Review of Say Goodbye
Posted: 28 Nov 2024, 10:49
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Say Goodbye" by autolemy.]
Say Goodbye by autolemy is unusual because it is musical fiction, merging a novel and an album to tell a story. British producer, songwriter and author autolemy has created an innovative experience for the reader and listener.
The protagonist is Lee Walker, who is six years old and lives with his father, mother and sister. When his parents split up, he finds himself living in a loveless and violent household. By the time he is seven, he decides to run away and gets a lift to France, where he ends up living rough. Throughout the book, the KGB and MI6 play their part in the background. This gripping story has twists and turns, with dramatic events and unexpected outcomes.
I was intrigued about how a book with music would work; it's something I hadn't encountered before. The album has tracks that connect with different parts of the story. The music complements the book and adds an extra layer to the reader and listener's emotions. I played Say Goodbye several times. It's a painful subject, but it's lyrical and has beautiful vocals.
All of the characters are very well drawn. Even though Lee is so young, he is a multi-layered, compelling character and readers will connect with him. Lee's grandmother is an interesting person. She is retired but used to be high up in MI6, which seems outlandish, but the clever way the character is portrayed makes it convincing. Characters from different professions, such as social work, teaching and police, all come across as real and believable.
I liked the writing style. It flowed and was a pleasure to read. The dialogue was very well done, and I thought it sounded authentic throughout.
I questioned whether a seven-year-old could act as he did, but this didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the story. It wasn't the ending I hoped for, but the story subtly led that way in retrospect. I can see that the second book will be all the more fascinating because of how this book ends.
Saying Goodbye is the first book of a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading the second book when it comes out. I recommend Saying Goodbye to readers who would like an exciting family drama with memorable characters and a musical twist. I award this book and album 5 out of 5 stars.
******
Say Goodbye
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Say Goodbye by autolemy is unusual because it is musical fiction, merging a novel and an album to tell a story. British producer, songwriter and author autolemy has created an innovative experience for the reader and listener.
The protagonist is Lee Walker, who is six years old and lives with his father, mother and sister. When his parents split up, he finds himself living in a loveless and violent household. By the time he is seven, he decides to run away and gets a lift to France, where he ends up living rough. Throughout the book, the KGB and MI6 play their part in the background. This gripping story has twists and turns, with dramatic events and unexpected outcomes.
I was intrigued about how a book with music would work; it's something I hadn't encountered before. The album has tracks that connect with different parts of the story. The music complements the book and adds an extra layer to the reader and listener's emotions. I played Say Goodbye several times. It's a painful subject, but it's lyrical and has beautiful vocals.
All of the characters are very well drawn. Even though Lee is so young, he is a multi-layered, compelling character and readers will connect with him. Lee's grandmother is an interesting person. She is retired but used to be high up in MI6, which seems outlandish, but the clever way the character is portrayed makes it convincing. Characters from different professions, such as social work, teaching and police, all come across as real and believable.
I liked the writing style. It flowed and was a pleasure to read. The dialogue was very well done, and I thought it sounded authentic throughout.
I questioned whether a seven-year-old could act as he did, but this didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the story. It wasn't the ending I hoped for, but the story subtly led that way in retrospect. I can see that the second book will be all the more fascinating because of how this book ends.
Saying Goodbye is the first book of a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading the second book when it comes out. I recommend Saying Goodbye to readers who would like an exciting family drama with memorable characters and a musical twist. I award this book and album 5 out of 5 stars.
******
Say Goodbye
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon