I read Zenka after reading a particularly harrowing non-fiction book; after reading some heavy content, I was happy to be able to lose myself in this entertaining novel.
Book Description:
Devious, ruthless, and loyal. Zenka is a capricious Hungarian with a dark past.
When cranky London mob boss, Jack Murray, saves her life she vows to become his guardian angel – whether he likes it or not. Happily, she now has easy access to pistols, knives and shotguns. Jack discovers he has a son, Nicholas, a male nurse with a heart of gold. Problem is, Nicholas is a wimp. Zenka takes charge. Using her feminine wiles and gangland contacts, she will make Nicholas into the sort of son any self-respecting crime boss would be proud of. And she succeeds! Nicholas is learning fast that sometimes you have to kill, or be killed. As his life becomes more terrifying, questions have to be asked:
How do you tell a mob boss you don’t want to be his son?
And is Zenka really who she says she is?
My Thoughts:
Zenka was so much fun to read! It’s described as a black comedy and that’s exactly what it is, filled with darkly comic moments, this novel isn’t to be taken too seriously but just enjoyed. The events move quickly, and you are able to lose yourself in the plot, and if you’re from the East End of London, some of the language used in this novel will instantly be understandable to you – if not, there’s a translation page at the beginning to ensure you know all you need to know before you start this novel.
Zenka is a fantastic heroine, she will have you laughing out loud throughout the book, particularly in the letters she writes to her friend in Hungary as she shares with her the many ways she has of murdering the woman responsible for her dark past. Reading this novel, it felt like Brodie knew what she wanted when she created these characters because each one has a distinct personality and it made them easily likeable, or unlikeable, and made their actions fit the image you have of them.
I don’t want to go into detail about the plot because it’ll be all the more fun for you to discover it yourself. It’s such a quirky and creative novel you can’t predictable what’s going to happen next. The events in this novel are exaggerated, so if you’re looking for something one hundred percent believable, you may be disappointed, but the fun is in the craziness that happens. This is a crime fiction novel but it’s so different to any other I have read, even the ones containing dark humour – the closest I can come to explain this novel is: think Martina Cole but remove the seriousness and add wild events and black comedy and you have Zenka.
I found this novel instantly accessible, the language was simple but used creatively to grab your interest and hold it until the very last page. I almost didn’t read this novel as I have such a huge back log of books to read, but I’m so glad I did, and I recommend you do too, particularly if you enjoy dark humour in your novels.
This book is available to buy from: Amazon UK
Wow, what a wonderful review, Janel. I am so glad you enjoyed it. And thank you for taking the time to read Zenka, especially as you have such a huge tbr pile. x
LikeLiked by 1 person
My absolute pleasure, it was just the fun read I needed!x
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have just finished two non-fiction books and need a break from the emotional roller coaster these can be!
Might have to have a go at this one when it comes out!
LikeLiked by 2 people
It’s out now! And so much fun to read 😊
LikeLiked by 2 people
Sounds like a really cool book.. like the dark humor aspect! Must get that book soon 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m a sucker for dark/black humour – it speaks to my soul 😂🤣
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’ve heard good things about this novel – and that is a good thing in this case. I would NEVER have given it a second glance otherwise, as I don’t like the cover at all! Just proves the old adage I guess.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yep, but it still holds true to this day lol. If it weren’t for all my fellow bloggers saying how much they enjoyed this one, I probably wouldn’t’ve have given it a second look either!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m still getting over the shock of seeing the cover! I don’t know what happened. I wanted to call the book Flesh and Blood and have the cover as a foggy street in London, preferably in a sepia tint. Instead I got orange and black! It’s Zenka messing with my head. BTW: I’ve got taste. She hasn’t)
LikeLiked by 1 person
The cover IS typical Zenka – haha, so once you’ve read the book, the cover certainly makes sense!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess ….
LikeLiked by 1 person