Book Reviews and More: The Dragonfly's Journey

Saturday, 12 May 2018

The Dragonfly's Journey - Arthur Slade

The Dragonfly's Journey
Arthur Slade
Trafford
ISBN 1552120619

I looked for this book for a number of years. It was on my wish list on Amazon. I had alerts configured on AbeBooks and eBay. It only showed up once and for way more that I could afford for a used book. It was the first published novel by Arthur Slade. But it was illusive. I could not find it through inter library loan. But eventually a benefactor sent me a copy. It is printed on 8 1/2 by 11. and bound like university course notes. I started reading it in bed late at night. I immediately recognized the story. It has been republished as Not So Simple Life under the assumed name of Stephen Shea. I had still been looking for a book for 5 years that I had already read, loved, and reviewed. Considering this is his first published novel I am even more impressed with the story. The only real difference is the renaming of the main character from Casey Shea in this edition to Casey Stewart in the reissue. And after reading both side by side I can state this is a bit freaky but wonderful storytelling.

Here is my review of:

Not So Simple Life
Stephen Shea
aka Arthur Slade
Dava Enterprises
AISN B007PJ19EA

Every now and again an author surprises me. Sometimes it is good, and my opinion of them goes up. Sometimes it is bad. This time it was amazing. I have been a fan of Arthur Slade's writings for many years. Recently I found out he has been publishing books under the name of Stephen Shea and they are amazing! To date there are two novels and a short story published under the name Stephen Shea and I devoured all three in under a week.

Casey Stewart is an advertising copy writer. His Volvo is named Odin and his missing finger is named Frodo. And after a blind date with a woman named Violet, his life is turned upside down. Casey has some idiosyncrasies and a very intriguing back story.

The writing is witty and humorous at its best. Join Casey on a road trip that leads many place and most of them unforeseen. It was an amazing read and I have recommended it to dozens of people. The story is quirky but once you begin the journey you will not want to get off the ride. And you might just want to find out what happens to Casey next! A great read!