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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Man Obsessed is a Man Possessed 4.5, October 2, 2007
This review is from: Lovestoned (Mass Market Paperback)
Lovestoned by T.P. Carter introduces us to Islam. Islam is an artist and the ultimate ladies man. He is living in London, the birthplace of his mother and it is all about the art. When we meet him, he is at a crossroads. He has made a decision to leave London and move back to New York because he knows it is time to become serious about his art. He cavalierly allows the people in his life to learn he is leaving and he appears to have no real concern for the impact that it may have on them, including his longtime girlfriend and his best friends.
One night while out on the town with friends her runs into a woman who has an instant impact on him. Of all the women he has been with no one has ever touched him the way this woman does. They have a couple of encounters prior to his leaving the country that causes him to think about her almost constantly. He can never shake the image of her from his mind. However, he knows he needs to leave and he does.
Once back in New York, Islam takes on a job that he knows will take his art to the place it has never been before. He soon discovers that his new venture is not just a job but the woman he met in London is one of his bosses. Everything indicates, this woman is off limits. Everything that is, except his heart. He learns her name is Adrienne and almost immediately he is embroiled in a passionate affair and finds himself a man obsessed.
While reading this book, I often was exasperated with Islam and the way his obsessions played out, but never once did I want to stop reading. Ms. Carter wrote about this man in a way that allowed me to feel his love, his pain and understand his obsessions. Islam is one of the most clearly developed characters I have read in a long time. I recommend this novel to all readers who enjoy a well-written, well-told story.
Angelia Menchan
APOOO BookClub
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
(RAW Rating: 4.5) - Is it really love?, September 28, 2007
This review is from: Lovestoned (Mass Market Paperback)
Islam Ian meets the mysterious Adrianne at a party on one of his final days in London before moving back to the US. From the encounter, he is not able to get her out of his thoughts and dreams. Islam is an artist and is hoping to gain new inspiration from his new surroundings while pursuing the freedom to work and market his paintings. After moving to the states, Islam runs into billionaire, Cooper Spence, who had purchased several paintings from him while he was in London. His wife is so impressed with Islam's work, she wants to represent him in a new art gallery she plans to open. Islam initially is not interested in the offer because he wants to maintain control of his career, but when his plans do not pan out, he considers Spence's offer.
When he arrives for his first appointment, he is surprised to find the owner of the gallery is the elusive Adrianne, Cooper Spence's wife. They begin a torrid affair, fueled by their need and desire for each other, that borders on insanity. Adrianne's devotion to Cooper, despite her feelings for Islam, is driving him to the edge. Islam finds himself questioning his sanity, as she becomes his inspiration and reason for being.
LOVESTONED is about obsessive love that has no reciprocity. It took me a moment to get into the storyline, but once I did, it was on. Carter developed Islam's character so well, I found myself emotionally wrenched with him during his disappointments and wanting to kick him when he was acting foolishly in the name of love. I found myself loving and hating Adrianne as she struggled through her own issues. The added elements of British culture and the intensive research done in the art world supplemented the story well. There is a surprising twist at the end, which took me totally by surprise. Solidly written, LOVESTONED is not one to pass on.
Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Modern Philosophy....Beautiful Mind..., October 4, 2007
This review is from: Lovestoned (Mass Market Paperback)
Okay, I've never read anything this author's written before, a friend recommended the book. This is a BRILLIANT piece of work. Forget about the wonderful story, the culture (beautiful scenes in Montmartre, Paris, London,etc.) the great research in art and music (I had to get a pen and write names of artists and musicians) and some of the best character building I've read in a while. Yes, she's a poetic writer etc. but there is a problem. People are ranting about the story but they are not "getting" it. I'm about to break it down. This author is about to create havoc in the literary world as soon as folks are able to cut through the "love" story (which it is and it isn't) and begin to break down the philosophical element of her work.
I read the book twice, the first time i was wrapped up in the insanity/obssession etc of the character, and the overall plot. The second time, esp. after the surprise ending that the cubicle geek at PW obviously didn't get, I actually GOT IT. I won't spoil it, but we are talking about many of the questions Islam asked in a philosophy course I'm taking. Carter builds a wonderful story, and yes the characters are intense and obsessed (we're they really?) but when you PAY ATTENTION to what she's saying, you'll see how skilled of a writer she is. I dare you to pick up an old Nietzsche book (she quotes him much throughout the book), and draw the lines for yourself. Insanity, whether it is real or just a product of how our society sees things is the basis of where she's coming from...how she spells out how this world has our minds wrapped up in nonsense is CRAZY.
When compared to actual philosophical works, Lovestoned is not nearly as complex. But I dont think its supposed to be. It was hard to get into at first, but once you're there you're THERE. The story will make you scrutinize things--namely yourself and how/why/when you act or dont act, and who/what manipulates your perspective on things. I also know why my friend recommended it. You will understand the nature of artists better (I've always thought my girl was a nut). Carter does this all behind the words. Makes you believe... then BAM! How she flips it at the end made every bit of my 15 dollars worth it. If you are paying attention you will fall in love with Lovestoned like I did, twice. Excellent work. If you come anywhere the level of writing in your next one that you did in this one, you've got a fan for life, TP Carter. When's the movie coming?
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