Official Review: Teaching Bobby by Mark Butler
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Official Review: Teaching Bobby by Mark Butler
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Teaching Bobby" by Mark Butler.]
The novel Teaching Bobby begins with the protagonist Jason Greene's release from prison. Immediately after his release, he travels to get his son, Bobby, who was only a few years old when he went to prison, from his brother-in-law Spencer. Over the next years, Jason struggles with not only his return to society but singlehandedly raising his headstrong son prone to getting into trouble. At the same time, Spencer is dealing with his own marital problems with his wife Maureen who quickly gets involved in a dark ring of crime. Their lives cross back and forth in what becomes a novel of family, crime, and coming of age.
Let me start by saying there were things I really liked about this novel. At the start, I loved the premise of it all and the language Butler used in his descriptions captured me right away. As the novel progressed, I found myself deeply invested in the characters and their development. For example, we see Jason change from a cynical man hardened by years in prison to a warm and loving father trying to do best for his son. I also enjoyed the various aspects portrayed of all the characters, good and bad. None of them were portrayed as these morally perfect human beings. They all had flaws and quite extensive ones if I do say so myself. But this that dichotomy, Butler was able to accurately capture the true conflict of human nature, which was refreshing to read about.
Yet, it did have its flaws, as all novels do. While it contained excellently written descriptions and great thematic elements, the dialogue and interactions between characters felt a bit forced. Every so often, I came across a line that seemed scripted and not at all genuine. While I could see the attempt to truly capture the essence of difficult relationships, particularly that between a father and son, I had trouble doing so when my reveries was broken by out of character lines of dialogue.
But more than anything, I was dissatisfied with the ending and I feel as though none of the characters were given any resolve. While I understand a certain degree of mystery can give a novel a powerful edge, I felt as this one asked more questions than it answered
Overall, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. At first, the lack of resolution I felt at the end of the book made me want to rate a lower, but then I remembered the promising start of the novel. Overall, it is an entertaining and interesting read, with complex relationships and dark truths about human nature. While there are definite holes in the plot, I overall recommend the book.
***
Buy "Teaching Bobby" on Amazon
View hassle-free sample of "Teaching Bobby"
The novel Teaching Bobby begins with the protagonist Jason Greene's release from prison. Immediately after his release, he travels to get his son, Bobby, who was only a few years old when he went to prison, from his brother-in-law Spencer. Over the next years, Jason struggles with not only his return to society but singlehandedly raising his headstrong son prone to getting into trouble. At the same time, Spencer is dealing with his own marital problems with his wife Maureen who quickly gets involved in a dark ring of crime. Their lives cross back and forth in what becomes a novel of family, crime, and coming of age.
Let me start by saying there were things I really liked about this novel. At the start, I loved the premise of it all and the language Butler used in his descriptions captured me right away. As the novel progressed, I found myself deeply invested in the characters and their development. For example, we see Jason change from a cynical man hardened by years in prison to a warm and loving father trying to do best for his son. I also enjoyed the various aspects portrayed of all the characters, good and bad. None of them were portrayed as these morally perfect human beings. They all had flaws and quite extensive ones if I do say so myself. But this that dichotomy, Butler was able to accurately capture the true conflict of human nature, which was refreshing to read about.
Yet, it did have its flaws, as all novels do. While it contained excellently written descriptions and great thematic elements, the dialogue and interactions between characters felt a bit forced. Every so often, I came across a line that seemed scripted and not at all genuine. While I could see the attempt to truly capture the essence of difficult relationships, particularly that between a father and son, I had trouble doing so when my reveries was broken by out of character lines of dialogue.
But more than anything, I was dissatisfied with the ending and I feel as though none of the characters were given any resolve. While I understand a certain degree of mystery can give a novel a powerful edge, I felt as this one asked more questions than it answered
Overall, I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. At first, the lack of resolution I felt at the end of the book made me want to rate a lower, but then I remembered the promising start of the novel. Overall, it is an entertaining and interesting read, with complex relationships and dark truths about human nature. While there are definite holes in the plot, I overall recommend the book.
***
Buy "Teaching Bobby" on Amazon
View hassle-free sample of "Teaching Bobby"
Latest Review: "Poor Percival Stories (Tale 1)" by Matthew Milson
