Review of In Lieu of Flowers

[Kibet Hillary]

It is sad that there are elements of racial bigotry in the book, but I look forward to reading this and finding the context in which the statements or elements appear. I am glad that there is nothing to dislike about or in the book and that there is something to look forward to always. Gunari's decision, while unexpected, I think would happen in life.
Many thanks for the amazing review.

[Rose Nafula Oketch]

From the review, indeed, it is ironic that Gunari is doing the inhuman thing to another parent by accepting to steal their child while in a few months he will also be a parent, and I am just imagining how he would feel if the same thing was done to him. I have never read an Airmen story, and I would try this one. Congratulations on being BOTD!

[yashasswi sama]

Keith Steinbaum's "In Lieu of Flowers" is a beautiful narrative about the power of friendship and generosity. This novel, with its brilliantly constructed prose and relatable characters, will touch your heart and inspire you.

[Leen282]

The author seems to be able to touch the reader, if the reviewer is wondering how Gunari could abduct a child and got angry about it while reading. Curious about this aspect of the name's spelling changing depending on the location.

[Atieno Magero]

In Lieu of Flowers is a well written novel. The book has a great storyline that's captivating. I like that there's a prophecy aspect to the story. I'm curious whether the prophecy will be fulfilled. Congrats on making botd!

[Gifty Aikins]

A very interesting and captivating fiction indeed. The book is well crafted, giving a sense of desperation, mystery, tragedy, and dark forces. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Abraham Ozo]

Keith Steinbaum's 'In Lieu of Flowers' masterfully intertwines fate and human choices in a gripping narrative. A haunting exploration of how one stolen child's destiny echoes across generations.

[MMcB]

Thank you for the thorough and enticing review of "In Lieu of Flowers" by Keith Steinbaum. The work of fiction tells of desperation and the kidnapping of a child. Much happens and much time passes in this book and there is adventure as Peter is an airman in the war. The story sounds intriguing and filled with prophesy if only anyone could understand events as they occur.
There is some racism in the book so gentle reader, please beware.

[Ram Uday Mahajan]

I thoroughly enjoyed your review of "In Lieu of Flowers." Your insightful analysis and vivid descriptions of the characters' emotions truly bring the story to life. Your commentary on Gunari's actions and the author's writing style was particularly compelling. Thank you for sharing!

[Dalia Chf]

A thriller that follows Gunary, a character who finds himself in a difficult situation and has to kidnap a child in order to get out of it. What a strong concept, and I love that it’s fast-paced with never a dull moment, so thanks for sharing that in your review!

[mrlefty0706]

“In Lieu of Flowers” by Keith Steinbaum is fictional story about a stolen Romanian Jewish child. The story takes place in Bucharest during 1920. Gunari, a cobbler, trying to provide for his family is approached by a man that tells him he can solve all of his financial problems including a new horse, cobbling tools and plenty of money to provide for his family. The deal the man offered him would require him to kidnap a baby Jewish boy and give him to the man for all the rewards he was promised. Gunari steals the baby and has his sister nurse the baby since she was still nursing her own baby. When his sister Lavina sees the baby, she asks Gunari if he knows what he has done. The baby’s name was Petre and was the son of Naomi, the mid-wife that had delivered most of the babies in the area. Lavina tells Gunari that the baby must be returned, and they would tell Naomi they found the baby in the darkened alley. Gunari goes to meet the man that offered the deal without a baby in hand and learns that the man is really the devil and there are many evil people on Earth like him. Naomi received a prophecy that Petre would be stolen two more times. The story fast forwards to 2017, the 74th anniversary of Petre’s death as an airman during WWII. I enjoyed the sample and the official review, and I have added this book to my to-read list. While this story is fiction, it really could happen as we come closer to the End Times.

[Ingalwa Eugine]

Right from this review I can already sense gripping suspense in this book. I love how the reviewer has summarized the aspects of the book bringing out important themes such as poverty, integrity, family life, and crime. I look forward to following Gunari's story and unraveling his fate. Thank you for this comprehensive review.

[grace ruhara]

To the individuals that have once in their lives lived from hand to mouth can relate with what the cobbler had been going through and why he went against his morals and agree to steal.

[Amos Osinya]

It is an intriguing book about mysteries, dilemmas, and power beyond normal human being beings. A great book to read.

[Dan Polumbric]

The review may have spoiled the book for me somewhat about the prophecy, but overall highlighted the emotional depth of this supernatural thriller. I admit that using Romania as a backdrop for the beginning of the story was thrilling, since this region makes a good setting for supernatural stories. The characters face struggles with fate and moral dilemmas. Worth a read.