Prodigal Child (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "I LOOKED ACROSS AT THE young man sitting opposite; I decided I didn't like him..." (more)
Key Phrases: tobacconist sign, brush shop, three quid, Eddie Conner, Bobby Johnson, Prodigal Child (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Fact and fiction converge in this uplifting new novel which chronicles the life of English songwriter Eddie Connor. Much of the story takes place in England during the 1950s on the tough streets of London's East End, an area of high crime and police corruption. Eddie is part of the first generation of teenagers after World War II. They wanted to be heard and noticed, so they created their own fashions and took the music from America half a world away and made it their own-first jazz, then rock-n-roll and the blues. This was the generation that gave birth to the Beatles and the Rolling Stones and what was later referred to in America as the British Invasion.

Prodigal Child is the story of a talented young singer-songwriter who might have been part of the "Invasion" but for certain twists of fate in his early years. In later years, he is able to put the past behind him and become a successful artist and businessman, eventually returning to his first love: music. And to the glory that eluded him during the 1960s.

From the Publisher

From the very first page, Prodigal Child grabs your attention with a vise-like grip and doesn't loosen it even after you've finished the last page. E. David Moulton's deft storytelling abilities shine as he details the life of Eddie Connor. With the inclusion of several of Moulton's original song lyrics, Prodigal Child is a must for music lovers, as well as those who grew up in the 1950s and 1960s.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Moomin Books (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0972669345
• ISBN-13: 978-0972669344
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #206,800 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining Rock and Roll; Surprising Spiritual Journey, August 27, 2003

By	E. L. Smith (Charleston, SC United States) - See all my reviews

From Great Britain to the U.S., E. David Moulton's modern day, Rock and Roll combination of Mark Twain adventures and more subtle learning experiences spans five decades and is fast moving with creative twists and surprising spiritual turns. Main character Eddie Connor breaks into boyhood at full force dealing with the World War II bombing of London and an abusive, emotionally distant father while still managing to enjoy Tom Sawyer-like antics on the Thames and around town.

Moulton's unassuming, straight forward style of writing fills the pages with matter of fact points and clearly defined characters who are funny, artistic, and sometimes detestable. Eddie is a thinking man learning not to think too much. He is a passionate soul trying not to teeter too far over the edge into self destruction. His reasons and chosen paths are well explained and his fate is not always what he has in mind. His "less traveled" roads lead him away from the explosion of the music scene in which he is a natural leader and into much seedier worlds he never dreamed he'd have to be a part of.

Moulton conjures several believable guides along the way who not only come to Eddie's aid but are strong, peaceful reminders of what most of us naturally seek-a reason to be, a way to make a difference, and an inner peace.

The song lyrics throughout the book are not only entertaining and catchy but serve a non-superfluous purpose by adding to the plot's general flow. Though the main medium is music beginning before the famous "British Invasion" and continuing for decades
beyond, the main character has the ability to fade from one art form only to become prolific at another, which leads to the question, "Aren't all creative endeavors ultimately connected?" Moulton seems to think so and to prove so in his novel. As an author, he seems to be a believer in transcending 21st century popular sensationalism to embrace the desires and acccomplishments of a regular person with talent and dreams. However, there is no lack of imagination.

Eddie's accomplishments and mistakes are those of a hero and a human. He is fallible yet teachable. He is ten parts angry, emotional, and unrealistic in his expectations and ninety parts driven to become better in every way. In other words, he is the
characterization of a true artist. It is a pleasure to watch him cling to his expectations and to witness the creative influences and timing that shape this boy into a man.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haven't read a book this good in about three years., August 14, 2003

By	Jed Moulton (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

I bought this book out of curiosity because I am a musician and share the same last name as the author. It turned out to be one of the best books I have read in a long time. I can highly recommend it. The story of an English songwriter is riveting and holds the reader's attention page after page. I stayed up way past my bedtime on many occasions because I could not put it down. It reminded me a little of "Angela's Ashes" in the early part of the book but nowhere near as depressing. In fact this is an uplifting book that left me with nothing but good feelings. Dialogue is especially good and the authors use of the various English dialects is not overdone and is made easy for the American reader. It adds charm to the characters, as does the humor, which often comes in tense moments when you least expect it. Without giving away any of the book's secrets I will say I loved the ending and as I finished the last page and closed the book I said "wow" and sat there for a few minutes basking in the experience. Not too many books have had that effect on me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars prodigal child: a review, September 22, 2003

By	angie brown (Charleston, SC USA) - See all my reviews

Alternately heart warming and heart wrenching, Prodigal Child explores the life of Eddie Conner, whose superb talent is matched only by the obstacles he encounters on his journey through self-hood. Although unfortunate circumstances plague his youth, Eddie carries with him the seed of a curious philosophy planted by a childhood friend that keeps him safe, emotionally and psychologically, through all his trials. Later in adulthood, this seed blooms into a spiritual awakening, thereby redeeming our protagonist and placing his struggles into a refreshing perspective.

E. David Moulton relates the rise, fall and rebirth of our hero in a succinct, matter-of-fact style, merging the boundaries between fiction, biography and parable. Prodigal Child is an easy read, a delightful reminder of life's uncanny way of matching every sorrow and misfortune with an equal or greater joy.