By Paul Rerucha on May 13, 2015
5 Stars
“Good stories rise and fall like empires in the endless pursuit of happiness, like armies of lovers marching to paradise – good stories change the world.” So begins Part One of Orphans, Assassins and the Existential Eggplant. This book is such a good read. I read it on the plane to Hawaii, and it soared with me through the sky. My wife kept asking what was so funny as I giggled and laughed in my seat. This story changed me, in that flying is such a drag these days, and this book kept coming up with surprises, weaving together stories of gods, goddesses, orphans and assassins, the pursuit of the unattainable, and existential conundrums.I have had the opportunity to read some of Mr Gillett’s poetry (especially “This is My Last Poem” – I hope this is not his last novel), and in this novel, he brings his poetic ability to sublimely transport the reader to new views of the mundane, new opportunities for transformation, and new ways of understanding my own self. What more could I ask for in a book. Steal this book if you need to, but get it and read it with joy.
on June 20, 20155 StarsWhether your interest is first piqued by the intrigue of a talking eggplant or mention of mystical secrets lost to the sands of time, Orphans, Assasins and the Existential Eggplant surpasses expectations. Easy to follow and ripe with drama, this novel follows Aaron Sloopshire’s serendipitous adventures through adolescence and around the globe. Unique and untraditional, the novel satisfies both the pragmatic considerations of adulthood and the idealism of youth with a plot that hinges neither on a Panglossian optimism nor an overly cynical pessimism. Whether it’s between windy sand dunes or inside abandoned castles, there’s no lack of suspense and surprise. A richness runs throughout Aaron’s story that succeeds in bringing the character to life within the novel and within the reader. His story manages to shed light on both the reality of disappointment and the unrelenting promise that purpose is to be found in the most unsuspecting places. Ultimately, the novel achieves a symbiotic synthesis of reality and fiction that inspires its readers to look beyond the habituated conceptions of normalcy. Inspiring, thoughtful, and, most importantly, fun, Orphans, Assasins and the Existential Eggplant is a novel that manages to hold entertainment and wisdom between two covers.
By Kathleen Stiles on June 13, 2015
5 Stars
Where to start? This book is downright magical. So far from what I usually read, I was very pleasantly surprised with its parable-like storytelling. It’s got everything: adventure, magic, a love interest, an epic villain, and some profound life lessons. The writing is such that you don’t realize you’ve made it through half the book – it’s ornate and so wonderfully detailed. You can tell a great deal of effort was put into the creation of this epic read. As others mentioned, I too felt sad when it ended, completely vested in the characters and wandering plot. Gillett really gives the reader a unique treat with the story, and I definitely recommend you grab a copy today!
By Robert A McLellan on June 23, 2015
5 Stars
Right from the first page, the author was able to grab my attention with careful description and believable characters. For me, the sign of a good writer is one who takes the time to describe the environment around the main characters with vivid detail. That’s what I found throughout the book, right up to the last page. I not only enjoyed the characters and their individual journeys, but also learning about all of these events that happened throughout history that I was unaware of. I don’t want to give the plot away, but the eggplant was my favorite character by far. I loved his carefreeness as well as his wisdom and frankness. I want such an eggplant hanging around my neck.
on July 1, 20155 StarsThis book is an exceptional achievement. A mystical, historical mélange of adult growth and history, mysticism and fantasy, reality and satire. I have never encountered a talking vegetable before (well OK, yes in a children’s book but this is not a children’s book. It is very much an adult book for thinking probing readers). Evil people, good people, sarcasm (mostly from the talking eggplant cum adornment) lightness of touch, surprises and fun. And more history and philosophy. I have never read anything like it and found it engaging and fun! What a ride!
By B. H. on May 22, 2015
5 Stars
I don’t read a ton of books for pleasure but I did read this one on the recommendation of a friend. It kept me captivated and I ended up finishing it in 2.5 days. This is the kind of book that makes me want to read more often.
Orphans, Assassins and the Existential Eggplant 