Blog Tour: Homeward Bound by Richard Smith

Homeward Bound features 79-year-old grandfather George, who didn’t quite make it as a rock star in the ‘60s. He’s expected to be in retirement but in truth he’s not ready to close the lid on his dreams and will do anything for a last chance. When he finds himself on a tour of retirement homes instead of a cream tea at the seaside his family has promised, it seems his story might prematurely be over.
 
He finds the answer by inviting Tara, his 18-year-old granddaughter, to share his house, along with his memories and vast collection of records. She is an aspiring musician as well, although her idea of music is not George’s. What unfolds are clashes and unlikely parallels between the generations – neither knows nor cares how to use a dishwasher – as they both chase their ambitions.
 
Purchase Links
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/homeward-bound-richard-smith/1136313433?ean=2940163088645
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Homeward-Bound-Richard-Smith/dp/1838591591/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
https://www.waterstones.com/book/homeward-bound/richard-smith/9781838591595
https://www.ink84bookshop.co.uk/product-page/homeward-bound-by-richard-smith

Review
This is a story about the timelessness of music. It's a bittersweet story about the inevitability of old age and the importance of choices. Most of all, this is the story of George: nearly eighty, newly widowed, and worried his best days are far behind him with nothing to show for his grand dreams but a room full of vinyl records. When granddaughter Tara moves to London for uni, George invites her to live with him. Their shared love of music - albeit from very different generations - draws them together even as they struggle with their own uncertain futures.

This is a book for music lovers, especially those old time rock and rollers but even newer music references are woven through the text. George's introspection, while sometimes maudlin and meandering, is also charming and heartbreaking as he reminisces on times gone by. Tara has her on distinct voice (though at 18, she is most certainly not a millennial) as she looks to forge a path of her own, with or without long-term boyfriend Mark.

If you are looking for a story about family, intergenerational friendship, and the power of music, turn your face Homeward Bound. Four stars.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own


Author Bio
Richard Smith is a writer and storyteller for sponsored films and commercials, with subjects as varied as caring for the elderly, teenage pregnancies, communities in the Niger delta, anti- drug campaigns and fighting organised crime. Their aim has been to make a positive difference, but, worryingly, two commercials he worked on featured in a British Library exhibition, ‘Propaganda’.

@RichardWrites2   

richardsmithwrites.com