A review by miramichijim
Mister Nightingale by Paul Bowdring

5.0

To sum up, this book really resonated with me, and I enjoyed every aspect of it. From its French flaps (but oddly chosen cover art with gothic horror overtones) to the paper used and the typeface chosen, it had a feel of quality and richness to it, even without having read a page of it, not something you would expect from a softcover publication. I enjoyed its pace, its cadence if you will. Never rushed, never too many or too few words used. Mister Nightingale is filled with literary and musical references, from Chekov to Conrad, from Mahler to Leonard Cohen. I think that Mr Bowdring has come quite close to composing a story that flows like a concerto; every chapter a variation of the theme, yet each worthy of standing on its own merits. Moreover, James Nightingale is a likeable character, rarely cynical, never bluff. One even feels empathy for him at times, such as when he finds himself sitting alone at a book signing table in the back of a big-box bookstore, while a higher profile (i.e. sports celebrity) gets a table at the front and has his presence regularly announced over the store's PA.
Intelligent, innovative writing and realistic characters combine to make Mister Nightingale a stimulating read. For these reasons, I am adding Mister Nightingale to my 2016 long list of "The Very Best" Awards.
For my full review, click here: http://wp.me/p60sTD-L6