It's hard not to get excited by Stona Fitch's latest novel, Give + Take. Even before I cracked the cover to begin reading the offering from Concord Free Press, I was quite impressed by the concept. Give + Take is the first of hopefully many novels to come from Concord Free, a publisher that offers free reading in return for donations to a charity of your choice. On concept alone, I'm sold. Of course, it doesn't hurt that the book itself was a very enjoyable read.
Ross Clifton is an odd sort of Robin Hood. Under the guise of a smooth-playing pianist traveling the hotel circuit, Ross keeps a tight lid on his secrets. At night, after a show, Ross likes to do a little more than hurry off to bed. He's a lover, a talented giver in the bedroom, and a bit of a thief afterward. Ross offers pleasure, and he steals diamonds. Diamonds, and the occasional BMW.
What is even more unique about Ross, however, is what he does with the money. Convinced that wealth only leads to boredom and Prozac-popping felines, Ross gives his booty away to strangers, the homeless, and even leaves $50s on parked cars. Stealing from the rich and too unconcerned with money to join them, Ross Clifton provides a unique take on the Robin Hood character.
Along for the ride, Cray Clifton (Ross's nephew) serves as a sort of Little John, while Marianne London fills in for Maid Marian. Together, these three become a rogue gang traveling across the country, stealing diamonds and identities while leaving stacks of fraudulent $20s behind. And when trouble arrives, as it surely must in this tale, who might be better to lend a hand than Ross's brother and Cray's father, Ray, a counterfeiter to be reckoned with.
Ironically, the only true shortcoming found in Give + Take is the strength of its message. Tending to preachy at times, Fitch makes sure the message is clear and on target. Messages such as these are usually best left between the lines, but even as they rear their heads in Give + Take, the prodding is not so much detrimental as it is suggestive, and I don't think Fitch will mind being called pushy when it comes to encouraging charity.
All in all, Give + Take is a speedy and fun read and certainly well worth the price of admission. For those wondering, I donated $25.00 to Reading is Fundamental. In the spirit of passing the novel along, I'm also offering it up to the first person who responds to this review. Leave a comment if you like or simply your name. I will contact you through the email address you leave in comment form. You do not have to write your email or mail address in the comments.
Give + Take is written by Stona Fitch and published by Concord Free Press, 2008.
—2008-11-19 16:40:28
– 2008-11-19 16:40:28
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