Reviewed
by: ?wazithinkin
Genre:
Contemporary Fiction/Adventure/Humor/Culture
Approximate
word count: 60-65,000
words
Availability
Click
on a YES above to go to appropriate page in Amazon, Barnes &
Noble, or Smashwords store
Author:
“Robert
A. Webster is a multi-genre author based in Sihanoukville, Cambodia.
Originally from Cleethorpes, UK, he embodies both hearty wit and
adventurous vigor, making his prose insanely memorable and
incessantly enjoyable…
His
first novel Siam
Storm
received rave reviews in the expat community in Southeast Asia. Its
sequels, Chalice
and Bimat,
were similarly acclaimed.
When
he's not crafting unforgettable stories, he enjoys snorkelling,
self-deprecating humour, and the warm climate of Cambodia.”
Description:
“When
Charles Clark’s wife passed away, he thought life without his
beloved Mary would be unbearable. Charles knew that his middle-aged
children, who had families of their own, didn't want him burdening
them, which is why they dumped him into Fossdyke Old Folks’ Home.
However, unbeknownst to Charles, this is not the end of his life
story, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.
What
started out as fun for the four elderly musicians of a band called
Fossils, has now, thanks to Kipper, spiralled out of control. Record
companies, fans, and the nation’s media scour the country in search
of the elusive, young, vibrant, four-piece band, unaware they have a
combined age of 280 years.
The
old rockers, fearing their families being ridiculed when the truth
comes out, need to find a way to avoid attention in the UK until
things can be resolved.
Fortunately,
Steve has a plan... Follow their antics as the band tours the
Philippines, Cambodia, and Thailand as they attempt to stay one step
ahead of their pursuers. They discover a new and carefree way of
life, which they enjoy to its fullest.”
Appraisal:
Fossils
was a fun read and very informative about Southeast Asian history and
landmarks. You can tell Robert A. Webster loves living in that area
of the world. Each character is well defined and realistic. Getting
to know the old men as well as the secondary characters was
entertaining.
Steve
Baker is known for causing disruptions at Fossdyke Old Folks’ Home.
He is a thorn in Mrs. Chew’s, known as the warden or Chewy by the
residents, side because his daughter owns the home. So his
eccentricities must be tolerated to a point. Things liven up around
the home when new resident, Charles Clark, moves in with his piano.
Steve quickly introduces Charles to Wayne and Elvin. Wayne plays the
drums, is mostly deaf, and also writes music. Elvin plays an old
double bass with the assistance of his small falsies. He lost a
couple of fingers in the Navy several years ago and has fashioned
himself with fake finger extensions so he can continue to play his
double bass. Steve plays an old Fender Stratocaster and loves playing
old Rock and Roll. It’s his idea to start a band. The problem is
Charles only knows classical music. When Wayne reveals he writes
music, he and Charles sit down to adapt Wayne’s pieces into music
for their band. So they start playing their original music at a small
bar down the road for fun.
Kipper,
a local DJ, records their music onto a disc and then submits it to a
local contest. When things get out of control, Steve, being familiar
with and longing to revisit the Philippines, decides the Fossils need
to tour and hide out from British promoters there. Steve is happy to
be back in his old stomping ground and hooks up with old friends in
the area. The other men have a great time chasing women and partying
all night long after playing a set at a local bar. Until one British
journalist happens upon their trail in Cambodia. This imaginative
story is a randy romp of debauchery and a unique read where you never
know what is about to happen next.
FYI:
British
spelling conventions and slang. Adult situations and language
including several F-bombs.
Format/Typo
Issues:
I did
come across a small number of proofing issues that included extra
words, missing words, and wrong words.
Rating: **** Four stars
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