Official Review: Boyhood Dream by John Scully

[Allyseria]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Boyhood Dream" by John Scully.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Boyhood Dream is a true story written by John Scully. It follows his life as an Irishman who has been dreaming of owning his own grocery store his entire life. Growing up in poverty had resulted in him wanting a safe and secure future, and although owning a grocery store wasn’t glamorous, it would provide a steady income for him and his future family. Due to the lack of jobs in his hometown, he decides to move to England. After some years, he manages to save up enough money to open a grocery store back in Ireland. With a wife, a baby, and another newborn on the way, Scully feels as if everything is falling into place. However, he wasn’t prepared by the big obstacle that is now facing him as he attempts to live his dream. Will he be able to seek justice in a seemingly corrupted system? How many years will it be before he and his family can finally live in peace?

The book is written in the first person and the main theme is corruption. Corruption in Ireland in the 1970s was rife and Scully details the events that happened to him in a vivid way. It felt as if we were pulled back in time and experiencing the unfair moments with him. I became angry in his stead and felt the injustice deeply as if it were happening to me.

His honesty was also something to be admired as I loved the way he didn’t attempt to cover up his sometimes undesirable actions. Instead, he admits to them and explains to the readers why he reacted the way he did.

However, one negative thing about the book was its timeline. The timeline was very confusing because the chapters did not follow a chronological timeline and would keep skipping back and forth through the years. I only realised at the end that Scully had put in a timeline of events at the end of the book, but it would have made it easier for me to read if the chapters followed the timeline chronologically. As it was, I had to keep re-reading the page to find out when an event was happening, or simply just guessing the timeline. This broke the pacing of the book. Also, there were a few editing errors, although, considering the length of the book, it is to be expected.

Overall, I rate the book 3 out of 4 stars. The book really brings to life the corruption in Ireland in the 1970s. Those who had lived in Ireland during this time and experienced corruption will find this book relatable. However, as this is a very emotional read, I would not recommend it to those who are looking for a light-hearted read.

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Boyhood Dream
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Like Allyseria's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Cardinalsparrow]

Seems like a great story, however, timeline issues in book are sore spots for me. Thanks for a thorough review.

[Allyseria]

Seems like a great story, however, timeline issues in book are sore spots for me. Thanks for a thorough review.

Thank you for leaving a comment I agree that timeline issues can be sore spots for a lot of people.

[daydreaming reader]

I agree that putting the chapters in chronological order would have made it less confusing and improved the pacing. Despite that, this book sounds like an interesting read, especially since you were able to become emotionally invested in the character. Thank you for your excellent review.