The Fine Art of Kindness

Jacko. One Bloke. One Year. (Click for more details)

Underneath the Arclight (Click for more details)

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In New Zealand: Use the ‘Buy Now’ button to pay by credit card via Pay Pal. Alternatively, order by phone, text or email for online banking details.
Phone/text: 021 057 2452. Email: robert@bolton.co.nz

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When wealthy old Jack Landseer and the eccentric and even older Betty Krilich meet – apparently by accident – they begin an odd relationship which gradually evolves into one of mutual trust, affection and, yes, love.

Set in small-town provincial New Zealand, The Fine Art of Kindness is a gentle read about two old people who need to overcome their strange and secret past if they are to share their future.

Some typical reader reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars

A thoughtful tale, well told. You will be entertained and richer for the experience. Dont miss it!

touching story of 2 older folks reunited after 70 odd years and their time together, until one passes. Robert has done an excellent job of introducing us to the characters and unraveling their secrets over 234 pages. Having met the author I was surprised at the depth of his perception of the character of the subjects. A little challenging at first but the story evolved quickly into a chance encounter which for Jack carried many past memories of kindness and comfort. For a little boy who had a rough upbringing. He briefly experienced a world more nurturing than his own and this had a profound influence on his life's path and the impact of the meeting in later life. The character Betty in contrast experienced huge wealth and poverty in her life, latterly influenced by a medical event early in her married life. This drove her to become what she became and do what she did. Without people like Betty in our world, we would all be that much poorer. Her contributions both financially and physically to children's hospitals and her community were astounding, when you consider the heights her life experienced. While this is a work of fiction one cannot help but wonder if there really was a Betty out there. Judging by the contributors to this narrative it seems our lives are blessed with people like Betty, large of heart and small of profile. Robert has done an excellent job of drawing the reader into a "slice of life" story and telling us who the characters were. He makes us all, perhaps, look at our lives in a different way. An entertaining read. I completed the whole story in one sitting. Fascinated with who these people were and what was coming next. I have no hesitation in recommending the book and its author to all thoughtful readers.

John Franzis

5.0 out of 5 stars

Charming Novel

This is a charming and endearing novel that you will be delighted to read.
Although set in a small town in New Zealand the themes in this story are universal. It touches on social issues in a thought provoking but tender manner.
The relationship between the two elderly characters, as it develops is lovely.

Robert Thompson