Review by geoffrey ngoima -- The Dancing Barber

[geoffrey ngoima]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Dancing Barber" by AC Michael.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Dancing Barber by A.C. Michael starts with Mister Pushkin, the Russian blue pedigree cat and his master, the eccentric Klem, lying face down in a ditch filling and flowing with stinky water, and sweeps us through six acts, taking us to Europe and back to the war-scarred Russian. I give this book a rating of 4 out of 4 stars because of its perfectly toned elements and would strongly recommend it to readers that love historical, humorous and heartfelt novels.

One aspect that is impossible to miss, and is interlaced into this charming but harrowing story is the humor that is masterfully crafted and is reminiscent of John Grisham’s novels, but with bitter turns that make it even more endearing. Readers cannot help but be infused with lively characters, dialogues, and descriptions. Examples of this, and just to show the oddity of one of the twins and the beauty of the setting, AC Michael writes, “She turned to face the refreshing breeze blowing in from the distant Black Sea and wiggled her arms as if impersonating an enormous mutant chicken.”

I was laughing all through the historical fiction story, the sharp humor undercutting the truly ghastly happenings, perpetrated by Sterling, evenly sprinkled through the story. AC Michael’s ingenuity can be seen from the very first page as Klem and his pedigree cat interact and as he meets the anxious Halyna in the “Uki” club bar where the harsh landlords are hated and the head scarfs lead their flat-caps from the bars by their ears!

All the characters draw the attention of the reader, all from the oddly looking twin sisters and their odd uncle, as they take the “death train” to the airport; the authoritative, cruel but kind Tara and his stinging cane raining down on the bottoms of his students. You would have to read the story to fully understand the impact of the characters and the Ukrainian spirit fighting to retain and regain the freedom taken from them by the Soviet Union.

What I did not like about the story was the complexity of the plots and the method of its pursuit. I say this for the sake of light-readers who would get turned off by the prospect of having to employ much of their faculties to get through the plots and find the gem that lies at its center. Though the author did a masterful job of making it readable to many, I feel the author would have made it simpler and therefore incorporate all the readers.

I liked reading this novel so much that I went to look for the author’s other books. It changed and broadened my outlook of the European continent and its people, and also enriched my understanding of the human nature. AC Michael is undoubtedly one of my favorite writers of all time and his work is something to look out for. AC Michael took a hard subject and delivered optimally, and if you are reading this review, I would direct you to go for this book, it will change you!

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The Dancing Barber
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Like geoffrey ngoima's review? Post a comment saying so!

[MsTri]

Wow. Thanks for such a glowing review; I'd seen this book, and the cover immediately captured my attention, as I love cats. But then when I read that it's historical fiction, that turned me off and the official synopsis did nothing to change my mind. But your review? You've made me totally rethink it and now it's snuggly ensconced on my "To Read" shelf. Great job on turning my mind around.

[geoffrey ngoima]

Yeah, MsTri, the phrase "historical fiction" immediately shoves our minds to the era of mind-numbing school history classes but, hahaha, this book isn't mind-numbing, I can tell you that.
And thank you!

[readandsmile]

hello geoffrey, good to know that you enjoyed reading the book. I laugh when I read the the title at first because the title is captivating to the eyes. I like your review, too.

[geoffrey ngoima]

Glad you liked the review, Readandsmile.
I'll find the time today to read your reviews too guys, thank you.

[Emie Cuevas]

This style of book is not usually to my taste, but the quote you provided, reminds me so much of the Douglas Adams style of humour, that I want to give it a go. I also love the Persian Blue cats, I think they are gorgeous, so I hope the cat is included in most of the story.
Thanks for the great review.

[geoffrey ngoima]

You're welcome, Emie, and thank yOu,...
Yeah, Mister Pushkin is indeed included in the book but not as much as you and I would like
I agree, Emie, I am a sucker for descriptions, I can still remember the description I fell in love with at age 12.

-- 28 Aug 2017, 18:45 --

Yeah, MsTri, the phrase "historical fiction" immediately shoves our minds to the era of mind-numbing school history classes but, hahaha, this book isn't mind-numbing, I can tell you that.
And thank you!

**I actually liked history classes, (the stories!), I must have confused this with Chemistry(argh!)

[Kelebogile Mbangi]

Wow! I like books which broadens ones view of a place and its people, this sounds very interesting! Thank you for this review.

[Christina Rose]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! This genre isn't typically for me, but your review made it sound more enticing.

[Excitedreads]

Humour and a complicated plot.... hmm. I'm actually a fan of complex plots, so the more i have to dive in the better. Add some humour and a crazy cat, well u might just have a prize here. Your review was so intelligently written and i can feel your excitement while reading it. Thank you for your great review.

[geoffrey ngoima]

Wow! I like books which broadens ones view of a place and its people, this sounds very interesting! Thank you for this review.

You're welcome, Kelebogile

-- 29 Aug 2017, 03:34 --

Thank you for sharing your thoughts! This genre isn't typically for me, but your review made it sound more enticing.

Thank you, Christina

-- 29 Aug 2017, 03:40 --

Humour and a complicated plot.... hmm. I'm actually a fan of complex plots, so the more i have to dive in the better. Add some humour and a crazy cat, well u might just have a prize here. Your review was so intelligently written and i can feel your excitement while reading it. Thank you for your great review.

Thank you, Excitedreads, we have the same mind on complex plots there, ...

[ReviewerDiksha]

Well-written review Geoffrey. Earlier I wasn't so sure about this book, but I think I might check it out now.

[readandsmile]

I'm excited for your next review as well geoffrey, and I am happy that you visit my page. Keep it up.

[charlesjr2]

I certainly love historical, humorous and heartfelt novels. Thanks for the review.
You could also check out my review with link below.

[geoffrey ngoima]

I certainly love historical, humorous and heartfelt novels. Thanks for the review.
You could also check out my review with link below.

Thank you, charlesjr2, I will definitely do that.

-- 29 Aug 2017, 08:57 --

Well-written review Geoffrey. Earlier I wasn't so sure about this book, but I think I might check it out now.

Thank you, ReviewerDiksha, you should check it out.

-- 29 Aug 2017, 09:03 --

I'm excited for your next review as well geoffrey, and I am happy that you visit my page. Keep it up.

You're welcome, Readandsmile,
I will be sure to inform you of my next/second review, thank you, Do the same too, and I be a frequent visitor.