Hello and a warm welcome to my book review of “Roundabout: a modern Vanity Fair” a NEW release By Gerry McCullough.
Let’s meet Gerry.
Gerry McCullough has been writing poems and stories since childhood. Brought up in north Belfast, she graduated in English and Philosophy from Queen’s University, Belfast, then went on to gain an MA in English.
She lives just outside Belfast, in Northern Ireland, has four grown up children and is married to author, media producer and broadcaster, Raymond McCullough, with whom she co-edited the Irish magazine, ‘Bread’, (published by Kingdom Come Trust), from 1990-96. In 1995 they published a non-fiction book called, ‘Ireland – now the good news!’
Over the past few years Gerry has had more than sixty short stories published in UK, Irish and American magazines, anthologies and annuals – as well as broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster. Her poems and articles have been published in several Northern Ireland and UK magazines, and she has also done readings from her novels, poems and short stories at several Irish literary events. She writes a regular literary blog – Gerry’s Books – and guest writes for several other literary blogs.
Gerry won the Cúirt International Literary Award for 2005 (Galway); was shortlisted for the 2008 Brian Moore Award (Belfast); shortlisted for the 2009 Cúirt Award; commended in the 2009 Seán O’Faolain Short Story Competition, (Cork) and commended in the 2015 Harmony House Poetry Award (Downpatrick).
Gerry currently (2020) has a total of sixteen books in publication –
BOOK BLURB:
A novel set in Ireland, with no hero or heroine – love, comedy, drama – life!
Millie and Sooze set out on their separate ventures into life, meeting Josh, Danny, Johnny, Tommy and others.
For some of these people, their ride on the roundabout of life ends well – for others it doesn’t.
Is there more to life’s roundabout than pleasure or misery?
MY REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you want an entertaining and thought-provoking read this is the book for you.
Do these complex characters gain happiness and security on life’s journey … or rather should they gain them? Do they accomplish those benefits by being selfless and good, or by acting in their own selfish self-interests? The themes of loyalty without hope of gain are questioned in this thought-provoking new read by author Gerry McCullough.
The author once more takes you to Northern Island and the descriptions color that world wonderfully well for the reader.
The pivotal characters of Millie and Sooze are beautifully fleshed out and clearly visible as they undertake a life as friends that neither one of them initially anticipated. The dialogue is rich, and the interactions between all the characters make for entertaining reading.
This author shows a depth of empathy with these people she’s created, this brings the book alive.
If you want an entertaining and thought-provoking read this is the book for you. I highly recommend it.
Gerry may be found here …
A nice review, Soooz. It sounds like Gerry has written a winner!
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I enjoyed it immensely, Mae. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
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Excellent review, Soooz. Looks like a great read.
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it’s an entertaining read to be sure, John. Thanks for stopping by. 😊
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This sounds like a great read, Suzanne.
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Thanks, Roberta. I enjoyed it a great deal.
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Soooz, thanks so much for your lovely review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book – it really makes my day when someone likes a book I’ve written, and especially when it’s someone like you whose opinion I value! You’re a star!
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I enjoyed the book so much, Gerry. I also couldn’t help smiling at the character name of Sooze. lol … 😁
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Thanks for sharing Gerry’s books with us today. I’ve shared it with my followers on Twitter. 🙂
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Thanks so much for sharing, Yvette. It’s a satisfying read to be sure. 😁
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Great review, Soooz:) It caught my attention and it added to my TBR list.
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I think you’ll enjoy it immensely, Denise.
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Fab review Soooz, thanks for the introduction to Gerry and her books, I’m off to check it out. ❤
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I’ve read most of Gerry’s work and have enjoyed every one of them. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🤗
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My pleasure Soooz xx
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