Finished it !!! My wife is mad at you. We’re at the beach for a few days and unfortunately your novel captivated me and only put it down to eat. I think it’s one of the best novels I’ve ever read. The words paint graphic pictures causing the reader to immerse themselves in each. The changing scenes created a feeling of anticipation for where the story line would take the reader. Never a dull or slow spot which other novels invariably have. I “lived the story” with Peter Novak throughout! Outstanding!!!
What a great story Andrew Nixon wove in his novel Three Lives of Peter Novak. From Europe to America to a quick trip to Mexico, we travel with good soul Peter Novak, sharing almost unbelievable adventures, told in such vivid narrative by the gifted author, we shudder at the chilling effects of Hans, warm to the Croatian maid, come to love the man who bought Peter into servitude for a period of ten years and always hope for a better life for our honest, hard-working protagonist who goes through such horrible tragedies in his life. I didn’t want the story to end and was glad to learn that there’s a sequel in the works. This story really appealed to me because of the many settings, including life in Clairton, PA, and with early immigrant characters facing obstacles to life in America similar to the life my grandparents faced. A slingshot plays an important role throughout the three lives. Peter Novak was an expert shot, and I say this in the most complimentary way, author Andrew Nixon can really sling it too. He’s a sure shot and you won’t go wrong putting this book in your sights!
This book was even more than I expected. Having grown up in Clairton and having Eastern European Grandparents made this book impossible to put down once I started to read it. I read it in one sitting, now this was all most the whole day. The Author has the ability to bring the town and characters to real life. Now I do have the advantage, I knew Andy Nixon’s grandparents, but now I see them in a new fascinating life, one of mystery. emotion, ingenuity and most of all two people who represent the many of the immigrants who came to this Country and were responsible for so many great things that have taken place in this Country. As I stated I am from Clairton, but if I was not I would still enjoy this book, it is written in a way that it can hold your interest in many ways, if you are a history buff, what to understand the people who migrated to the United States, wanted to read a good mystery or even a little bit of romance, it is all incorporated in this story or as the author said in family lore. This is truly a book I will recommend to everyone. I am hoping for a follow-up to this wonderful novel.
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