Buddhada on Amazon
This is a gem or a novel lent to me by a neighbour. Anne Donovan is an author from Glasgow and so her descriptions and characters are spot on, charming you with their down to earth sense of humour ~ well except Jimmy of course, the main character, who is going through a bit of a mid life crisis.
Jimmy, a Glaswegian painter and decorator,has a pretty ordinary but happy life with his wife and daughter, that is until he becomes interested in meditation through a local Buddhist Centre. In short he leaves his wife of thirteen years, the love of his life, in search of something. Enlightenment? The meaning of life? Peace? The lamas are in the background watching his journey in a quiet, non judgmental way and he lives at the Centre for a while.
You read the story from Jimmy’s point of view, but also from his wife, Liz, a very down to earth lady whose whole life revolves around family and friends. Also from Anne Marie’s perspective; their twelve year old daughter.
I loved the local dialect and have been living in Fife long enough, just about, to hear the voices. Some might find this aspect difficult to read but please try not to be put off. I’m sure most readers will be able to slip into a truly Glaswegian experience ~ with a difference.
I do believe that, if Buddhada were on my own bookshelf, that I’d keep it to read it again, and I can’t give higher praise than that 🙂
I found Jenni’s name on a list of
This was a Kindle purchase although I have seen The Death of Bees in Waterstones. Wow, what a powerful beginning which hit me and intrigued me. The former emotion was not a positive one. The first chapter is intended to revolt.
Diana Jackson 