Official Review: Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Lif...

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Sam Ibeh
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Official Review: Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Lif...

Post by Sam Ibeh »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Life Against All Odds" by Rich Kenzie.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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One of the central preoccupations of Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Life Against All Odds is love. Rich Kenzie is ardent in his love for whatever thing he does. His passion for England, his family, and his God can be seen throughout the pages of this book. The latter is what forms the central place in most parts of this narrative. The author leaves England for Canada with his parents after World War I. Although he is not happy to watch his homeland fade away as they depart, he acclimates to Canada by default. How he navigated life in this newfound reality is detailed in this book.

Although an account of the author's life, one can hardly decide whether this book is fictional or not. This is due to Kenzie's artistic prowess at weaving words with amazing sceneries. It is thrilling how the events in England and Canada are dressed to engage the reader's thoughts. The creative description of the incidents surrounding Kenzie's birth and the myths of Rosia's stone (Royston) leaves the reader in a depth of imagination. This is why Derrida believes that poetry (literature) and nature share things in common.

Kenzie aesthetically plays with the thoughts of the reader. The narrator's name is made a bit obscure that one has to read with the anticipation of meeting with the character. Of course, the pleasure of a text comes from the character-reader relationship. This literary craft gives credit to Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Life Against All Odds.

Similarly, Kenzie does not undermine the pertinence of literary elements in his art. The use of repetitions on page 20 heightens the importance attached to 'talking.' Paradox on page 80 is another intriguing figure of speech employed to make this book literary. This is not to overlook the effect of the artistic arrangement of the chapters with their catchy titles.

However, the excessive use of foreshadowing in the narration foils this text to an extent. Informing the reader that Joe is still his friend even after the surgery is a big spoiler to the suspense intended. Of course, the reader already knows he will make it out of the theatre and has no cause to be tense anymore. That is a spoiler that should be avoided. I also don't intend to spoil the book for you. Of course, if the author didn't make it through the surgery, he wouldn't have written this book.

Interestingly, the editing of Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Life Against All Odds was good; I only found one minor error throughout the book. Regardless of the trivial issue raised in the paragraph preceding this one, I'd rate it 4 out of 4 stars.

I, therefore, employ every lover of beauty and creativity in literature to find this work useful, as long as the religious undertone is not a problem to such a person.

******
Breathe Free: One Man's Struggle for Life Against All Odds
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Pallavi Lakra
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Post by Pallavi Lakra »

Sounds like as a reader we would learn alot from the author's writing. Thanks for the amazing review!
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Becca Olsson
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Post by Becca Olsson »

This sounds like a really good account of the authors life. I’m glad he could write it in such a compelling way. Thanks for the great review!
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Khushboo Barwar
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Post by Khushboo Barwar »

The author’s writing style sounds inspiring. The picturesque description surely seems captivating but I’m a little skeptical about the religious undertone. Thank you for stating that. This was a great review.
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Post by Uzo_Reviews »

Since this is a book about his own life, then it is realistic and relatable. Good work you did there!
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Mayur Arjune
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Post by Mayur Arjune »

Love stories in pictures are rare , but pleasing to eyes. This review has some much insightful. I'll reason the book to be good.
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Post by IamJc_Bembo12 »

A book that is worth reading. The life experiences of the author are relatable. Looking forward to finishing the book and witness its denouement. Thanks for your fascinating review!
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Uzo_Reviews
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Post by Uzo_Reviews »

Non fiction like this are a beaut to read. I'm not disappointed at how the writing style was smooth because one will always know how to tell his/her story. Thanks for this review.
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Post by onyii_review »

Looks like a book that will be historical as well. Thanks for the review.
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Post by Theexceptional »

We should not be afraid to try out new places and challenges, this might be therapeutic. Thanks for the review.
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Post by The fabulous »

Sounds like a book the teaches learning and trying out new things. Thanks for the review.
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Freddyrich
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Post by Freddyrich »

We should never be afraid of something that is good, and you should get out of your comfort zone and be comfortable in the uncomfortable zone. Thank you
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