Review & Giveaway: 'The Thin Wall' by Cheryl Anne Gardner
The Thin WallBy Cheryl Anne Gardner
ISBN-10: 1430312564
ISBN-13: 978-1430312567
Trade paperback, 63 pages
November 9, 2007
Lulu.com
I doubt Cheryl Anne Gardner will have trouble finding an audience for her new novella, The Thin Wall. The deviant sexual lifestyles of the main characters practically guarantee a readership. They sure sold me on the idea. But, as with Gardner's previous three novellas, the depth and layers of meaning permeating the narrative make it a torrid mirror of the human soul.
Laleana and Julian discover each other as freshmen in college, alongside the Marquis de Sade. In middle age, the two are accustomed to impromptu sadomasochistic trysts. Their relationship has forged its own metaphoric bonds in addition to the physical ones they revel in. They find comfort in a small group of friends, each with their own extreme sexual identities. As the friends seek absolute release in romantic freedom, they cannot deny the basic human need for love and companionship.
There is so much wisdom and clarity packed into the novella that every single detail of the story plays a role in the self discovery of the characters. Each time I read the book, I uncover a new connection or layer of intensity that I missed during earlier enjoyment. I found myself relating most to Laleana, probably because of her passion for literature. "I loved them all equally, from the short story, to the poem, to the play, for nothing could touch me so deeply as a well-placed word."
Gardner explores the precarious boundaries between pleasure and pain. She forces the reader to view aspects of human nature that we may not be keen to own up to. Her characters are passionate and dramatic, with an obvious flair for the macabre. She writes with the eloquence of a literary master, uncovering the beauty that lies within the grotesque. The subtle prose that carries the reader will be the same that creates a lifelong connoisseur of Gardner's work.
Related articles:
Author interview with Cheryl Anne Gardner
Henry Martin Guest Review: The Thin Wall
Review: The Kissing Room
Review: Logos
Review: The Splendor of Antiquity
Laleana and Julian discover each other as freshmen in college, alongside the Marquis de Sade. In middle age, the two are accustomed to impromptu sadomasochistic trysts. Their relationship has forged its own metaphoric bonds in addition to the physical ones they revel in. They find comfort in a small group of friends, each with their own extreme sexual identities. As the friends seek absolute release in romantic freedom, they cannot deny the basic human need for love and companionship.
There is so much wisdom and clarity packed into the novella that every single detail of the story plays a role in the self discovery of the characters. Each time I read the book, I uncover a new connection or layer of intensity that I missed during earlier enjoyment. I found myself relating most to Laleana, probably because of her passion for literature. "I loved them all equally, from the short story, to the poem, to the play, for nothing could touch me so deeply as a well-placed word."
Gardner explores the precarious boundaries between pleasure and pain. She forces the reader to view aspects of human nature that we may not be keen to own up to. Her characters are passionate and dramatic, with an obvious flair for the macabre. She writes with the eloquence of a literary master, uncovering the beauty that lies within the grotesque. The subtle prose that carries the reader will be the same that creates a lifelong connoisseur of Gardner's work.
Related articles:
Author interview with Cheryl Anne Gardner
Henry Martin Guest Review: The Thin Wall
Review: The Kissing Room
Review: Logos
Review: The Splendor of Antiquity
I cannot express how much I love Cheryl Anne Gardner's work. Now I have the opportunity to let you discover this amazing author for yourself. Ms. Gardner has provided me with an autographed copy of The Thin Wall, her newest release, to give to one lucky reader. Here is your chance to win. Simply make a comment on this post by 11:59PM EST on Sunday, January 20th, 2008. One winner will be randomly chosen from all entrants. Please be sure to include a way to contact you in the event you are the winner. Blog about this contest and let me know for a second entry. Good luck!
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7 comments:
Hi Breeni! Thanks for another fantastic book giveaway contest. I would love to try reading this author;especially, this book of hers.
Please enter me in your drawing.I
appreciate it.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi Breeni! I'd love the chance to try out this author - new to me - the book sounds intriguing!
Count me in! Thanks.
aztekh [at] gmail.com
Sounds good, would really love to win this book for my step daughter, hummm after I get done with it!! :)
Oh, I'd love the chance to win. Please enter me in the contest.
browntown6[at]comcast[dot]net
Oh wow this sounds interesting! Please enter me. I've posted about it at my SMS Book Reviews blog.
callista83 AT cogeco DOT ca
Sounds great,I'd like to be included in the draw! tWarner419@aol.com
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