READERS' VERDICTS
SLEEPING WITH THE BLACKBIRDS
"What an entrancing story. A real flight of fancy which will
engage children in the plot and, at the same time, increase
their understanding of real human relationships."
Lovereading.co.uk
"A delightful fairy story that deals sensitively and
compellingly with modern-day issues like homelessness,
single mums and abusive parents."
George Layton, actor, author and screenwriter
"Wonderful images and thought-provoking scenes."
Bramwell Tovey, composer and broadcaster
"Alex Pearl has written a tale that is heartening and funny
with the appeal of a Twain-like children's adventure."
Len Baker, Suburb News
"The strength of the author's voice held me captivated long
after turning the last page. With the wit of JK Rowling,
Alex Pearl has definitely earned his place in the young adult fiction hall of fame."
Lisa McCombs, Readers' Favorite
THE CHAIR MAN
"'The Chair Man' would make an excellent book club choice, stimulating discussion and lively argument. It contains
masses of detailed information, selection from which
can justify a wide range of interpretations. Many readers
will admire Hollinghurst. He is a good father, particularly
to his daughter Natasha, who considers him 'the best frigging dad in the world', and he possesses 'in spades' the 'primal need to feel and protect your own flesh and blood.' His son Ben thinks he 'could always see the good in others.'
But that is exactly how many terrorists are remembered
by almost all who knew and loved them. "The nearest I ever got to a terrorist incident was in East London, when I heard the IRA bomb go off in Docklands in 1996. I cannot predict my reaction were I to be caught up personally in such events, but I hope I would not go the same way as Michael Hollinghurst, the central figure in this entertaining and elaborately-plotted novel. It is a gripping thriller that repays careful and close reading (and I will certainly read it again)."
Graham Smith, 2020
"More than a touch of John le Carré in this. All aspects of it are incredibly well researched for a start - it truly feels like the author comes from the world of espionage and knows what he's talking about. The plot juggles multiple characters and storylines and moves along at a good rate. What I liked most probably isn't something that would immediately jump out to a reader, but it's so English. Every time I picked it up again, I was whisked away to the UK ca. 2005/2006, and it was very welcome. I haven't lived there for 10 years now, but it gave me a strong desire to go home."
Grant Price, author of 'By the Feet of Men'
"I don't think people with disabilities are well represented in the thriller genre, which The Chair Man goes a good way to addressing. The depiction of disability and the trials the eponymous hero endures are well researched and convincing. He refuses to let a life-changing tragedy alter his life, using it instead as a spur to drive him into action. I'd be giving too much away by going into detail, but this is a fast-paced revenge thriller with some fine action sequences. And whilst it's fully self-contained, there's a hint of sequel at the end which could see this developing into a series. It's a sub-genre the world probably needs."
Chris Chalmers, author of 'Five to One', 'Light From Other Windows', 'Dinner At
The Happy Skeleton' and 'The Last Lemming'
"The story unfolds from all perspectives: terrorist, victim, colleagues, medics, security personnel, friends, and family. It is to the author’s credit that he has attempted, with great success, it must be said, to comprehend and understand the motivations, philosophies, and frustrations involved."
TR Robinson Publications