"An easy read to become immersed in..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0CKWMR8YN
• Publisher: ‎ Independently published (October 9, 2023)
• Language: ‎ English
• Paperback: ‎ 224 pages
• ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8863876832
• Genre: Coming of Age Fiction

The BookViral Review:

“Amidst the mouth-watering creations and the lovingly handcrafted pastries, the bakery is the backdrop for a stage where life’s passions unfurl with surprising twists and turns”

A thoughtful exploration of childhood hope and expectations in the 60s Covered in Flour: 1968: A Young Boy’s Perspective on School, Family, and Changing Times certainly isn’t an archetypal story as Presti presents his readers with notably nuanced characters, authentic backgrounds and intriguing nuggets of poignant moments in 8-year-old Carl Pozzi’s life.

There’s real soul to this coming-of-age story as Presti beautifully renders the sights and sounds of a bygone era. All are meticulously observed as he explores the veracities of family, calamity, politics and racial divide during a period of turbulent change.

Presti’s writing is light, easy to read and underpinned by vivid descriptions. His chapters are succinct, illuminating and a pleasure to follow, but what sets his novel apart is a clear understanding of how family and social dynamics, in their differing guises, shape our years, with a wonderful mix of eclectic characters at the heart of his narrative.

To this end, Presti gives us wholly endearing characters that exude strength of personality and purpose. Each is memorable for the influence they have on young Carl’s life and the way he interprets pivotal moments with these tempered by Presti’s ability to maintain a fine balance between empathy and levity.

There are parts of Covered in Flour: 1968: A Young Boy’s Perspective on School, Family, and Changing Times that are sad and a damning indictment of society at that time but Presti is ever mindful to keep a kernel of hope alive. Reminding us of the different spheres we inhabit as we grow up and not to take any given day for granted. Which for many readers is sure to provoke much in the way of reflection.

An easy read to become immersed in Covered in Flour: 1968: A Young Boy’s Perspective on School, Family, and Changing Times is highly recommended.