Review of Obsessed By A Promise

[Nwankwo GC]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Obsessed By A Promise" by Sandra Warren.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

In Obsessed By A Promise, Sandra Warren wrote a historical fiction that had John Thomas (JT) "Blue" Saunders at the centre of it. Blue and his younger brother live a normal life with their father. Even though they are not well off, they have a home, and they feed fine. On an unseemly, fateful day, the police invade their home, and their father is roughly dragged away for an undisclosed reason. Set between the nineteenth and twentieth century, the world is dragged out from under the foot of Blue and Bo, and they have no hope because, at that time, there was no such thing as social services or child security, and their landlord simply throws them out of the house.

Out on the streets, Blue has to step up at the age of eleven to be a father and brother to a four-year-old Bo. Many times, Blue has to feign braveness and wisdom to protect and guard his brother. They meet displaced children just like them, and they form some sort of family and survive by begging. They never resort to dishonest means. However, fate upturns the world of these kids. Uncover more about Blue, Bo, and their friends from this book.

I love the culture-rich narration of this book. The various places and people were expertly portrayed without any apparent prejudice. For each geographical change, there was a change in the literary landscape. Through the author's detailed storytelling, it was easy to feel the essence of different places and cultures. Also, the time sequence of this story was straightforward and linear. This enabled easy comprehension of the story. The importance of love and community was beautifully emphasised. It showed that no matter how independent or unromantic a person could be, love was indispensable. I really loved Stel's character. At such a young age, Stel was already so mature, articulate, and assertive.

I did not appreciate the vague depiction of time stamps throughout history. I believe that for a book that claims to be historical fiction, it is essential to depict the particular time in history to give it more historical context. I found the story to be interesting, rich, and sad at the same time. Blue, as a character, suffered so many misfortunes. Also, I found some errors in the book even though I still think it was professionally edited.

Owing to the negative points noted in the fourth paragraph of this review, I will deduct one star from it. I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars.

This book is a must-read for historical fiction enthusiasts. Also, it is a book for lovers of history because it has a lot of historical value.

******
Obsessed By A Promise
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Paully_]

Historical fictions should be well described in the book. I wouldn't want to be disappointed if it doesn't meet my expectations. Thank you for your review.

[Waliyat_24]

Children without parents never had it easy in this world. I wonder what later become of Blue and his brother.

[maycherono91]

Such a moving story. Great review too. I would love to read the story and know what became of these two brothers.

[Itz Savaga]

What does the world of displaced children feel like? This is one question I've always asked myself. How do they fend for themselves? I guess this is a great opportunity to find out.

[nwankwo chibuchi]

The part of the story that really caught my attention was when Blue had to play the role of father and brother to Bo at such a young as of eleven. That's bravery right there.

[Alexander C Schmoock]

I always love to read books that are rich in cultural narration and this seems like a perfect one. I enjoyed the review a lot as well.

[Lawrence+2]

Not a fan of historical fictions, but this particular book sounds interesting to read. Nice review.

[Madu Abigail]

From my experience, this book is going to be an interesting read. Wonderful review.

[Ivan Mukaaga]

Your review has taken my curiosity to higher level. “Fate upturns the world of these kids. Uncover more about Blue, Bo, and their friends from this book”. If you had told us how, we would not be so eager to read it. Thanks for the excellent review.