OnlineBookClub.org Review
Hippieville by Marcia K Matthews
by Misael » 18 Jul 2018, 05:07
3 out of 4 stars
Hippieville by Marcia K. Matthews starts with Ben in a confessional, needing to talk to someone he feels he cannot deceive. In a flashback mode, the following scenes narrate his life before the confession, revealing his dysfunctional family, careless attitude towards people and their feelings, run-ins with the law, drug use and alcoholism. A member of a popular rock band in school during the late 60's, he indulges in vices, bed-hopping and other irresponsible behavior. A night of booze and illegal substance results in an unprotected sex with the wrong partner. Belatedly, he realizes his bed partner is Leda, a veritable minor and is equally intoxicated. He suffers remorse, and guilt for his misdeed to a person who he thinks is his angel. Will a courageous act of admission result to the happiness he is seeking for? Is Leda his salvation or his demise? This novel follows Ben's journey, from a wild life towards the road to redemption as he atones for his sins.
What I liked about the novel was it demonstrated realistically how a person behaves when under the influence of illegal substances and booze. The author's characterization of Ben as a drug addict was superb. Matthews apparently researched extensively about drug addiction: Ben's withdrawal symptoms were wonderfully narrated. Ben's behavior stayed true to his character: reckless, disrespectful, vulgar, and selfish. Add to these were his violent tendencies. Matthews was good in presenting Ben as a man who hid behind his indifference and yet, desperately seeking love and to be loved in return. Leda's character was a surprise. She represented a classic example of the saying that one should not judge a book by its cover. When she turned the table on Ben, the man did not know what hit him.
The author was good at providing a good feel of 1960s era counterculture as Ben journeyed through life. A relatable plot integrated into that era was a smart idea. I was astonished that even though the story happened in an era notorious with booze and drugs, I did not observe excessive and gratuitous profanity or swearing. Certainly, there were many cursing and all, but these did not come as forced. Truth to tell, I felt like the dialogues were a bit tame considering the lead character was a very addict band member. But this was preferable to me, instead of reading a novel peppered with foul and unpalatable dialogues.
I also liked that the development of the lead characters' relationship was not rushed. It came in a steady and natural pace, so whatever happened to their story did not come as forced and hurried; it was plausible. I'd say there was no other fitting ending to the novel than what happened to them.
On the downside, I observed that there was a part in the novel where the author referred to a character by her nickname, and then in the following sentence used her first name. At one point, Danielle was referred to as Danni, then back to Danielle at another point. It happened again with another character: Ben had referred to Evie as Eveline, then back again. I also noticed a song’s lyrics included Eveline’s action as the band sang a song by Ray Charles.
There was a behavior which was a bit confusing to me: Ben's father's intense dislike of a family friend. When it was explained much later, I did not see the rationale of deferring the reason behind the intense dislike. In my opinion, this part was insignificant. Another confusing part was when a woman asked Ben for an interview: he agreed, but then it was as if a line or two were omitted because after he agreed, he was talking about another matter and nothing about the interview.
As someone who has not tried any illegal substance, I was a bit distracted by the onslaught of slang terms, primarily of illegal substances. I would have to pause my reading as I google-searched terms, like "J" and "reds." I appreciated the learning, but not the distraction.
I give this book 3 out of 4 stars. There were grammatical errors and some parts that I felt had some loose ends. But these flaws were not enough to merit just 2 stars. I did not give a 2 because this book deserves to be read by many because it imparts lessons about love, friendship, and family. It's informational as it provided a glimpse of an interesting era, aside from the fact that it was an engaging read.
Readers who like a story that is timely and relatable will be engrossed in this book. Moreover, people who have lived and experienced the hippie days will have a blast with recalling the popular songs back then. However, this book is not for people below the majority age because of the sensitive and mature plot; detailed depiction of illegal drug use, violence, pot sessions, booze, and intimate sexual situations
Hippieville by Marcia K. Matthews
Book Reviews
The Penny Poet of Portsmouth by Katherine Towler
April 22, 2018- Marcia rated it "really liked it." ****
The narrative has a flow and an ease that comes from long practice. Katherine Towler describes New Hampshire poet Robert Dunn: “He has succeeded in disappearing and leaving the poems behind as the only evidence.” Towler writes painterly description. “The brick sidewalks gather the sunlight in their warm hues.” She brings out the beauty in the commonplace.
She struggles to maintain the interior life of a writer while interacting with her husband Jim, poet friends, and townspeople. She sees a wraith of a man walking into town and assumes he’s homeless. Robert produces little chapbooks which he sells for a penny. When he insists on the price of only a penny, she rethinks her understanding of being a writer.
When Robert is named poet laureate of the town, Kate discovers that she is his best friend. The greatness of this minor poet dawns on her when she hears him recite at the “poetry hoot.” One of his poems is posted in a public art project:
From here you can see the tide
Turn like a door on its hinges
We’re just going out. Do you want
Anything from the ocean?
His visual, quirky, and profound Valentine to Portsmouth condenses the view to a postcard.
For International Poetry Day, Robert suggests inviting poets from other cultures, and the townsfolk turn out to hear Russian, Turkish, Belgian, and Haitian poetry that transports them to faraway places.
Towler succeeds in chronicling the life of a poet, and a city, along with valuable insights on what it means to be a writer.