Official Review: Our Fine Romance by Michael Harbott

[LeDiplomatique]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Our Fine Romance" by Michael Harbott.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In 1935, amidst rumors of a second world war, two children were born, 4 months apart, in different hospitals in London. One was a girl and the other was a boy. Our Fine Romance by Maureen and Michael Harbott is a book that documents the life of these two, who grew up to build a home together. Having experienced differently, the effects of the second world war, from its start to the end, Maureen and Michael later met, in their late teen years, through a cycling club and married in March 29th, 1958. The same year, their love for adventure led them to Africa, where they lived for over ten years and bore three of their children; Stephen, Nicole and Melanie. Later on, they immigrated to Canada, where they settled permanently and bore their fourth child, Abigail.

I have read many autobiographies, but so far, this is one of the best-narrated accounts. The story is very interesting and captivating. The descriptions are vivid enough. There is an inclusion of black and white, scenic pictures from all phases of the authors’ lives. I most love that the book gives the account of the authors’ life together in two points of view. Maureen narrates their story from her perspective, then Michael narrates it from his own perspective. This aspect gives depth to the book, and each perspective adds something new to the story. The reader is enabled to understand Maureen and Michael’s story from different perspectives.

The tone of the autobiography portrays adventurous authors, who shared a love for cycling, travelling and relaxing at the seaside. The authors’ purpose in writing this book is to document the amazing journey of their life together. I was fascinated by Maureen’s childhood mode of differentiation of soldiers during the world war. She could not tell the American and British soldiers apart by their uniforms, but if they dished out chewing gum, they were definitely American! I also found it interesting that Japanese would be classified as ‘Whites’ while Chinese would be classified as ‘Coloured’ in Apartheid South Africa.

I came across several minor errors. Nevertheless, I did not come across any profanities or erotic content. I, firstly, recommend this book to historians who wish to understand the second world war and Apartheid from a personal perspective. Secondly, I recommend it to readers of ‘true love’ stories. After reading Our Fine Romance, I believe true love does exist! I also recommend it to readers who enjoy adventurous stories. My favorite moment of the story was during the voyage to Africa. During the ritual of “The Ancient Order of the Deep” at the Equator point, the voyagers were presented with certificates proclaiming that the animals of the ‘deep’ should ‘treat the certificate holders respectfully’ should they fall overboard.

If I could improve anything in the book, it is the spacing between paragraphs and within the story. The text spacing and arrangement is disorganized in the entire book. I will not rate it 4 stars due to the text disorganization. Nevertheless, I will not rate it 2 stars because of its outstanding narration that captures the reader and plunges them head-long into the story. I immensely enjoyed the story of Maureen and Michael Harbott. Therefore, I rate Our Fine Romance 3 out of 4 stars.

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Our Fine Romance
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[LinaJan]

The book title brought me here I am glad that it did as it seems to be a very entertaining and touching story. I also like the historical setting and the knowledge the reader can take away from it.

Thank you for such a sincere and detailed review! Adding this to my shelf

[anettejk]

Honestly i was captivated by this story ! It is so touching and feel a little sad as i was shock in reading it!

[Christabel Uzoamaka]

This sounds like a very heartwarming tale. The title alone brought me a warmth that I cannot fully explain.
Thank you for putting the book in such an enjoyable light. I enjoyed the review.