Delia and Reid
About this ebook
The story is told through the isangoma brain of Reid, who remembers how their relationship started and how it progresses. The story includes Reid’s memories of other episodes in his life and the other women who’ve been part of his life. His reflections provide insight into his philosophy on ‘reality’, which includes the mystery of chance versus fate.
The novel is an unusual Australian story arising out of Reid’s ‘white’ South African background and his unusual lifestyle ‘popping’ between Canberra, particularly ‘his’ Canberra nightclubs, the homestead horse safari property in the ‘Snowy Mountains’, wild places in the Canberra region, and his introduction to life in Sydney with Delia. He works as a lawyer and taxi driver, now and then, to earn money to make ends meet.
Review:
Delia and Reid
Denis S. Hurley
Denis S. Hurley, Publisher
E-pub: 978-0-9943070-1-9 $9.99
Paperback: 978-0-9943070-0 $19.95
www.denis-s-hurley.com
Delia and Reid is an 'adventure love story' about the most beautiful woman in the world as seen through the thoughts of Reid, who reflects not only on his relationship with Delia, but other women in his life.
What can readers expect from an 'adventure love story'? It's a romance in some ways and a more unusual adventure story in others as it traverses not only the evolution of a 'soul mate' relationship, but what that means for both Delia and Reid.
Erotic adventures and processes, a sense of play and exploration, and media, legal, musical, and world-hopping travel encounters all blend in a novel that will neatly stymie readers anticipating a formula romance approach - and that is its strength.
Delia and Reid dares to be different. It labels its contents and then moves outside of the box in identifying underlying psyches and world-changing influences that lead Delia and Reid into new experiences both outside and within the bedroom.
Take the writing as an example of why this book stands out from most. Denis S. Hurley's descriptions are striking, enticing visions that are literary standouts in a genre of tired words: "If you want to read the love story, you'll be let into my head. If you don't feel extremely privileged to be let into my head, then you're a psychopath. If you're a psychopath who makes the intellectual decision to be good, well done for at least making that decision for others. If you're a psychopath who makes the intellectual decision to be bad, at least have the dignity not to complain if you're killed."
Now consider the story line. Far from being a linear romantic encounter or series of adventures, Delia and Reid is always in flux. At many points it's simply hard to tell where it is heading or what will happen next - again, these moments will stymie formula romance readers; but are devices which will delight more literary-minded romance and erotica followers seeking something truly different. Not being sure of 'what's around the next corner' is a notable achievement; particularly given the novel's length—some 460,000 words—which is a bonus for readers who like their stories well-detailed and not hastily drawn.
Set in Australia but offering world-hopping experiences and encounters with other cultures, Delia and Reid is always firmly rooted in personal encounters, whether it be between the two lovers or their circle of friends and acquaintances who sometimes marvel at their romantic phenomenon: "I think of the girl at primary school with me. I think of the young girl at high school. I think of the young woman at uni. I think of Phillip's young wife. I see her as a young mother with toddler Yvette and baby Simone. I see her as the mature woman struggling with Phillip. I see her at the Medical Association dinners; everybody trying to keep their eyes away but not being able to do so. Yeah, me too, mate. You should've seen how she was dressed and looked. It always blew people away. Some of us used to place bets about what she'd be wearing. I saw her during all of those times! Way out of my league but, yes, I saw her at all those functions! I've heard her name so many, many times, throughout that history over all those years! Fuck, Reid! How did you pull her in to be your wife? Mate, come on!"
Music is a constant stream running through this unusual love story, drawing readers in and creating the backgrounds for a series of adventures that are unexpectedly compelling. Listening to the music references contained in the story as the novel progresses will enhance the atmosphere of Delia and Reid's progress (it is hoped that, in the future, an audio edition will incorporate these musical interludes for maximum impact).
Delia and Reid is a literary romance highly recommended for discriminating readers who desire more complexity and thought-provoking moments from a foundation of passion and personal evolution. It invites, entertains, titillates, promises intrigue and revelation, and leaves the reader spent, but well satisfied.
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
