A Change of Season

Rating:
Summary: A Sweet Love Story
Review: I quite enjoyed this book. This novel is a story about the exquisite pain of first love. The characters were likeable and engaging. I really found myself caring about Jack Burton as he falls in love for the very first time. After all, we've all been there.

But more than simply a love story, this novel is also a fascinating look into the life of a sucessful actor. The behind-the-scenes look at the theatre world is fun. By following the life of Jack, we get to see the humble origins of this star, and can come to realize that the glamourous stars that our culture so idolizes are really just regular people before and behind it all.

I would recommend this book. It was well crafted and well written. The author seems to have researched the theatre life in great detail. This is a commendable first effort, and I look forward to seeing what the author creates as his writing matures.

Rating:
Summary: An American Fairy Tale
Review: Providing a shell-shocked audience with liberal diversion from the harsh realities of 21st Century life requires an active imagination. Using such a device, George Val Beer has provided "A Change of Season," a novel that takes the reader to a fantasy world so unbelievable it should begin "Once upon a time..."
The central character, Jack Burton, falls in love with a dancer named Robbie Slater, and she, in turn, with him. Jack is a wonderful actor and Robbie a wonderful dancer-both are beautiful inside and out and perfect for each other. The story line follows Jack through many years of recurring glory, both onstage and off. He never lacks for a theatrical role or a beautiful woman, although the reader wonders how this character would react if jobs were suddenly scarce and women ceased fawning. But as it goes, this is a fairy tale laced with lively descriptions and tender moments. Beer's cleverly fabricated scripts are juxtaposed between classical Shakespeare and standard musical theatre, so that the reader might mistake this novel for an extended theatrical resume.
Beer's first work is to be commended; there is so much goodness (or should we say "real much") that the reader is convinced the author genuinely enjoys writing. This feeling extends to his characters, who discover luck and love at every turn, and never long for comfort or care, in the style of a true American fairy tale. These days we need it. Thank you, George Val Beer.