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Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Mary Ann Bernal's review of The Night Porter by Mark Barry


If you loved The Remains of the Day, you’ll love The Night Porter
 

 

The story takes place in the modern era and focuses on a two week period when The Saladin hotel hosts four renowned authors competing for the prestigious Arkwright Literary Fiction Award. 

The author gives the reader an insight into a dying profession, reminding one of the performance given by Anthony Hopkins in “The Remains of the Day”.  Mr. Barry delves into the mindset of the British servant personified.  The position was not just a job, it was and still is in some instances, a way of life, which is an alien concept with today’s youth.

The reader becomes familiar with the four authors as snippets of their lives unfold.  There is discourse amongst the contenders as the British and American writers await press conferences and the awards ceremony itself.  Scandalous behavior unbefitting to such a prestigious establishment, but not uncommon in today’s society.

 A few days before the ceremony, the porter finds Julian lying on the floor after having been struck in the head, and definitely not an accident.  And the thrilling ride begins.  As the powers that be attempt to keep a lid on the incident until after the awards ceremony, tension mounts amongst the key players.

 Mr. Barry sweeps the reader into the celebratory arena where expectations are rife, building a climatic finish one does not see coming.  An excellent read by a superb writer and storyteller.  I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Mr. Barry’s works.

Amazon UShttp://www.amazon.com/The-Night-Porter-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B00J1LJZPA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395058992&sr=8-2&keywords=the+NIght+porter+by+mark+barry
Amazon UKhttp://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Night-Porter-Mark-Barry-ebook/dp/B00J1LJZPA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395058922&sr=8-1&keywords=the+night+porter+by+mark+barry Follow on Bloglovin
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 18, 2014 at 8:28 AM

    Fabulous review for Mark Barry - kudos for him!!! Love his style of writing n x

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    Replies
    1. Mark BarryMarch 18, 2014 at 2:09 PM

      :-) What, English? :-) Thanks N, your support is terrific and I am heartened. If you, Cecilia, Ractus, Pacha and Orson fancy a weekend away in The Saladin, let me know and I'll get you all a good rate :-) Marky

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  2. Mark BarryMarch 18, 2014 at 2:07 PM

    Thanks Mary Ann - this is much appreciated. A pity Amazon have picked up our friendship, isn't it. Not that anyone else has ever reviewed a friend's work, hey! :Oh well, this is terrific. I'm glad you like the book. A major departure and a big risk...cannot wait to see it in paperback, as it was intended...Marky

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  3. Brenda PerlinMarch 18, 2014 at 5:21 PM

    I am sorry to hear that Mary Ann can't post a review Mark...this is a beautiful review, indeed. It's big brother keping the man down but don't be discouraged that lovely Amazon #1 Bestseller ranking is in your immediate future. :-)

    ReplyDelete