Book Review: Gotham by NIck Earls

Friday, April 29, 2016
I love reading. Books are amazing. They are a form of escapism, yes, but they are also inspiration, joy, and... well. Goodness. I think in some ways I have used my appetite for reading to define parts of my personality, so it made sense for me to review some of what I read! Here we go...


Title: Gotham
Author: Nick Earls
Series: Wisdom Tree: Novella 1
Publication Date: May 1st 2016

Synopsis: "About Gotham: Bloomingdales, Na$ti Boy, his mother's purse, the drugs, sex, and rock and roll of fast, abrupt celebrity. Jeff Foster is on a mission in New York. His daughter is ill and he has to make this interview pay for her treatment. He's ushered into a private shopping spree, spends the night driving around with rap celebrity Na$ti Boy and his keeper Smokey. Gotham delves into the tensions of making it, and missing out, of fame and its cost to family life. This quietly told, intelligent story rubs into the soul and causes reflection on some of the moral issues of our time."

My thoughts: I honestly didn't initially expect to like this - Na$ti Boy? really? - but was intrigued enough to want to give it a go. And I am so glad I did. What Earls has weaved here is a snapshot into one life and, through that life, the lives of others in very different situations. Earls cleverly shows different sides to each character instead of one-toned, one-sided creatures who we are either supposed to love or hate. His characters are here to demonstrate a point - that everyone has different sides, almost different people within them - we can't judge them based on one aspect (perhaps their rapper name?).

I had a particular interest and appreciation for Smokey - Na$ti Boy's 'keeper'. He gives every impression of being, on the outside, one specific thing, but as the night wears on we see different sides to him, even a softness when normally we would expect to see just the hard.

This novella is the first of five in the Wisdom Tree series - the next being 'Venice', I believe - that are being released on the first of the month for five months starting May 1st. And I love this project already - it feels unique and fresh, and the novella format is perfect for providing these snapshots of life and story.

You would like this book if: I can't find reasonable things to say here - I think just give it a go if you are willing!

Tea to drink while reading this book: Probably a small cup of Earl Grey so you can enjoy the flavours while you enjoy the characters.

Rating:  10/10

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