Review by Slater678 -- The Juicy Fruit Man by LaMar Going

[Harty Muli]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Juicy Fruit Man" by LaMar Going.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Juicy Fruit Man is a revealing and fascinating novel on police corruption authored by LaMar Going. It features Declan Noakes, an army veteran, who is striving to lead a normal civilian life occasioned by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. As a result, some things he does to manage his condition include using and selling “Juicy Fruit,” an euphemistic reference to top-grade Thai marijuana, and fraternizing at the local AA meetings—something that reminds him of the Ranger brotherhood, but devoid of the killing. Of late, Declan has also taken to traveling by rail, a hobby he finds therapeutic, as it frees him from the commitment of making mortgage or rental payments.

Furthermore, the regularity of Declan’s travel has seen him make both friends and foes in equal measure. One of his friends is a train conductor, Hank, who gives him unfettered access to a complimentary sleeper berth, where he smokes pot with impunity. On the other hand, Mike and Ike, two Amtrak cops down on their luck, put him at the top of their surveillance list, as they seem to have grown suspicious of his character.

What I found endearing the most in this novel was how the author developed the conflict. Firstly, Declan’s story embodies a man in conflict with himself: he talks of fighting personal demons, on the one hand, and drugs (which doesn’t include marijuana), on the other. Moreover, “Noakes” is an invincible character both on the battlefield and at home, while “Declan” is a vulnerable character, especially when he's asleep. Lastly, there’s the overall conflict that pits Declan (who doesn’t consider himself a drug dealer) and his real-life adversaries.

Other than the well-developed characters, Going’s writing is characterized by a subtle and underlying spiritual message personified by Declan. When the events on the battlefield in Vietnam “shocked him to his core,” for example, Going told of the hope that kept Declan alive. Accordingly, the reader finds Declan reflecting and redefining issues, such as love, hate, war, and peace, that he earlier on took for granted. Going also takes some time to shed light on his views on the afterlife and family ties through the characters of Declan’s dead Grandma Bev and his mother’s parents, Simon and Sarah.

As I finish, this book was exceptionally flawless, as I didn’t find anything negative about it. I also think the author was restrained in his use of vulgar language, as the few occasions it was used it was mainly in jest. Also, the editing seemed to have been professionally done. Consequently, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. This novel will be ideal to any mature reader who's interested in stories of insolent and murderous policemen. On the flip side, the book will be less suited to those who are triggered by violence and bloodshed in stories.

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The Juicy Fruit Man
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[Samuel Windybank]

I also just read this book, though my review got rejected because I unwittingly included spoilers..oops..I’m glad to see you enjoyed it as much as I did!

[MeganDJ]

Wow! Sounds like an interesting tale of a man getting to grips with PTSD and the impact he is having on the world. I think it would bring to light some of the darker and more lingering aspects of war on a person's life beyond it. Thank you for your well-written and insightful review! Happy reading

[Caroline Anne Richmond]

This sounds really interesting, incorporation serious issues such as PTSD and drug use. Thanks for a great review.

[Reitumetse_R]

I don't know if it's just me but the PTSD survivors almost always come out the best versions of themselves just like this lovely one here. Lovely book and thank you for the review

[Rashida10]

This story tends to feature post-military life, drugs, smuggling, and social conflicts. Thanks for sharing.

[Mbrooks2518]

The author seems to have done a wonderful job with Declan's characterization. Great review!

[Kevivas03]

I have always wondered what sort of stresses military men and women face after they are back from their deployments. This book provides much-needed insight of the "demons" they deal with. Exquisite review!

[Phelicia Gloria]

Am usually heartbroken with our police officer today, they are very corrupt and hungry, I like when an author comes our to highlight such problems. Thanks for the honesty review pal

[Saint Bruno]

I love this storyline. Thanks a lot for this wonderful review and your recommendation. Good job!

[Harty Muli]

I also just read this book, though my review got rejected because I unwittingly included spoilers..oops..I’m glad to see you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Sorry about that. Thanks for your kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

Wow! Sounds like an interesting tale of a man getting to grips with PTSD and the impact he is having on the world. I think it would bring to light some of the darker and more lingering aspects of war on a person's life beyond it. Thank you for your well-written and insightful review! Happy reading

Thanks for your kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

This sounds really interesting, incorporation serious issues such as PTSD and drug use. Thanks for a great review.

thanks for the kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

I don't know if it's just me but the PTSD survivors almost always come out the best versions of themselves just like this lovely one here. Lovely book and thank you for the review

Yes they seem to know their weakness which seem to drive them forward. thanks for your kind comments.

[Harty Muli]

This story tends to feature post-military life, drugs, smuggling, and social conflicts. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for your kind comments.