The Lovers' Room
by Steven Carroll

Available from April 2007 - Don't miss this one!

Every once in a while I read a really special book and it stays with me, enabling me to 'spread the good word'. I've listed some of my favourite reads at the top of my book reviews page on my website, which is where this book belongs. This should win awards, Shona Prophett could stake money on it!

I'm not normally drawn to wartime novels and, having just (almost) read 'King Henry', I wasn't relishing the thought of another wartime slog. But this book stopped me in my tracks and taught me the ultimate and age old lesson that one should NEVER judge a book by its cover!

I was expecting Geisha meets Pearl Harbour. What I got was an absolutely stunning read! Intricately written, this character perfect, semi-tragic romance should touch even the stoniest heart and, in my personal opinion, must be incorporated into the lists of any reading group. In fact, I can't wait to have someone else read this book just so we can debate it's full meaning afterwards!

The story is perfectly summed up by the briefest of descriptions: 'A fragile love affair... a devastating betrayal'. The blurb on the back cover includes words such as, 'calmness, dignity, defeat, passion and unforgettable', but you, as the reader, are lead through the entire tale as though living a part of it. Truth and reality, supposition and illusion, I simply cannot wait to discuss this one and implore future readers to email me with their feedback.

My suggestion - pre-book your copy and be among the first to discuss the underlying truths that have been intricately woven into the fabric of this story. You, too, can ponder the possibilities and reasons. You, too, can share my wonderings. Not until completing the book and attempting to fully summarise it's true meaning, did I discover that what I had automatically assumed, may not be it at all! I am still intrigued and may even need to read this one again...!!!

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