Billy Freeman is a pompous jerk and a stalker.
This 202-page novel by financial advisor turned author, Stan
Talbott, centres around Billy Freeman’s acrimonious relationship with his
ex-wife, Diane Downer. Diane is the mother of his three grown children and
grandmother of his six-year-old grandson, Tristan.
Despite the fact that they’ve been divorced for over 10
years and Diane has remarried twice, Billy can’t seem to resist finding reasons
to contact her. He’s either trying to protect his son’s business, trying to get
his grandson (who’s temporary in Downer’s custody) placed in kindergarten instead
of grade one or trying to prove crimes that Diane allegedly committed in the
past. His involvement in all of these scenarios seem designed to allow him to
continue his negative relationship with Diane.
Told via a mainly first person narrative (Billy occasionally
turns the narration over to his youngest daughter, Faith. Faith is a recovering
substance abuser, and the only one of Billy’s children who still maintains
contact with him.).
If this story is meant to be a satirical take on stalking,
Stan Talbott has done an excellent job! Billy Freeman fits the profile of a
stalker completely, despite his attempts to prove otherwise. He comes across as
delusional about his relationships. Everyone, except is ex-wife, two of his
kids and law enforcement, thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread. Women
can’t help but throw themselves at him. I didn’t believe most of the conversations
retold in Billy’s narrative. I think when people say one thing, he hears something
completely different.
Sadly, I don’t think the author intended this book as
satire, as it appears to be Stan Talbott’s own story loosely veiled.
I can’t in good conscious recommend The Appeal of Stalking. It made me want to throw up on
several occasions. It’s like reading a very poorly written male fantasy.
1.5/5
About the book:
The Appeal
of Stalking by Stan Talbott
ISBN:978-1457506369
Publisher:
Dog Ear Publishing
Date of
publish: November 2011
Pages: 202
S.R.P.:
$14.99
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ReplyDeleteI was very surprised when I read this review of The Appeal of Stalking. While I may be able to forgive the carelessness responsible for the misspelling of the Author's name (it is Talbott with three T's M'dear) I find it difficult to forgive the spiteful and malicious tone that permeates Sweet Marie's reflection on this unique story. I found this book to be a delightful and humorous recounting of just what can happen in today's judicial system. Sweet Marie seems to believe that Mr. Freeman is an ego maniac who cannot stop obsessing over his Ex-wife, I see rather, a truth seeker who wishes to bring to light those lies which Ms. Downer seems so skilled at perpetrating. Sweet Marie, you will notice recounts perfectly that Billy's daughter Faith had a substance abuse problem with alcohol; she notes this in a voice that seems derisive. If I did not know better, I would guess that Ms. Marie is either a friend of the would-be Ms. Downer's or at least, a kindred spirit. While it is true that Faith experiences a time of difficulty with alcohol abuse; it is also true that Faith seeks and receives treatment so that she may be a better mother to her son Tristan. I believe that Faith's actions are understandable and human. I wonder if her character only gets this brief and sneering description because; Faith is the only one of Billy's children that supports him? I believe the term is commonly known as "thinly veiled" however, "loosely" will do just fine here- as "loosely" is the very word that I would use to describe the accuracy that Sweet Marie based her assessment of this book on. I will ask the readers to remember that Ms. Downer's alcohol abuse (DUI's and a few disturbing childhood memories recounted by Faith) and need for rehabilitation were repeatedly denied by Ms. Downer, as well as her wanting the nastier bits of her alleged affairs with teen aged boys glossed over. I would like to say (on a side note) that these alleged crimes are serious and if it were a man that committed them, perhaps, these allegations would not be merely swept under the rug. It seems that justice is not served in this tale due to the fact that law enforcement is instead focusing on bogus stalking charges. My impression of Diane Downer's character is that of a desperate woman, a liar and a manipulator. Many women such as these exist and are seemingly protected by the very laws that should prevent this type of court room drama to begin with. Mr. Freeman merely asks the reader to consider both sides of the story. I believe that the most beneficial element of this tale is that Mr. Talbott provokes thought and causes the reader to question their own possible prejudices.
ReplyDeleteI did NOT "want to throw up to in my mouth" as this Sweet Marie so eloquently puts it. Rather, I found this story to be witty, entertaining and insightful. If Mr. Talbott's writing was a meal, I would gladly partake of this indulgence again.
-Rachel Gunn