Reviewed by: Pete Barber
Genre: Psychological thriller/Suspense
Approximate word count: 80-85,000 words
Availability
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Author:
By day, David Powning is a copy-editor and proofreader; by
night, he is fulfilling his writing ambitions. The Ground Will Catch You is his first novel, although, having
chosen to forgo the recommended levels of sleep for an adult male, he is
currently working on a new book.
Description:
Steve
Hollis is unhappy at his work and unhappy in his life. He’s plagued by guilt
and self-doubt because of one night when he went off the rails and despoiled
the one substantial aspect of his life—his love and dedication to judo. Then he
meets Emily—a beautiful ballet dancer—and it seems that perhaps life hasn’t
given up on him completely.
Appraisal:
There’s a
lot to like about this novel. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about judo. Not the
moves, but the way of life it demands. Steve’s sensei is a likeable and
multi-faceted character who acts as the pivot around which the story’s three
main threads revolve: Steve’s relationship with Emily, Steve’s relationship
with judo, and his involvement with a young judo student who shows great
promise but comes from the wrong side of the tracks.
The writing
style was close to literary (if there is such a classification). As I read, I
highlighted numerous passages where the imagery and the language struck me as
beautifully layered.
This is an
enjoyable and unusual story with fully realized characters and a simmering
uncertainty within the plot that kept me off balance throughout. I expected
something to turn out not as it seemed. And even though a twist did happen. It
came as a surprise, which is always fun.
Format/Typo Issues:
None noted.
Rating: **** Four stars
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