Strengths and Weaknesses of Homeward Bound Modern Families Elder Abuse
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Homeward Leap is the first novel past British author, Richard Smith. Newly widowed at seventy-nine, George Turnbull represents a problem for his son-in-constabulary, Toby Waller. The solution is, of course to sell George'due south London firm and put him in a care
"'Practice I accept to finish loving music because I'g old and decrepit? I didn't stop loving music when the sixties ended. The decade, or mine. Nothing's new. Things get changed, sometimes improved.' He paused before adding ruefully, 'Only not often.' He sighed."Homeward Bound is the showtime novel by British author, Richard Smith. Newly widowed at seventy-nine, George Turnbull represents a problem for his son-in-law, Toby Waller. The solution is, of grade to sell George's London house and put him in a intendance home. George'south girl Bridget is unenthusiastic about this thought, while George refuses point blank to consider it. Afterward all, no intendance habitation would accommodate his pianoforte or his all-encompassing record drove.
His eighteen-year-former granddaughter, Tara is heading off to uni in London and needs a place to live, merely she is hesitant about sharing with her beau, Mark. Is it the ideal solution? Would a uni student doing her course and having a social life be available to keep a subtle eye on her grandfather, who is getting frailer, even if he doesn't like to admit it? Might they muddle through together?
George loves nothing meliorate than to sit in his special music room, surrounded past his vinyl, revelling in the sleeve notes and the audio. Playing his piano, too, is important: he is working on a song inspired by his married woman. "Missing Evelyn" could be the hitting song he never had in his career equally support act for more than famous groups. Now sustained by composing production music, a striking at his age would certainly wipe the smirk off his sneering son-in-police's face.
Tara introduces Marking, whose thought of good music is his ain: "Onetime-lampin, ghetto-grittin', steelo dealo pimped-out mamma-jamma scratch". When George hears it: "It was non 'music' past whatsoever definition George was familiar with. He instinctively put his hands over his ears and imagined inmates of Guantanamo Bay facing like barrages of torturous racket".
But when Marker sees George's music room, he is very interested in George'due south collection, although evidently only for the resale value. And so Robin turns upwardly. Had been referred to as Robbin'. Bridget definitely isn't ready to forgive and forget, although Toby doesn't seem to share her ire. Is this untrustworthy in-law at that place to target an quondam homo'southward nearly fervent want?
What a wonderful tale Richard Smith gives the reader. His characters are endearing for all their flaws and foibles, and if the plot seems to exist heading in a anticipated direction, there are some eye-warming surprises on the manner also. Also every bit touching on the dilemma of aged care, the story explores the balance betwixt family obligation and following i's dream.
Included are some interesting musical tidbits and a generous dose of musical nostalgia that tin can be indulged with the Spotify playlist that the author provides. Aye, the title does refer to the song by Paul Simon, and there are surely many things worse than a Simon and Garfunkel earworm, if that's the result. This is a bright debut novel, moving and uplifting, and Smith'due south adjacent work will be eagerly awaited.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Troubador Publishing.
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This is a delightful story of two people from 2 different era's but who both share a passion for music.
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Grandad George is such a wonderful character who you can't help but autumn in love with, set in his ways and stubborn merely so so passionate.
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Tara is an 18 year quondam, simply beginning to observe her independence and dear for music and moves in with Grandpa to help h Give thanks you to @rachelsrandomresources for inviting me on this tour and @richardsmith for sending me a beautiful #gifted re-create of your book.
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This is a delightful story of 2 people from ii different era'south but who both share a passion for music.
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Grandad George is such a wonderful character who y'all can't assist simply fall in beloved with, set in his ways and stubborn just then so passionate.
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Tara is an eighteen twelvemonth erstwhile, just beginning to detect her independence and love for music and moves in with Grandfather to help him stay in his own home.
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This story also includes a mixture of other characters that come up and go throughout the story.
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There is a actually strong bulletin through the book of never giving up on your dreams which I absolutely adore!
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At first I constitute the story a lilliputian slow to get into but as your read on and some drama evolves it starts to pick up and yous realise that the mode of writing is merely edifice the movie up for you! ...more than
George and his granddaughter Tara strike a deal, he doesn't want to live with his awful son in law and Tara needs a place to stay in London, and so Tara moves in to her gramps's business firm, doddery old dog and all.
The relatio
The story centres about 79 yr old George Turnbull, who we meet as he is being brought around (reluctantly...) an old folks home past his daughter and son in law. Later only having lost his wife of a sudden and lamenting a lost career in music, this is the terminal place he wants to exist.George and his granddaughter Tara strike a bargain, he doesn't want to alive with his awful son in law and Tara needs a place to stay in London, then Tara moves in to her granddad's house, doddery former domestic dog and all.
The relationships betwixt the characters are so pure and realistic. Smith writes a glorious grapheme, yous root for them, you feel lamentable for them, yous want them to go what's coming. I felt then apart of the family, I felt like I was living in George'southward house!
The music that is woven through is also a peachy touch, for anyone that enjoys music you will Dearest this book. I particularly liked the juxtaposition between George and Tara's young man, Mark. George was a musician (and still is...) and has been in that location and done that, worn the t-shirt, while Mark is starting out in his music career and specialises in 'psychedelic rap' which George does not become! Nonetheless, they come up to a mutual appreciation and it's gorgeous.
I had tears chock in my optics for the last 20% of the book - information technology was so real and emotive. I loved George and Tara's character. Their relationship was beautiful and I felt unbridled joy through a lot of the book, it was just then sweet.
I can't brainstorm to tell you how much this book made me experience, it really is a special one.
A huge 4.5 stars from me and a plea for all to curl up with a hot drink and read this gorgeous hug of a volume!
Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in commutation for an honest review.
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Homeward Bound allows a gentle glimpse into the mindset of all George's family, from his complicated relationship with his daughter and son in law, to the beloved and empathy which shines through from eighteen twelvemonth old Tara, in that location is never a moment when the story doesn't pull you into every attribute of George'due south rather special life. George is a great protagonist, his slightly off beat out character comes through and I found that I was laughing out loud at some of his antics whilst at the same time sympathising with him on the frailty of his impending infirmity and the loss of everything he once held dear.
Eye warming, life affirming and gently poignant Homeward Leap captured my attention. I plant myself singing along to Simon and Garfunkel'southward song of the same name as I read George'due south story.
...more I am and then thankful for the opportunity to read and review this one. This has been a fun and interesting read which I have establish hard to put down.
Music is intertwined throughout this story of family unit, dear, hopes and dreams. Smith has actually managed to bring the characters in this 1 to life. I've found them likeable and realistic throughout.
This is so well written that I accept devoured this book in just one due south
I can best repeat what feedback I've had from online reviewer 'Footling Miss Booklover':I am so thankful for the opportunity to read and review this one. This has been a fun and interesting read which I accept establish hard to put downwardly.
Music is intertwined throughout this story of family, dearest, hopes and dreams. Smith has really managed to bring the characters in this one to life. I've found them likeable and realistic throughout.
This is so well written that I accept devoured this book in just ane sitting and it has been a lovely volume to escape with. This has definitely helped me switch off from the harsh reality of the current times.
I absolutely love how the relationships have developed throughout this gorgeous book. It has been an absolute pleasure to review this book. Smith is a new author for me, but this won't exist the just book on my shelf of this writer's.
Another five star rating from me, I have really enjoyed reading this one and highly recommend this to other bookish friends.
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The book opens with George beingness given a bout of "Lastdays Rest Dwelling" and him finding it more and more than dispiriting. Tatty, repressive and mostly off putting, when he tries to escape his son in law Toby is exasperated. Since Evelyn, George'due south much loved wife died, seventy nine year former George has been living with his girl Bridget's family, and information technology is not a happy situation. He wants to return to his London firm, with his frail dog Hunter and his precious tape drove and pianoforte. Tara meanwhile wants to become to a university in London, and is aware that she volition non be immune to share adaptation with her boyfriend Mark. A compromise is that they volition share the house, with rules imposed past Toby. George is keen to share some of his music with Tara, but her young man Mark produces more experimental music on a calculator and she struggles to reconcile the 2 with her own ambition to sing. George revels in his tape collection once more than, but misses his wife and badly wants to accept one more than chance to record his own music that he is still inspired to etch. When a shifty distant relative emerges, and Toby becomes more difficult, Tara struggles to move forward every bit she struggles to reconcile her family responsibilities with her life, and everyone feels challenged.
This is a lively and well paced book which is honest about the challenges of life for people of many ages. The love of music is central, simply in that location is a very familiar, to me at least, argument over what constitutes the mode music is enjoyed. The vinyl collection of music is a solid and tangible link to the past, but is also beginning to go pop with collectors at present. This is a powerful book about the difficulties of life for older people and the struggle for independence. Information technology as well has much to say about contemporary music, and the surviving demand for a tune and recognisable lyrics. I enjoyed this book for its writing, its themes and much more. I recommend this book as an excellent read concerning family, music and retentiveness, and it should take a wide appeal.
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In the interests of complete honesty, I have to acknowledge my review of Homeward Bound might exist coloured slightly by the fact that my much missed Dad was called George and could ever exist heard singing or whistling, then that I might be predisposed to view the narrative favourably, only I and then enjoyed this story. Richard Smith writes with such passion most music without it always feeling contrived then that George'southward record drove and love of music not only drives t
Tara and George are unlikely housemates.In the interests of complete honesty, I accept to admit my review of Homeward Bound might exist coloured slightly by the fact that my much missed Dad was called George and could always exist heard singing or whistling, so that I might be predisposed to view the narrative favourably, but I and so enjoyed this story. Richard Smith writes with such passion virtually music without it e'er feeling contrived and so that George's record collection and beloved of music not merely drives the plot, but adds an actress dimension of interest – fifty-fifty to readers like me who are tone deaf! I found myself Googling some of the references as I read and tin can genuinely say that I have found new music through reading Homeward Leap.
The plot is peachy. The residuum of sadness and happiness, ambition and diffidence is so well done. There are moments of incredible tension that had me worrying what might go of George and moments of fabulous humour too. For example, I laughed aloud at George's first solo encounter with the Cyberspace!
I loved meeting George. He epitomises the way modernistic society can effort to side-line the elderly even though they have so much to offer. I plant information technology sad that his matrimony had served to curtail his inventiveness slightly simply every bit I felt uplifted by his rediscovery of his musical passion through Tara. George teachers the reader that as long as we take spirit and passion, we have life, even if physically we are no longer in summit status. Richard Smith illustrates so effectively and often poignantly how the dissimilar generations really accept much in mutual if only they gave i another a risk. Indeed, the theme of family is incredibly realistic. In that location's a caring and insightful exploration of family dynamics in Homeward Bound that makes it a very realistic also as entertaining book.
Speaking of family, I loathed Toby. I think it says something for the quality of Richard Smith's writing that I could cheerfully have climbed into the pages of Homeward Bound and beaten Toby senseless with a care dwelling house brochure! Tara, however, is a perfect accompaniment to George and I think i of the existent successes of Homeward Leap is her increasing maturity, her sense of responsibleness and her surprising personal values. Homeward Jump may exist a book written past an 'older' author with an older protagonist in George, but it holds attraction for readers of all ages.
I'd say Homeward Leap is a surprising read. I expected it to be gentle but it is also incisive and thoroughly entertaining. I really enjoyed it.
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Homeward Bound was the sometimes sweetness, sometimes center wrenching, oftentimes both story of an aging musician and his family as they all effort to brand peace with his aging, his dearest for music after all these years, and all the messy aspects of family. The pacing was at times a bit wearisome and it wasn't necessarily what I would ordinarily read, but the struggles of taking care of crumbling family members is relatable enough to anyone that despite that, I enjoyed this.
From the blurb, I thought
CW: domestic abuseHomeward Bound was the sometimes sweet, sometimes heart wrenching, often both story of an aging musician and his family as they all try to make peace with his aging, his beloved for music after all these years, and all the messy aspects of family. The pacing was at times a scrap boring and it wasn't necessarily what I would commonly read, but the struggles of taking care of aging family unit members is relatable enough to anyone that despite that, I enjoyed this.
From the blurb, I idea information technology would deal more with just the relationship between Tara, the granddaughter, and George, the crumbling musician. Instead, it was most the family unit as a whole, as well equally some romantic partners I practice nevertheless wish information technology had been more than about the two of them, but there were some lovely things well-nigh chosen families - though it that wasn't explicitly stated - equally Tara's father leaves for mistreating his wife and her young man, Mark, steps up unexpectedly. No ane's really great in this, they all exercise pretty dubious things and are oft selfish, but they practice pigment a pretty authentic picture of a family. How realistic the characters are written is part of what makes many scenes of this then painful to write and it's very well executed.
The ending is virtually as bloodshot every bit you'd expect from something like this, but I was pretty happy with information technology. It went more or less how I expected, but I'm glad for that. No need for big shock endings in something similar this.
Overall, I'd give this a solid four stars. I exercise recollect slightly better pacing could have improved it, but I also retrieve that might just be the sort of story the writer was wanting to tell. Life, especially in its advanced stages, is awkwardly paced, subsequently all. The accompanying Spotify playlist is a nice bear upon. I'm sure anyone into music and complex family relationships would enjoy this.
Thank you NetGalley for the re-create of this book!
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This is a volume for music lovers, peculiarly those former time rock and rollers but even newer music references are woven through the text. George's introspection, while sometimes maudlin and meandering, is also charming and heartbreaking equally he reminisces on times gone by. Tara has her on singled-out voice (though at 18, she is most certainly not a millennial) every bit she looks to forge a path of her own, with or without long-term boyfriend Mark.
If you are looking for a story about family, intergenerational friendship, and the power of music, turn your face up Homeward Bound.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my ain
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The volume is peppered with musical references and the author's love of music shines through the pages. A love of music is a central theme of the book highlighting how this can exist perceived in different ways, but ultimately how music is timeless, bridging generations and bringing people together.
The storyline is powerful in highlighting generational differences. How the older generation batt
I throughly enjoyed this poignant but entertaining book. Information technology was well paced and kept my interest throughout.The book is peppered with musical references and the author'southward dear of music shines through the pages. A love of music is a cardinal theme of the volume highlighting how this tin can exist perceived in different ways, but ultimately how music is timeless, bridging generations and bringing people together.
The storyline is powerful in highlighting generational differences. How the older generation battle to remain independant, and the difficulties this tin bring.
I loved the music references and for me personally, I was able to relate to (when not covid-nineteen affected), choosing era specific music for my fitness classes for the 65+ years is always much loved, enjoyed and appreciated. Music really does bring generations together.
I adored the family human relationship aspect of this book, especially George's and Tara's relationship, their shared loved of music, and the bail that grows between them. I totally became invested in George to the very final folio.
Such a lovely book. Highly recommend.
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I was completely invested in George's story and his life, and wanted to protect him in the early stages of the story and cheered for him later on. In that location were lots of heart warming moments and even tears too!
I enjoyed the realistic delineation of family unit relationships, the characters I was supposed to love I adored - and the awful ones I despised which is always a sign of a good book and fantastic writing.
Information technology was a heartwarming merely frequently
What a lovely book! I loved the playlist that came with it too.I was completely invested in George'southward story and his life, and wanted to protect him in the early stages of the story and cheered for him later on on. There were lots of heart warming moments and even tears too!
I enjoyed the realistic depiction of family relationships, the characters I was supposed to love I adored - and the awful ones I despised which is always a sign of a good book and fantastic writing.
It was a heartwarming simply often sad reminder of what it must exist like to get older and expect dorsum at your life and take regrets about missed opportunities just remained hopeful equally characters found a new purpose. I loved how music is such a big feature of the story and depicts how powerful it tin can be, both individually and on others!
The catastrophe was bittersweet merely one that left me satisfied.
Wish I could read it all over again! If this book was a song, I would play it every day.
...more than Thus the stage is gear up for a lovely tale of family, generational differences, deceit, and lots and lots of music. The catastrophe is mayhap a lilliputian trite, but it is a lovely story, which sweep
George is nearly fourscore, his daughter wants him to movement to an old folks home, merely he believes he's too young, he can cope, and he has his music. He has been a musician all his life, but never made it to the big time. A solution is reached whereby his granddaughter Tara moves in with him while she is at university.Thus the stage is fix for a lovely tale of family, generational differences, deceit, and lots and lots of music. The ending is peradventure a picayune trite, but it is a lovely story, which sweeps the reader in to George's earth. The reader becomes frustrated as it is clear not everyone is behaving honourably, and you can't wait to read what will happen adjacent.
Well written, entertaining and very enjoyable.
Thank you to NetGalley, Troubador Publishing Ltd and Matador for allowing me admission to the ARC in substitution for an honest review.
...more than The author managed to bring the characters to life in a fashion that had me totally invested - I was really annoyed by one character's actions, which to me is a sign of a well-written book.
I actually enjoyed the musical references too; some I recognised from my parent'south era, some were current that I knew and some I looked up on the book'southward Spotify (available from auth I got this book equally a souvenir and found it really enjoyable and hard to put downward. It'due south a story of music, relationships, dreams and realities.
The writer managed to bring the characters to life in a style that had me totally invested - I was really annoyed by 1 character'south actions, which to me is a sign of a well-written book.
I really enjoyed the musical references too; some I recognised from my parent's era, some were current that I knew and some I looked up on the book's Spotify (available from author's blog page) which brought the story to life further! I'd definitely recommend information technology and think information technology could also be a good i for book groups besides - lots to discuss. ...more
The musical element was a great add-on to the book every bit actually gave a feel of George's era and his sense of character, I may accept to brand myself a new playlist!
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My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
"Homeward Bound" is a funny, feel-good read that I'd highly recommend. With music intertwined throughout, this is a story of family unit, love, hope and dreams and finding your purpose a different points in your life. five stars!My full review: https://whatrebeccasread.wordpress.co...
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Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this volume in exchange for an honest review.
You lot will very quickly autumn in dearest with Gramps and you'll be furious for him nigh of the book. This was a solid read with great characters who'll make you feeling something. Be information technology love, acrimony, or loyalty.Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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A bittersweet story of growing older, of fulfilling your dreams ... no matter what your age. Left feeling all warm and fuzzy equally I thought back on my relationship with my own granddaddy and the brief spell I spent living with him, Homeward Spring is largely but not exclusively the inter-generational tale of granddad, George and granddaughter, Tara who on the face of it are two very different people and yet, as it turns out, take then much more than in common than information technology at first seems; their dear of music being the common denominator, that they both face uncertain futures something that draws them even closer.
But and yet beautifully told, well observed, funny and oh and so moving; Toby's (George's son-in-law) abiding mocking and putting downward of his male parent-in-law moved me to tears as did the department of the book in which George, recently introduced to the World Wide Web, innocently types into a search engine only to discover that he'south opened ... well, you can imagine - merely these were tears of laughter.
That I found myself invested in all the characters in the style that I did, yep, even the ones I grew to despise, a sure sign of an writer with a promising future ahead of them, I'k already longing to know what's side by side.
SUMMED UP IN A SENTENCE ... A warm and charming debut novel with memorable characters, the tunes/bands entwined in the narrative a nice touch - be warned there are any number of potential earworms.
Copyright ... Felicity Grace Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Ane of several participants in a Book Tour hosted past Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources, no fiscal bounty was asked for nor given
Having read the blurb on the back of the volume, I was keen to find out more than. This is the third book I've read this yr with an elderly protagonist (main graphic symbol) - the other books being Saving Missy and Abroad with the Penguins.
The story looks at George and his family afterward the recent loss of his wife. His son-in-law, the obnoxious Toby, is desperate to put his begetter-in-law into a retirement home. George
Thank y'all to Matador Books for a copy of this book - my thoughts about the book are my ain.Having read the blurb on the back of the book, I was keen to find out more than. This is the third volume I've read this year with an elderly protagonist (main grapheme) - the other books beingness Saving Missy and Away with the Penguins.
The story looks at George and his family unit after the recent loss of his wife. His son-in-law, the obnoxious Toby, is desperate to put his father-in-law into a retirement home. George finds a compromise by inviting his granddaughter Tara to share his house almost her new Academy so she can keep an center on him and report dorsum to her mum, Bridget.
During the story, we detect out more than about how George's dreams and ambitions in the music earth were batty, how Tara needs to discover her own path in life (and not exist railroaded by her boyfriend) and how Bridget needs to observe some happiness. Tara and George develop a new relationship, based on their enjoyment of music.
There are lots of funny moments to make you express joy out loud but also heartbreaking moments too. As readers of my reviews know, I always appreciate a dog being included in the story and George has Hunter, his ageing Labrador.
This is a volume I'm happy to recommend equally a feel proficient but thought provoking read. Platonic for all ages.
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When George invites Ta
Our story begins with what seems similar a usual occurrence, a family searching for the correct retirement home for their loved one who is becoming a bit forgetful. Merely then nosotros are introduced to Toby and the balance shifts. On one side is George who we chop-chop fall in love with. Aye, he can be a tad cantankerous just throughout, his heart is true to his 2 loves, his belatedly wife Evelyn and music. On the other side is Toby, George'south son-in-law and in my apprehensive opinion a vile toad.When George invites Tara, his granddaughter to alive with him, our story really takes off. Hither we accept 2 wonderful people from very different generations trying to co-exist. At times it'south every bit if they barely speak the same linguistic communication, but they do have one very important matter in common, they dear each other very much.
Each graphic symbol is beautifully brought to life - their attributes, their faults, their feelings, their reactions all combine to create characters we, the reader, care about. We go invested in their journeying, rooting for them, crying with them and for them, and in certain cases, hoping they get the retribution they then dearly deserve!
This is a journeying that is interwoven with the music that shaped George'due south life. His music room, filled to the rafters with records, is his place of solace and here he creates the soundtrack to this story. This is a story about family unit, most the decisions we make along the style that change the direction our life will take and about never giving upwardly on your dream.
Homeward Bound is a heartfelt tale that will remind you to hug your loved ones, stand up up for what you lot believe in and never permit go of your hopes and dreams.
Thank you to @matadorbooks @rararesources for gifting me a copy of this book.
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