Official Review: Shooting Europe by Simon Potter

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 15 May 2019, 13:56

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Shooting Europe" by Simon Potter.]

2 out of 4 stars

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Shooting Europe is comprised of three main sections. In the first part, Mike writes to Holly and includes his version of what occurred during their time together. The second portion of the book includes Holly’s response to him. The final section, again penned by Mike, allows him to respond to Holly’s writing and her thoughts. As you will learn, Mike and Holly’s relationship is taking place as they are working on a series of films to be shot on locations throughout Europe. Many of the chapters are devoted to summarizing some of these films.

Unfortunately, prior to meeting Holly, Mike was in a volatile relationship with Mopsa. Mopsa is consumed by her world of art exhibitions. She is also unafraid to seek revenge whenever she feels unappreciated. How will Mike and Holly’s relationship unfold? What will become of Mopsa? What will be the outcome of Mike and Holly’s letters (epistles) to one another?

This novel is about love and revenge; however, it is much darker and more disturbing. In fact, parts of the book are often grotesque. This satirical theme of revenge made the movie Misery seem like a children’s story. Anytime Mopsa appeared in the story, the language immediately became vulgar. Intimately familiar with every curse word available, Mopsa delighted in consistently spouting an assortment of them. Also, her idea of art was not what I had anticipated. While I was imagining sculptures and paintings, Mopsa was sitting in a coffin with chicken giblets up to her neck. At other times, she observed other members of her art world seeking to express themselves by cutting off body parts. And, I will not even comment on the more absurd “Excremental Kinetics”. (I will let you read about this art medium on your own.)

The author did a thorough job of developing his characters. Holly was someone I did like and could identify with. She was portrayed realistically and I enjoyed reading her perspective on love and relationships. Mike was also a believable character, but certainly lacked backbone in his dealings with Mopsa. However, I did appreciate the sense of protection that he demonstrated toward Holly.

Most of the movies that they planned to film exhibited a dark tone. If you love a good revenge story, you will certainly enjoy the film Avril Trethowan's Secret. This film gives new meaning to the phrase “revenge is a dish best served cold”. However, be advised that this particular story is definitely not for the faint of heart.

I did like that the book appeared to be very well edited. However, given the consistent grotesque factor, the strong language and the unnecessarily lengthy dialogue, I award Shooting Europe by Simon Potter 2 out of 4 stars. I can only recommend this book (in its current form) to readers exceptionally fond of satire and not offended by consistent coarse language, grotesque and graphic descriptions and occasional racial slurs. Readers sensitive to these issues will want to avoid this story. Hopefully the author can justify removing much of the explicit language (as it does not take that much to get the message across regarding Mopsa’s personality). Additionally, the book could easily be shortened by editing much of the dialogue that seemed unnecessary to the storyline. These changes would definitely up the appeal factor.

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Shooting Europe
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Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 18 May 2019, 07:03

This sounds too disturbing for me, and I did not enjoy the movie Misery. I think I will skip this, but thank you for the honest review!

Rachel Lea · Post by **Rachel Lea** » 18 May 2019, 14:49

I'm all for realism and grit in literature, but the character of Mopsa crosses a line for me so I don't think I'll be checking this book out. Thank you for your honest review!

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 18 May 2019, 15:28

If Mopsa can surpass Cathy Bates with her wicked deeds, then I think I will pass. Your descriptions of the book are very insightful and tastefully worded! Good job on your review.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 18 May 2019, 21:10

Stephanie Elizabeth wrote: ↑18 May 2019, 07:03 This sounds too disturbing for me, and I did not enjoy the movie Misery. I think I will skip this, but thank you for the honest review!

It was definitely disturbing. From the description, I was expecting sort of a "Bridget Jones' Diary" story. What a surprise I was in for! Thank you, Stephanie, for reading my review and for commenting.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 18 May 2019, 21:17

Rachel Lea wrote: ↑18 May 2019, 14:49 I'm all for realism and grit in literature, but the character of Mopsa crosses a line for me so I don't think I'll be checking this book out. Thank you for your honest review!

That is probably a good call, Rachel, as Mopsa was a bit much for me also. Thank you so much for reading the review and for your thoughtful comments!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 18 May 2019, 21:28

kdstrack wrote: ↑18 May 2019, 15:28 If Mopsa can surpass Cathy Bates with her wicked deeds, then I think I will pass. Your descriptions of the book are very insightful and tastefully worded! Good job on your review.

Mopsa is definitely not someone that you want to cross. Thank you so much, kdstrack, for reading my review and for your thoughtful comments!

imSunshine · Post by **imSunshine** » 18 May 2019, 22:39

satire could be sexy..so i am giving it a try

Agnes Masobeng · Post by **Agnes Masobeng** » 19 May 2019, 02:33

The strong use of vulgar language is too disturbing for me. Thanks your great anf well explained review.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 19 May 2019, 08:20

The stories within story (films) sound unique. however, I will have to pass for it seems too grotesque. Thanks for the great review all the same!

unamilagra · Post by **unamilagra** » 19 May 2019, 14:11

What an odd book. It sounds like it could be an interesting story, and I like the idea of having the book be written in letters, but it sounds like the author really got carried away with some of the details. Very thorough review!

CyndiA1 · Post by **CyndiA1** » 19 May 2019, 16:41

Thanks for the descriptive and balanced review. I do not think I'd like the revenge aspects or the odd art described in the book. Chicken parts just don't do it for me (-:

Uinto · Post by **Uinto** » 20 May 2019, 04:57

I find the language a turn-off to reading the book. Thanks for your thorough review all the same.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 20 May 2019, 11:08

This is definitely not a light read; still, it seems rather intriguing. Furthermore, it's a plus that the book is well edited. Thanks for the review!

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 20 May 2019, 12:12

The story of Mike and Holly’s relationship while working on films shot on locations throughout Europe,
but Mike was in a volatile relationship with Mopsa sounds interesting .