Review by LMboneng -- The Fat Lady's Low, Sad Song
- LMboneng
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- Latest Review: The Fat Lady's Low, Sad Song by Brian Kaufman
Review by LMboneng -- The Fat Lady's Low, Sad Song
The Fat Lady’s Low, Sad Song by Brian Kaufman aptly explains the trial and tribulations that so often surround the world of sport. This fictional story, written from different points of view in the first-person narrative, gives us a glimpse of the player’s lives and how it affects their play of their beloved game: baseball.
There is no question where Parker Westfall’s true passion lies. It is revealed to the reader from the very beginning as he eagerly awaits a phone call from the big leagues. To him, there is no other option besides baseball and he can only see himself in one place: the top. However, his view from the mountain quickly changes once another call comes through. Suddenly the top seems like a high, distant climb. He is going to have to work really hard with very little reward.
A great deal of growth takes place throughout this novel. I can truly say that there is not one character who remains the same, for better or for worse. This is one aspect that made it an enjoyable read for me. This, however, does not mean that every character is likable. There were a few I really wished I could hit over the head with a baseball bat. But what would an interesting book be without interesting characters?
Although intricate details about the game are often presented, it is not boring or over the top. Even if you are not a huge baseball fan, it should not be a bother. In fact, to me, it was quite educational.
There is only one thing about this story that I did not like very much. In the description it mentions the female baseball player, Courtney Morgan, but her point of view is not often expressed. More often than not, we see her through the eyes of the other players. This would have been fine if some of them were also female, but they are all men. I would have liked to see more of her in terms of how she viewed her own experience as being part of the team. She does have an intriguing background, and this gives her some depth and makes her relatable.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The great storyline was easy to follow, in-spite of its baseball-related focus. The characters are sportsmen (and one woman) and their passion for the game is commendable. The ‘unlikable’ characters added a twist and the unpredictable ending made it, well, unpredictable.
I recommend this novel to baseball lovers who enjoy fictional stories, as well as anyone who enjoys a good book. There is a fair amount of foul language present, but no sexual scenes or obscene nudity. I would not recommend it to young readers.
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The Fat Lady's Low, Sad Song
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