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Fragile Boundaries
Jayda Talhoun is the adored daughter of a wealthy Jordanian businessman. Driven to have a successful career in her own right, she is determined not to live a comfortable but servile life in Amman. After persuading her father to send her to London, she encounters an amoral society stricken with lust, greed jealousy and duplicity.
When she meets insurance broker William Clive, she is swept up in a romance which is soon challenged by their past, their faiths, their families, their very essences...
Set in London and Amman, this novel asks whether love and ambition can overcome the boundaries marked by birthplace and background.
When she meets insurance broker William Clive, she is swept up in a romance which is soon challenged by their past, their faiths, their families, their very essences...
Set in London and Amman, this novel asks whether love and ambition can overcome the boundaries marked by birthplace and background.
354 pages, Paperback
First published December 2, 2013
2 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
Johnny Leavesley
3 books4 followersJohnny Leavesley is an English lawyer, businessman, husband and father of five. His work has taken him to many parts of the world and Jordan in particular. He served for 6 years as Midlands Treasurer of the British Conservative Party and was High Sheriff of Staffordshire, 2015 to 2016. From 2019 he started writing occasional opinion pieces for the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, Conservative Home and Comment Central.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 22, 2014
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
Fragile Boundaries is the debut novel of English lawyer Johnny Leavesley. It is a contemporary romance with a heartbreaking ending that, as well as relationships, explores themes of racial differences. Set in London and Amman, Jordan, this is the story of two different people, one British, one Arab, and their determination to be accepted as a couple.
Jayda Talhoun, a woman in her early twenties, has temporarily moved to London to attend university. At a party she meets William Clive who falls in love with her at first sight. After a little persuasion, Jayda agrees to go out with William and it is not long before they consider themselves an item. The next challenge for William is to be accepted by Jayda’s family and so the two of them fly out to Jordan. How will the Talhoun’s react to their Muslim daughter dating a supposedly Christian, foreign man? One family member that it appears will take a lot of effort to get on the good side of is the eldest brother, Jamil, who is completely against his sister’s new relationship. Back home, however, William’s one time fling with the emotionally unstable Lady Caroline is about to have repercussions.
Fragile Boundaries touches on some very real issues within the world today. Boundaries such as differences in culture and religion can be very difficult to cross. The characters from Jordan view Britain as having a very weak culture due to it being very diverse however their own culture and values are very strong. Sexism is still an issue in Arab families which can be seen through Jayda’s relationship with her older brother and her father. The fact that she is at university is an anomaly in itself, but introducing an English gentleman into the family may be pushing the limit.
It took a little while for the story to get going and to work out (without reading the blurb) whom the main characters were. Both William and Jayda were likeable characters, which made the ending all the more shocking and emotional. Although written in the third person it was a little confusing to keep up as the writer quickly changes between the characters’ point of views; sometimes even within the same paragraph. It was not until the very end that the story begun to get exciting but then it sort of fizzled out, which was a little disappointing.
For readers who enjoy reading about different cultures and like a little bit of romance then give this book a go. But do not be expecting any happy endings…
Fragile Boundaries is the debut novel of English lawyer Johnny Leavesley. It is a contemporary romance with a heartbreaking ending that, as well as relationships, explores themes of racial differences. Set in London and Amman, Jordan, this is the story of two different people, one British, one Arab, and their determination to be accepted as a couple.
Jayda Talhoun, a woman in her early twenties, has temporarily moved to London to attend university. At a party she meets William Clive who falls in love with her at first sight. After a little persuasion, Jayda agrees to go out with William and it is not long before they consider themselves an item. The next challenge for William is to be accepted by Jayda’s family and so the two of them fly out to Jordan. How will the Talhoun’s react to their Muslim daughter dating a supposedly Christian, foreign man? One family member that it appears will take a lot of effort to get on the good side of is the eldest brother, Jamil, who is completely against his sister’s new relationship. Back home, however, William’s one time fling with the emotionally unstable Lady Caroline is about to have repercussions.
Fragile Boundaries touches on some very real issues within the world today. Boundaries such as differences in culture and religion can be very difficult to cross. The characters from Jordan view Britain as having a very weak culture due to it being very diverse however their own culture and values are very strong. Sexism is still an issue in Arab families which can be seen through Jayda’s relationship with her older brother and her father. The fact that she is at university is an anomaly in itself, but introducing an English gentleman into the family may be pushing the limit.
It took a little while for the story to get going and to work out (without reading the blurb) whom the main characters were. Both William and Jayda were likeable characters, which made the ending all the more shocking and emotional. Although written in the third person it was a little confusing to keep up as the writer quickly changes between the characters’ point of views; sometimes even within the same paragraph. It was not until the very end that the story begun to get exciting but then it sort of fizzled out, which was a little disappointing.
For readers who enjoy reading about different cultures and like a little bit of romance then give this book a go. But do not be expecting any happy endings…
February 27, 2014
In Johnny Leavesley’s debut novel great characters sprawl across the page. The 3 main characters are a joy to witness– with the heroine Jayda the pick of the bunch. Even the supporting characters please with Julian Green enjoyably offensive as an indulgent and bumptious Tory MP.
The first half of the book is set in London, but a London portrayed in its best light – oozing whimsy and romance. After a first half spent soaking up the Capital’s richness we are then sent into Amman for the novel's second, contrasting strongly with all of its cool and aloof grandeur.
The novel itself is a riveting tale set very much in the ‘boy meets girl’ mould (the book is ostensibly a romance) but it offers socio-cultural insight too. What we have here in Jordan is a country appreciating the need to embrace the West but struggling to retain its own, more conservative, culture. This attempt to square the circle manifests itself in the characters themselves as they loom towards the novels dramatic conclusion.
In short this is a wonderful debut novel, with a compelling narrative and characters that we believe in and strongly empathise with. Blending personal experience with an engaging plot is no mean feat, especially in debut fiction, but it is achieved here with great aplomb.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it.
The first half of the book is set in London, but a London portrayed in its best light – oozing whimsy and romance. After a first half spent soaking up the Capital’s richness we are then sent into Amman for the novel's second, contrasting strongly with all of its cool and aloof grandeur.
The novel itself is a riveting tale set very much in the ‘boy meets girl’ mould (the book is ostensibly a romance) but it offers socio-cultural insight too. What we have here in Jordan is a country appreciating the need to embrace the West but struggling to retain its own, more conservative, culture. This attempt to square the circle manifests itself in the characters themselves as they loom towards the novels dramatic conclusion.
In short this is a wonderful debut novel, with a compelling narrative and characters that we believe in and strongly empathise with. Blending personal experience with an engaging plot is no mean feat, especially in debut fiction, but it is achieved here with great aplomb.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and strongly recommend it.
October 27, 2014
I received this book via Goodreads First Reads.
Sometimes I get a book I know I am going to love from either the blurb or a general feeling. This book was not one of those and it was one that kept on being put down my 'to read' piles for that reason. The genre is not one I would normally go to and it just did not seem like something I would enjoy reading.
I was completely wrong about that.
For a début novel it is very well written, has a lot of well rounded and interesting characters and a good plot that moves along at a good pace without leaving the reader behind. It explores the East/West divide without being patronising to either side as well as having a romance in the middle of it that is not sickly, nauseous or abusive which seems to be the norm in certain literately circles.
The novel also contains a huge plot point late on which although I do not give out spoilers in reviews it is fair to say it does change the tone of the entire book. Whether or not this was necessary is the one thing I would debate with the author given the chance.
Overall this is an excellent novel I would recommend to anyone. It was a pleasure to read and I would seek out any further books the author might write in the future.
Sometimes I get a book I know I am going to love from either the blurb or a general feeling. This book was not one of those and it was one that kept on being put down my 'to read' piles for that reason. The genre is not one I would normally go to and it just did not seem like something I would enjoy reading.
I was completely wrong about that.
For a début novel it is very well written, has a lot of well rounded and interesting characters and a good plot that moves along at a good pace without leaving the reader behind. It explores the East/West divide without being patronising to either side as well as having a romance in the middle of it that is not sickly, nauseous or abusive which seems to be the norm in certain literately circles.
The novel also contains a huge plot point late on which although I do not give out spoilers in reviews it is fair to say it does change the tone of the entire book. Whether or not this was necessary is the one thing I would debate with the author given the chance.
Overall this is an excellent novel I would recommend to anyone. It was a pleasure to read and I would seek out any further books the author might write in the future.
May 23, 2015
A beautifully written story that will have you swinging from laughter to outrage to tears as you read each page.
The story highlights the differences in how we each view the different layers of society in our own spheres and brings to light the underlying currents of how much difference there is in two very different cultures and how we each see the other.
This is all given in the pages of a wonderful love story and how they try to overcome the religious and cultural differences between two people to bring the two worlds together. It gives us the outline of how divergent our cultures are and how some will find a way to stop a union of the two and how others can bend with the wind of change to allow happiness without imposing restrictions or without instant veto of the relationship. We meet characters who will stop at nothing to make sure the lovers never gain credence or total acceptance...even if one is a much loved family member and we meet characters who are so bowed under there own self imposed problems that they fail to understand that love isn't a god given right but strikes randomly in the strangest of places at times.
I would heartily recommend this read
The story highlights the differences in how we each view the different layers of society in our own spheres and brings to light the underlying currents of how much difference there is in two very different cultures and how we each see the other.
This is all given in the pages of a wonderful love story and how they try to overcome the religious and cultural differences between two people to bring the two worlds together. It gives us the outline of how divergent our cultures are and how some will find a way to stop a union of the two and how others can bend with the wind of change to allow happiness without imposing restrictions or without instant veto of the relationship. We meet characters who will stop at nothing to make sure the lovers never gain credence or total acceptance...even if one is a much loved family member and we meet characters who are so bowed under there own self imposed problems that they fail to understand that love isn't a god given right but strikes randomly in the strangest of places at times.
I would heartily recommend this read
July 31, 2014
My first Goodreads free paperback edition: OM-Gosh! A beautifully written modern day inter-racial Romeo & Juliet romance spanning international waters. Insights into family, cultural and religious obligations, the story is set against diverging cultural expectations where the two main protagonists explore their fledgling relationship in pursuit of happiness. Born to the privileges of wealth, Jayda's educational independance is indulged by her loving family with undesirable consequences as she flexes and pushes her own personal boundaries against her misogynistic Jordanian culture. Her involvment with William sparks underlying fragile and unstable tendancies in the two antagonists, bringing unexpected tragedies as the story builds to a climatic close. The aptly titled book explore themes so fragile that even love finds difficulties in transcending its contrained boundaries; resigned to this, Jayda accepts her twist of fate with her self-proclaimed independance and personal sacrifices. I highly recommend this debut novel to those who enjoy the intricacies of human relationships and look forward to reading the next instalment.
August 16, 2014
This was a giveaway from Goodreads First Reads - thanks to Johnny and Goodreads for this.
This is a contemporary love story set in London and Amman and is a compelling read. The settings are beautifully described, and cleverly reflect the different cultures of the two protagonists. The author brilliantly captures the feel of the city set in the desert. Jayda and William are well rounded characters, but for me the most interesting is Jamil, Jayda's angry brother. The complexity of his character and his attitudes to family, women and religion are skilfully revealed as events develop. These are not the kind of characters I would normally like - rich, selfish, indulged - but Johnny Leavesley moves beyond stereotypes, sympathetically showing emotions such as anxiety, embarrassment, love. We see how cultural expectations can distort our thoughts, leading to misunderstandings and hostility.
This is a really impressive debut novel. I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading it.
This is a contemporary love story set in London and Amman and is a compelling read. The settings are beautifully described, and cleverly reflect the different cultures of the two protagonists. The author brilliantly captures the feel of the city set in the desert. Jayda and William are well rounded characters, but for me the most interesting is Jamil, Jayda's angry brother. The complexity of his character and his attitudes to family, women and religion are skilfully revealed as events develop. These are not the kind of characters I would normally like - rich, selfish, indulged - but Johnny Leavesley moves beyond stereotypes, sympathetically showing emotions such as anxiety, embarrassment, love. We see how cultural expectations can distort our thoughts, leading to misunderstandings and hostility.
This is a really impressive debut novel. I found it fascinating and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading it.
February 12, 2014
Fragile BoundariesJohnny LeavesleyI really enjoyed reading this book, I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the complexities of relationships at all levels and the exploration of human insecurities, weaknesses and vulnerability. I found this book to be very well written, it maintained my interest throughout and I found it gripping to the end. I enjoyed the backdrop of a different cultural setting along with the story of two people falling in love. Highly recommended.
January 14, 2014
So I come home after being told I need blood tests and an x-ray, all depressed. And theres a parcel waiting for me in the kitchen (1st class). "Whats this?" I ask. I open it up and it just a book called "Fragile boundaries" no explanation or anything. Odd. So, i'm all very confused and wondering if this is the literal meaning of hate mail. Anyway I log on to my email account a bit later and found out I won this book in a competition I totally forgot. Hell yeah, I have finally won something. I'll write a review on a later date, However im usually into paranormal books so it will be interesting to see the change in style off books :)
August 12, 2016
I received this book free through GoodReads first reads.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a really good story wich builds up to a very tense ending. The book is also a very interesting look at the issues and challenges faced in cross-cultural relationships, this really adds to the story, drawing you in and making you think.
I would recommend this and really hope the author is going to write some more books.
I really enjoyed reading this book, it is a really good story wich builds up to a very tense ending. The book is also a very interesting look at the issues and challenges faced in cross-cultural relationships, this really adds to the story, drawing you in and making you think.
I would recommend this and really hope the author is going to write some more books.
March 26, 2014
After a bit slow beginning the novel became a really fascinating page-turner. There are loads of long paragraphs about religion, western life, men and women thinking methods and it was really interesting for me to read others' mind and got answers to my own questions. Needless to say we can learn a lot about accepting others in general as well. Good style and again it was a joyful reading, thanks for Giveaway to the Publisher :)
August 25, 2014
Thank you Goodreads and Johnny for this give-away which I was delighted to have won. During the first page I found myself grimacing at which I took to be an over-use of similes, metaphors and multiple adjectives. However, I became used to this way of writing and was soon engrossed in the story. I won't elaborate on the story except to write that I found it interesting and fast-moving. A very unexpected ending - bravo!
August 30, 2014
3.5 stars
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was quick read for me, the characters are memorable and very interesting, I didnt like Jayda at the beginning( she was alien to what I know from Jordanian women, but you never know what the Upper-classes do) ,but I start to like her at the end of the book( she was stronger and better).
You can say this is chick lit with bit of culture and sad ending.
I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book was quick read for me, the characters are memorable and very interesting, I didnt like Jayda at the beginning( she was alien to what I know from Jordanian women, but you never know what the Upper-classes do) ,but I start to like her at the end of the book( she was stronger and better).
You can say this is chick lit with bit of culture and sad ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2013
The front cover proclaims 'His stunning debut novel'. It does not disappoint. Johnny Leavesley's 'Fragile Boundaries' is a tale of modern day love across differing cultures and religions. It is elegantly written, with mature characterisation and acutely observed portrayal of emotions. At first the plot seems obvious, but then surprises. I loved it!
S.M.
S.M.
May 10, 2017
I struggled a bit to get into this book but once I sat down and gave it my full concentration I was pleasantly surprised! Beauutiful descriptions, wonderfully written. This book has a bit of everything - romance, cultural barriers, family feuding, and a great ending that I did not see coming! Thank you goodreads and Johnny Leavesley for a very enjoyable read.
September 16, 2014
Really unsure what to think about this book.
It was slow to get into and I skim read much of the middle but the ending although slightly obvious was good. I liked the comparisons between the two cultures but didn't like the way this connected to the ending.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book through goodreads first-reads.
It was slow to get into and I skim read much of the middle but the ending although slightly obvious was good. I liked the comparisons between the two cultures but didn't like the way this connected to the ending.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to read this book through goodreads first-reads.
March 19, 2014
I recieved a copy of this book from the Goodreads giveaway.It is a modern day romance which explores the differences and difficulties of people from different cultures and religions. It starts off in London and then moves to Amman, I really liked the descriptions of Amman. very well researched. this is the author's first book and I look forward to reading the next one.
February 11, 2017
I received a free copy of this book as a Goodreads First Read
Not normally into romance and I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I read it over the Christmas Period so it ended up being put down and picked up again quite a few times. Once I got into it, I was looking forward to seeing how things panned out - always a good thing in any novel. Recommended
Not normally into romance and I didn't expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I read it over the Christmas Period so it ended up being put down and picked up again quite a few times. Once I got into it, I was looking forward to seeing how things panned out - always a good thing in any novel. Recommended
July 18, 2014
The genre of this book is not exactly my cup of tea, however the story was innovative and a modern telling of life, I was eager to finish to see how everything plays out. If I was a fan of the genre this book would probably be 5 stars but for me I would give it a 3. As I like the way the characters interact and different personalities are portrayed well.
January 14, 2014
Beautifully written, descriptive,a great first novel. Must read.
July 17, 2014
I didn't like this book.It was a very simple romance. It should be more complicated than it was-it felt like nothing happened in this book at all. It's definitely not my taste!
July 25, 2014
Thank you to the author and GoodReads for sending me a copy of this beautiful novel . I enjoyed reading every page and I was actually sorry when the book was finished. Beautiful writing.
August 22, 2014
I received this book free from Good Reads, have read over a third of the book and I'm really enjoying the characters and story so far.
August 5, 2014
I didn`t really understood the point of the book. Too many fancy words. The romance itself seemed cold, and the drama that followed pointless.
Want to read
July 18, 2015I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Review will be added later.
September 25, 2014
Excellent debut novel with a fantastic character driven plot. Only complaint is that there wasn't enough Cosy or Julian Green. A spin off novel, perhaps?
March 16, 2015
this book was quite a good read I was particulary interested in the contrast of lifestyles in the two main characters.I am always interested in stories which involve other countries.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews