Book Review – Work Like Any Other

Work like any other tells the story of Roscoe T. Martin, an electrician by trade, but married to Marie, a farmer’s daughter.

Roscoe is forced to make the most of what he has, and make farming – which he hates – work. He tries, but nothing cooperates, and everything is failing – the farm, his marriage and his life. Set in the 1920s, you can imagine the difficulties. Reverting to what he knows, Roscoe decides to run in an illegal line of electricity to help with the farming. And it works. Until it all goes horribly wrong.

This debut novel by Virginia Reeves has many things to recommend it, including an interesting cover, an originality that is refreshing, and a length that won’t put you off.

The writing is great – not a word wasted, making it difficult to believe this is her first. The anxiety is tangible, and the characters strong and brave, true to themselves. I loved the pacing – fast enough to keep you interested, but not breathless – to take in the scenery and everything around you.

I devoured each word on each page, and found myself satisfied, replete.

Bev Bouwer
4/5