We begin with the most recent reviews
DIVA
Joseph Kinnebrew
Reviewed by: David Allen, Pacific Book Review
Wow. A rose by any other name. The Gift Beyond Giving (in this case, a burned-out ex-soubrette) goes by many names: ‘Diva,’ ‘Coquette,’ ‘Princess.’ Some would call her ‘Barbie.’
She/It/They are many things. Diva is a crafty manipulatrix, getting long of tooth, 75 years old at last look, haggard of mien, counting more on her reputation and shrinking dowry now than on her drastically superannuated looks. Diva is someone’s … personal trip to hell and back. The book – a tasty mélange of fictional episodes and mixed voice narratives – is a very jaundiced look at a very crippled person who, Kinnebrew freely acknowledges elsewhere in the book, is based in good part on reality.
Other people are hell, according to Jean-Paul Sartre. Kinnebrew is likely to agree. His Diva avatar – mordantly sliced and diced, hashed and refried from multiple points of view – embodies all that is wrong with modern times. Diva is a diagnosed ‘ASP’ – Antisocial Personality. She cares little for the feelings of others. ASPs are concerned with one thing only – taking advantage of people and acting out endless scenarios of hapless anger. Compassion is not one of her strong points.
Other literary lights come to mind, parallel to Diva. Philip Roth’s borderline personality-disordered harridan in When She Was Good is a memorable antecedent, as is Angela Carter’s Honeybuzz, an earlier incarnation of the cruel fatuous bully. There are discernible whiffs of Hunter Thompson, Rolling Stone magazine, and yes, mustard gas in here.
The writing is impressive. The writer clearly commands a vast storehouse of curios, of knowledge of rarified tidbits that language lovers like himself will surely treasure. Kinnebrew exercises a cinematic command of point of view with alternating voices, including dialogue from a psychiatrist’s office; raunchy near-dystopian scenes involving whips, chains, and mega-sleazy human interactions, all in the service of mindless worship of pleasure and of the moment.
These scenes – many of the scenes in this disturbing window on our time and our culture – are cautionary, sobering, even dystopian. Some trifle passing comment or artifact arrests our attention, on each and every page of this book, reminding us that we are living and playing in a house of cards; with a stiff wind coming through! If that weren’t chilling enough, consider the apocalyptic ending in this super brisk super intelligent novel: victims and victimizers get to reconsider their respective roles, as does the canny reader, who throughout all this is wondering, And how do I fit in? Problem is, dear readers, you do, I do, we all do.
Source: https://www.pacificbookreview.com/diva/
Diva
Reviewed by: Mari Carlson, The US Review of Books
“The puppeteers are simply coincidence and consequence; it was she who created the stage and the theater, the lights the action. I feel no guilt nor should you.”
Little does Diva know or care that the vitriol she inflicts upon everyone she encounters will come back to haunt her. The book begins as one of her scorned lovers unloads his years-long experience with Diva to a therapist. He and Diva are first attracted to each other as lonely divorcees looking for companionship. Despite reasons to leave her that pile up as he shares a home with her periodically, travels with her, and meets Diva’s friends and drug-dealing son, he sticks around because he feels compassion for her in a time of ill health and wants, if possible, to help her improve. A trained doctor and observer himself, he recognizes that she fulfills every symptom of a sociopath, including a lack of genuine interest in others, compulsive spending, shallowness, and an obsession with sex. He is not her only observer, however. Subsequent sections of the book are narrated by Diva and the spouse of another of her lovers.
Multiple points of view show that a pathological mind like Diva’s is not isolated. Her traits produce a ripple effect. She passes on her approach to life to her wayward son, who suffers from STDs and addictions. After she gossips about friends, complains about strangers, and uses lovers as objects for her own pleasure, they reject her. Her scorned lover’s pain raises questions, such as why victims stay with abusers, and touches his psychologist’s heart. Still, she feels for him. Their exchanges are among the few refreshing ones in the book.
Most of the rest of the dialogue is composed of Diva’s and others’ monologues. In vignettes of parties, schemes, and trips, Diva’s example works to create a lurid and conniving tone ripe for an explosion. The writing matches her strategies, employing pseudonyms and evasion, flitting from scene to scene outside chronological order. The landscape is largely internal, with little reference to places or setting, aside from descriptions of how people look. The resulting disorientation enhances the book’s predominant feeling of entrapment, like being caught in the Diva-spider’s web. Not only does an anti-heroine develop, but so too does societal damage at many levels. Many readers will relate, knowing someone like Diva who adversely affects her circles.
What starts out as a scathing portrait of a psychological deviant becomes a horror story as the final narrator fights back. Over the course of the story, Diva causes this reaction. As characters and readers alike are sucked into her deceit and competition for her own gain, she makes herself out to be the victim. A turning point comes when she is not invited to an annual charity event in London that she’s used to helping plan. She sinks to her lowest instincts, and so do those she hurts. The ripple effect she starts ends with a tsunami of grisly revenge by an unlikely agent. The plot’s pacing takes patience, as it consists mostly of descriptions of Diva and her associates, reserving most of the action until the conclusion. However, the reward is a graphic scene of DIY justice.
Reminiscent of the book’s multiple perspectives, Kinnebrew is a jack-of-all-trades: artist, inventor, and writer. His paintings are intricate and realistic studies blending real objects and dream-like elements. In this work, his words are the colors in a composition of dark detail. Diva’s laughable absurdity in this satirical novel works as a cautionary tale befitting the author’s out-of-the-box outlook.
AMAZON AND BARNES & NOBLE REVIEWS
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023
In “Diva” by Joseph Kinnebrew, the writing style masterfully delves into the psyche of a sociopathic character, immersing readers in a world of high society’s dark underbelly. Kinnebrew’s prose artfully exposes the complexities of prejudice, wealth, and corruption, creating a chilling narrative that explores the disturbing desires driving manipulation and deceit. With a captivating blend of intrigue, the author skillfully portrays a dual existence of charm and amorality, painting a vivid picture of a character teetering on the edge of morality. “Diva” showcases Kinnebrew’s knack for crafting a haunting and absorbing narrative that exposes the sinister forces at play in a realm dominated by power and indulgence.
5.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing and influential
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2023
“Diva” is a book that offers a dark exploration of a character who embodies negative traits often hidden behind facades of social prominence. The story’s emphasis on societal influence, privilege, and moral degradation is relevant and stimulating. By delving into Diva’s world, the book encourages readers to question the values and ethical standards of those who hold positions of power and influence. It also serves as a reminder to be cautious of the allure of appearances and to remain vigilant against manipulation. The book’s commentary on the intersection of character, influence, and societal dynamics provides an intriguing and contemplative reading experience.
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book!
Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2023
Diva is a fascinating book that centers around social influence and the power that it has to society. It will leave you breathless at time as it makes you wonder how and why the decision makers are able to sleep at night. I’ve always been cautious of jumping on the bandwagon on a product or even an opinion when I see it because of this very reason. This is a great read and would recommend this book to everyone.
4.0 out of 5 stars A vivid portrait of a woman thriving on deceit and self-indulgence!
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
“Diva” by Joseph Kinnebrew delves into the life of a sociopathic woman named Diva, examining her malevolent tendencies and shedding light on the destructive impact of individuals like her, who function as societal parasites, draining its vitality. Amidst societal biases, wealth, influence, and moral decline, the narrative reveals those who manipulate appearances for personal gratification. Diva personifies wickedness, self-centeredness, and cunning, showcasing the moral void that can flourish in privileged circles, shielded from consequences. The book paints a vivid portrait of a woman thriving on deceit and self-indulgence, offering a sharp commentary on these characters’ existence within the fabric of society.
4.0 out of 5 stars enjoyable thriller.
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
‘Diva’ is a thriller story filled with all the necessary elements ensuring you stay reading the book until its end. I enjoyed the steady pace and the characters. The development of everything was organized and well put together. I recommend this book.
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4.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Chilling, and Intense
Reviewed in the United States on August 14, 2023
The story puts a spotlight on the dark side of society where hypocrisy is synonymous with the rich and the famous. If a person from a different part gets innocently entangled, the result could be fatal. This tale of betrayal and revenge could chill your blood and numb your senses.
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PRE PUBLICATION REVIEWS FOR THE ORCHARD
This is a profound book. and not for the faint of heart. Joseph Kinnebrew is a deep thinker and has created a masterpiece for moral debate and further consideration. Kinnebrew crafted a surreal tale using metaphors woven together as only a consummate artist can. This book and ideas of the four concepts of faith, forgiveness, redemption and resurrection will remain in my mind for some time to come.
Others would do well to read this very important book.
Rear Admiral Edward J. Hogan, USN (ret.)
Honestly, I am still shaken as to where your words took me. Places so dark, unexpected truths were revealed naked and for all to see. I have to admit, I could only read bits at a time just so I could process the gifts of honesty and the consequence (be it even metaphorical) of lying and corruption. Always in the end there is the VOICE, the voice of conscious, of reason, of corruption. !!!
The Orchard is not a book that will be placed on my mental library, not a book to be forgotten after a month or year has passed. This is a book that is now a part of my very existence. How many books can you say with grace, that honestly hold that place? That place of Change.
Joseph, I knew you were an artist with your mind, in cresting all you have visually. But, friend, your writing is an art unto its own. I cried at the end. I cried because the end was the beginning of life.
Antonella Novi