Title: Chasing Fireflies
Author: Charles Martin
First published May 25, 2007
352 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781595540560 (ISBN10: 1595540563)
Rating: 4.4
Overview
Meet Barmy Bernie, Daft Donald, and Steamin’ Sammy – the notorious soccer hooligans of England. They live for lager, football clubs (especially Manchester United), and causing chaos wherever they go.
They despise everything and everyone outside of their group, and their violent expressions of hatred range from vandalism to full-blown riots that bring entire cities to their knees. In Among the Thugs, Bill Buford, editor of the prestigious journal Granta, delves deep into this dangerous subculture, exposing its brutal realities and inexplicable allure.
With the sharp social insight of George Orwell and the raw personal experience of Hunter Thompson, Buford takes readers on a harrowing journey into the dark heart of English football hooliganism.
About the Author
I am happily married to my wife, Christy. We have been blessed with three amazing boys who bring us so much joy and fulfillment.
Editoral Review
Chasing Fireflies, a heart-wrenching novel written by Charles Martin, is a beautifully crafted masterpiece that pulls at the reader’s heartstrings. Published on May 25, 2007, Chasing Fireflies is a unique blend of romance, family, and community, tackling the themes of love, loss, and redemption.
The novel tells the story of a young boy named Chase who bears the burden of a family tragedy. His love for fireflies interweaves throughout the book as he finds unlikely allies in the most unexpected places, including the enigmatic elderly man, Mr. Ben, who becomes a father figure to Chase.
The story is set in rural Georgia, giving readers an insight into traditional southern culture and community values. Martin’s style of writing is vivid and authentic, emanating raw emotions that the reader can feel throughout the story.
The characters in the book, including those in the backdrop, are well-defined, with their unique quirks and personalities. Martin’s narrative technique is one that keeps the reader engaged, and the precise placement of dialogue drives the story forward, creating excellent pacing.
One of the greatest strengths of Chasing Fireflies is its ability to address sensitive issues in a subtle and respectful manner. The novel explores topics such as child abuse, poverty, and mental illness without being too intrusive or overly dramatic.
However, one minor weakness of the book is that some of the characters’ development does not seem as natural as it could be, and the introduction of Mr. Ben within the first few chapters feels a bit rushed. Compared to other books in its genre, Chasing Fireflies stands out with its genuine portrayal of rural southern life and community values.
Its unique blend of family values and community spirit gives it a niche that sets it apart from traditional romance novels. Despite its minor flaw, Chasing Fireflies is a book that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a well-told story.
It is a book that touches the soul and leaves an impact that lingers long after the last page. I would rate this book a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars.
