Theo Kingman’s Uncle Teddy had an interesting life, apparently more interesting than anyone had realized. His memoir, sent by Theo to his friend, publisher Curt Bookman, tells the story of his upbringing in a country that neither of them had ever heard of, Aleronde. As Theo and Curt exchange letters, the publisher’s doubts about Uncle Teddy’s sanity are replaced by a disturbing sense of familiarity. Somehow, Teddy’s description of this country that exists on no known map, is clearly recognizable to both men. And worse, as Theo continues to send Curt the manuscript in bits and pieces, they realize that there is real danger enclosed in those mysterious pages, threatening not only Aleronde, but perhaps their own world as well.
THE PROBLEM WITH UNCLE TEDDY’S MEMOIR is a clever and elegantly presented tale, released, like the title manuscript, in bits and pieces to the reader. Every letter and every excerpt from the memoir reveals something new about Uncle Teddy, his beloved Aleronde, and how he got from his privileged childhood to his current life in England. The story unfolds with deceptive gentleness, showing Teddy’s youthful optimism and desire to support his country, showing off the beauties of Aleronde and praising its power, but the astute reader will be able to see the cracks in the glorious facade. Teddy’s character is well-drawn, whole and thoughtful. The book is short, but full of twists and turns, and the author deftly paints Teddy’s growing concerns, Curt’s growing fear, and Theo’s careful revelations until finally, the true danger emerges, almost startling in its vividness after the slow but steady buildup. This book is almost a prequel, rather than a standalone novel – it does a brilliant job of setting up the dramatic tension, but at the end, there is still a good deal of story left to tell, and too many questions left unanswered
THE PROBLEM WITH UNCLE TEDDY’S MEMOIR is a tantalizing, disturbing little story, carefully and lovingly designed to maximize suspense and provoke thought.
~IndieReader.