Title: The Lawyer and the Astronaut
Author: Jerry Lucas
Publisher: Jerry Lucas Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-962730-16-7
Genre: Romance
Pages: 269
Reviewer: Margie Przybylski
Pacific Book Review
Heartfelt exploration of childhood friendships and enduring power of human connection, author Stephen Young’s nostalgic novel, Time in a Bottle, is an accessible and emotionally direct story which will charm the hearts of its readers. While fictional in setting and characters, the novel draws deeply from Young’s personal experiences, lending it a believable authenticity that will resonate with readers, inviting us to reflect on our own journeys, to cherish the memories of youth, and to consider the relationships which have shaped our lives.
Searching through an old chest of family memorabilia, Jean discovers an aged photograph of five children. Reaching out to one of her late mother’s old friends, the story of five small-town kids who call themselves “The Pirates of Pleasant Point” unfolds. It’s a story of the unmerciful march of change, the golden reminiscence of memories long past, and five children’s adventures, and sometimes misadventures, that highlight the innocence of childhood and the complexity of growing up.
Much like the nostalgic narratives standing beside it on the genre’s bookshelf, those like Huckleberry Finn or A Separate Peace, Time in a Bottle evokes the timeless magic of childhood camaraderie; although, it steers clear of the darker themes found in these other classics. Instead, Young offers a gentler yet equally poignant meditation on how the friendships we form as children shape us into adulthood. If those novels are like wandering through a shadowy forest, uncovering haunting truths about human nature, Time in a Bottle resembles a pleasant afternoon spent reminiscing with friends over a shared meal.
Time in a Bottle captures the natural, genuine bonds which form among children. When the confusion and complexities of growing up challenge our relationships, often these are the connections strong enough to withstand the tests of time. Young examines how these friendships are strained and tested, resulting in a story filled with deeply human characters who can be classified neither as heroes nor villains. Instead, their struggles mirror our own, offering a poignant reminder of the challenges and triumphs inherent in maintaining relationships over a lifetime. Through its heartfelt storytelling, Time in a Bottle invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, the friendships made and lost that have shaped them, and the human capacity for growth and healing. Readers will likely see reflections of their own friendships, past and present, in the interactions of the Pirates of Pleasant Point.
The novel’s themes of loyalty and regret are universal. While it may not have the cinematic drama of The Body or cultural weight of Tom Sawyer, Time in a Bottle is a quieter, simpler story which trades the macabre for optimism. Young’s book is easy to read yet evocative, striking a balance between sentimentality and depth. His portrayal of childhood dynamics as equal parts playful, competitive, and tender rings true, as does his exploration of the complexities of adult relationships.
For anyone who delights in stories of youthful adventure and the enduring ties of friendship, Time in a Bottle offers a timeless and moving experience. It is a book that lingers, like the memory of a pleasant afternoon, long after the final page is turned.
