BOOK REVIEW: Off Key by Mark Robertson

Charlotte has supported Kyle's precarious musical career for three years. Now she thinks it's her turn. When Kyle doesn't want to play the breadwinner she looks to a future on the other side of the Atlantic.
Saxophonist Kyle has no money, no career and has now lost the love of his life. Can an autistic twelve year old boy and an alcoholic 'has been' be his salvation?

Publisher: Matador

Pages: 316

Off Key was quite a different read for me; I rarely read books written by men and it focuses on a Jazz musician; a genre of music that I am not too fond of! However, I very much enjoyed this book and the characters that Mark Robertson has created.
Kyle is the main focus, he's down on his luck from the very beginning. He's been supported  by Charlotte for more than three years and she's finally had enough. I have to say that I didn't feel a huge a
mount of sympathy for Kyle in the beginning as it seemed as though he had pushed Charlotte into walking away.
Off Key follows Kyle as he tries to deal with his lot in life. . He meets Harry, a fellow musician who has turned to alcohol to deal with his woes. I liked Harry's character and he raised different questions about dealing with disappointment and frustration. Not every musician is successful and famous, what do you do if you can't do what you love? If your dreams are never going to become a reality?
The author knew that I didn't like Jazz music when he sent me the book so that was pretty brave in a way. However, Off Key is brimming with information about music and Mark Robertson's passion for music and performing are clear to see within the story. I really enjoyed this aspect of the book but don't be put off as it really is about so much more; love, dreams, friendships, struggles and loyalty. Off Key is Mark Robertson's first book and it is a debut I would recommend.

Many thanks to Mark for sending me a copy of the book to review.