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Book Review: “Golden” by S.S. Turner

ByMary Jones

Oct 12, 2024 #book review, #dailyprompt, #featured, #Reader Review, #the chrysalis brew project
Golden Novel Receives Chrysalis BREW Project Seal of Excellence

Golden by S.S. Turner is a heartfelt exploration of personal reinvention, where one man’s journey to a new land becomes a humorous yet poignant study of displacement and transformation.

Review

Introspective, humorous, heartfelt.

Humans have long searched for new beginnings when life in familiar surroundings becomes suffocating, often believing that a change in scenery can solve deep-rooted problems. Golden captures this universal desire for reinvention, much like scientific studies show that geographical relocation can trigger psychological shifts—albeit not always the ones we expect. Will Watson, the novel’s protagonist, is one such soul. Dissatisfied with life in Yorkshire, he moves to Australia with hopes of sunny skies and new opportunities, only to find himself confronting an inner journey as complex as the physical move itself. With his loyal Golden Retriever, Mia, by his side, Will must tackle not just a foreign land, but the foreign terrain of his own identity.

The story follows Will’s move to the town of Maleny in Australia, where he expects an easy, idyllic life, only to find himself grappling with local challenges and cultural differences that leave him feeling more lost than found. As Will attempts to rebuild his life, the landscape, characters, and the environment itself—most notably through Mia—become unexpected catalysts for his transformation. The book is a delightful blend of humor, self-deprecation, and touching revelations, with a surprising turn connected to Mia that adds a layer of mystery and emotional depth to the narrative.

Turner’s ability to craft introspective and humorous prose shines throughout the novel. His writing is crisp, engaging, and filled with moments of levity that provide relief during Will’s darker realizations. One of my favorite parts is Will’s encounter with the unkempt locals at the barbershop, a scene that exemplifies the book’s blend of humor and Will’s cultural disorientation. The vivid contrast between Will’s British reserve and the more laid-back, sometimes abrupt Australian locals creates not just tension but moments of laughter and reflection.

The book succeeds across multiple aspects. The content feels both universal and unique, as it presents the familiar trope of seeking a fresh start but injects it with a vibrant sense of place and character. The writing is consistently strong, offering visual and emotional clarity. The novel is also carefully edited, with no errors to detract from the reader’s experience. Its appeal lies in its ability to balance emotional depth with a breezy, humorous tone, making it accessible to readers who enjoy literary fiction with a personal and introspective focus. The uniqueness of the setting, coupled with Will’s dry, British humor as he struggles with Australian culture, helps the story stand out in a genre that often focuses more on internal monologue than environment.

Those who are looking for action-packed stories or fast-paced plotlines might find Golden too slow for their tastes. However, fans of character-driven narratives like those by Rachel Joyce (The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry) or Jonas Jonasson (The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared) will likely be fascinated by the introspective humor and heartfelt storytelling. The novel’s exploration of identity, self-discovery, and subtle cultural clashes also draws parallels with authors like Graeme Simsion (The Rosie Project).

At its core, Golden is a profound and touching exploration of how life’s unexpected turns often bring us closer to our true selves. The book beautifully weaves humor, personal growth, and environmental connection, using Mia, the loyal Golden Retriever, as both companion and symbol of nature’s mysterious influence on human lives. Like a sunrise peeking over the Australian hills, Golden slowly but surely reveals the light within its characters, leaving the reader warmed and enriched by its message of change, connection, and rediscovery.

About the Author

Man with beard and glasses smiling in front of bamboo foliage wearing a white shirt

S.S. Turner is the author of Secrets of a River Swimmer, a novel that explores navigating life’s complexities with humor and inspiration. The Story Plant published this work, which draws on his experiences swimming the River Tweed during his time in Scotland.

Turner’s second novel, The Connection Game, tells the suspenseful tale of the Basilworth family, who suspect that ominous events are unfolding just outside their home. This book, also published by the Story Plant, won the December 2022 BREW Readers’ Choice Award Book of the Month and BREW Book Excellence Award 2023 New Book of the Year.

His novel, Golden, has been referred to by early readers as a profound fictional dog book. It is the winner of the BREW Seal of Excellence.

Turner resides near the Sunshine Coast with his wife, daughter, son, energetic golden retriever, two assertive cats, and ten chickens.

Book Details

  • Title: Golden
  • Author: S.S. Turner
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Theme(s): Self-discovery, Displacement
  • Publication Date: 15 October 2024
  • ISBN or ASIN:
    • Paperback ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-390-9
    • E-book ISBN-13: 978-1-61188-417-3
  • Number of Pages: 304
  • Minimum Audience Age: 18+ (due to adult themes of existential crisis and self-discovery)
  • Main language used in the text: English

Book Themes

(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)

  • Sexual Themes: 1
    • A few subtle references to relationships.
  • Religious Themes: 0
    • No notable religious themes present.
  • Violence, Self-Harm, etc.: 1
    • Minor mentions of distress but no graphic content.
  • Crude Language, Expletives, Swearing, etc.: 2
    • Considerable informal language reflecting cultural differences.
  • Other Adult Themes: 2
    • Themes of personal struggle and existential crises are present.

Book Themes

  • Content: 5
  • Writing Style: 5
  • Appeal to Target Audience: 5
  • Uniqueness: 5
  • Editing: 5
  • Other Factors: 5
  • Overall Average Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

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By Mary Jones

122 thoughts on “Book Review: “Golden” by S.S. Turner”

  122. I don’t know why but there’s something inherently funny and enlightening about what the reviwer calls “cultural disorientation.” This seems like a fantastic read!

    Reply

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