Featured Official Review: A Lucky Turn? by Karl Summers

[Sam Ibeh]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Lucky Turn?" by Karl Summers.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Every time we are presented with options, our choices, or others' contribute to the outcomes we get. Is it possible to get the same result when we switch our decisions? Maybe A Lucky Turn? by Karl Summers has the answer to this question — or perhaps not.

A Lucky Turn? is a black comedy that revolves around three friends — Frank, Tony, and Sherry. On the 13th of June, their lives become intertwined by a common desire to win a lottery game. Meanwhile, they have their individual stories that fuel this common desire. Frank is in a 13-year marriage that has become a burden to him. He needs the money to process his divorce. Tony's family relies on him for sustenance after his father's restaurant business collapses. Sherry lost her mum at the age of 3 and is left at the mercy of an abusive stepfather. She wants out! The 13th of June is a day that their lives change forever. However, there are intricacies unknown to them. Will they win the lottery? What other significance does the 13th of June hold for them?

When I read the description of this book, my curiosity was heightened. This book was my first attempt at reading black comedy. I had to do little research to have a holistic idea of what to expect or things to look out for. From what I learned from research, the author did an excellent job of crafting a book that fitted the bill. The dark humor in this book would arouse all manner of emotions in the reader. I laughed, screamed, and was pissed (not at the book, but at some of the events that played out). Though it wasn't a spectacular read, A Lucky Turn? had all it took to fall into the black comedy genre.

One key feature of books in the black comedy genre is dark humor. This involves the flagrant use of vulgarity. As I expected, there was an avalanche of vulgar words used in this book. To that end, I wouldn't recommend it to a young reading audience. However, older adults, who wouldn't mind a great deal of profanity, would find this book appealing.

I was impressed the most at how the author built his narrative around the three main characters — Frank, Tony, and Sherry. Though these characters took a more significant percentage of the book, the author didn't isolate them completely — every other character connected to each of the three major players in this book. For instance, Frank's wife of 13 years, Claire, Tony's parents, and Sherry's stepdad played minor roles in the story. This stood out most for me as I read the book.

Apart from a few minor errors in the book, it lived up to expectations. It was written well with the right doses of humor and suspense. I rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

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A Lucky Turn?
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[Vogan]

This review is great and I can't wait to start reading this book.

[Star_and_Buck]

I have never read any black comedy so it would be interesting book to look out for.

[Misty20058]

This sounds like an amazing book. Not only does it sound like it has an amazing plot, but it is also written incredibly well. This book is definitely going to be my next read.

[Dayodiola]

This review left me urging for more. Nice one!

[Samwisekoop]

This sounds great! I like the concept of the book. The idea that if we took a different road in our lives, would the end result be the same? This is something that I like to think about a lot. It is very intriguing to me. It seems like a really good book, but I think the dark humor may be a bit to profane. Dang it. Anyway, great review!

[Pluma]

Thanks for the amazing review! This sounds like an interesting and well-crafted story. The concept of our choices and their effects is one that has always fascinated me in stories, so this sounds like a great read.

[Saragha]

This is grabs my attention hence its sound very interesting and great

[Valkyrie9]

This sounds like an interesting read. It is always commendable when an author manages to tell their story well, but also fulfill all the requirements of their genre. Thanks for the review.

[Adrianna Melillo]

I like the premise and I’ve never read black comedy. This seems like one to keep in mind. Thank you for the thorough review!

[Aditi sharma123]

It is a very fascinating story on a topic which I am very keen of. The dark humour may be a bit to profane.The most interesting character for me was Frank.Nice humour and suspense.

[Teele]

Frank is in a 13-year marriage that has become a burden to him. He needs the money to process his divorce

Interesting plot. Thanks for a good review.

[Wy_Bertram]

This seems quite enjoyable. Great work on the review.

[Damis Seres Rodriguez]

It is so rare to find a well-written comedy. Sounds like a nice read. Great review!

[Karterl+9]

I have never read any black comedy,a lover of dark humor,would definitely want this one on my shelf.