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Douglas Rappaport has always been involved in the arts. He was originally a classically trained violinist and composer, having studied as a young child at various conservatories in the U.S. and, later, abroad. During his college years, Douglas studied under famed protégée of Jascha Heifetz, Erick Friedman, and after graduate work at Yale University, Douglas went on to the University of Southern California where he received an Advanced Studies degree in Film and Television Scoring. He also studied at Goldsmiths College (part of the University of London), Guildhall and London International Film School, amongst others.
His first novel, "One Day The Weatherman", which was initially published in 2003, had a 10th Anniversary Special Edition that was released in June, 2013. His latest book, “Victim Of Circumstance", which was published in September, 2014, got as high as #3 on the Amazon Free Kindle Bestseller list (non-fiction). He is also the writer of a stage play, "The Great Deceiver", as well as several short stories and screenplays, the latter of which included a film adaptation of his first novel and a work-for-hire from a feature director.
Reviewed by Teodora Totorean for Readers' Favorite
Victim of Circumstance by Douglas Rappaport is an introspective book analyzing, among other things, the possibility of love. Conceived as a memoir, the author recollects defining moments in his life, from his relationship with his mother and her death, to his two failed marriages and his desire to find love and have a family. The possibility of love comes from questioning the validity of his feelings towards his two wives and what would have happened had he chosen another path. The book is organized in chapters around a main idea like mini essays talking about big themes such as love, religion, death, the mystery of the universe and existentialism, and more.
Victim of Circumstance by Douglas Rappaport was refreshing to read as it presents aspects of the author’s life authentically and without a sugar coating. In today’s overly and somehow falsely optimistic books promising endless happiness, reading this book can bring you back down to earth regarding life in general. Life happens with good and bad things, some people are luckier than others and this is a universal truth. Reading a book where the author can distance himself from the unfortunate events in his life and intellectualize his decisions and its effects is a good exercise to start reflecting on your own life.
In my view, the book is essentially existentialist with the right dosage of memoir, personal introspection and philosophical reflection on life and love. As for the writing style, although the narrative has many diversions, the ideas are easy to follow and the author’s voice comes through as if you are talking to him face to face.
