A Letter for Jenny

Rating:
Summary: A Letter For Jenny Critique
Review: My first impression is of the author's meticulous selection of precisely the appropriate word for describing the multiple characters, the environment that enfolds the events, and ability to get inside their minds. He has an agile grasp on the human psyche shown in the portrayal of the mountain native and culture; one that is rich in storytelling, pride of family connections, a goodly dose of common sense aand knowledge of life and customs handed down through generations. A true sense of values such as loyalty, love, and mutual understanding is painted into the mountain human tapestry with a unique, sensitive application of literary style reminiscent of Joseph Conrad. Wit and a goodly measure of humor injects life into the characters in a Balzac-like treatment, causing a comfortable familiarity between subjects and reader. I found myself thinking "I know, or have met, people like that!" Bubba comes across larger than life, and absolutely lovable; simple ("it's just the way it is.") yet wise as the hills. His observations and compassion for others stands out as the story unfolds. Rash brings to mind the long-suffering professional who is dedicated to helping the sick, yet at times, out of his element in this foreign world. A glimpse into the world of those who inhabit/frequent health institutions opens a wealth of well-described situations and emotions, as well as valuable advice worth noting. On the surface, A Letter For Jenny may be seen solely as a romantic novel. When you peel back its many intricate layers, however, it becomes a story rich with underlying themes and in symbolism. Among many things, what Manuel's book does so well is to show how, despite their outwardly differences, how remarkably similar "different" folk can be. Dipping into a ranging literary palette, he has also painted a story of two people who have been hurt and become afraid to trust again; of growing up, searching for truth, accepting that people are only human, recognizing the need to "stop and smell the roses". . .and learning to trust love and embrace it. A Letter For Jenny brought to mind my fascination for Chinese Boxes; puzzling, intricate, delicately guarding a secret. More there than meets the eye. A challenge to the reader to take apart the puzzle; find the hidden clues in the haunting poems interspersed throughout. In like manner, pausing to wonder how little cameos such as "a bug on a leaf" and shifting, at times, of fonts, fit into the over-all scheme of things. Brings to mind Lewis Carroll's Alice In Wonderland, where a turn of the phrase opens a whole new door to the unexpected. The dexterity of manipulation of words, the double entendre of proper name choices, and the subtle nuances thrown in when least expected, keeps the reader on an intellectual roller-coaster of trying to figure out "the meaning". To sum it all up, a fetching challenge-puzzle, and a delightful story of youthful love, dreams, aspirations, and hopes. Be prepared to be glancing back from time to time, rereading something you think you may have missed. I enjoyed this book which kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me with a warm fuzzy. I recommend it wholeheartedly to others I know who also enjoy good literature. Kudos to the very acomplished and observant author.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and clever hospital romance
Review: New author Manuel Escobar casts a spell of hypnotic language, imaginative wordplay and maybe even a tall tale or two in "A Letter for Jenny."

Much more than a romance between a New York intern and Kentucky nurse, this book portrays daily life at a small rural hospital. In addition to the hospital staff, we meet the hospital's patients -- mountain people shown in all their glory, grit, gumption and grace.

This is not a book to blast through in a hurry. If you do, you'll miss too much. This is a book written by an author who calls upon a wide variety of allusions both accessible and clever. He also dares to use punctuation and typefaces unconventionally as artistic storytelling devices.

So, come and sit a spell, as most of the book's characters might say, to savor a different kind of storytelling.

Rating:
Summary: Insightful and clever hospital romance
Review: New author Manuel Escobar casts a spell of hypnotic language, imaginative wordplay and maybe even a tall tale or two in "A Letter for Jenny."

Much more than a romance between a New York intern and Kentucky nurse, this book portrays daily life at a small rural hospital. In addition to the hospital staff, we meet the hospital's patients -- mountain people shown in all their glory, grit, gumption and grace.

This is not a book to blast through in a hurry. If you do, you'll miss too much. This is a book written by an author who calls upon a wide variety of allusions both accessible and clever. He also dares to use punctuation and typefaces unconventionally as artistic storytelling devices.

So, come and sit a spell, as most of the book's characters might say, to savor a different kind of storytelling.