In this book, which is at times funny, serious and sad, we meet many characters who visit The Guardsman, a pub that could have inspired the T.V. programme “Cheers”.
Among the regulars you will observe the varying traits in people and learn the hilarious, not to be missed, story behind a curious needlepoint hanging. I was very pleased to see a book that was a collection of sketches or vignettes. This allows readers to pick up and put the book down at will.
I enjoyed this book as I could “dip in and dip out”. I admired the skill of the author in his close observations of his characters and his ability to produce laughter, feelings of poignancy and anger in the reader.
I would recommend this book to all readers.
Mary Mansell – Oxford
This is a part-fictional collection of short stories based around a Saloon called The Guardsman in an area of New York City. It is a collection of short stories linked together by the same backdrop, The Guardsman – a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
The author’s love and affection for the saloon is obvious and quite becoming, and I can feel the passion and sentimentality coming from the writer. I have no doubt had I been there and experienced what he did, I would have loved it just as much, and have just as fond thoughts and unforgettable stories, as he has.
Anyone who enjoys reminiscing about certain eras in their life, particularly those spent in a favourite pub/saloon will identify with this. The writing is consistent, well-linked, good sentence structure and good grammar and I would recommend this book primarily for the older generation.