Stephen Svoboda

For Reasons of Youth Stephen Svoboda

"For Reasons of Youth is an original novel that charts the intricacies of love and relationships, and presents an insightful consideration of the theme of betrayal. The novel's original plot structure focuses upon the lifelong relationship between two friends, John and Brian. It is, however, the presence of the third character, Amy, which drives the central narrative of the novel. Having been seriously involved with Brian on two occasions, Amy comes between the two friends when John, against his best intentions, begins to fall in love with Amy is forced to face the possibility of betraying his best friend. This compelling narrative is skillfully presented and the interactions between the characters involved add great interest and intrigue to the unfolding storyline. The true strength and power of this work, however, lies in the ingenious subplot that is intertwined within the main narrative. It is in this subplot that the novel is given great scope and maturity; it tells the story of John's father, Thomas, charting his youth in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam and emigration to America and a new life. The core element of this subplot is a moment of betrayal in Thomas' childhood - a clouded event in his life that holds powerful repercussions for his son John and the complex situation he finds himself having to deal with. Alongside the skillfully interwoven plots, the reader is also presented with a wealth of rich and vivid description through which the various times and setting of this expansive novel are portrayed. The author's use of emotive language, and prose that is fluent and expressive, serves to guide the enthralled reader through this highly enjoyable and thought-provoking novel." - Reviewed by Alison Austen