Review of The Troubles With Hope

[Mvjdarling]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Troubles With Hope" by D.L.O'ferrall.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Troubles with Hope by D.L. O'Ferrall is a fictional book based on a bittersweet symphony in the 90s in Northern Ireland. It focuses on the theme of music, drug abuse, relationship breakdown, alcoholism, and love.

The 102-page book narrates an eventful story using fictional bands, lyrics, and hard-hitting storylines alongside multiple characters on several topics prevalent in Northern Ireland in the 90s. The story also details how Hope and Charlie got married in 1990 in Bogside, Northern Ireland, the heart of Belfast. They were in their twenties, but Hope lost her only brother to drugs - heroin. He ignored the advice of his friend Eddie. Eddie began to devise a master plan to get his revenge on those men he blamed for supplying Steven with drugs. On the other hand, Charlie resorted to drugs and alcohol, and they weren't working; they were destroying him. Another plot was about the paramilitary and how the peace treaty ended the troubles in Northern Ireland. Would these characters do things differently if given another chance? Will Eddie get his pound of flesh? Read up on this masterpiece to find out.

The writing style of the author is inspiring, relatable, and youthful. It focused on relevant problems in today's world. For example, the self-destructive effects of drug abuse, religious/political division in our society as was between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland before the peace treaty, betrayals, and impacts of poor choices. This book exposed the horrors of abusive relationships and poor parental supervision.

I love the exposé on the effects of violence, bloodshed, and conflict in Bogside, Northern Ireland. I learned about the Ancient Oracle of the I Ching, Buddhism, the crystals, and the Dalai Lama. I admire how the author used music and its lyrics to mirror a detailed explanation of the emotions of each character. Music is indeed the food of the soul, and it has rescued many at the point of giving up. I kept on downloading each song on my phone for a better understanding of the lyrics.

I wouldn't say I liked that the book had some constant repetitions. Also, I am not comfortable with the close-mindedness of Eddie's parents concerning his sexual preference.

The book was professionally edited, as I observed a few errors in the book. This book will serve as a piece of inspiration for those having a hard time in marriage and relationships. Therefore, I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book to lovers of music, married people, the LGBTQI+ community, and those in rehab.

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The Troubles With Hope
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[Rimsha Falak]

I love books that contain references to music, so that I can look them up and use them as a playlist while reading that particular book. It sets the mood and helps me better understand the characters' emotions. Your review makes me want to read this book as well!

[Mercy Bolo]

I like that the author exposes society's ills and narrates an inspiring tale that will motivate many readers. It's a plus that the book is short and will serve as a quick read.

[DTamara]

Seems like a very insightful book, touching on so many difficult subjects, religion, politics, drugs. I always like to learn something new, and I don't know much about Northern Ireland yet. I plan to read it and I only hope that the characters manage to pull through given such struggles. Very nice review, thanks!

[Theana De lima Araujo]

I enjoyed reading your review, though I will not be picking up this book. The themes of drugs and loss are something I am not in the mood for at the moment. I will give it credit for intertwing song lyrics with the story as that is not easily done and it likely boosts the reading experience. Have a lovely day.