~ Review: Something Real ~

PLOT SYNOPSIS:  The author of the highly acclaimed RENEE AND JAY offers an emotionally compelling, provocative, and wickedly funny new novel that shows how love defies all expectations . . . and comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors of the rainbow.

REVIEW:  Delightful! Sexy! Touching!  These are just some of the words that come to mind as I close the pages of this sophomore effort of author John Jeffrey “J. J” Murray.  In a year when the majority of the romance/woman’s fiction releases are mediocre, SOMETHING REAL is like a burst of sunshine.  This release is definitely something special and SOMETHING REAL!

In 2001, Murray’s debut release, RENEE AND JAY, a fair effort, hinted at the potential that is finally realized in this more that worthy follow-up.  With SOMETHING REAL, Murray takes several giant steps forward, weaving a special kind of magic that captured my imagination, and drew me in and did not let me go until the final page was read.

SOMETHING REAL tells the story of Ruth “Penny” Borum.  Newly divorced from the pastor of Antioch, one of Virginia’s most promising black churches, Ruth has lost all sense of self.  Depressed and overweight, she spends most of her time eating, and thinking about how cruel life has been to her:

I have lost so much.

I just hope I can hang on to my sanity.

And my faith.

Ruth has lost everything, but she refuses to give up her membership at Antioch, and continues to play the organ on Sunday knowing that her presence forces her husband to acknowledge his sins.   All Ruth has ever wanted was to be happily married and loved by an honest black man.

Ironically, when Ruth does fall in love, it’s with a white man, Dewey Baxter, and his two kids, Dee and Tee, and this is when the already hilarious and touching story jumps several notches.  God definitely has a sense of humor!

There are so many things that make SOMETHING REAL wonderfully original, but most significant is the menagerie of characters that are so important to this story’s message.   Each character has his/her own distinct personality.  Ruth, with her sassy outspoken brashness; Dewey, cautious in love, but devoted to his kids; and secondary characters like Fred, Naomi, and Jonas stand out as works of art, and demonstrate Murray’s forte for creating unique memorable characters.

It is Ruth, however, who carries this story.  Murray’s ability to take us into the mind and very soul of this woman, and allow us to see her tears, her dreams, and her hopes, makes this a moving character study of one woman’s spiritual growth.  Despite Ruth’s brashness, there is a gentler side to her personality which is clearly seen in her relationship with Dee and Tee, as well as the homeless Fred.  Selfless, Ruth reaches out to others when she too needs comfort.  Ruth is a very special woman who demonstrates a willingness to forgive those who have wronged her.

There is so much more that I could comment on about SOMETHING REAL; the witty dialogue, the distinct sense of place, and those very special moments that moved me to tears, but this is a story that readers must experience for themselves.

J. J. Murray has said the SOMETHING REAL is a true story, and one that parallels the biblical story of Ruth.  The real “Ruth” should be proud of this effort.  SOMETHING REAL is a major achievement.  Murray is an author who writes with a mature sensitivity that is sure to touch the heart of every reader.  This wonderful story will take you through a range of emotions.  You’ll laugh and cry, and even get angry, but at the end you’re be sure smiling! Murray has definitely given SOMETHING REAL!

Wayne Jordan

19th AUGUST 2002