Clementine Lane by Eoghan Brunkard #BookReview #RBRT @BrunkardEoghan

Cover: Clementine Lane by Eoghan Brunkard

The author sent me an ARC of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review (a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team).

My rating:  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)

Plot
(by Goodreads)

No man is an island…. but in Dublin an inner-city lane can be just that. Welcome to Clementine Lane, where everyone knows everyone’s business and respectfully keeps it to themselves and everyone else.

A drugs rehabilitation centre is set for development on the lane, prompting the locals and their snobbish neighbours from the next road over, to unite in protest. This fragile alliance is forced to take on the combined weight of the Political and Media realms, when an addict dies in suspicious circumstances.

Elsewhere, a dark past that has haunted the lane for a century intertwines the fates of a teenager and a homeless alcoholic. Is it supernatural? Or is reality that bit more frightening?

Finally, a man from a well-heeled part of the city blows into the lane, full of confidence and short on affection for his neighbours. When confronted with an impending loss, his friends fade into the digital world, leaving him to face this problem alone; but then, no man is an island….

Clementine Lane is a humorous and poignant panorama of contemporary Dublin.

Genre(s):	> Contemporary Urban Fiction > Fiction Urban Life > General Humorous Fiction
Series:	n.a.
Length:	310 pages
Release date:	2021-04-04

Teaser

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“Should I call someone for you? Like you’d have to give me your phone, but I’ll make the call. I think I should make the call, I’m the adult, yeah I should, it’ll look bad otherwise. I lose my phone on a periodic basis, always seems to be ringing when I’m not there. Do you want me to ring someone?”

Sienna did not address the question but instead simply stared, still not sure what to make of the dishevelled heap that was now interrogating her.

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My Opinion

This book introduces you to the residents of Clementine Lane. A planned drugs rehabilitation centre unites them and the snobbish residents of a neighbouring road.

With “Clementine Lane”, Eoghan Brunkard has created an intriguing story about the lives of those affected by the planned drugs rehabilitation centre in the heart of Dublin. Most characters are complex, all are realistic with all virtues and flaws. The story comprises a variety of craftily elaborated characters with sufficient depth and interesting interactions until the last page. Eoghan Brunkard introduces each character and place with care, the reader gets to know them pretty well. I had a great time reading “Clementine Lane” – it is an intriguing read that led me right back to the town I truly miss. I was immediately drawn into the story, soon keeping my fingers crossed for two very special characters. For me, “Clementine Lane” is memorable contemporary fiction with a high degree of authenticity. It is a story to read again.

This is for you if you like contemporary fiction with well-elaborated characters, a touch of history and politics, food for thought, and if you are interested in seeing more than visitors normally see on a city trip.

Recommended.

In brief:

Cover	⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (three stars)
Writing	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)
Plot	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)
Characters	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐  (four stars)
Mood	Suspenseful, hopeful
Pace	Steady
POV	Third person – past tense
Language	(decent enough; some mild swearwords)
Violence	– 😳  (a little violence, not too detailed)
Sexual content	(decent enough)

About the author

Dublin native Eoghan Brunkard has worked on various inner city community development projects for the past 11 years. Qualified in social policy and research, Eoghan started his career providing enterprise and training advice to people in long term unemployment. From there he has supervised a labour activation scheme and several community led youth services. As a qualified social researcher, he has also worked on several policy papers and research projects for civil right advocacy bodies.

 

Connect with the Author:

Twitter:   https://twitter.com/BrunkardEoghan
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21368051.Eoghan_Brunkard
Amazon:  Eoghan Brunkard
Buy links:  https://books2read.com/u/3n7P1K

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Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you.  🙂

My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “Clementine Lane”? Or – if you did not yet read “Clementine Lane” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?

I am looking forward to reading your comments.  🙂

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