Review of A Laughing Matter of Pain

[Joyjim]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Laughing Matter of Pain" by Cynthia Hilston.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Life seldom goes the way we imagined it would. Often, obstacles arise on our paths, either of our own doing or otherwise. At such times, we may find it very much difficult to stay in one piece. A Laughing Matter of Pain by Cynthia Hilston relates Harry's tale.

Harry and his sister, Hannah, lived life as they wished. Harry gradually became addicted to alcohol. He soon found a girlfriend whom he fell in love with. However, on the day he proposed to her, a disaster occurred. This caused him to spend the next three years of his life behind prison bars. He was broken and defeated. When he finished serving his time in prison, he found the right kind of help in Dawson, who gave him the support he needed. It would not be until after 4 years before his family members would set eyes on him. What sort of man would they find? Can Harry ever put his life in order? These vital questions are answered in the book.

I had a great time reading this book. The grammar flows smoothly, and there were no awkward-sounding sentences in the narrative. At some point, I forgot that this story was a work of fiction because the descriptions were quite vivid and real. It is also full of lessons.

My favorite aspect of this book is the morals behind the story. Alcohol addicts have much to learn from Harry. The book can help them see the dangers of alcoholism. They can learn from Harry's experience that it is all too easy to get on the wrong side of the law and cause irreparable damage when drunk.

Readers can also learn that as long as one remains alive, it is always possible to start life again from the scratch. Harry worked hard to rebuild his life. Although the journey was not entirely smooth, he did not give up. The author also portrayed his withdrawal from alcohol in a positive light.

I also love the subtle humor employed in the narrative. It made the book entertaining. For instance on page 128, the author wrote, "Dawson spends the rest of the afternoon completing my training on exhausts. I’m exhausted by the end of it."

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. It was professionally edited. It was entertaining and informative as well. I have no dislikes about it. Readers who love addiction stories will find this book interesting.

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A Laughing Matter of Pain
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[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

It is good Harry rebuilt his life successfully; that he never give up. This lesson is vital for us to be prosperous in life. This is a wonderful review!

[Lorna Philip Enslin]

Life never goes according to plan, how true this statement is. We never quite know whats ahead for us and its probably just as well that we dont. Harry learned the hard way, but managed to get his life on track and overcame his addiction. I enjoyed this review, thank you, definitely on my tbr list.

[Grace Lee Rose]

What sort of incident occured when he proposed to his girlfriend? I would have loved if it was mentioned, but it would have been a spoiler if it were. I understand though. I sincerely hope Harry would rebuild his life and find purpose to live happily again.

[Ogunkoya Mayowa]

A historical fiction book that talks about how Harry found a girlfriend he loves and proceed to propose to her but this led to the disaster of his going to prison. The book had a lot of lessons such as why alcohol addiction was bad and also why not to give up on life. I'm glad you enjoyed reading the book. Nice review.

[Glory_C]

I wonder what type of event took place after Harry proposed to his girlfriend. I appreciate the fact that he was able to build his life successful after prison.