Review of The Importance of Being Erica

[Upphilan Paul]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Importance of Being Erica" by Carolyn Banks.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"The Importance of Being Erica" by Carolyn Banks is undeniably exceptional. From the foreword, it's evident how tirelessly the 82-year-old author strived to publish this book since February 2022. Carolyn Banks' determination to share this story with readers is truly commendable.

The introduction introduces Bram Stoker and his companion, Oscar Wilde, creating curiosity about what Bram might reveal to Oscar in the narrow hallways. Bram's intellect shines through as he coins the term "Rom-Com," blending romance and comedy. His storytelling, notably in the segment titled "Again, in Oscar's Quarters," is captivating.

This novel is imbued with laughter. Characters like Florence, previously romantically linked to Oscar until Bram's arrival, add amusing twists. Erica, Caroline's friend, grapples with her weight, nurturing a strong bond with Caroline. They share personal experiences, contrasting Caroline's husband's excessive desires with Erica's husband, Larry's indifference.

The character dynamics are portrayed skillfully, engaging readers with gentle yet compelling storytelling. The irony of Erica's fashion-forward mother, Twink, being perceived as thin on television, adds depth.

The encounter between Oscar and Erica, where Oscar's inability to operate a phone prompts Erica's assistance, is a delightful scene awaiting readers. Suspense heightens when Oscar paints Florence, leaving readers anticipating Bram's potential reaction.

Their friendships and love are portrayed as special, with the interactions among Caroline, Nan, Sherry, and Erica at the restaurant adding depth and anticipation.

I appreciate that Oscar took it upon himself to help Erica lose weight, but was he successful, and were there any implications? To find out, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. It's suspenseful.

I admire the book's simplicity and captivating essence, a testament to the author's extensive writing experience. Despite a very minor formatting error, the book remains engrossing. However, it contains borderlines and fewer erotic words.

I rate "The Importance of Being Erica" 4 out of 5 stars. The author's simple yet mind-hacking approach captivated my attention, which I greatly admired. While deserving of full marks, a minor formatting issue slightly detracts. Nonetheless, this book is exceptional and highly recommended for young adults and above. It's worth reading!

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The Importance of Being Erica
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[NetMassimo]

The plot is quite peculiar with historical figures involved in Erica's struggle with her weight. Well, it's labeled as farcical, so you can expect anything. Thank you for your great review!