Title: Conditions
Author: Christoph Fischer
Published: October 15th 2014 by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ASIN: B00NZ1VTBU
www.christophfischerbooks.com
Pages: 222
Genre: Drama, Fiction, Family
After the death of Tony and Charles’ mother, the two brothers struggle to reconcile and develop a relationship, of which they have never had throughout their lives. Tony, the older brother feels discarded by a family that dedicated all its energies into the younger brother Charles, who is mentally challenged.
Materialistic ideals propel Tony and his wife forward into challenging his place within the remains of the family. Kind, gentle Charles, with the help of his loyal friends, copes with circumstances that lead the two brothers on a journey of self-renewal, causing them to face past prejudices and to deal with mistaken beliefs about themselves and life in general.
I was struck with the realization of how aptly this book was named, “Conditions.” Each character in this drama had circumstances of some sort they also had to face. Everyone traveled a path of their own choosing to reach a favorable understanding of their own situation.
Charles and Tony seemed to be equal victims at the hand of their parents. Coping with mental illness in the form of Aspergers within a family is difficult at best. Add stereotypes and an overprotective, well-meaning mother and you conclude that everyone has failings. No one is perfect. I wondered numerous times about the meaning of the word normal. When it comes to family, what truly is normal?
Author, Christoph Fischer @CFFBooks
This story is character driven and requires you to interact with numerous aspects of the human condition. From mental illness, homosexuality, greed, guilt, addictions, to undiagnosed social issues, this book illustrates that everyone has some type of disability, real or perceived. The key at the heart of the story is finding acceptance and moving forward.
I found this book to be a thought provoking take of the struggles within a family unit. There was no single hero. In its place, I felt like each character achieved an independence from the family, while still remaining part of the collective family. Even the word ‘family’ was redefined with the support that Charles received from friends who were not relatives.
I love characters that face struggles and learn something from the situations they are placed in. “Conditions,” will make you think about family and the unique place each of us holds within our own families. I still cannot get the characters out of my mind, as they touched me deeply with their journey. The story made me question my own family relationships and to wonder if as families, we are all are too quick to judge each other.
Ratings:
Realistic Characterization: 5/5
Made Me Think: 5/5
Overall enjoyment: 4/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 5/5
Overall Rating: 4.5
Buy it at: Amazon
Format & Pricing:
Paperback: $8.99
Kindle: $2.99
© Copyright-All rights reserved by litworldinterviews.wordpress.com 2015
This sounds like an excellent read. I will be adding it to my to be read pile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was full of twists, much like you would find in any family. A great journey. You will love it. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Colleen. I thoroughly enjoyed Sebastian by Christoph Fischer and ‘Conditions’ is his next book on my to read list.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I loved the book. He is an excellent author. I will read more of his work.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you. 💖
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Barrow Blogs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on writerchristophfischer and commented:
Just found this wonderful review of CONDITIONS on the Internet. Love it when that happens. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your kind words Colleen 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Fabulous book. I am looking forward to reading more of your work. 😀
LikeLike