I’ve been enjoying Kevin Brennan’s blog, What the Hell, for a while now. It has a great mix of articles on writing, his favourite music, as well as his occasional exasperation at the publishing business. Yesterday Road had always been on my ‘to read’ list but it wasn’t until it was recommended by Susan Toy on her Island Editions blog that I finally took the plunge and bought it. I’m so glad I did (if that isn’t an example on the power of word-of-mouth recommendations, I don’t know what is).
Yesterday Road tells the tale of Jack, an old man looking for something but unsure exactly what that something is. Jack has trouble with his memory. He can’t remember what happened the day before, and those images he can remember have little meaning. He has also lost his wallet and his ID; all he has is a cutout picture of a handsome young man in his pocket. Yet with the help of others – some kind, some less so – Jack undertakes a journey that not only helps him find what he is looking for, but also find out who he really is.
This is a beautiful book. In Yesterday Road, Brennan has created a unique tale that is warm-hearted and generous in spirit. As the story progressed it became very easy to form a bond with each of the main characters: Joe Easterhouse conveys the warmth and love like so many people with Downs Syndrome have, and Ida Peevey is the person we all hope we would be in a similar situation. But the true strength of Brennan’s writing comes is shown when we travel with Jack and see the world through his eyes. This combination of childlike wonder and regret at what he has forgotten, gives the story it’s warmth, humour and poignancy. There were a few moments where I had to put my inner-cynic to one side as Brennan clearly believes in the triumph of people’s better nature, but my experience was all the better for it, especially the latter part of the book which brought on tears of both sadness and joy. Highly Recommended.
While writing this post I’ve just seen Yesterday Road is currently on offer for 99c / 77p. This is an absolute steal. What are you waiting for?
To buy Yesterday Road from Amazon.co.uk click here
To buy Yesterday Road from Amazon.com click here
Suffolk Scribblings 
I’m so glad you enjoyed Kevin Brennan’s novel, Dylan! He’s one of the best writer’s I’ve had the pleasure to get to know through my Reading Recommendations blog. His latest novel, “Occasional Soulmates”, is being released this week and I was fortunate to be asked to preview the manuscript. The story is quite different from “Yesterday Road” but the writing is just as solid and accomplished, so something for readers to look forward to once they’ve read and enjoyed Kevin’s other novels and short stories.
Thank you, Dylan, for proving that this word-of-mouth method of promotion really does work!
I was aware Occasional Soulmates was coming out this week and am very much looking forward to reading it, even more so now that you’ve recommended it!
Reblogged this on Brainfluff and commented:
This articulate review on Kevin Brennan’s book YESTERDAY ROAD, written by Dylan Hearn caught my eye, so I thought I’d share it with you…
Thank you so much for the retweet. I’m so glad you enjoyed my review and I can assure you Yesterday Road is worth every bit of my praise, if not more so.
I’m definitely going to track it down:). You’re welcome for the Reblog – it’s a pleasure sharing interesting, well written reviews with other people.
Just got my copy. I’ve heard good things about it from a couple bloggers so I thought I’d check it out. Your great review convinced me. Oh, how that TBR list grows…
I can relate to the pressure of an ever growing TBR list, Carrie. I now operate a “one out, one in” policy on my Kindle and have them stacked up on my Amazon wish list instead.
Good idea!
Reblogged this on WHAT THE HELL and commented:
Many thanks to Dylan Hearn for this terrific review of Yesterday Road!
Much appreciated, Dylan, and the timing couldn’t be better, with Occasional Soulmates launching on Tuesday!
You’re more than welcome, Kevin. Thanks for the fantastic read 🙂
Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
Thanks for the review and the 99c tip! 🙂
My pleasure 🙂