Review of The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
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Nonny Kenneth Ezeanwu
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Review of The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid" by Gary Robinson.]
Gary Robinson's novel, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid unfolds when an unexpected package rekindles memories in the protagonist's mind. The narrative centers around the intertwining lives of two men who find themselves connected by serendipity, despite their disparate ages and interests.
In the first part of the story, we witness Duke's encounter with a traveling circus as he witnesses its arrival in town. Enthralled by the enchanting atmosphere and allure of the performers and animals, Duke becomes captivated and follows them to the circus grounds. Driven by his desire for both fascination and livelihood, fifteen-year-old Duke runs away from home to join the circus. He finds solace and a sense of belonging within this unique community. However, Duke struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, vices shared by many in the circus. It is at this juncture that Gary enters the picture, encountering Duke in a vulnerable state, intoxicated, destitute, and at a crossroads in life. For Gary, this encounter represents a moment of unexpected opportunity and redemption.
This character-driven narrative has left an indelible mark on my mind. Duke personifies a free-spirited individual who takes charge of his own destiny. The interactions and events involving Duke and Gary have mesmerized me, evoking powerful emotions as I immersed myself in this particular segment of the story. The book's cover, featuring a street performer swallowing swords, is visually captivating and vibrant. The author also explores the significance of tattoos in past eras, illustrating how they reflect our culture and way of life.
While the book resonated with me in many ways, I did find one aspect that could be perceived as a drawback. The author's attempts at humor occasionally fall flat and miss the mark. However, I acknowledge that humor is subjective, and other readers may have a different perspective. Consequently, this minor flaw does not detract from my overall rating. I unequivocally give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a highly engaging, suspenseful, and occasionally poignant read, imbued with valuable life lessons that sneak up on you. The book also had no errors. It was exceptionally and professionally edited.
The writing style is accessible, making it an enjoyable and effortless read. I anticipate revisiting this book in the future and could find no other aspect that I disliked. I wholeheartedly encourage you to delve into its pages if you seek inspiration, hope, and the occasional tear of emotion. I recommend this book to mature readers, considering the presence of adult situations, explicit drug and alcohol use, graphic scenes, and language. While not overly harsh for adults, it may not be suitable for children or teenagers.
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The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Gary Robinson's novel, The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid unfolds when an unexpected package rekindles memories in the protagonist's mind. The narrative centers around the intertwining lives of two men who find themselves connected by serendipity, despite their disparate ages and interests.
In the first part of the story, we witness Duke's encounter with a traveling circus as he witnesses its arrival in town. Enthralled by the enchanting atmosphere and allure of the performers and animals, Duke becomes captivated and follows them to the circus grounds. Driven by his desire for both fascination and livelihood, fifteen-year-old Duke runs away from home to join the circus. He finds solace and a sense of belonging within this unique community. However, Duke struggles with drug addiction and alcoholism, vices shared by many in the circus. It is at this juncture that Gary enters the picture, encountering Duke in a vulnerable state, intoxicated, destitute, and at a crossroads in life. For Gary, this encounter represents a moment of unexpected opportunity and redemption.
This character-driven narrative has left an indelible mark on my mind. Duke personifies a free-spirited individual who takes charge of his own destiny. The interactions and events involving Duke and Gary have mesmerized me, evoking powerful emotions as I immersed myself in this particular segment of the story. The book's cover, featuring a street performer swallowing swords, is visually captivating and vibrant. The author also explores the significance of tattoos in past eras, illustrating how they reflect our culture and way of life.
While the book resonated with me in many ways, I did find one aspect that could be perceived as a drawback. The author's attempts at humor occasionally fall flat and miss the mark. However, I acknowledge that humor is subjective, and other readers may have a different perspective. Consequently, this minor flaw does not detract from my overall rating. I unequivocally give this book 5 out of 5 stars. It is a highly engaging, suspenseful, and occasionally poignant read, imbued with valuable life lessons that sneak up on you. The book also had no errors. It was exceptionally and professionally edited.
The writing style is accessible, making it an enjoyable and effortless read. I anticipate revisiting this book in the future and could find no other aspect that I disliked. I wholeheartedly encourage you to delve into its pages if you seek inspiration, hope, and the occasional tear of emotion. I recommend this book to mature readers, considering the presence of adult situations, explicit drug and alcohol use, graphic scenes, and language. While not overly harsh for adults, it may not be suitable for children or teenagers.
******
The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
