The Page (Book) - 1/30/2016 7:27:05 PM
Growing Up in D.C. – A review of the book ‘The Page’
“You're not to be so blind with patriotism that you can't face reality. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or says it.” – Malcolm X
Gordon Osmond’s novella ‘The Page’ is a satirical and yet sincere take on the families and businesses affected by the misuse of the Environmental Protection Agencies’ policies. Candy and Jim Lovett run a successful fashion apparels manufacturing business. But they lose all their money when the powers at Washington D.C. propel a new law, making business houses liable to clean up polluted sites near them. That’s when Cameron, Candy and Jim’s only son decides to enlist himself as a page to the senator directly responsible for this misstep.
“Gordon takes a real subject like the EPA’s Superfund and concocts a political farce that’s endearing, cleverly plotted, and leaves a lasting impression…”
If you have read a Gordon Osmond fiction before in your life then you know how good he is at creating life-like scenarios where his characters indulge in reckless and ludicrous behavior. And in ‘The Page’ while the similarity to life-like scenes are plenty with matching emotions to boot, his characters are more mellowed down. The story in ‘The Page’ is precisely plotted like a three act play. The introduction of the characters and the obstacle in their lives form the first segment while in the second part, the protagonist finds a repurpose in his life and finally, a climax that will leave you pleasantly shocked.
His depiction of the people holding the higher offices of government and their work culture is all done tongue in cheek. But it isn’t an out an out satire where the storyline and the characters become wackier by the minute; you will feel an emotional connect with the characters and their story. There’s plenty of self deprecation too, Gordon isn’t content being a distant figure who pokes fun at everybody else; at times he breaks open the fourth wall and ridicules himself as well.
“Gordon is a linguist’s delight, a master wordsmith, and a grammar Nazi all rolled into one; his books are a total delight to read irrespective of the route the narrative takes.”
Gordon’s characters usually are master conversationalists; they spew witty phrases and clever arguments at will. Here also this sort of verbal boxing between the characters can be seen. Candy and Jim Lovett are like the pin-up representation of what a happy, successful American family should look like. Even their descent into bad times and their reaction to it has a stereotypical feel to it. But then again, aren’t most stereotypes only an exaggerated representation of the reality around us?
Cameron or Cam is this young slick fellow with a talented con man like ability to think on his feet. But he’s still immature when it comes to confronting heavy emotions and that’s where the guidance and affection of Candy and Luana comes in. Luana Rosas is the intelligent, knowledgeable woman, who is aggressive by nature. And the sexual tension between Cam and her makes for good reading even though they have only a few scenes together.
‘The Page’ is an entertaining short read that is bound to stir your ethical & moral compass as well.
“The author’s ability to put a smile on your face & induce a LOL moment when you’re least expecting makes ‘The Page’ an absolute must read.”
Turner's Point (Book) - 7/17/2014 11:26:18 PM
Tour de Life – A review of the novel ‘Turner's Point’
“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated”- Confucius
In author Gordon Osmond’s latest book, ‘Turner’s Point’ starts off from where his last novel ‘Slipping on Stardust’ ended. It starts off with Eileen Brockway travelling from Johnson, Ohio to Hollywood, California to meet up with her estranged son Kyle. Eileen and her husband Dan’s marriage has dissolved after the explosive revelation that she had an affair with former matinee idol Adrian Conway and the fact that her son Kyle too had a fling with him when the star was in town. Apart from finding out about their son’s sexual orientation and to further muck up reality, Dan and his long time partner in law Raul relocates to San Diego to start their own law firm along with Dan’s new wife, Erin who also used to be Kyle’s formed girlfriend. The rest of the story shows how these tragic – comic sets of characters find redemption and rediscover purpose and direction in their personal and professional lives.
In Turner’s Point we are treated to people and characters that are described so vividly that they come to life and the narrative often rivals a conceivable future visual version of the book. The characters all seem like the people we might know and want to either hang out with or avoid at all costs. This book is filled with sub plot but they all work very well on their own. It’s amazing how the author manages to lure the reader into different directions with each little sub plot, and although it’s easy to lose focus or interest after a while when you are venturing out like this but here, in Turner’s Point, the quality of the writing ensures that your mind stays riveted throughout. In the end all the plot lines are brought together nicely and the reader is left with a more than fair share of glimpse into the ever interesting blue-collar life, which families across the board live out nonchalantly every single day.
Gordon’s prose is ironic and sarcastic and is layered with a biting wit that spews venom in all direction without any bias or discrimination. Case in point are the bits in the studio with Greg, an actor, Tash (Natasha), Kyle’s girl friend and Kirk Underwood, a writer trying to film his maiden movie – Journey. Another one is Eileen’s impromptu omelette making exercise in a diner. Trust me when I say this, you are going to chuckle your way around almost every single page of this book. This book has many references and metaphors to many pop and socio cultural phenomenon which are strewn throughout and you would have a ball with it, identifying and associating with them.
Kyle and Eileen’s twelve step program of rehabilitation, Kyle’s discovery of love and sexuality, Dan’s struggle to establish on his own, Raul’s reunion with his secret daughter, are some of the twists and turns that you will find in Turner’s Point. Amidst all the madness and the laughs, it’s tough to ignore the message about what all can go wrong when you give into your temptations; the secrets and the lies that can ruin your life and break up your family.
The ground Turner’s Point breaks is incredulous and exhilarating at the same time, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Gordon Osmond’s voice is a very original voice that will shock you, humour you, make you think and in the end will leave you thoroughly entertained. His language and brilliance in dialogue writing has to be experienced first hand to appreciate it fully. I definitely look forward to more of Osmond’s brilliant writing in his future books.
