When approached by Vukovic for an honest review, I could not refuse as I am an avid coffee drinker. The book cover is enticing, and in itself, pip my curiosity. Coffee grind reading…?
Title: Grind
Author: Edward Vukovic
Publishers: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 2, 2016)
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Website: www.edwardvukovic.com
Pages: 398
Genre: Fiction – Contemporary
What’s it about?
The story is a microcosm of the world at large, bound by the aromatic substance, coffee. This is an entirely enjoyable and intelligent book, weaving multi-faceted characters through each other’s lives culminating in a powerful resolution.
We have Ziva, a young migrant woman, intelligent and trapped in a world of poverty. Infused with a talent for coffee-grind reading, she lives by her heightened ‘instinctive’ sense.
There is Simon, an angry direction-less man feeling victimised by life and its injustices; the only valuable thing in his life that which he thought could not be taken from him – his special coffee.
And Isaac, pub owner and a man atoning for his sins as he only knows how – the daily overcoming of the temptation of a former vice.
What of Michel, a homeless man by choice, oddly noble man avoiding his past and seeking in his own way to make amends.
Danielle, the young girl with a mentally ill father, bound by circumstances yet still hopeful for a better world.
Masterfully crafted by Vukovic, their lives intersect and will be forever changed, each character finding redemption.
I cannot help but associate the title ‘Grind’ with a different meaning, the grind that is life for the characters, each with a burden to bear. Will it lighten, I wonder…?
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. ‘Grind’ draws the reader into the lives of its characters, reminding us that we all have our privates selves, that it is a priilege to be let into that private world. We are the same – doing the best we can in our world – no matter the texture of our story; and interconnected – our actions have impact on others .
Ratings:
Realistic Characterization: 4.5/5
Made Me Think: 3.5/5
Overall enjoyment: 4.5/5
Readability: 4/5
Recommended: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Buy it at:
Amazon | Kindle | USD 2.95 |
Hardback | USD 18.95 | |
~ FlorenceT
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