I enjoyed reading Silent Heroes by Patricia Furstenberg and I needed some canine therapy as I wait to be allowed to roam free again, and picked up one of her children’s books, Joyful Trouble.
This turned into a trip down memory lane, as much of the action takes place in Simon’s Town Naval Station where my father was based 1963 -1965 and where I went to Saturday morning cinema each week and to Christmas Children’s Parties. Including the excitement of seeing Father Christmas arrive by helicopter.
About the book
A humorous read about an incredible dog and how he found his true, yet unexpected calling.
A dog. A friendship. A purpose.
Proven to warm your heart, “Joyful Trouble” is a fast-paced, engaging and funny story.
Patricia Furstenberg paints a charming portrait of the bond between a small girl and boy and their much-loved Grandad. This book takes readers on an unbelievable journey, tackling universal themes and voicing animal rights and the importance of fighting for what is right.
When a Great Dane arrives in a Navy base nobody expects him to win everybody’s hearts, although breaking some rules along the way. But things soon turn sour as somebody threatens to put him to sleep. Who will stand up for this four-legged gentle giant?
A charming celebration of innocence.
My review for Joyful Trouble
This is a lovely book for all ages, but particularly for children as they are introduced to not just Joyful Trouble and his extraordinary story, but also dogs in general with their amazing abilities and their special bond with humans. This involves some valuable lessons on how best to treat man’s best friend with kindness and respect with the wider view as to how we as humans should behave towards each other.
Great Danes are massive dogs and when they get into trouble, it is difficult not to miss it. Joyful has already bonded with a little boy who goes to boarding school, leaving his best friend behind, which leads to the dog wandering the town and connecting with sailors from the naval base and accompanying them on their trips into Cape Town on the train when off duty. Clearly not appreciated by everyone including grumpy ticket inspectors.
However, a high ranking naval officer sees a solution and this leads to the true story of the enlistment of Joyful Trouble into the Royal Navy. There are several escapades that follow, and it is a wonderful story of how animals and humans find companionship and solace in a time of war, when young men leave home and find themselves in a very rigid and unfamiliar environment. Anyone who has ever been owned by a dog will love the book as well as the characters of Grandad,Tommy and Ana, who are the delightful recipients of his stories of this wonderful dog he was given responsibility for.
At the end of the book, as an added treat, there are some recipes for Vetoek a traditional fried dough bread and some delicious sounding lemon and cinnamon cookies. There is also an introduction to the poem Jock of the Bushveld that will delight any child as they sample the cookies.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
A small selection of other books (some in Afrikaans) by Patricia Furstenberg
Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Patricia: Goodreads
About Patricia
Patricia Furstenberg is a multi-genre author, poetess and mother. With a medical degree behind her, Patricia is passionate about history, art, dogs and the human mind. “Silent Heroes” is her 13th book and her first contemporary fiction novel. So far Patricia wrote historical fiction, poetry and children’s books. All her books have one common denominator, dogs.
What fuels her is her fascination with words and coffee. She is the author of the bestseller Joyful Trouble and a prolific writer working on her next novel already, a historical fiction. Will it feature a dog as well? Only tme will tell. Patricia lives happily with her husband, children and dogs in sunny South Africa.
Connect to Patricia.
Blog: Alluring Creations
Twitter: @PatFurstenberg
Facebook: Patricia Furstenberg Author
LinkedIn: Patricia Furstenberg Author
Pinterest: Pat Furstenberg
I hope that you have enjoyed my review of Joyful Trouble and I can recommend it as a wonderful story for all ages, but particularly the younger members of the family.
Thank you so very much, Sally. I felt honored and delighted reading your thoughts. Especially since you do know how the wind feels and how the sun shines here by us.
‘Anyone who has ever been owned by a dog’ – you couldn’t have said it better 🙂
Thank you for picking up a kiddies story, but – like you mentioned – one for all ages. I am still thrilled with the large print edition being quite enjoyed on the UK Amazon market.
The recipes featured in the end are tried and tested. The Vetoek one is the one my husband uses, as for the lemon cookies, that’s my own (memory).
Have a blessed Easter, Sally!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure Patricia and brought back some memories for me too.. the review is now on Goodreads, Bookbub and have uploaded to Amazon UK and just waiting for confirmation.. Happy Easter..hugsxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful review, Sally, and how amazing that you knew the location. Toni x
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Toni.. a lovely story and wonderful to have the memories flooding back..hugsx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Pingback: Smorgasbord Blog Magazine Weekly Round Up – April 5th – 11th Easter Parade, Art Deco Roses, Life on the Ocean Wave, #Waterford 1920s. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
What a lovely review–and I know what you mean about a ‘dog fix’. Me too!
LikeLiked by 2 people
You would love it Jacqui…hugsx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sally’s reviews are always soulful, isn’t it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a great review, Sally. I have Patricia’s book on my Kindle. It sounds like a wonderful story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Jill, and it was uplifting.. and fun.. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like a perfect dog fix Sal. A heartening review for sure. Congrats to Patricia ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Debby, really lovely read at the moment.♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aww 🙂
You’ve made me so happy, Sally.
xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
♥♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤ ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh my! This sounds like it’s worth reading. Why not add another onto the evergrowing list on my Kindle? Congratulations to Patricia for writing such a delightful sounding book.
LikeLiked by 2 people
You can never have too many books to look forward to Pete..x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, Peter. I do hope you are fond of dogs.
These Kindle of ours are like portable black holes. 🙂
Have a blessed Easter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patricia. I am a lifelong dog lover and have had one or more for all sixty-one years of my life. The thing I like best about dogs is you can always count on their unconditional love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree with that Pete…x
LikeLiked by 1 person
So true, Pete.
And on their forgiveness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A fantastic recommendation, Sally! As you know, i am collection children books to recommend them to parents, for earlier learning languages with their younger ones. Michael
LikeLiked by 2 people
They would love this Michael.. great story and a wonderful dog..xx
LikeLiked by 1 person