2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Slow Slow Read, February 26, 2004
Relative Interest was a very slow read. Took to long to get to the plot. A struggle for me to keep reading. There was some good things about the novel but the ending wasn't realistic. Not one I am recommending.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Tangled web, January 31, 2004
Anita Bunkley introduces her readers to Kira Forester, a journalist who has just returned from a special assignment in Africa. Upon her return, she learns that her only living blood relative - a six-year old niece, Vicky - is up for adoption after her foster mother dies. This revelation leads her to Sheltering Hearts owner Evan Conley, the person responsible for placing Vicky with the adopting family. Kira decides that although she cannot personally adopt Vicky, she would still like to have contact with her. However, her request does not come without opposition from the adopting family who happens to be white and wealthy. They believe her motive is strictly monetary and are adamant about making sure Kira isn't granted visitation rights.
Ralph Roper, a wealthy mayoral candidate in Monroeville, NC, is causing quite a stir with his political campaign, business practices and pending adoption of Vicky. It is believed that the adoption of a black child is merely to boost his black votes. Frank Thompson, his opponent and the first African-American in Monroeville running for mayor, sets out to show Ralph's true colors and to win the mayoral vote.
Kira, Evan, Ralph and Frank each become deeply involved in the political campaign and the adoption proceedings. Each is on a mission to win. They end up in a tangled web that leads to deception, disharmony and eventually turns into love...for some.
RELATIVE INTEREST was a very slow read. Although the story is a fascinating one, it took too long for the plot to develop. However, Bunkley still maintains her ability to keep the reader intrigued with her knack for storytelling. There is an important message about chosing what you love over whom you love and I'd recommend it to others.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
For the Good of My Niece, January 27, 2004
Not only does Anita Bunkley offer a little romance in her novel titled Relative Interest, but she also explores several controversial topics including transracial adoption and child labor in the textile industry. Relative Interest will make any reader stop and examine how they feel about issues presented in this novel.
Kira Forester is an up and coming journalist. She has spent fifteen years at BPR, a business weekly newspaper published in the Charlotte area of North Carolina. Her dream is to get on as a journalist with the parent company in New York. On her way to realizing this dream, she completes an assignment in Africa, regarding abuse and underpayment for child labor. Upon her return to the United States, she is informed that Vicky, her young niece and only relative is going to be adopted. Kira is not interested in raising Vicky, but now wants to get to know the child she has neglected for the past five years. When she meets the adoptive family immediately red flags go up, and she begins to wonder if they are the right family for Vicky. When Kira meets Evan Conley, the owner and director of the adoption agency another type of flag goes up. Kira's investigative instincts takes her to the small town of Monroeville, which is in the midst of a heated mayoral race between Mr. Roper and Frank Thompson. A race that she unwittingly becomes tangled up in and could jeopardize all that she has strived toward.
Ms. Bunkley has written a novel that had so many points that could provide lively discussion. The dilemmas Kira faced had me in deep thought through much of this novel, wondering how I would react in the same situation. The story was set in North Carolina, a picturesque city and the author did a good job in making the scenery come to life. While not a fast paced or intense storyline, this novel is one that I would recommend to my bookclub because I know it will bring about a lively discussion, especially since half of my bookclub members can relate to the foster care/transracial adoption story.
Jeanette
APOOO BookClub
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