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 Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Recovering Maurice by Martin Zelder is a literary novel about Maurice, a university professor in his sixties. He has lived a steady life with his wife and career until an unexpected meeting inspires him to reconsider difficult experiences from his past. His brother suffered a serious brain injury as a child, which shaped much of Maurice’s early life and personal challenges. He also wrestles with setbacks in his work and relationships, along with feeling annoyed by how often people mispronounce his last name. As he tries new social activities, complications arise, and he faces the harsh realities of loss and disappointment. When his brother passes away, Maurice is forced to confront grief and begins a path toward healing that involves exploring love, spirituality, nature, and connections with others.
Martin Zelder’s Recovering Maurice is a beautifully conceptualized novel with writing that flows naturally between present moments, memories, and glimpses of what will come, reflecting the way human consciousness operates. Every setting is deliberate, with scenes like a quiet, nearly empty office on a Saturday evening that contrasts with the oppressive dean’s office and the rainy morning, each reinforcing Maurice’s isolation and vulnerability. Zelder carefully includes philosophical looks into faith, mystery, and the quest for understanding, all of which tie into his desire to “solve” life’s puzzles, giving the story intellectual weight. This elevates the work beyond a simple plot, inviting readers to ponder alongside Maurice, and this is what ties us as readers to the crux of the story. Overall, with a perfect blend of Maurice's world and thoughtful ideas, Recovering Maurice is a textured and brilliant read.
