Waiting in Vain

Rating:
Summary: Sensitive Fire
Review: I enjoyed this book on many different levels. First, I have an immense literary appreciation of Channer's writing. He develops the character of Fire quite well. I found myself as if I were within Fire and knew him as he knew himself. It was not just the spoken opinions and private thoughts of Fire which allowed this, but also his actions. As Channer takes the lyrical imagery of his prose and uses this as a means to convey to the reader what Fire is seeing, thinking and touching, I found myself understanding Fire as more than a one-faceted character. Second, the brother is not afraid to imbue Fire with a sensitivity that Black men are not always portrayed as having. The sensitivity of Fire is reinforced by Channer with the lyrical imagery given to Fire as Channer relates to the reader Fire's thoughts and actions. This book is definitely one I will carry with me where ever I go, just to read a page or ten when there is a lull.

Rating:
Summary: Poetic Reading...
Review: This story was cultural, diverse and very enlightening. From the dialect to the island hopping scenic shores, this story had it all. Including a woman who wants everything and a man who wants the woman who wants everything. From museums to sex, and jilted lovers to suicide, this is a classic. The underlying plot exploring social class was eye opening, making this a must have on your bookshelf for those who want something that is not the overdone norm.

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Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I had a hard time getting passed the first chapter or two. But when I did, boy was it good. It kept me captivated,wondering what twist and turn it might take. The end takes you totally by surprise. The authors descriptions of simple things make you say "wow, I never looked at it that way".The writing is very colorful and the plot is great.If you want a book to ooo and ahh about, this is it.

Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: Never have I read a book so touching and life changing. I have been profoundly affected. Mr Channer has managed somehow to reach into the depths of his characters souls and make them so real that I now find myself looking and thinking that I too deserve a "Fire" After all Sylvia seems to be not only myself ,but several of my friends as well.

I felt truly honored as a West Indian to find a novel that for once shows that we are a fiercely artistic,intelligent,well travelled and multi-faceted people. I have read this book Three times and each time I read every single word,page and Chapter.

This book will Entertain and Educate......I went out and bought John Updikes "Brasil" and Rita Doves "Through the Ivory Gates" because of this book....what more can I say???

I am breathless with anticipation for Mr Channers next Novel. Please don't keep me "Waiting in Vain"

Rating:
Summary: A real Jamaican treat
Review: A book definitely worth reading. Colin Channer tells the story of two talented young people who are destined to meet and despite how difficult the situation appears, are able to connect . It goes from there full of drama and intrigue...a very captivating and sensual story. We learn about their lives and the lives of the people who surround them. I thoroughly enjoyed it from the start to the finish and was very inspired by the characters of Fire and Sylvia. Thank you Channer for this wonderful Jamaican work and may you continue to write so well!

Rating:
Summary: Superb character development
Review: Waiting in Vain is an engaging story with superb character development. I was totally absorbed by the book. The characters were such interesting people, with Channer drawing from real life in creating each character's portfolio of experiences, musical tastes, and literary preferences.

Channer also captured the complexity of human relationships well in this novel. At no time did I feel the need to 'suspend disbelief' because as complex as they became, they were still grounded and yet amazingly compelling. On a personal level, the voices of the characters...the patois...reminded me of my relatives to the point that I could actually 'hear' the cadence of characters' voices as I read.

This is a beautiful novel. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: More than a love story....
Review: At first glance Waiting in vain looks like just another love story that it seems every body is writng these days. That isn't necessarily a bad thing. But waiting in vain is more than a simple love story of boy meets girl. It deals with multi-faceted story that deals with a variety of issues; class, homosexuality, and child abuse. Waiting in vain is essentially an novel about a group of artists, their hang-up's, confusions, passions, pains and insecurities. It's main charaters are Fire the jamaican born writer and Sylvia a succesful magazine editor. Channers writing is the true strength of Waiting in vain. He writes a lot like a painter, with broad strokes of words he paints a beautiful word picture. The novel shifts locations from the strets of brooklyn to the beaches of jamiaca with a stop in london in-betwen. Another thing i liked about Waiting in... was the fact that it dealt with issues in the west indian community. It's something you don't regularly read about in a mainstream novel. So why no five stars, well it's small nitpicky things like the fact that the main character Fire was a little too perfect. I liked the relationship between Fire and Sylvia, there should've been more interraction betwen them. Also the ending while satisfying nded a little too neat. Real life usually doesn't come together in nice neat little corners. But all in all Waiting in vain is a very good read. It's better than your average "love story" because it dealt with much more than just the love aspect of it. It's very good debut novel. Colin Channers writing is a pleasure to read and hopefully I wont be waiting in vain for his next novel

Rating:
Summary: Intense Passion
Review: As I write this review, I'm thinking of the wonderful journey that "Waiting in Vain" took me on. The characters are so rich, the scenery is so alive and colorful, and the love is so intense. This book will leave you wanting more of the passion, more of the teachings, and more of the words that make you feel so warm inside.

Rating:
Summary: Waiting in Vain by Collin Channer
Review: I must admit when I was looking for a good book to read I initially chose this book because of the picture of Fire on the cover. After reading the synopsis I decided to give this novel a try. I could not put this novel down once I started reading it. This book brought back memories of my travels in the Caribbean and also of the people that I have encountered; the Fires and Sylvias. This novel is uplifting and really makes one think about life, love and happiness. A highly recommend this one for a book club! Great job Mr. Channer!

Rating:
Summary: Waiting in Vain no more
Review: I was totally wrapped up in this book! The thoughts and emotions of these characters keep me wanting to read more. I became a part of their lives and never wanted the book to end.