By: Richard Wickliffe
Old John says Holly Woode was the “Most beautiful woman in the world. Agreed upon on three continents, two islands and by heads of state…” So starts the new novel by Richard Wickliffe (We interviewed Richard Wickliffe in August=>click here).
As the tale begins, old John is waiting for his wife in a psychiatric ward in a town so small it’s “omitted on some roadmaps.” John befriends young Jill Avery, a new hospital employee. As she waits nightly for her husband to pick her up, she relishes old John’s tales of his amusing small-town youth, a sort of “Norman Rockwell” world, and global romance. Jill begins to prefer John’s tales to her own life. As a new mother, her home and marriage have grown strained in their measly new town. But as Jill pursues some of John’s tales, she uncovers the shocking truth about Holly Woode…
“Memories of Holly Woode” may be a challenge to categorize: It is a romantic tale that spans the decades, but it also contains mystery, war, mourning and even thinly-veiled satire of modern home life. The biggest surprise, based on the early promotional information, is the book’s also extremely humorous. As such, the closest story I can compare it to is “Forrest Gump” meets “The Notebook.” –But don’t be fooled, there are twists that I did not foresee, and do indeed change everything.
On a side note, “Holly Woode” is not marketed as any sort of “spiritual” or “”self-help” book for enlightenment. However the conclusion has a unique side effect: It truly made me pause and view my life a little differently, perhaps more optimistically. Also interesting, the novel’s based on a screenplay also written by Mr. Wickliffe. When HBO held a screenplay competition (“Project Greenlight” launched by Ben Affleck,) the screenplay of “Memories of Holly Woode” was a finalist. Knowing this, I do see the cinematic potential for this story. –Who could play the “most beautiful woman” Holly?
We highly recommend “Memories of Holly Woode” for the romantic ladies, and for men who enjoy WWII and fishing with Hemingway, and everyone in between who may like the humor surrounding the pursuit of modern married bliss.
"Memories of Holly Woode, " published by Library Tales Publishing Group, out in time for the holidays, 2013.
*****
For More Information:
Author Website: www.RichWickliffe.com
New Novel Website: www.MemoriesOfHollyWoode.com