Title: In Suspension
Author: John C. Tarpey
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 978-1728381107
Pages: 134
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Reviewed by: Jennifer Weiss

Read Book Review

Within the dulled consciousness of Maguire’s bar in West of Ireland, day-drinkers reflect on their own pasts and the tragedies they each have faced throughout their lives. The characters are all there: Dennis; the owner, The Players; staking claim to the bar, and the Aloof; who sits alone observing those around him, plotting and planning. Each of these characters are connected in one way or another. In Suspension ten stories highlight the gloomy lives of each character as they interact with other humans and secretly suspend the streams of human connectivity.

Ever read a book that sticks to you after reading like glue? Well this is just that book; you will not be able to stop thinking about it and the stories contained within. Even as you read through each story you contemplate the things he discusses and presents to the audience. Readers will spend so much time thinking about it they will have a revelation about what he talks about and how it relates to your life as well as how the characters relate to one another and the ending of the book.

One special treat throughout the novel is the typographical graphics; they add a special quality to the novel that summarize the stories in a wonderful a way and fun way. It feels like the graphics would appear better in hardcopy format rather than e-book, but the effect still comes across and holds the readers’ attention to see what will not only happen next, but also what the next graphic will look like. Each story is loosely connected through the cast of characters, who are relatable as they try to get a grasp on what is happening in their lives. Something all of us can find some semblance their tales.

Throughout the novel readers get a glimpse into Tarpey’s sense of humor and thought process. He delights readers even through parts which might be a little bit more serious than others. Readers will find themselves laughing out loud at times. They will find themselves picking favorites among the stories and coming back to them time and time again.

Fans of life reflections, short stories, and life stories would enjoy picking this book up and leafing through the pages. Tarpey draws his readers into his world and creates characters who come across as if they were your neighbor or co-worker even yourself. It’s a collection that touches you as you read through it and lingers long after you finish it. In Suspension is a fantastic novel.