Norman Bacal
Author of Ophelia
4 Works 31 Members 3 Reviews
Works by Norman Bacal
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Louisesk | 1 other review | Jan 26, 2024 | This is a modern and religious take on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, starting in Nazi-occupied Denmark which results in a deadly consequence in the present 2000s as Tal investigates his father’s suspicious death. As in Hamlet, Geri encourages his son, Tal, to seek vengeance for his passing and fight for their family’s legacy. Meanwhile, Ophelia swore to protect Tal, and she does so, knowing that her life is at risk.
It takes time to grasp who is who, particularly knowing the difference between ‘Father’, ‘Geri’, and ‘CallMeGeri’. Other names are inconsistent; the names change depending on the perspective but switch between the first name and surname throughout the chapter. This makes for a confusing read instead of simply complex. Moreover, the writing is static and stiff; the sentences are incomplete but stylistically so. In addition, the majority of characters are angry and it is difficult to invest in their motivations. Granted, this is a murder mystery but the language is a lot stronger than in most mystery narratives.
Nevertheless, the story is visually descriptive – once the characters have been established – and follows Tal’s investigation from start to finish. The influence of Hamlet can also be seen, notably in Tal’s intention to seek vengeance and protect his family’s built legacy. Furthermore, there are various character perspectives so readers gain a great overview of the narrative, seeing from different points of view. Therefore, there are often questions that readers can connect with the characters’ thinking process and understand what clues help solve Tal’s father’s murder.
I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.… (more)
It takes time to grasp who is who, particularly knowing the difference between ‘Father’, ‘Geri’, and ‘CallMeGeri’. Other names are inconsistent; the names change depending on the perspective but switch between the first name and surname throughout the chapter. This makes for a confusing read instead of simply complex. Moreover, the writing is static and stiff; the sentences are incomplete but stylistically so. In addition, the majority of characters are angry and it is difficult to invest in their motivations. Granted, this is a murder mystery but the language is a lot stronger than in most mystery narratives.
Nevertheless, the story is visually descriptive – once the characters have been established – and follows Tal’s investigation from start to finish. The influence of Hamlet can also be seen, notably in Tal’s intention to seek vengeance and protect his family’s built legacy. Furthermore, there are various character perspectives so readers gain a great overview of the narrative, seeing from different points of view. Therefore, there are often questions that readers can connect with the characters’ thinking process and understand what clues help solve Tal’s father’s murder.
I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.… (more)
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Louisesk | 1 other review | Nov 25, 2023 | Odells Fall by Norman Bacal
Story follows Dee and she arrives at her parents home.
She informs her mother of her recent marriage and her mother has NO clue as to whom or any other detail.
Odell is the other main character, Dee, her spouse, where they married in Vegas and went to Paris for their honeymoon.
They had met the past winter at her father's dinner party.
Chronological order of chapters also follows other men and their spouses who want to get ahead and do most anything to become a partner in the firm.
Like mystery of the amulet ....when he questions his wife about that and other things she was photographed with Michael-his college buddy, things get out of control and we then find him in jail.
He had been wandering around and doesn't recall a thing. We know at this point some things that did occur but not them all.
FBI and local cops are involved due to who died. His wife is in the hospital with her mother and she's stable..He can no longer go home as it's a crime scene and his lawyer helps him find new clothes to wear, a place to stay, etc.
Like who they talk to -people at work so we get to know Odell more from their angle of succeeding at all costs and what they will do to throw him or others under the bus to do so.
Like that the details are so very well described, you can picture yourself there, in the scene. Feel like this is almost two books in one as each part couldn't been their own book. Great they combined what happened with how they investigate and how you find out what really happened.
Bit lengthy but well worth the time to read this one! Has a bit of everything in it: travel, roman, legal, murder, jealousy, and so much more.
Acknowledgements and about the author end this book.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.… (more)
Story follows Dee and she arrives at her parents home.
She informs her mother of her recent marriage and her mother has NO clue as to whom or any other detail.
Odell is the other main character, Dee, her spouse, where they married in Vegas and went to Paris for their honeymoon.
They had met the past winter at her father's dinner party.
Chronological order of chapters also follows other men and their spouses who want to get ahead and do most anything to become a partner in the firm.
Like mystery of the amulet ....when he questions his wife about that and other things she was photographed with Michael-his college buddy, things get out of control and we then find him in jail.
He had been wandering around and doesn't recall a thing. We know at this point some things that did occur but not them all.
FBI and local cops are involved due to who died. His wife is in the hospital with her mother and she's stable..He can no longer go home as it's a crime scene and his lawyer helps him find new clothes to wear, a place to stay, etc.
Like who they talk to -people at work so we get to know Odell more from their angle of succeeding at all costs and what they will do to throw him or others under the bus to do so.
Like that the details are so very well described, you can picture yourself there, in the scene. Feel like this is almost two books in one as each part couldn't been their own book. Great they combined what happened with how they investigate and how you find out what really happened.
Bit lengthy but well worth the time to read this one! Has a bit of everything in it: travel, roman, legal, murder, jealousy, and so much more.
Acknowledgements and about the author end this book.
Received this review copy from the publicist and this is my honest opinion.… (more)
Flagged
jbarr5 | Oct 16, 2019 | Awards
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It takes time to grasp who is who, particularly knowing the difference between ‘Father’, ‘Geri’, and ‘CallMeGeri’. Other names are inconsistent; the names change depending on the perspective but switch between the first name and surname throughout the chapter. This makes for a confusing read instead of simply complex. Moreover, the writing is static and stiff; the sentences are incomplete but stylistically so. In addition, the majority of characters are angry and it is difficult to invest in their motivations. Granted, this is a murder mystery but the language is a lot stronger than in most mystery narratives.
Nevertheless, the story is visually descriptive – once the characters have been established – and follows Tal’s investigation from start to finish. The influence of Hamlet can also be seen, notably in Tal’s intention to seek vengeance and protect his family’s built legacy. Furthermore, there are various character perspectives so readers gain a great overview of the narrative, seeing from different points of view. Therefore, there are often questions that readers can connect with the characters’ thinking process and understand what clues help solve Tal’s father’s murder.
I received a free review copy. Thank you to OnlineBookClub and author.… (more)