Review of In Lieu of Flowers

Nerea · Post by **Nerea** » 23 Jun 2024, 10:32

This sounds like an interesting fictional story filled with mystery. Desperation can often lead to unexpected twists and turns in a story, making it all the more intriguing to see how it unfolds. I would love to follow through on the story and find out whether Gunari was able to find a solution to his desperate situation or if he faced even more obstacles along the way.

Bernard Ndubuisi · Post by **Bernard Ndubuisi** » 23 Jun 2024, 10:42

In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum seems to be a captivating story from the start to finish. But gunari shouldn't have steal his fellow man's child for exchange of food; well this shows that there is almost nothing a man will not do to solve hungry issues.

Brienna Cooper · Post by **Brienna Cooper** » 23 Jun 2024, 10:50

Well done review!

I found it ironic that Gunari agreed to steal a child. As someone whose wife was expecting a baby, you would think that his first instinct would be to protect children, as he was expecting one, but seeing him accept that deal amazed me. I understood that people would do anything if food was put on their table or if it gave them a remotely better life than they already had. On the day he conducted the theft, Gunari prayed to God for help, and I remember screaming, "How on earth do you pray to God to help you successfully inflict such grief on someone else?" I felt pity for Naomi, Petre's mother. I kept asking why it had to be her son that all of the events in this book happened to, from being stolen as a kid to becoming an airman and dying on duty.

This alone has peaked my interest. I’d be asking all the same questions! This book seems to prove that the human condition’s never-ending facets and nuances will always make for gripping study and story material.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 23 Jun 2024, 10:52

I am curious to know what happened to Petre Levy. The backdrop of 1920's Romania is interesting. Do people do the unthinkable when they are desperate? I must add this book to my bookshelves to find out.

Post by **Do Thi Huong** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:03

"Desperate times call for desperate actions." Well, I guess I can understand why Gunari stole the baby. It's a desperate pivotal moment when someone feels they have no money to survive; survival instinct kicks in, making him accept the deal. Anyway, it seems like a very interesting fiction story to read.

Brandon Sanderson · Post by **Marie Chalupová** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:04

A man agrees to steal a child for the sake of money and then there seems to be some kind of supernatural retribution. Seem interesting.

Hamsapriya Krishnamurthy · Post by **Hamsapriya Krishnamurthy** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:09

I loved the unique title of the book. Not sure how it is relevant to the story. Sampling few pages of the book, I also liked the author's simple narrative style. Your review gives intriguing edge to the book and I'm impressed at your observation that the name Petre is changed as per the location. Congratulations for the deserving BOTD!

Post by **Jeff Kanda** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:10

Your review of the book is very interesting. I have known a lot about the book already. I think this is a a perfect book for me as I love such fiction books.
Thanks for the engaging review!

Shayna Canestrari · Post by **Shayna Canestrari** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:10

I am not a fan of storylines involving harming or kidnapping children. No matter how desperate someone's situation is, I can't relate to or keep an open mind about a character who would do such a thing. Your thorough review has helped guide my decision that this book is not for me. Thank you!

Olga Markova · Post by **Olga Markova** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:23

Your review is very informative! Like you, I enjoyed sampling the episode of Gunari kidnapping but returning baby Petre and so failing his deal with the Devil. I also agree that this book deserves the perfect rating you gave it.

Post by **Priyankan Nayak** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:24

The above review is well detailed and has presented the pros and cons of the book. The story is intriguing and I would like to read this captivating novel. Congratulations on the BOTD award.

Jenna Padayachee · Post by **Jenna Padayachee** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:26

I enjoyed this review very much.
Thank you.
In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum, sounds gripping.
Gunari is extremely fascinating. I sometimes wonder what goes through a person's mind who does such shocking things, like steal a child, and this book depicts this character in a captivating way!
The psychology of Gunari has me gripped as much as I am keen to find out whether the prophecy fulfills itself.

Post by **Dheera Kalota** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:45

While sampling a few pages of "In Lieu of Flowers" by Keith Steinbaum, it felt like a fairy tale, like the tale of rumpelstiltskin. Gunari made the deal with the devil without thinking about the consequences. I wish to know how the story turns out to be. An interesting review.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:52

One would not expect a man who is almost a father to bring so much grief and trauma on a mother, to steal her baby. It will be interesting to discover why Petre is targeted by evil forces and what happens to him. Thank you for the comprehensive review.

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Nisha DSouza** » 23 Jun 2024, 11:55

In Lieu of Flowers by Keith Steinbaum sounds like an enticing horror thriller with supernatural elements. Gunari accepting the offer to kidnap the child will possibly change his life forever. Although he couldn't complete the task, I'm curious about why that man wanted the baby and what happened to Petre and her mother. Congratulations on the BOTD!