#BlogTour There’s Only One Danny Garvey by David F. Ross

It’s my turn on the BlogTour There’s Only One Danny Garvey by David R. Ross. 

About the Author

David F. Ross was born in Glasgow in 1964 and has lived in Kilmarnock for over 30 years. He is a graduate of the Mackintosh School of Architecture at Glasgow School of Art, an architect by day, and a hilarious social media commentator, author and enabler by night. His debut novel The Last Days of Disco was shortlisted for the Authors Club Best First Novel Award, and received exceptional critical acclaim, as did the other two books in the Disco Days Trilogy: The Rise & Fall of the Miraculous Vespas and The Man Who Loved Islands. David lives in Ayrshire.

Follow @dfr10 @Orendabooks on Twitter, on Goodreads, on Amazon,Visit davidfross.co.uk, Buy There’s Only One Danny Garvey

About the book

Danny Garvey was a sixteen-year old footballing prodigy. Professional clubs clamoured to sign him, and a glittering future beckoned. And yet, his early promise remained unfulfilled, and Danny is back home in the tiny village of Barshaw to manage the struggling junior team he once played for. What’s more, he’s hiding a secret about a tragic night, thirteen years earlier, that changed the course of several lives. There’s only one Danny Garvey, they once chanted … and that’s the problem.

A story of irrational hopes and fevered dreams – of unstoppable passion and unflinching commitment in the face of defeat – There’s Only One Danny Garvey is, above all, an unforgettable tale about finding hope and redemption in the most unexpected of places.

Review

I think one of the most frequent comments you will read in the reviews for this book will be about the fact the majority of readers who aren’t into football or have no prior knowledge of the subject, still found this a captivating read, despite all of the football. I would include myself in that group.

In between the running narrative of Danny’s talent, and the use of said talent to escape the trauma and uncomfortable truths of his childhood and dysfunctional family, is an unsolved mystery that lingers over the town and the main character. Danny is forever connected with the disappearance of a young child – an experience that defines him.

The author gives this an authentic brash feel. The emotional tension is used like a sharp pointy weapon, which is poked intermittently at the main character in order to show his instability. Behind the eyes of the golden boy lurks the uncertainty of past trauma and struggle to understand why he always returns to the people who hurt him.

Without giving anything away the ending is nothing short of evil genius and indicative of the chaos, pain and turbulence throughout the read. It speaks more to what is actually going on inside Danny’s head than any other previous situation. It’s certainly an ambitious and unusual read.

Buy There’s Only One Danny Garvey at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher: Orenda Books pub date 21 Nov. 2020. Buy at Amazon com. Hive. Bookshop org. Waterstones.

#BlogTour More Than a Game by Ralph Robb

Today it’s my turn on the BlogTour More Than a Game by Ralph Robb.  It’s a contemporary read, a poignant read hidden within the world and love of footie.

About the Author

Ralph Robb was born and raised in the industrial town of Wolverhampton, England, and now lives in Ontario, Canada with his wife, two cats and a dog. A proud father of four, Robb works as an engineering technician and loves rugby, martial arts and of course a good book. His world is balanced by his obsession with comic books, quality TV, global events and the great outdoors.

Follow @RalphSRobb on Twitter, on Facebook, Visit ralphrobb.com,

About the book

Sabina Park Rangers is the first team of black players to reach the final of the Watney’s Challenge Cup. But coach Horace McIntosh has more selection problems than most. The First Division champions want to sign one of his best players – and right up until the day of the match he is uncertain that he will have a team for the biggest game in the club’s history because of arrests, a scam and an atmosphere of impending violence.

Review

Personally I could have done with a glossary explaining the dialect and idioms of the culture Robb writes about. The gist, flavour and voice is clear, but often some of the phrases went right over my head.

When you read between the lines and look beyond the jovial humour and brusque descriptions, especially when the author ventured into the past, it’s actually a brutally honest storyline. Robb draws comparisons between the day and age we live in, and the 70s and 80s. Sometimes he takes it back a wee bit further to the baseline and beginning of certain behaviour patterns.

He pulls no punches when it comes to describing the racism, discrimination and treatment of black people. Robb addresses the way society has evolved, become more diverse and more aware of white privilege, then in the same breath describes the way society is reverting back to those days once again. In a sense society and scaremongering white nationalists are laying a gunpowder trail which could end up being lit by the smallest of sparks.

There is a general lack of comprehension when it comes to white privilege, which is difficult to eradicate or even to educate people about. It can be taught with simple examples, which in turn would create a better understanding of racism and the oppression of black people and minorities.

It’s quite interesting how the author has infused such an entertaining and amusing read with such serious topics, and yet does it in such a non-confrontational way. It’s a contemporary read, a poignant read hidden within the world and love of footie.

Buy More Than a Game (links to follow soon) or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.