Delighted to welcome Brendan James to the Bookshelf with his recently published debut novel. Gerard Philey’s Euro-Diary: Quest for a Life
About the book
‘Could there be a world of interest and adventure beyond the Midlands? A world of confidence, sex and excitement? A better life – a better me?’ These are the questions Gerard Philey grapples with over New Year, 1995. Sitting in his rented Black Country room, reflecting on his thankless teaching job and miserable love life, he courageously decides to abandon his humdrum existence and embark on a quest for Euro-fulfilment, fun and fitness on the Continent.
After a shaky start in Brussels, events manoeuvre him to Amsterdam where chance encounters shift his world well and truly into fifth gear. He samples the trials and tribulations of new relationships, alongside managing a sex shop in the city’s Red Light Area – on top of the challenges of fat-free living and international travel!
Through his bittersweet diary, we see how Gerard steers a laugh-out-loud course through farcical episodes and fanciful characters…and how entanglements from past and present draw him unwittingly into a criminal underworld where events ultimately take their toll.
One of the early reviews for the book
What a totally gorgeous read! Very ‘Adrian Mole’, heartwarmingly funny and quite poignant. The book moves at a brilliant pace and it’s funny how you can get a feel for who to love, hate, trust and mistrust in characters who are presented in such short bursts with the diary style. I found myself ‘just reading one more day’ as the drama of Gerald’s new life unfolds in Amsterdam and it was a book I was sad to finish. I can’t find any more by this author but I’m really hoping there’s one in the pipeline as I want to know what happens next. A lovely read for a holiday to make you chuckle.
Head over to read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US
About Brendan James
Brendan James is the author of the new comedy novel, “Gerard Philey’s Euro-Diary: Quest for a Life”. Though this is his first novel, he has a large number of non-fiction publications (under the name Brendan Bartram) as a former university lecturer and researcher. A passionate linguist and Europhile, he spent a number of years working in the Netherlands, France and Germany. He lives in the West Midlands with his husband. Many thanks for visiting his page and for your reviews!
Connect to Brendan: Amazon UK – And: Amazon US – Follow Brendan: Goodreads – LinkedIn: Brendan James – Twitter: @Brendan23015569
Thanks for dropping in today and it would be great if you could share the news about Brendan’s new novel… Sally
Huge congrats to Brendan on his new book and great review! Wishing him all the best. Thanks for sharing, Sally. This looks like an entertaining read. Hugs 💕🙂
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Thanks very much Harmony ♥
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Thank you too, Harmony! 😊
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That sounds fun and I bet Brendan didn’t Vote for Brexit!
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Lol.. I didn’t ask but I am sure he will let you know thanks Janet..x
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🤣 I certainly did NOT 😵💫😵💫😵💫….don’t get me started 🥴 thanks for the comments, though 😊
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Lol..x
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It is sad; okay we couldn’t have predicted pandemics and Ukraine, but we would be so much better able to face things with a united front.
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All the best to Brendan for the success of his debut novel!
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Thanks very much Liz.xx
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You’re welcome, Sally.
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Thank you, Liz 😊
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You’re welcome, Brendan.
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This book sounds like a fun read, as the review confirms. Another great addition to the shelves! Thanks for sharing, Sally, and huge congrats to Brendan.
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Thanks very much Diana..♥
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Thanks a lot, Diana! 😊
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Welcome!
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What an interesting book cover. I’m noticing a trend towards bright colors and contrasts. Thanks for the introduction to Brendan, Sally!
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Eye catching which covers need to be with all that are on show these days.. thanks Jan.. ♥
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Thanks, Jan! 😊
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This sounds fun!
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Thanks Jacqui..xx
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All the very best to Brendan on this debut novel – humour has never felt so important in the world! x
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Thanks very much Alex and I agree completely hugsx
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Absolutely! And thank you, Alex 😊
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Great review. It sounds like a fun read 🙂
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Thank you 😊
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Thanks Denise..hugsx
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Thanks for introducing us to Brendan and what looks a fun book by him Sal. I will check it out for sure. Wonderful review, congrats to Brendan. ❤
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Wonderful thanks Debby ♥
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Thanks for sharing Brendan’s book with us, Sally! 🙂
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Thanks Yvette ♥
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks for sharing Michael..hugsx
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Congratulations to Brendan – this sounds like a delightful read and I love the cover. Toni x
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Wonderful thanks Toni ♥
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Thank you, Toni! 😊
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