This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Friday at Four by Gert Richter is a deeply introspective novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, mortality, and the search for meaning. The story follows David, a professor whose life is thrown into turmoil by his wife Alice’s terminal illness and his growing connection with Julia, a psychologist. As David navigates the emotional landscape of love, guilt, and loss, the novel vividly portrays the fragility and unpredictability of life. Alice’s transformation in the face of her illness is one of the most compelling aspects of the story. Her journey from fear to acceptance is portrayed with sensitivity, and her strength and clarity provide a stark contrast to David’s confusion and self-doubt.
Gert Richter’s writing is lyrical and precise, capturing the nuances of human emotion with remarkable clarity. The narrative shifts between David’s internal struggles, his interactions with Alice and Julia, and his reflections on his work studying swarms of fish. This scientific metaphor mirrors the interconnectedness and unpredictability of human relationships. The novel’s exploration of death is unflinching yet tender. Alice’s final days are depicted with a quiet dignity, and her reflections on life and love are tender and thought-provoking. Richter avoids sentimentality, instead offering a raw and honest portrayal of grief and the ways it shapes those left behind. Friday at Four examines the intersections of love, loss, and identity. Richter’s ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and the inevitability of change make this a memorable read for fans of psychological fiction.
