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A review by travelseatsreads
Spirit Level by Richy Craven
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Spirit Level is the heartwarming yet hilarious debut novel from Richy Craven which follows our main character Danny and his best friend Nudge after they both experience a horrific drink-driving accident which leaves Danny traumatised and Nudge, well, dead yet somehow still around.
It’s a book that requires you to suspend belief a little, unless ghosts are already your thing, but when you do you are rewarded by a book that somehow gives you a warm cosy hug while also splits your sides from the constant laughs throughout.
I personally think if a book is a little on the far fetched side it needs some really good fleshed out characters and deeper themes to anchor it back to reality and Richy has mastered both of those within the story of Spirit Level. Each character has their own very distinct personality which jumps from the pages and there are a multitude of really meaty themes running throughout. I think it’s Richy’s ability to balance really tough topics such as men's mental health, death and sudden loss with cracking one liners that makes this the masterpiece that it is. It also helps that the book is bursting with Irishness, think silly county digs and a mountain of slang.
Now I’ll just have to try to start to forgive him for his Corkonian bullying tactics in time for his next book.
A must read for anyone looking for a funny easy read which has that little something extra.
Thanks to @gillhessltd and @eriubooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
It’s a book that requires you to suspend belief a little, unless ghosts are already your thing, but when you do you are rewarded by a book that somehow gives you a warm cosy hug while also splits your sides from the constant laughs throughout.
I personally think if a book is a little on the far fetched side it needs some really good fleshed out characters and deeper themes to anchor it back to reality and Richy has mastered both of those within the story of Spirit Level. Each character has their own very distinct personality which jumps from the pages and there are a multitude of really meaty themes running throughout. I think it’s Richy’s ability to balance really tough topics such as men's mental health, death and sudden loss with cracking one liners that makes this the masterpiece that it is. It also helps that the book is bursting with Irishness, think silly county digs and a mountain of slang.
Now I’ll just have to try to start to forgive him for his Corkonian bullying tactics in time for his next book.
A must read for anyone looking for a funny easy read which has that little something extra.
Thanks to @gillhessltd and @eriubooks for sending me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
If you enjoyed this review come follow me on instagram @TravelsEatsReads for more
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Car accident, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer