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My Review “THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS” By Simon Tolkien, Amazon Publishing, September 16, 2025. On Tour @OTRPR
SYNOPSIS: Barcelona 1936. Theo helps the Anarchist workers defeat the army that is trying to overthrow the democratically elected government, and he is reunited with his true love, Maria. But all too soon, his joy turns to terror as the Anarchists turn on him, led by a rival for Maria’s affection.
Lucky to escape with his life, Theo returns to England to study at Oxford. But his heart is in Spain, now torn apart by a bloody civil war, and he is quick to abandon his new life when his old schoolmate Esmond offers him the chance to fight the Fascists. He is unprepared for the nightmare of war that crushes his spirit and his hope until, back in Barcelona, Theo is confronted with a final terrible choice that will define his life forever.
As Theo’s tumultuous coming-of-age journey reaches its end, can his dream to change the world―so far from home―still hold true? With a careful eye for historical detail and masterful storytelling, Tolkien completes the stunning and immersive coming of age story of Theo Sterling with THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS.
BUYING LINKS: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org
MY REVIEW:
Simon Tolkien, Author has written “THE ROOM OF LOST STEPS”, which is the sequel to “The Palace At the End of the Sea”. This powerful, bold and informative book was worth the wait, but I suggest you read both books. This is the continuation of the journey of the protagonist, Theo Sterling, now a college student. The Genres for this story are: Historical Fiction, Literary Sagas, Political Fiction, and Coming of Age. This story starts in 1936 in Barcelona. Many of the same characters are in this book. Theo is easily influenced by certain friends and people with Political Believes and Ambitions. Theo is now helping the Anarchists, and is hoping to reconnect with his love, Maria. There is betrayal, danger, political unrest, and danger. Another friend gives him the opportunity to fight against the Facists. I appreciate that Simon Tolkien has a diagram that shows that different political changes in Spain. Although Theo does have loyalty, there are tragic decisions that he must make. He is reminded by others, that he should have stayed at college. Theo witnesses the bloodshed and tragedies of the war. Will Theo be able to follow his dreams?
Simon Tolkien has researched this well written story, and vividly describes the political climate, coming of age, and the complex and complicated characters. I highly recommend this memorable and thought-provoking novel.
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