Four Years from Home

by Larry Enright

Tom Ryan -- firstborn of five children in a large, Irish Catholic family, smart and acerbic, a cheat and a bully -- calls himself the future king of the Ryans. There are other opinions. His mother calls him a holy terror. Mrs. Ioli calls the police on him. His father says that had Trouble been a saint, that would have been Tom's middle name. But his parents, neighbors, peers, and siblings all must bow down before him or suffer the consequences. Just ask the Christmas turkey leftovers he buried in the side yard.

Harry, the youngest Ryan, was the shining star of the family. Bright, sensitive, and caring, he was protected by parental radar, called by God and Grandma Ryan to the priesthood, and was in Tom's eyes, a brown-nosing little punk who had become a threat to his kingdom and the primary target of his search and destroy missions.

Then Harry changed. He abandoned his vocation and quit the church, and when he left for college, he left for good. He never called. He rarely wrote. His picture disappeared from the mantle. It was as if he had ceased to exist and his shining star had been but a passing comet. The enemy had retreated and Tom's war was over.

"Four Years from Home" begins on Christmas 1972 during Harry's senior year at college. The Ryan family has gathered without Harry for another bittersweet holiday celebration. When an unexpected and unwelcome gift arrives, the family demands answers and Tom Ryan, bully cum laude, must make a reluctant journey of discovery and self-discovery into a mystery that can only end in tragedy.

Written by the son of Irish Catholic immigrants, "Four Years from Home" redefines brotherly love in the darkly humorous and often poignant actions of its principal skeptic, Tom Ryan.


BONUS MATERIAL in eBook Included is the beginning chapter of the highly acclaimed novel, "Confessions," by Ryne Douglas Pearson. A powerfully-written mystery that transcends its genre, please enjoy this sample made possible by arrangement with the author.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Contemporary, Thriller

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2010

About the author

Larry Enright is an award-winning and best-selling author. He lives on a farm where he grows his stories in peaceful climes.

Find him at larryenright.com

Reviews

[Dava Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the only book I have paid for since getting an iPad, and I chose it because it had tons of really high ratings both on goodreads and Amazon. After the first few chapters I couldn't figure out why so many people like it. The main character is not in the least bit likable. He is a mean bully and knows it. Then, the story becomes so unbelieveable that you know there is going to be some sort of crazy twist at the end. I admit to not being able to predict said twist, but still wasn't surprised by it. Also, I am not a fan of military movies, tv shows or stories so found a large part of the book difficult to read because the main character thinks in terms of being a squad leader in WWII. I finished the whole book, and it will likely stay on my mind for a few days, but I cannot say that I enjoyed it. It is well written and decently told, just not my cup of tea.

[Al Boudreau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Years From Home, by Larry Enright, is a fascinating novel. A departure from the usual formulaic, cookie-cutter mystery, this story differs greatly from anything I've ever read before. FYFH would be difficult, if not impossible, to define, in terms of assigning it a specific genre. Interestingly enough, that's exactly what I liked about it.

Much like life itself, the story unfolds in a very unpredictable way. Depending on a particular reader's perspective, one may find the main character to be humerous, or feel absolutely repulsed by him and his actions. I expect most will have mixed feelings about Tom Ryan. However, his character traits and actions provide the astute reader with a myriad of clues as to where the story may end.

The genius of Mr. Enright's novel---perhaps one in ten-thousand will ever intuit it's conclusion before arrival at the end reveal...bravo.

[Glenn Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a suspense guy. Thrillers and mysteries and the less frequent sci-fi/fantasy escape. So, when I sat down with Larry Enright's dramatic narrative "Four Years From Home", I did so with admitted reluctance. But a good friend had recommended it to me, and I didn't have another book queued up, so . . .

Nine brisk-paced and nothing-else-accomplished hours later I turned the last page and smiled, as intensely satisfied as I've been with a book in years. What a fantastic accomplishment. What an incredible read.

Here's what blew me away: the anti-hero Tom Ryan is an arrogant, sadistic creep. And being as the novel is written within this man's first person sarcastic stream of consciousness, I constantly and consistently wanted to punch his literal lights out. What a psych-job! But what kept me reading was Enright's masterful ability to use this character to tell exactly the right tale at exactly the right time and weave a complete and compelling story.

I grew up with three close brothers and the side-choosing, loyalty-challenging, imaginary world-building antics of the Ryan clan resembled my own adolescence better than I could describe it myself. Dozens and dozens of times I simply smiled to myself and nodded, "Exactly right, Larry. That was my life." Yet, an undercurrent simmered beneath the surface plot, established early, creeping-crawling through every event, and whispering softly 'something's not quite right here.'

When the answers do come, oh, they couldn't be more perfect.

And Mr. Enright, in case you ever happen to read this review, I want you to know how overwhelming impressed I am with the depth and breadth of your life memories, and how expertly you have woven them into the fabric of your narrative. My friends tell me I'm a decent storyteller, but you, sir, are in a whole different league. Kudos.

[Ryne Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

You could call this book a humorous look at the familial bonds between a self-described bully and his siblings. You could call it a wrenching tale of loss and discovery. You could call it a story of twists and turns that both entrances and shocks.

You'd be right on all counts.

The author seems purposed to not only share the story of bully/brother Tom Ryan, but to put us in Tom's head as his world is turned upside down, and as his grasp of it is peeled away bit by bit. We don't just follow Tom's journey--we inhabit it as he seeks out answers to his brother Harry's death while away at college. What we get from this masterfully told tale is always touching, frequently worthy of chuckles born of our own memories of childhood, and also impossible to anticipate. I did not see coming what transpired.

Highly, highly recommended. You will be hooked from the first paragraph of this tale that should be treasured.

[Nenette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until after the first half of the book, I was in awe about how it was so memoir-like though I know it's fiction. The naughty and witty first person accounts were fun to read up to a certain level. It got corny and just too much at one point but I couldn't stop reading as it left me clueless as to what would happen. I'd say it was all worth it in the end.

[Linda Prather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the hardest book review I'll ever write. As an author myself I always preface my reviews with the information of whether I know the author or not. I've "met" Larry Enright on Facebook, Twitter and a variety of other forums. I love his wit and sense of humor. I've interviewed him and didn't take offense to his comment that my writing career was inspired by a Rabid Dog ("Old Yeller"). And I'm not a professional reviewer.

When I told Larry that I had purchased his book he emailed me and told me it was "Different", and he hoped I liked it.

Different would be one way of describing "Four Years From Home". Most people assume since I write dark, not-so-cozy murder mysteries that my taste in literature runs the gamut of James Patterson, Tami Hoag, Kay Hooper, Patricia Cornwell and other mystery writers with a penchant for murder and mayhem. They would be right to a certain extent, but I also loved C. S. Lewis. The first time I read "The Screw Tape Letters" I was amazed, thrilled and awed by a work of literary art so deep, and so exquisite I almost felt I should chop off my fingers for even considering myself to a an author. "The Screw Tape Letters" was different. A book that inspired great passion in those who read it, and those who attempted to read it and burned it as blasphemy. Growing up in the Bible belt I naturally assumed it would burst into flames as soon as I opened it, or at the very least I would be stricken with some horrible malady for reading such "trash". It has a place of honor on my bookshelf as being one of the true literary arts of my time, and the exact opposite of what I was led to believe. That's all I can say about it without giving you spoilers.

Several years ago a movie came out called "Sixth Sense". Millions of people watched this movie before I did, but out of millions of reviews not one person gave away the spoiler. That fascinated me. It was definitely "different". And millions of people kept that secret religiously. There were minor clues along the way, but so intricately weaved into the story that you missed them.

Which brings me back to "Four Years From Home". A work of literary art which I believe will inspire passion within each reader. You will love it - or you will hate it. Or perhaps like me you will love it and hate it (which I can't say why without giving away a spoiler).

Within the pages of "Four Years From Home" Mr. Enright has weaved an intricate model of human hopes, dreams, fears, strengths and weaknesses. The brilliance of the human mind, and the frailty of the human mind.

Tom Ryan is a Legend In His Own Mind. Much like every child and artistic adult who grew up in an atmosphere that allows the imagination to develop and grow. Reality is just a figment of our imagination to be bent, changed and shaped to our will. But somewhere deep inside, perhaps at the core of our existence, deep within the soul lies a reality we cannot bend; we cannot change or shape to our will. A reality we can only at best attempt to run away from and escape.

I can't say more without giving away a spoiler, which is why this was a very difficult review to write.

OVERALL BOOK - 4.5 Stars

I gave this 4.5 stars instead of 5 because I found at least 5 typos in the book were words were omitted from a sentence and in once case transposed in a sentence. For a debut novel this is minor, as my own traditionally published first book had 7 typos. When I brought this to the attention of my publisher the comeback was, "Patricia Cornwell's new book has 28 typos in it." My comeback was, "I'm not Patricia Cornwell." As authors we have a responsibility to our readers. As self-published authors that responsibility, in my humble opinion, increases.

CHARACTERIZATION - 5 Stars

You are immediately drawn into the Ryan family through Tom's internal dialogue, and through interaction with his mother, father, sisters and brothers. You're given a clear-- at least according to the legend-- concise "picture" of the family and their strengths and weaknesses. They each become someone you feel you know intimately. Especially Harry. Sweet, special Harry.

Although some may consider this a backdoor approach into characterization, it worked for me.

PLOT - 5 Stars

The plot is "different". If you're a traditional mystery follower who expects certain things to happen in order, you may be slightly disappointed. But the plot is unique. A true literary art, as it is subtle, and perhaps somewhat hidden in the Legend's mind. And the purpose of a mystery is to lead the reader down a path of intrigue, throwing out subtle clues and yet revealing nothing that will allow you to grasp the conclusion--therein, Mr. Enright has excelled. I as a mystery writer applaud myself on being able to figure out early on "what's going on". That didn't happen here. I was tempted many times to move to the end of the book, but as with all books I enjoy I denied myself that pleasure and kept turning pages. Searching for the clues that would reveal the end. I was astounded. I would never have guessed the ending.


This was a difficult book to review because I loved it, and I hated it, and I wanted to tell you why, but much like "Sixth Sense" , that would reveal far too much. You may find yourself a little irritated by Tom's obsession with (oops, can't say, because that's a spoiler), but if you like "different" then I truly believe you'll love this book. A fantastic debut novel, and one I'm glad I didn't miss.

[P. Christopher Colter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having finished Four Years from Home, I can honestly say I am glad I read it, though it is a challenge to get through for one reason. The narrator is just not a likable guy through most of the book, and his emotional grumblings and rambling fantasy sequences can get annoying. It's a lot like being on an airplane, headed to some fabulous destination, but forced to sit beside an obnoxious jerk for the whole flight. That said, the final destination makes it all worthwhile.

There are myriad ways I could potentially spoil the plot in this review, so I will simply say that Four Years from Home is the story of an oldest brother in an Irish-Catholic family from Pennsylvania trying to find out what happened to his youngest brother, a college student who is missing and presumed dead. This is no typical missing-person mystery however.

If you are considering reading Four Years from Home, I'd recommend it. If you are already reading it and are wondering whether to stick with it, I say wholeheartedly "yes". I turned to reader reviews myself for reasons to keep with it, and I am glad that I did.

Four Years from Home is definitely an interesting, original work, and you will be glad to have read it when you are done.

[christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars. I liked the book...it had a good ending that I did not see coming. As you read the book you start to feel like something fishy is going on but you get blindsided with it at the end because it's pretty incredible but yet totally believable. My only problem with the book is that there are some parts in the middle that are really drawn out and seemingly have nothing to do with the story. You don't get any payoff until the very end so it was a little hard hanging in there until then. I've read reviews of the book before I read it and knew there was a good ending; this little tidbit was the only thing that pushed me to read to the end.

[Sandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the story was interesting...a little strange, but interesting. There was WAY to much meandering thought process going on with the main character. I understand why, but I think the point could have been made without fantasy sequences that ran 3-4 pages each. In hindsight I think I could have read the first chapter, a middle chapter and the last chapter and would have gotten just as much from the book.

[Tim Enright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upon getting into the meat of the story, I spent my time until the end of the book trying to guess the next event and, of course, the ending. I only do that with books that hold my interest. This is a good book that moves well and is full of thought provoking events and side stories. A very enjoyable read.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! Very funny and definately kept me reading to find out what happened in the end. I was very surprised by the ending, I didnt have it anywhere near figured out! Great first novel, I will be waiting for more from this author.

[Michele · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was horrible. I usually finish a book once I start it but this was just to painful to continue reading

[Mymiracles · Rating 1 out of 5]

:wtf:???

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four Years From Home
Author: Larry Enright
Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Tom Ryan has the right attitude. When you are the oldest you need to be catered to and not let anyone else that comes along stand in your way or in your limelight. So, when King Tom was born his wishes were his parents command and then along came Mary, Kate, Sam and eventually little Harry. Now, says our Tom, did he give permission for some many to join his family? Did he really need these little people? Well think about it. Now, he had his empire and those brothers and sisters would be his subjects.

Tom felt that he was above the punishments that should be inflicted on others except when he got caught. So, poor Harry was the object of his non-affection and his antics along with his sister, Mary, they attempted to torture the Teflon brother so to speak. But, his parents were very protective of him, deemed him a prime candidate for the priesthood and little Harry could do no wrong. But, then, Tom realized that he had it all wrong and that nothing and no one would rock his world and Harry was no longer a threat. For those of us that have young brothers and sisters and were in charge of being the King or Queen of the family’s highest ranking children, you know that when the newcomer arrives things change. My younger sister and I got along just fine but when my younger brother was born I knew that he was the KING! But, that turned out okay. You see younger brothers as my sister never realized do come in handy at times. Like when you want to get rid of date that keeps calling and you pay the kid a dollar to take the call and handle it. So, very cool and definitely less stressful. So, Tom, dear Harry will eventually serve many purposes for you.

This is quite a different story than A King in a Court of Fools as the reader gets to know the family members and characters when they are older and in a different light. Tom tells the story in his own words as Harry did in the other book. Tom relates what happens when Harry decides that the seminary is not the answer for him and takes an entirely different route much to the chagrin of his family. Even with the priests, his own father and Tom talking to him what Harry decides will definitely shock the reader and where he winds up even more. Going to a nonsectarian college, not really communicating with her family for the four years he’s away from home his final journey back is anything but what you might expect. Tom starts MIT but secretly drops out to work for a company that creates computer games. This is a story of a family that learns many hard lessons and one member who will no longer be there anymore. A strange twist of fate changed the course of this family’s life as they begin to assess what they are told around the events of Harry’s alleged accident and death. But, when the facts are in and the lack of evidence discussed it will lead Tom on a journey to find the answers he and his family need in order to learn the truth behind what happened to Harry. No corpse. No body. What really happened, how and why? So, Tom was sent to find out and as he was told, “Do the right thing,” whatever that means. Throughout the novel you hear Tom’s voice coming through loud and clear. He allows the reader to enter his mind and hear his inner thoughts, frustrations and torments as he as I see it tries to keep or find his place in his family and in life. Tom needs to feel that he is number one and the most important to his parents. He resented Harry the minute he took his first breath and as he takes the journey to Kenyon to find answers to what really happened to Harry, he recounts many incidents from the past and some unusual ones along the way giving the reader much pause for thought and introspection. It is almost like he is relieved that he does not have to deal with him anymore and yet angry that he has to find out what really happened to him in order to appease others. Tom does not seem to realize that his parents love him in a different way and that each child has his or her own place. It is as if his whole life is one big competition. But, I often wondered as I read about him whether he was really competing with his brothers and sisters or just within himself.

When Tom finds his way to Kenyon to learn what happened to his brother a dramatic twist in the plot occurs and what you would expect to happen does not. Tom and Harry become almost interchangeable if you do not look really hard. Two separate personalities can one replace the other without anyone’s knowledge? Why would Tom want to be someone else when he is so consumed with proving who he thinks he is? What happens will definitely endear you to him, admire his creativity or wonder who and what was behind what really happened to Harry and if anyone other than his family, except Tom, really cares.

An ending that you definitely will not see coming and the truth behind the events unsettling and the final outcome and result you will have to decide to for yourself. Is Tom Ryan really delusional? Is Tom Ryan responsible for his own actions or has he taken on the persona of his favorite television star in the show Combat? How far would you go to escape the life that was set out for you? How far would someone else go to evoke his freedom of choice? Read this outstanding novel and find out what happens when two brothers are Four Years From Home. Tom Ryan only wanted to be King of his family. In a game of 1, 2, 3 shoot: Does anyone really win? You decide. This is one novel that everyone should read and one author who is definitely on the rise. Characters that is true to life and events that could really happen. One man wanted to keep his status and place in his family. One author who created Tom Ryan. Tom Ryan: Make way for the master: Larry Enright. No competition. He wins!

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Tc Hartsock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and then…

It seemed to start out as one book with humor and then deviate into cray cray land. I did enjoy it with all of its twists and turns but part of it when Tom was insane was a bit much.

[Cari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice twist at the end - not what I was expecting.

[Mary Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

hang in there til the end, great finish!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is because I almost stopped reading it a couple of times. I hated the main character, Tom. He's obnoxious. He's arrogant, thinks he is above everyone, and I didn't particularly find his humour amusing. But this is a clever book, because I actually think we are not supposed to like Tom. With Four Years From Home, Larry Enright certainly set himself a challenge. He wrote a book all about a man most people will hate. Most people will not care what happens to him, and unfortunately, most people will stop reading this book before they reach the magnificent ending. For me, the book only started getting exciting at 80%. The last 20% of the book brought everything together, and the ending is fantastic. In fact, when I got to the end, I'd almost forgotten how much of a chore it was for me to continue reading about Tom Ryan and his delusions of grandeur.
I would urge anyone who's thinking of giving up on this book to carry on reading. The ending is worth it... believe me! I'd give this book somewhere between 3.5 and four stars, but am happy to round it up to 4 because of the great conclusion. If I was just rating the last 20%, it would get 5 stars.
This is the type of book that probably becomes better and better on each subsequent reading because the author keeps you guessing all the way (a bit too much, in my opinion. I don't like being kept hanging for that long when I'm reading a book). Maybe reading it for a second time, knowing what's coming, will give the book an extra depth.
Would I recommend it? Yes. I think so, but with a warning that the main character is not all he seems and should not be taken too literally.
Tom Ryan is the eldest child and resents his younger siblings, especially Harry, the youngest. Harry has been away from home for four years when the family are notified that he has been killed. Tom is chosen to travel to the university where Harry was a student to find out more about the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.He does so reluctantly. We follow him on his journey to the very surprising conclusion.
Worth reading.

[Judi Coltman · Rating 5 out of 5]

er from his book, “Four Years From Home” - the character is Tom Ryan.
A mystery unfolds over the holidays at the Ryan house when all but one of the Ryan kids return to celebrate. The youngest, Harry, the golden child, has been out of the house attending college out of state- never to return, as the family is informed by college officials that Harry has died in an unfortunate accident.
Oldest child, Tom, is sent to find out what really happened. Story enough in itself, except that Tom Ryan is one of the most self centered, egotistical bullies you could imagine. As the oldest child, Tom ruled his world with an iron fist and all those around him are but minions to complete his latest reign of terror, his own siblings obstacles to his supreme position in the family. In his delusional world, Tom is the king and everyone and everything is designed around him, about him and for him. The first clue into the depth of Tom’s ego is his ongoing conversation with himself. Constantly arranging and rearranging his rules to suit the moment, loses are acceptable as long as the end result is a gain for Tom. When Tom’s world enters Harry’s world, the collision of the mind in epic and unfolds into an act that only Harry could understand, and he’s not there to explain it.
So is Harry dead? Is Tom going to uncover what happened in the four years Harry has been gone?
That will be up to you to determine if you read Four Years From Home, by Larry Enright.

[Susanna Kornides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every few years I read a book that just grips me and this is my new "book of the year." I laughed aloud, cried copious tears, and in-between could not put it down.

It is the story of two brothers, the older a self-centered bully, the younger a near perfect kid everyone loves. The story alternates between the present day (early seventies) and flashbacks to their childhood. While I agree with some reviewers that at times the flashbacks ramble a bit too much, and I did skim a few of them, on the whole they are very important for setting the personalities, characters, and relationship of the two brothers.

At times I was confused as to what was happening, but this is not uncommon in a mystery style book; in this case my confusion mirrored that of the main character because he, too, was having difficulty assimilating all the events.

I would have liked a little more wrap-up at the end, but in reality I think this is really because I had so much crawled into the characters' skins that I was reluctant to leave.

This book isn't perfect: it could use some tighter editing. But the story is so captivating and original, the characters so alive, becoming part of my life, and still living within me almost three months later, that the rest become minor details. I loved it.

[Lisa Tortorello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Years From Home is the first book I've read by Larry Enright.

I was taken in from the very beginning by the character of Tom. I liked his sarcasm and biting wit, but I also liked to hate him when he lied and cheated and manipulated to get what he wanted. I believe that Enright did a good job with character development and that is why Tom is so unlikeable at times. Harry, on the other hand, Tom's youngest sibling, was a very likeable character from the beginning. He seemed to have a good sense of self. He let the things Tom did just roll off his back. When Harry went off to college and wasn't heard from for four years that seemed quite out of character for him. I knew something had to be going on besides studying at college, but the ending certainly surprised me.

When you read this story, be ready for a bumpy ride...sibling rivalry, jealousy, biting sarcasm, humor, pain, and the ultimate show of brotherly love!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

**Contains some hints/ spoilers**



There was lots of excessive babble from the main character that keeps digressing from the main story of the book, which becomes frustrating at times. The babble does somewhat explain its purpose at the books conclusion but the reader has to stick with it in order for the payoff at the end.

It’s been a few days since I’ve finished the book and I couldn’t pin point what left me feeling disconcerted about the ending until this morning. Through the whole story we’re lead to believe were in the mind of a sound, self-proclaimed “King of his Castle” but all that comes crashing down. I still can’t quite shake how I could have been so fooled.

All in all, the book is a pretty easy read and has still stuck with me days after finishing so it’s worth picking up.

[Sammie Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Years from Home was not what I expected at all. When I first read the summary, it felt very Frank McCourt-ish, and in some ways it was. The character, Tom, takes us back to the days of his childhood when he was the king of his own little world. There are a lot of well-described memories that really puts you right in the middle of this family.

Tom's brother Harry is the PERFECT kid...until it's time for him to leave for school. Then, something strange happens and from there, things get complicated. I don't want to give away the story, but I will say that the book quickly turns from a very charming memoir-style story to a bit of a thriller. You have questions and you're dying to have them answered because something's just not adding up.

I was very surprised at the ending, and I would recommend this book to anyone.

[Meliann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had this book cued up for some time and couldn't seem to get through the first couple chapters with out giving up. I decided to hunker down and plow through it no matter what this time. I'm glad I did and that it is over.
Intriguing story and outcome. I love a good mystery and this satisfied that. What I had a hard time with was the stream of consciousness from the main character. That was the deal breaker in the beginning when I would attempt to start this book each time. But now that I've made it through, I better understand why the characters train of thought was hard to follow at times. Some of it was not just hard to follow but unnecessary to the story.
Decent writing except for it could have been a little more eloquent considering he was college educated man, and an adult. It felt very juvenile at times but again, I understand that better now that I finished the book.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

My first thought....I hope that no trees were harmed in publishing this book! Hopefully it was only wasted web space...and time.
There is a storyline buried in the rambling, unbelievable, longwinded, unnecessary "stories " of narrator's childhood, however, it is thin...and difficult to follow. If the writer had put more strength in the storyline, and checked accuracy of facts, and left out 85% of Tom's rambling, I could've still figured out that Tom was troubled, and the story would've been more believable and enjoyable. I found myself skipping paragraphs (several at a time) to find the thread again. I'm not one to leave a book unfinished but this one nearly pushed me to it.
I finished it for two reasons -I wanted to find out what happens to poor Harry and I was curious to kow if there could possibly be a point or purpose for this book.
I found out what happened to Harry.....

[Paul Martin Schofield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not from a large Irish Catholic family as is the main character, Tom Ryan, I could definitely identify with the family dynamics that drive this story. Tom sees himself as the king, and protector, of his family, and is, as are his siblings, always striving for his parents' approval. The story that unfolds from this premise hooked me from the beginning and kept me guessing throughout. In the last third of the book, Tom began to come across as stranger and stranger, and I began to wonder if the author had suffered from a lapse of concentration while writing. However, all was explained in the ending, which was definitely a surprise to me. I enjoyed the book because of the premise, the characters and the way that it tugged at my emotions.
(review by Paul's wife, Ellen)

[Mike Schaefer · Rating 1 out of 5]

stay far, far away. this book is neither interesting or worthwhile. it has no redeeming features. i felt at the end that i had wasted the evenings I spent reading it.

**added - I bought this book because it was $1 on Kindle. I just read the reviews on here, and i'm shocked to discover that lots of people liked it. Listen, it's a valiant effort (and i understand it's a first novel) - OK, learn from this Larry Enright, you can obviously do it. keep up with the detailed descriptions, just hmmm...maybe try a third person narrator so the reader doesn't blame him when the characters turn out to be unlikable

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Years From Home is an odd book. It starts out very funny and ends up a mystery of sorts.. The narrator is not a person who is likable. At the beginning, you think he is funny and has the attitude of any oldest child, but as the story and his character develop, you begin to wonder if he has a serious personality disorder. The last part of the book is a bit of a puzzle and I will confess, it drew me in. I am very glad I finished this book, because the ending made it all worthwhile. It is an ending you will suspect, but not really think you are correct. (if you are a person who guesses at endings) Interesting indeed.

[Dierdra McGill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up Four Years from home, because the story looked really interesting. I was quickly bored with the story, but reviews promised me that the last part of the book was better. The ending was a good ending, but here is the issue, the rest of the book was boring. Am I glad I stuck it out to the ending? Yes and No. I am glad that I read it but only because I hate to give up on books it annoys me. You can have a good ending, but you need to have a good book for the rest of it also. There was nothing to make me keep turning the page to see what happens next. I found myself finding other distractions and falling asleep. I will not be reading the sequel.

[Katherine Coble · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book--self-published, I believe--is a current hot ticket on Kindle. I spent the dollar or two because all the five star reviews praised it for a stunner of a twist ending. I had to see for myself.

Well, I saw for myself. What a saw was a fairly rote case of Unreliable Narrator, which is my least favourite literary device. I don't like hanging out with liars and I don't enjoy spending time in a book only to realize that nothing was what it seemed because thewriter pulledtherug out from everyone at the last moment.