This read is a compelling true story about a fascinating character named Fred. It consists of seven true short stories which depict one man's road to social delinquency and illustrates an extraordinary character which is shockingly audacious, yet entertaining at the same time. John Haynes wishes for his readers to capture the essence of "Fred" in a unique and amusing way, trusting them to appreciate the humor in an otherwise tragic story.
Fred left the army in the early fifties during a period of austerity and immediately discovered that jobs were scarce and there was, at that time, no post military assistance in employment seeking. He then very quickly gave up the vain search for employment and sought to befriend the gangster community which he regarded as "successful" when he saw them drive big shiny black limousines and frequent clubs in the West End of London - some of which they owned.
Due to his innate charms and outgoing personality Fred gained the gangsters' liking. He also had a way around women for he had such movie-star good looks, charismatic appeal and talent in singing. All these positive attributes were all negated by his one Achilles' heel - drinking. The ability to admit that such is a self-destructive habit truly is a quality that is unbecoming of alcoholics for he allowed his drinks to consume him and due to such he eventually converted all his assets into dust.
Spending large amounts of time with his cousin gave
John Haynes front-row seats to Fred's interesting life, which is filled with contradictions and ambivalence for his vibrant and audacious personality is somewhat colorful and endearing, yet his ways are submerged in the shadiness and darkness of his choices. This makes Fred a fascinating character for he genuinely fails to recognize how outrageous he is despite his eccentricities and delinquent of ways. No matter how flamboyant he may have led his life, one thing is for certain, that after reading this book, Fred's endearing traits coupled with his bizarre experiences will definitely find their way into the readers' hearts.
For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to
http://www.XlibrisPublishing.co.uk.
John Haynes was born in East London in 1939 and became acquainted with some extremely interesting people before deciding in his mid thirties to make use of an education acquired at one of the most prestigious Grammar schools, Parmiter Foundation. He worked for a well known merchant bank until 1989 since when he spent fifteen years as a company director and still runs his own business today. He has taken a decision to write of the escapades of his friends, relatives and himself during his early adult life in a poor area of London because the violence and criminal activities can have a humorous aspect.
Fred * by
John Haynes
Publication Date: October 31, 2011
Trade Paperback; £9.99; 106 pages; 978-1-4771-1614-2
Trade Hardback; £19.99; 106 pages; 978-1-4653-6646-7
eBook; £2.55; 978-1-4653-6647-4
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