The Ghost Years by Mutch KatsongaMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Masterclass in Storytelling...
Author Mutch Katsonga weaves an outstanding and noteworthy tale of drug addiction and homelessness, with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The author paints a compelling story of despair and hope in a very vivid and convincing way. In addition, the characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a relatively fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last. The emotion is accomplished in the delivery of exciting and titillating prose. From wildish illusions through detailed, graphic scenes, the concept is wonderfully delivered in truly amazing writing.
I’ve no doubt you’ll walk away a better person for having read this extraordinary story. It’s given me a different perspective and understanding on the plight of drug addicts and the homeless. In so much that, there’s something to be gained when we trade a longing for truth and authenticity for the hope that new modes of storytelling can be found and disseminated, stories that might make people whom we wouldn’t willingly invite into our living rooms seem familiar enough so that we might want to change our minds.
The book description gives a sneak preview; ‘Sometimes our simplest wishes can be the most difficult to attain. The Ghost Years is brutally honest and jarring, from its immersive beginning right through to it's startling, unpredictable conclusion. It's a young man's attempt to pick up the pieces and start over only to be presented with greater obstacles than he could ever have envisioned. He is taken to unimaginable and devastating places, both physically and mentally. How much control does he really have over his fate? The Ghost Years goes deep beneath the surface through unflinching plot twists and hauntingly poetic prose.’
Now, if that’s not enough to get your whet your appetite, I don’t know what will. But if you want to find out what happens, you’ll just have to turn the pages for yourself! However, I will say it was well worth the read. It’s my first time reading this author and I must say I was very impressed.
Captivating and commendable, this work had me immersed from the beginning. The story flowed from scene to scene with ease, and the author shows exceptional ability when it comes to storytelling. There are plenty of attention-grabbing moments in this page turner that will take the reader on a truly compelling and intriguing journey!
It’s one of those books that come along occasionally that makes you want to read it non-stop until you get to the end. I’m giving nothing further away here. And this, I hope, will only add to the mystery and enjoyment for the reader.
The Ghost Years is a brilliant read that somehow leaves you feeling more enlightened for having read it. It’s an impressive work and I’ll certainly be looking forward to reading more from this author in the future. Very few books had this kind of impact on me. Read it and you’ll know what I mean. Furthermore, I could easily see this being adapted as a television series or even receiving a sympathetic Hollywood treatment. A well-deserved five stars from me.
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