The Final Testament - The review

Upon first picking up this book I expected the same rush of emotion and instant connection I felt when I read my first James Frey novel, A million little pieces. I soon figured that this was a gravely different experience. My first encounter with the book left me feeling as though James had maybe missed the mark on this one (although I would never have said this to anyone) but, like all his other novels I came to find that brilliance I have come to love about Mr. Frey.

I found myself seeking out the protagonist, Ben, amongst the people I come across on a daily basis and this was not only fun but, it brought me to the realisation that we all have the capability to create love and loving situations in our existences and that no matter who you are or what you do, we all have deep insecurities and a desperate want for love and bliss in our lives. I also came to learn from this book that the burdens we carry on our shoulders are often self-imposed and can thus be alleviated by only ourselves.

I did have moments where I failed to believe or buy into this narrative as at times I felt as though James was trying to sell me a view on religion (not sure if this his view but, a view none the less), as a firm believer in the concept of God as prescribed to by traditional Christians I found the book a tad blasphemous but, then I made a decision to interpret it solely on the bases that it is a novel and I allowed the story to carry my interpretations moving on as opposed to giving the beliefs written in the text to carry any weight. Once I had done this I found it extremely difficult to put the book down even if just for a smoke or toilet break. I loved the tiny bits of horror, suspense and sometimes even humour I found capsuled within all the salacious content and captivating drama.

James always manages to kill me, dead, with his endings and this book’s ending was no different. I sat in a taxi on the verge of an emotional breakdown, halfway in tears. This is however, one of the main reasons I love this man’s work, he has the ability to make me feel. The Final Testament is more than just a good read this, it is a journey that allows the reader to question one’s self and purpose.

I love this book almost as much as I loved A Million Little Pieces and I would recommend it to any and every one looking to enrich their state of being.

James Frey forever!!!

James Frey: The Last Testament

I (fortunately or not, depending on how you look at it) bought another James Frey book yesterday, this time it's The Last Testament of the Holy Bible. The fortunate and unfortunate bit of this is that fortunately for me I get to go on yet another amazing literary journey with this phenomenal writer, but unfortunately everything else that i have been busy with, be it writing, watching or reading has to take the back seat for a little while as i go on this "journey". 

I'm so excited about this book I could literally die.  

Five Fav Reads

Here’s a list of some of my favourite books and the reasons why I love them.

Reading a book is like re-writing it for yourself. You bring to a novel, anything you read, all your experience of the world. You bring your history and you read it in your own terms

- Angela Carter

No1: A Million Little Pieces – James Frey

                More than anything else, the controversy surrounding this book was probably the biggest motivator to my picking it up and once I had (picked it up) I found the question of its story’s authenticity a non-factor. It is a grotesquely heart warming journey into self discovery. It is also very well written and these factors, above all else are what spoke to me as an avid reader and a lover of stories.

I love this book and I think James Frey is a seriously sparkling gem of a writer.

No2: Still Grazing – Hugh Masekela

                I’m not big on autobiographies, but this one is both genuine and enthralling. It tells, seamlessly, the tale of one of South Africa’s jazz pioneers Hugh Masekela’s life, his struggles through apartheid, his marriages, his battle with substance abuse, the rise of his star and even glimpses into his life with the legendary Miriam Makeba.

If for nothing else, read this book and you’ll find yourself diving head and utterly allured first into the history of both South African and American musical history.

No3: The Madonna of Excelsior – Zakes Mda

                I ‘heart” Mr. Mda so much!!!

Not only does this man write in the most natural of tones, but he also tells stories that are relevant and pertain to real life South Africa and its inhabitants. The Madonna of Excelsior is based on The Excelsior 19, an actual historical event that saw nineteen citizens from a Free State town called Excelsior charged with breaking a law that prohibited inter-racial sexual relations.

This novel plays on innocence and it’s opposite, it has the gooey sticky provocative stink of sin, making the reader feel as though they were peeking through a keyhole of a door they have no business standing in front of anyway.    

No4: Joys of Motherhood – Buchi Emecheta

                This narrative sells a story of perseverance and a belief in the greater good through a Nigerian woman whose biggest mission in life is ensuring the wellbeing of her children in a foreign and changing world. It is more the story than the narration or the narrative act that beckoned me to peel back the pages and finish this book quick quick.

No 5: Seasons Come to Pass

                This poetry anthology is compiled and edited by Helen Moffet and Eskia Mphahlele. I originally came across it through school, but I instantly fell in love. It’s poetry ya’ll, you gotta love it!!!

Some of my favourite poems in the book include Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise, William Blake’s London and In My Craft or Sullen Art by Dylan Thomas.