Samantha Priestley

Reviewed by Claire Connolly

After reading a sample chapter and ordering the whole book, I've been waiting (impatiently) for my copy. I finally got my hands on it Tuesday, promptly read half of it - had to stop because of a spectacularly weak stomach - then finished it yesterday. Slept on it and now I'm here, saying what I thought of it.

Despite Losing it on Finkle Street by Samantha Priestley is part of the Pioneer Readers series. I will be posting about that crowd at some stage because I'm really interested in how they work and love the idea that they promote unknown writers and help them achieve their goals.

So back to the point.

Despite Losing it on Finkle Street is Samantha Priestley's first novel. It is about an extremely lonely woman named Rachel, who is desperate for some love and companionship. Her past and her relationship with family members have dictated her behaviour - namely the mistakes she made in the search for something to fill the emptiness she felt. Her life is like an endless black void full of nothing to look forward to until she meets Will. She finally connects with someone, someone who by all accounts shouldn't be the one. She needs someone who won't abandon her but a big age gap puts pressure on both of them.

Will has his own problems. His own emptiness. A loveless family and a past he can't remember. His story is dark but Rachel's isn't exactly sunshine and light either. The book revolves around their fledgeling relationship, the obstacles they must overcome and past demons that must be faced. Two separate souls looking for answers and a way to move on. Without giving too much away, this is the bare outline for the story (in my words).

I enjoyed this book. I'm glad I bought it. In a way I was sorry it wasn't longer but in hindsight, any more suspense about Will's past would have killed me :) The characters themselves were sometimes depressing but that made them real. Most of us are haunted by something and most of the characters bore more than a passing resemblance to many people I've come across in my life. It's a true depiction of history repeating itself in Rachel's case and jealousy and lies of the worst kind in Will's.

We can all recognise some of the significant issues in this book, unwanted children, age differences, loss, abandonment, seemingly over protective mothers and ulterior motives. I think the writer portrays the sly, manipulative and black nature of one of the characters particularly well. It's a slow burning story but I felt it moved along fluidly as tidbits of the truth are carefully revealed along the way. It really got into the mindset of the characters and I have no clue as to why the author found the book difficult to publish. It was well written, easy to read and most importantly - original. Sam Priestley knows her characters completely and writes an authenticly modern day love story well suited for today's troubled times. In short - brilliant.

If you're looking for chirpy chick lit or fast moving all out action, maaaaybe this book isn't for you. But if you want something interesting, different and fascinatingly dark then go for it. If you are particularly partial to finding out why people behave the way they do, read this book. And...if you like to be moved, buy this book, bag yourself some quiet time and enjoy.… (altro)