her love of reading due to her failing eyesight in her old age. Terrence is thus familiar with Braille script, although not entirely fluent. Close to Peter’s seventy-fourth death anniversary, Juana passes away and is buried next to the Levy family at the Evergreen Cemetery. During one of his visits to the grave, Terrence encounters strange supernatural occurrences, with Juana leaving a message for him in Braille fashion using marbles. These messages, over a few more days, reveal to be a warning for some horrifying events to come, and an appeal to Terrence to prevent them from happening. Would Juana and Terrence be able to prevent the horrid events in time? Would the Devil succeed in claiming and possessing Peter after all? What is the significance of seventy-four years? Would Peter’s mother be separated from him in the afterlife as well? Read this book to find out.

I enjoyed the writing style, the language, the varied characters and their sub-plots in the story. The main characters were well-developed and drove the narrative forward. I particularly liked the creativity in using Braille as the mode of communication between the dead and the alive. Also, the addition of the earthquake tremors that only Terrence could feel when Juana communicated was very creative and unique. It added to the thrill of the narrative. I also liked the idea wherein Rabbi Michael recollects his childhood memory of being curious about how God communicates with the blind/deaf/mute. This added quite a depth to Michael’s character and how he thought, despite being a Rabbi.

I was hoping for more depth and reasoning for the Devil’s acts. The interaction between humans and the dead also felt under-explored. The end felt rushed, as they ended up being too simple, predictable and very similar to other known horror stories. At times, the narrative was also laden with over-explained philosophical diatribes, which seemed a bit unnecessary. These were an unwelcome distraction to the main plot and dragged the overall pace as well.

The plot and circumstances were promising for a thrilling storyline, but somehow it was lost in the other aspects of the book.

All the above critiques would warrant a star deduction in my opinion. Hence, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

I didn’t find any grammatical errors, so the book was professionally edited. The book has some descriptions of gruesome murders, so it may not be suitable for children.

******
In Lieu of Flowers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

This story has interesting elements: a curse of a devil, a beloved Jewish midwife who was respected by her Romanian patrons, examples of the value and use of Braille, and communication with the dead. I hope that the author corrects the flaw that you noted. Thank you for this concise and honest review.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

Wow this certainly sounds like a book I'd love, but the rushed predictable ending ruins it. I'm encountering this a lot lately, I wonder if authors are rushing to meet publication deadlines causing these poor endings.

[Anu Anand]

Your review is detailed and thoughtful. The use of Braille as a way to communicate with the living is fascinating, and the mix of history with supernatural elements sounds unique. The rushed ending seems disappointing, but it still feels like an engaging story.

[Neha Panikar]

A while back, I almost picked up this book. Supernatural is my favorite genre and this book sounds like an amalgamation of supernatural and folklore. Your indepth analysis of the book's plot hooked me. A lovely review! Well done with that. Keep up the great work.

Thankyou! Let me know your thoughts once you've read this book.

[Neha Panikar]

You have mentioned the negative points very well. As you said, the plot is very intriguing and captivating. But looks like the execution is not done well.

Thankyou Priya! Appreciate your feedback!

[Neha Panikar]

I liked the way you presented the details of the story. Whether ups or downs you marked it clearly. Great review!

Thankyou Sarah! I somehow thought it could have been better with more analysis;right now it's more summary.
But, thanks for your thoughts. Let's me get rid of my doubts

[Neha Panikar]

[Following is a volunteer review of "In Lieu of Flowers" by Keith Steinbaum.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Share This Review

---

In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum is an engaging fantasy novel with supernatural elements, intertwined with history and a bit of folklore involving two gravesites in Evergreen Cemetery. One occupant has a warning to give; the other is who the warning is about.

The story begins in Bucharest, Romania in the early 19th century when Gunari, a poor local, is enticed by a demonic entity to steal a baby, Petre. Gunari reluctantly agrees but fails in the kidnapping when his sister recognizes the baby and insists on returning him to his mother, Naomi. Naomi is the Jewish midwife who although not Romanian, is well-liked and appreciated for the work she has done for all the Romanian families. With the kidnapping thwarted, the Devil curses Petre for all eternity. It proclaims to return seventy-four years after Peter’s death to claim and possess his soul. Shortly after, Naomi meets a Romanian gypsy who foretells the tragic fate of Petre, that he will be taken from her two more times. Naomi then moves to the USA with her family.

Petre (now Peter) Levy, grows up, fights in World War II and is killed in action. He is buried alongside his family at Evergreen Cemetery in Los Angeles.

In present-day Los Angeles, a veteran named Terrence Covington works at the cemetery. His wife, Juana is learning Braille to pursue her love of reading due to her failing eyesight in her old age. Terrence is thus familiar with Braille script, although not entirely fluent. Close to Peter’s seventy-fourth death anniversary, Juana passes away and is buried next to the Levy family at the Evergreen Cemetery. During one of his visits to the grave, Terrence encounters strange supernatural occurrences, with Juana leaving a message for him in Braille fashion using marbles. These messages, over a few more days, reveal to be a warning for some horrifying events to come, and an appeal to Terrence to prevent them from happening. Would Juana and Terrence be able to prevent the horrid events in time? Would the Devil succeed in claiming and possessing Peter after all? What is the significance of seventy-four years? Would Peter’s mother be separated from him in the afterlife as well? Read this book to find out.

I enjoyed the writing style, the language, the varied characters and their sub-plots in the story. The main characters were well-developed and drove the narrative forward. I particularly liked the creativity in using Braille as the mode of communication between the dead and the alive. Also, the addition of the earthquake tremors that only Terrence could feel when Juana communicated was very creative and unique. It added to the thrill of the narrative. I also liked the idea wherein Rabbi Michael recollects his childhood memory of being curious about how God communicates with the blind/deaf/mute. This added quite a depth to Michael’s character and how he thought, despite being a Rabbi.

I was hoping for more depth and reasoning for the Devil’s acts. The interaction between humans and the dead also felt under-explored. The end felt rushed, as they ended up being too simple, predictable and very similar to other known horror stories. At times, the narrative was also laden with over-explained philosophical diatribes, which seemed a bit unnecessary. These were an unwelcome distraction to the main plot and dragged the overall pace as well.

The plot and circumstances were promising for a thrilling storyline, but somehow it was lost in the other aspects of the book.

All the above critiques would warrant a star deduction in my opinion. Hence, I give this book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

I didn’t find any grammatical errors, so the book was professionally edited. The book has some descriptions of gruesome murders, so it may not be suitable for children.

******
In Lieu of Flowers
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords

This story has interesting elements: a curse of a devil, a beloved Jewish midwife who was respected by her Romanian patrons, examples of the value and use of Braille, and communication with the dead. I hope that the author corrects the flaw that you noted. Thank you for this concise and honest review.

Thankyou Gerry! Appreciate it!

[Neha Panikar]

Wow this certainly sounds like a book I'd love, but the rushed predictable ending ruins it. I'm encountering this a lot lately, I wonder if authors are rushing to meet publication deadlines causing these poor endings.

Ah, I never thought about that Stephen, thats a good point, might explain it. .. But it also could just be me with higher expectations. Let me know if you felt the same whenever you pick this book. Thanks!

[Neha Panikar]

Sounds like a very mysterious book. I would love to read this book. The way you have explained everything so clearly in your review makes me wanna read this book as soon as possible. I am a big fan of Supernaturals and this seems like the perfect pick. Although as you mentioned the rushed ending and all that, but I still want to read it for myself. Amazing review!

Thankyou Arshad for your kind words! I think you'll surely enjoy this book, if you like the supernatural genre. Let me know if you shared my views about the ending or had different thoughts!

[Neha Panikar]

Your review is detailed and thoughtful. The use of Braille as a way to communicate with the living is fascinating, and the mix of history with supernatural elements sounds unique. The rushed ending seems disappointing, but it still feels like an engaging story.

Thankyou Anu! I was always interested in sign language, and know some too, but now I've added 'learning Braille' also to my bucket list. I definitely got more interested in it after reading this book.