Colleen’s 2018 #Book #Reviews, “Life in a Flash,” by Author Geoff
Title: Life in a Flash
Amazon Author Page: Geoff Le Pard
Publication Date: November 30, 2017
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Short Stories, Short Stories & Anthologies,
In the Author’s Words:
Life is fast, life is short. In a series of short fiction pieces, most under 500 words, we explore the world, its inhabitants and their trials and tribulations, their ups and downs and sideways shifts, all with humour and decent grammar. You’ll find something to amuse and intrigue here and if, unlikely as it is, one piece isn’t for you, well, turn the page and start again.
My Recommendation:
Life in a Flash is just that – a collection of flash fiction stories written in 500 words or less which transport the reader through a fun array of genres. Believe me, there is something here for everyone.
Le Pard is a British author who weaves delightfully descriptive details into his stories that I believe set him apart from other flash fiction authors. His humor is contagious. I often found myself chuckling at his cleverness and creativity.
I enjoyed each story in the collection but two shining stars stood out from the rest. The first story is called, “Time Out.” This was the comical story of a man who after retiring, becomes an extra on a movie set. The story played out in my mind just like a weekly sitcom. The ending left me convulsing with laughter.
The second tale is called, “Fog.” This was the story of a house recently purchased by a young couple. The melancholy essence of the original owner, ninety-five-year-old Adele Johnson still lingers. There is an eerie mystery wrapped up in this story that finishes with a haunting ending.
From humor to mystery, comic silliness to serious irony, Le Pard zigzags the reader through an abyss of absorbing stories. If you love short stories filled with twists and turns you won’t want to miss this collection. It’s a fabulous read!
My Rating:
Character Believability: 5
Flow and Pace: 5
Reader Engagement: 5
Reader Enrichment: 5
Reader Enjoyment: 5
Overall Rate: 5 out of 5 Fairies
Meet the Author:
Author, Geoff Le Pard
Geoff Le Pard (not Geoffrey, except to his mother) was born in 1956 and is a lawyer who saw the light. He started writing (creatively) in 2006 following a summer school course.
Being a course junkie he had spells at Birkbeck College, twice at Arvon and most recently at Sheffield Hallam where he achieved an MA in Creative Writing. And what did he learn? That they are great fun, you meet wonderful people but the best lessons come from the unexpected places.
He has a line of books waiting to be published but it has taken until now to find the courage to go live. He blogs at https://geofflepard.com/ on anything and everything. His aim is for each novel to be in a different style and genre. Most people have been nice about his writing (though when his brother’s dog peed on the manuscript he was editing, he did wonder) but he knows the skill is in seeking and accepting criticism. His career in the law has helped prepare him.
He has published four books – you can find out more about them on his author page, here – and written on a range of subjects, from walking to cooking, travel to my writing process, London, and his garden.
How to Connect with the Author:
Blog: TanGental
Facebook: Geoff Le Pard
Twitter: @geofflepard
Carrot Ranch Literary Community: Geoff Le Pard
for stopping by to meet Geoff Le Pard. I love flash fiction and this humorous anthology will have you giggling as you turn the pages! ❤
Are you looking for more great reads? Join author, D.G. Kaye, and myself in our Facebook group, The Literary Diva’s Library to find book reviews, book promotions, & special deals on books from authors you love.
Great review Colleen!
I love how His Geoffleship weaves his short stories!
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It’s those twists that leaving you howling with laughter! He is an excellent storyteller! 😀
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He really is!
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You are generous beyond words!
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You are deserving!
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Pingback: Life in a Flash by Author Geoff Le Pard – The Militant Negro™
Great review and it sounds like a great read.
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I enjoyed it, greatly. Took me back to the years I spent in the U.K. His stories are filled with the culture of the English. Great fun! ❤
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I’m overwhelmed. Goodness. Isn’t Colleen lovely… and clearly someone of taste and discernment!
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LOL! When the writing is this good (and funny) you have to share it with everyone! ☺️
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If you enjoy Geoff’s humor, be sure to read Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle. Gets book review, Colleen!
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I’ll do that, Charli. I was stationed in the U.K. years ago and love British humor. Geoff writes some great humor! If it makes me snort, it’s fab! 😀
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I think I was influenced by watching Benny Hill as a kid!
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I loved Benny Hill. I watch BBC America and my local PBS station to get all shows British (my favorites). England imprinted on me, I think. I was a young mother when I was stationed there. I would have stayed if I could have. ❤
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I’ve always wanted to go as if it were the homeland!
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Well that is a compliment. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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Well done, Geoff. I will definitely check out your other books! 😄
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Thanks Charli!
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Oh my goodness Colleen that is a fabulous gift on a dank an muzzle morning. Thank you!
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That was meant to be mizzly before the spell check nabbed it and the one thing I won’t be is muzzled about this!!
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LOL! 😂
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You are so welcome. I loved your stories and take on life! I didn’t mention the book’s cover. Pure brilliance! 😍
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My cover designer is a genius!
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I’ll say! 💜
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Pingback: Life In A Flash #review | TanGental
A lovely review of Geoff’s book, Colline. I also enjoyed it.
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and you gave it a super review; thanks Robbie
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Thanks, Robbie. I had fun reading this book! Geoff wrote some great stories!
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I love British culture and humor so this was a fun easy read for me. I’ve heard Geoff’s other books are equally as good. I will definitely be checking out more of his writing. ❤
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A lovely review, Colleen. I love Geoff’s dry humour and he always manages to put in a spectacular twist at the end! 🙂
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thanks so much Judy
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My pleasure, Geoff. 🙂
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Oh, my goodness! I agree. His stories are multi-genre too. I really like that. ❤
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Yes, something for everyone! 🙂
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Exactly. Genius! ❤
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Great review! Adding “Life is a Flash” to my TBR.
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glad you enjoyed Bette and hope the book lives up to the billing!
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Looking forward to a fine and fun read, Geoff! 🙂
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Bette, I read in bed every night. When I read Life in a Flash, I woke my husband up quite a few times laughing at Geoff’s stories. It was great! 😀 ❤
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I loved this one, too. Geoff is my flash nemesis, er, hero… He’s got a talent for flash (and longer forms) and can easily navigate both humorous and more serious pieces. Fantastic writer. (Don’t want to tell tales out of school but I *think* ‘Time Out’ might be a true story.) 😄
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Ohhh, how cool! I’m impressed with Geoff’s writing but then he was a lawyer so the command of the English language is necessary! ❤️
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Come on Sarah, you know better than to flatter me; it doesn’t work! You’re not convinced? Probably because i’m touched. Thank you so much. And yes, Tine Out is a BOTS
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Haha! 😂 I thought I remembered that!
(Flattery will get me nowhere. But truth will. You’re an amazing writer. Full stop.)
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The story is even funnier now knowing that tid-bit!! LOL!!
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Great review Colleen and congratulations Geoff on your short stories. They sound wonderful.
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Thanks, Irene. It was a fun read. ❤️
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Thank you Irene!
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I’m in awe of you Geoff. I’ll soon be calling you a prolific author. Me I am still working on getting my first out.
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The book sounds delightful, Colleen. I’m frequently amazed by writers who can so easily incorporate humor into their stories. It takes special talent. Thanks for sharing Geoff’s book and your wonderful thoughts. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana. Humor is so subjective, isn’t it? I had no idea I could write humor. Actually, it was the retelling of a true story which I think makes all the difference in the writing. It flows. That is how Geoff writes – it just flows out of him. A true gift. ❤
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I need to pick up this book. 🙂
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I laughed so hard at a couple of his stories that I actually snorted out loud! That’s great storytelling. ❤
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Ha ha. 🙂 I love it when that happens. 🙂
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I once found pineapple in my keyboard which recalled a dodgy sweet and sour…
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🙂 I think we’ve all sprayed our keyboard with something… at least once. 🙂
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LOL! 😀
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Got my copy. 🙂
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Geoff will be thrilled. ❤
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swoons….
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I’m looking forward to it, Geoff. Colleen is quite a salesperson. 🙂
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either than or it’s a sort of wordfluenza…
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Oh, that’s a definite possibility! 😀
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go on, go on, you know you want to….
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I did, I did!
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Colleen is a blogging treasure! I’m very grateful for her fine and perceptive comments!! Thanks
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It’s simple really. I know what I like to read and see no reason why I shouldn’t share the hidden gems.
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Wonderful review, Colleen. I’m sure Geoff is thrilled ❤
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It was a fun read. I love his style. I woke Ron up laughing at some of his stories. 😂
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He certainly is Tina!
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LOL! 😂
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review well done 🙂
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Thanks. This was a fun read. ❤
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