"Fantastic read,
Brownout is a great read and offers an insight into a world of internal struggle in an unfamiliar culture. It is a very intriguing read with several plots that get you thinking. I definitely recommend giving this book a read as you won't be disappointed." - avidreader, Amazon review *****
"If your interested in obtaining insight into another culture this is the book for you. It's a window into the culture of a population we see every day but sometimes know little about. It is also a really good and fast-paced story with a lot of twists and turns.
A book well worth reading. If there is one drawback it is that the sex is a little graphic for my taste, otherwise, having said that, I would certainly recommend it." - lawyer, Amazon review *****
Dec 08, 2018
"Teaching ...is sort of like being a policeman without a gun, surrounded by criminals."...
...
The flavor of the book is achieved by John's survey of a high octane adventure, which will takes us into a sea of cultural and ethical flashpoints, while exposing huge cracks in the world's political and social order, supplanting it all with erotica that adds its own flavor to the story. There is a screenplay potential within these pages. Recommended. - Grady rated it *****
it was amazing - Grady, Good Reads review
Dec 10, 2018
Brownout-666: or the Real Meaning of the Swastika by John Richard Spencer has it all, sex, a fast pace, danger, an interesting protagonist, and plenty of crime. The story takes place in the Philippines, with all of its incongruity, the haves and have nots, and a multitude of available sex partners.
Rick Daly is the lead character, who has a business, yet seems to always get in over his head. There is a wealth of adventure within these pages, a subtle commentary on the political and cultural climate of our times, and Daly himself who must come to terms with who he is. You will find this story riveting, with a solid plot, an interesting setting, a ton of erotica, and much more.
Highly recommend for a fun and enticing read. Looking forward to more from this author. Valery rated it ****really liked it - Valery, Good Reads review
A realistic and well written story that reflects life and customs in the Philippines as they really are. The story follows the life and adventures of Rick Daly, an Aussie expat who attempts to start a business and life in the Philippines.
It gives an insight into both the Filipino and Australian mind set and the complications which occur when the two interact. This is an essential and entertaining read for anyone who is contemplating visiting the Philippines for an extended period, forming a relationship there, or simply in search of a good story. Peter Hardwicke, Amazon review *****
Dec 19, 2018 Minion Reviews rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
One of the first things to hit me as I began reading Brownout was that it was as if I was watching this on the big screen. The language is so well crafted and visually stimulating I did feel I was deep in the thick of the action and the story was happening around me.
Spencer's literary dexterity is truly a marvel, and Brownout is an incredible read. Whether describing the lush landscape of the Philippines, the vivid scenes of destruction, or the subtleties of character interaction, everything was handled with the greatest of skill.
A truly enjoyable book I will definitely read again. (less)
Brownout - 666
Jan 30
Posted by Literary Titan ****
Rick Daly is in the midst of multiple battles-the least of which is the struggle to finally find a way to be happy, settled, and live a normal life. Working and trying to establish a business of his own in the Philippines, Rick Daly meets and unwittingly falls head over heels in love with the young woman he hires to be his secretary and sidekick. When he realizes he loves Marilyn and wants to change his wild ways, he finds that his past is looming closely and threatens his relationship as it tests his loyalty to Marilyn and their, now uncertain, future.
John Spencer, author of Brownout, is clearly a fan of world history. His novel featuring Rick Daly is woven intricately in and out of historical truths. In addition, Spencer even tackles the controversial issue of the Holocaust and the doubt surrounding its existence. Spencer covers a broad range of events and drops his characters and their various subplots strategically into these events from the book's beginning to its surprising finale.
Brownout incorporates numerous storylines which are, at times, difficult to follow. The bulk of the novel is based on Rick Daly's life in the Philippines and his relationship with Marilyn, a woman who strives to remain true to herself and her beliefs but sends Rick many a mixed message during the course of their relationship. Spencer's writing relies heavily on the reader's penchant for sexual situations as these scenes are prevalent throughout the book, giving the overall book as much the feel of a romance novel as a work of historical fiction.
I feel it's worth mentioning that the intimate aspect of the relationship portrayed between Rick and Marilyn is complicated at best. As much as Marilyn maintains that she will remain a virgin until she is married, she feels torn between keeping her word and satisfying Rick. I was quite taken aback at Rick taking advantage of Marilyn and violating her trust.
The parallel storyline involving Chris, Rick's uncle, and his children is a tragic one and is more engaging and engrossing than Rick's plot. I found that my attention was held much more readily while reading of Chris's heart-wrenching loss and the immense struggle he faces with each of his children. As I read, I continued to anticipate that Chris would be a more prominent part of the book's overarching plot and was disappointed that his family's drama was not more fully explored.
While Brownout is exceptionally well-written, I felt that the subplots were somewhat disjointed. Each of Rick's subsequent and fleeting relationships added depth to the story but simultaneously added an air of confusion. While all of Spencer's characters are rich and well-developed, the connections between them seem lacking. The historical accuracies are spot-on and related via Spencer's characters in a way that makes them conversational and engaging. Readers who appreciate historical fiction and seek an element of romance will find Brownout to their liking.
Pages: 503 | ASIN: B07GGYBJY1
Minion Reviews, Goodreads *****
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Rick Daly, the central character in the novel
The central character, Rick Daly is a composite from many people I have known, along with some fictional elements. Portions of his makeup I have taken from myself but I would certainly disown some of the actions he undertakes during his journey of self-discovery. Some of his attributes are considerably more extreme and apparently somewhat callous, than any that my younger self, possessed.
Some of the apparently heartless actions undertaken by Rick, such as the way he treats a drunk female passenger who can't pay the fare in his cab, were taken from real life but not mine. His happy-go-lucky attitude during the beginning of the story and his predatory behaviour relates to many young Australian males of the seventies and eighties and in all likelihood stems from some deep sense of sexual frustration, along with a failure to fully understand women as people on many levels.
Joanne Curtis c. 1980
This theme is in evidence in "The Teacher's Pet" podcast and its allegations of teacher-schoolgirl sex rings at three high schools on Sydney's northern beaches. Youngish males who were obsessed with their sexual gratification and used any available means to achieve it, were referred to repeatedly in this podcast, along with the allegations of murder against Chris Dawson who was arrested and is currently on bail.
Cromer High School c. 1979 - 1982
Rick, the product of his time, operates his life against a background of constantly wanting to "get his end in" in the most enjoyable way possible. He certainly possesses some hedonistic values at the beginning of the novel.
Fortunately, over time he learns some of the subtleties and more important values, albeit, in many cases, the hard way. He also learns about love and its pitfalls, corruption and the inescapable fact that life is not fair. By the conclusion of the story he realises just how rotten the world and its powers can be. He manages this without surrendering his interest in sex and love but, by putting everything into perspective, achieves a level of inner peace.
About the Author
John Spencer has lived a strange but interesting life, meeting people from everywhere and all social stratas. He has lived in Australia, the UK and elsewhere, and visited countless other nations besides.
He is a nonviolent anarchist who is deeply suspicious and cynical about the power brokers who rule our world. His publishing credits include numerous magazine articles published in several countries, and ranging from business to travel. He has worked in many "day" jobs, including taxi driver, bus driver and school teacher.
John spent several years in the Philippines while pursuing his writing. He mingled with Manila's famous Kangaroo Mafia and entered the haunts of the illegal gun makers of Danao. From wild flesh pits to occasionally living the excitement of dodging bullets, John has seen it all.
He has also experienced the greatest tragedy imaginable, the loss of a child, and was forced into becoming somewhat of an expert on grief. All proceeds of his book about loss, "Waiting for a Miracle - Life in the Dead Zone" will go to a child loss charity, namely sudc.org (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood, headquartered in New Jersey, USA).
From the Inside Flap
Brownout - 666
The Compelling Inside Story of a Misguided Life in the Sex and Drugs Trade
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
From the Back Cover
Falselyaccused of a sexual crime in the Philippines Rick Daly loses his freedom, aswell as his business. A clash of cultures as well as his own naïveté results ina huge drama with Marilyn, his life's love and sees his life spiraling out ofcontrol. A prison escape amounts merely to a change of jails in a world gonemad.
--This text refers to an alternate
kindle_edition edition.
![Brownout - 666: A journey through sex, love and violence in the ultimate search by [Mr John Richard Spencer]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51okLjIEtAL._SY346_.jpg)
