Cracks in the Pavement by Martin Hopkins – a Review
Cracks in the Pavement is the debut release of Martin Hopkins. By the 7th chapter, I considered this book too depressing. Dan Walker is a young, handsome (not really stated, but by the amount of women discussed, it isn’t a big leap) man lamenting over a break-up who decides to mope; functioning via a monotonous routine in Edinburgh, Scotland. But the writing was compelling and the hero’s perspectives were so intriguing; gone went the feeling of dread — I couldn’t put the book down!
Slipping steadily into alcoholism, his chosen escape route, Dan recognizes his changing body. His looks aren’t gone, but he’s clearly showing signs of indifference. And how did he overlook so much poverty surrounding him? Suddenly very aware of beggars, the blight of a productive society, Dan is quick to help out with loose change he might have, but then simultaneously casts judgment upon those who seek the help. When Dan is brave enough to express an irritation, he just gave coins to another vagrant!, he becomes introspective (ashamed by the beggar’s verbal retaliation) and reassesses his thoughts. An existential examination takes root and he recognizes a corrosive self-loathing.
If that wasn’t enough to reevaluate his position in life, Dan’s ex-girlfriend, Emily, is attacked by a hypnotic stranger. In the most unexpected explanation of the event, Emily reveals that she was mesmerized by her assailant; his touch was akin to “kissing the Devil”. The experience wasn’t only tantalizing, it seemed to heal her of all pain. Dan is revolted by Emily’s reaction; not only is he alarmed by her “welcome” of the attacker, it further demolishes his view of normalcy.
I did not expect such tumultuous turns in the story. Dan goes on a vigilante rampage, obsessed with locating the mysterious figure, but he never curbs his own drinking, which ultimately leads to poor judgment and reckless behavior. Dan indulges in risky sex, involves himself with a group of homeless kids neck-deep in criminal activity and meets a cultured man in a camel-colored overcoat who isn’t at all what he purports himself to be. I commend the author for his subtle threading of this particular character, Morgan Huntley, who I originally thought was a vampire! No need for a PNR angle – there was enough mystery and action to satisfy any reader.
Unsure of his convictions, Dan is put to a test and explores what really matters to him. Cracks in the pavement can be a metaphor for character flaws, but don’t we all have them? What matters most is that we don’t dissolve into dust and slip through unnoticed. Dan goes down several dark paths and sometimes you’re staggered by his idiocy, but his outlook on life was bleak and I know I was desperate to read Dan’s resolve on it all. Makes you wonder if he chose well at the end? I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to all future projects by Mr. Hopkins. Please let me know your own thoughts and feelings on this unique book!!
Reviewed by Carmen
Copy provided by Author
An excellent review, Carmen. This is certainly a different story, then we have been used to. You have given us wonderful look into this book, showcasing the changes in Dan, while he goes down his dark path. At the same time, you did not reveal any spoilers, forcing those who want to know what happens to buy the book. lol
Great job.
My thanks, Barb. You are so right: VERY different from what I usually read…but riveting nonetheless! I dreaded some of his choices, but was gripped by his convictions.
I honestly would be interested to learn more about these characters, but we’ll see what Mr. Hopkins has in store.
Amazing review Carmen. It is always difficult to get past certain aspects of the storyline especially those that can be depressing.
Thank you, Sandy! I cringed at times, why would Dan make such a choice, but Mr. Hopkins’ writing style was so engaging, it was easy to stay committed.
Great review Carmen, I might not be into this type of book, but it definitely makes a person think.
Without a doubt. When Barb presented it to me, I hesitated; as it was so out of my usual genres. I was pleasantly surprised. Mr. Hopkins is very talented!
Thank you for reading my review, Mary Ann!!
I think it really says something about the author, that despite the rough storyline, you were very impressed with his writing.
As I said in the review, I’d love for Mr. Hopkins to continue writing about these characters! 😉
Great review Carmen!! Definitely sounds like a unique book!!! I know all to well how hard it is to make yourself keep going and then BAM!! You really get it!! LOL!!! Good job……….. 😉
Unique for sure!!! That was indeed the best feeling. I was uneasy with how bleak his life was, even though he kept plugging away, but when it hit, the “hook” (and it didn’t take all that long :D), I was eager to stay inside Dan’s mind.
Thank you very much, Vickie!
I enjoyed your review Carmen. This mirrors my work too much, so I would probably skip on a bleak story and go for a humorous one. I loved how you expressed your emotions during the different stages of the character’s evolution. Great job!!!
We came SO close to having a vampire in this storyline!!! Rats!!
*snort*….hahahahahhahaaaaaa
Oh, you know you would have loved it, too, Sandy! 😉
Right?! It was going to be a pleasant surprise, to say the least! 😉 But no, unnecessary for how unique and interesting the book turned out.
I would love a follow-up, but have no idea if Mr. Hopkins is pursuing these characters any longer. One can only hope!
Hi Reading Cafe!
I’m happy you enjoyed my novel. Thanks to Carmen for your concise and insightful review. I tried to make Dan as layered as possible and on an uncertain path where the light fades and the darkness consumes him. There will definitely be a continuation of the characters. My second novel, which I am researching at the moment, will feature the crooked Detective Inspector Morrison. The third in the series will be the origin story of the psychopathic Professor Morgan Huntley.
I have recently finished a modern adaptation of William Saroyan’s ‘The Time of Your Life’ which will go on a U.K wide tour in 2013.
Kind Regards,
Martin
Oh, thank you soooo very much, Mr. Hopkins! It was a joy to read your book.
I’m relieved to read you refer to Inspector Morrison as “crooked” because he was surely in need of “redirection”, lol.
You can be sure that I’ll read your sequel and anything else you publish!
Great review Carmen. Sorry I wasn’t here a few days ago-took a small vacay.
Looks like you enjoyed the story after all, but it can be hard to read when a book is so depressing. Anyone read Acheron??
Don’t ever apologize for a vacay, Alicia!!! 😉 I hope it was a good one! I just returned from a mini vacay myself. My husband and I are celebrating our 13 year wedding anniversary on Tuesday!
Let me assure you that you move past the depression because you become SO intrigued by what makes Dan tick! I’m not promising you’ll like where he goes, but he is an engaging character nevertheless! Mr. Hopkins just told us he’s in the process of writing the sequel. Whoo whee!!!
Thank you for reading the review, Alicia! 😉
Hi Carmen,
Yes, Detective Inspector Morrison is a little more than just a ‘bad cop’! My first short story ‘Old Man in Window’ is a coming-of-age tale about a young boy beginning his life and an old man reaching the end of his. It is a story that spans fifteen years, that starts with a smile and a wave. I hope you like it!
All the best,
Martin
Hi Carmen, Barb and all you lovely folks at The Reading Cafe. I am currently writing my second novel ‘The Crook Of Things’. Jack Hope, a young cat burglar and ninja in training scales the Edinburgh Castle rockface, steals the Crown Jewels and goes on the run…
Can the crooked D.I Morrison catch him? The boy is pretty fast! The opening chapters are now available on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Crook-Of-Things-ebook/dp/B00COWM3O8
I hope you like it! More coming soon…
Best wishes,
Martin X