TWO 4 Stars for London Harmony: Water Gypsy by Erik Schubach #FF @erikchubach

Although a rather slow start as the back drop is set, this novel soon builds up into an enthralling story. The main characters are truly believable, having both strengths and weaknesses. Through out the book the message is one of believing in yourself, trusting in your friends and even though you may have a natural talent, through hard work, determination and allowing those who love you to help, even a natural talent can be improved upon. Along with the importance of true friendship.

Mr Schubach has obviously done his research as he describes the underground music scene in London so colourfully and accurately. His knowledge of the difficulties in finding housing and the problems faced by being homeless were also well  documented.

I found the multicultural characters and the fact that nothing was made of race only the chemistry between the characters being important, a complete bonus. Also the age range in the characters described by Mr Schubach also brought a depth to the novel.

A really enjoyable book. My only criticism would be the use of some colloquialism’s were rather dated, calling someone Miss or Mrs in the context used would never be used. I would also have thought that proof reading would have edited the American spellings into English spellings as the novel is set in London.

I really look further to further novels from this series.

Chris

I loved this book!  Tabitha Romanov is a unique character; her narrative voice is engaging and her perspective is original.

Tabitha lives in a floating slum on the Thames and struggles to pay for both rent and food each month.  Even living without plumbing or electricity, she is caring for her neighbours, holding down a job and developing a singing career.  While working as a cleaner at a private music conservatoire, she meets Teresa McClellan, the headmistress.

Teresa overhears Tabitha singing and begins to set her homework.  But somewhere between the daily voice coaching sessions and a steamy dance at an underground rave, Tabitha begins to view Teresa as more than a teacher.

This book is unusual in the best possible way.  Tabitha inhabits the dark, gritty side of one of the world’s most affluent cities.  Her voice seems to speak for a whole generation currently cut off from housing, education and opportunity in the capital.

But this is a story of perseverence, hope and hard work.  Tabitha never gets lucky, she succeeds through sweat and hard graft.

I loved the way the author contrasts the wild underground rave scene with the controlled and studious environment of the conservatoire.  The best music happens when the two worlds collide.

The relationship between Tabitha and Teresa is cautious and timid.  Both women are reserved and guarded, both wary of ceding control to another.   This is Tabitha’s book, not Teresa and Tabitha’s story.  The love story is always secondary to the story of Tabitha’s development as a singer.

My only reservation about the book is that there are still some disruptive tense and agreement errors that need copy editing.

But don’t be put off.  This is a wonderfully engaging story.

Sarah