In an exclusive review, we delve into the literary world of Rob Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election, whose 2017 novel The Blood Waltz has been described as a thrilling blend of Nazi-battling, time-travel, and romance. The book, available on Amazon for 99p, offers a rollercoaster ride of danger, suspense, and almost-sex scenes, heavily influenced by classic WWII period pieces like Where Eagles Dare and The English Patient.
Plot and Protagonist
The story follows Lance Corporal Bradley Clyde, a Royal Engineers veteran who hops between timelines fighting evil and seducing ladies. Kenyon, himself a former Royal Engineer and rugby league fan from the north-west, imbues his protagonist with his own traits. The novel kicks off with immediate action, showcasing Kenyon's attention to detail on military hardware and German currency conversion.
Sex and Romance
The candidate's reputation for lustful outbursts is mirrored in the novel, though Kenyon the author shows restraint. The hero's illicit affair with Anna, wife of his Gestapo nemesis Jaeger, is filled with tension. Descriptions of Anna's cleavage and a foot moving toward Clyde's 'throbbing' are suggestive but not explicit, leaving much to the imagination. The forbidden love nods to Casablanca, and a scene where Clyde channels Clint Eastwood from In the Line of Fire adds cinematic flair.
Tarantino-esque Tension
A standout passage involves a tense conversation between Clyde and Jaeger over a jug of cream, reminiscent of Inglourious Basterds. Jaeger uses the cream as a metaphor for his knowledge of the affair, with dialogue that is both complex and menacing. Kenyon's writing shines in these moments, delivering nail-biting suspense.
Critique and Comparisons
While the book includes gratuitous banter and a line about killing Hitler, it is undeniably entertaining. The author excels in crafting action scenes and character-driven drama. Critics note that Kenyon's artistic talent surpasses his political rival Andy Burnham, who may have better policies but lacks such literary flair. The novel has earned several five-star reviews on Amazon, with one reader suggesting it should be a film.
A Call for a Sequel
Given the likelihood of Kenyon losing the by-election on June 18, many hope he will abandon politics and focus on writing. The Blood Waltz took six years to complete, and the world cannot wait that long for a sequel. With its blend of Nazi-battling, time-travel, and romance, it stands as a unique achievement in campaign trail literature.
