By Paddy Bostock

Tracing various meanings of the acronym “fubar,” the story chronicles the adventures of an array of characters from diverse cultural, social and ethnic backgrounds, all of whom strive to leave their mark—at times in legitimate and at times in iniquitous ways. Among them are Fergus Ulysses Barr, the timid scion of Britain’s selfish aristocracy, Dwayne Junior Zobinsky, the offspring of an unscrupulous New York tycoon and an iconoclastic abstract artist, Tosh, a half-caste renegade and troubadour, Tosh’s loyal—and heroic—pooch, Mutt, and their respective girlfriends and assorted parents, as well as big-world politicians and their associates.

As the adventures unfold, one message emerges: whereas in the private sphere opportunities for harmony and reconciliation arise, mainly at the behest of the younger generations, in the public/political arena, strife reigns unabated.

What They are Saying About Fubars

An interesting read yet again from Paddy Bostock, this is just what I needed during the long journey I had to take recently.

It starts with how the acronym for FUBAR came about as a slang word and how those associated with the lead character and others find their way around what life throws at them.

I loved Tosh and his Mutt and would have loved it if Tosh did not just take in his mum when she had a "change" of heart once he became famous. That's just my personal opinion, but everyone's POV is different.

Dwayne, Tosh's friend, Tosh's best four-legged friend Mutt and their journey, along with that of their friends is a treat to read. As always, I love Paddy's writing style that's so different from other authors. However, it doesn't take away your reading fun; it's not a slight read. Be prepared for drama, fun, romance and more in this tale, and enjoy the ride!

—Sherin Lloyd

GoodReads Reviews

A mesmerizing and laugh out loud satirical political fantasy tale. Highly recommended!

—Atlantic Way Review

This is a story that will keep you engaged until the last word of the last page. It is unforgettable and unique in that it will leave you thinking and reflecting on the state of the world and your personal life. I just love stories like this.

Is there something in a name? There is, in that names allude to a person and his or her background as well as culture. The characters in Fubars have an amazing depth. They are all interesting in their own right because they come from so many different backgrounds and cultural settings. Some of them have shady backgrounds. Others are inspiring, who make one feel inspired.

Fergus Ulysses Barr is a timid person of British descent who is multifaceted. He is selfish and rich. Dwayne Junior Zobinsky is the son of a New York businessman as well as an artist. Tosh is a rebel and wandering musician of sorts. Then there are all the other characters who represent all of us in one way or the other.

One of the themes that emerges as the story unfolds is that reconciliation and harmony are much more possible in private lives than public ones. The only things that are constant are strife and conflict. And we don’t have to go far to witness that in our political and cultural arenas.

This is another one of Paddy Bostock’s great stories. I have read most of his latest books, and I can honestly say that he is a GREAT storyteller. The characters are real and they have soul. The questions posed are deep and sometimes they even took my breath away.

Rating: 5 stars

—Irene S. Roth

WordPress.com

This novel starts out funny and ends up even funnier.

We regularly face incidences that make us understand how ridiculous or evil some people's behavior or ideas might be. Satire shows—basically ridicules— these times by utilizing humor or hyperbole.

Paddy Bostock weaves a mesmerizing political fantasy tale with intriguing twists and turns that will easily captivate the reader’s attention from the beginning. The characters are drawn with great credibility and conviction. It’s a fast-paced novel that will keep you engaged from the first page to the last.

I’ve read this author before and it’s safe to say his storylines leave the reader spellbound. Bostock does it again with Fubars. The storyline and plot are amazing.

Bostock is so prolific, so inventive, so exactly what I want to read. This book starts good but ends great and this is one book I didn’t want to end.

Bostock pays as much attention to his sentences as he does to his plots, shifting or consolidating meaning with the use of a single word. His writing is impeccably honed, full of juxtapositions and qualifications that create a satirical atmosphere that will leave you laughing out loud.

However, it must be said that this story is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. A word of caution, therefore, for those who are linguistically sensitive. Nevertheless, the themes and outcome are just as affecting in the arresting contemporary political landscape.

Highly recommended and a well-deserved five stars from me.

—Píaras Ó Cíonnaoíth, Irish author and poet