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A Man Who Seemed Real: A Story of Love, Lies, Fear and Kindness
A MAN WHO SEEMED REAL - a story of love, lies, fear and kindness
Jonathan has lost something huge but invisible – but what first led him down that path? Now surrounded by the struggles of others who are confused and often hostile, he is driven by kindness.
Then he is given an unexpected and enormous gift – a Manor House. Unusual and intriguing things have been going on there and the press can never quite get to the bottom of it.
But now his psychic lover will not tell him something and stays away.
His mind races with possibilities, pressures are building and he senses an inexplicable, evil presence in a half empty storeroom. Do demons only exist in bible stories? He fears exorcism might work or it might fail, these possibilities are both very frightening.
Odd events start to occur – is it safe?
Something intrudes between him and his lover and then a horrible event drives everyone away from the Manor House. Alone and distraught Jonathan takes comfort in reading, but there are no clear answers to his questions. The Vatican archives will always hold many secrets.
He gets an astonishing and heart-breaking message from beyond the grave …
Suddenly the mystery of the storeroom is explained …
It becomes clear that nothing is what it appears to be …
Who is the man who seemed real?
The truth behind all this is complex. A shocking story you will remember but may try to forget …
Jonathan has lost something huge but invisible – but what first led him down that path? Now surrounded by the struggles of others who are confused and often hostile, he is driven by kindness.
Then he is given an unexpected and enormous gift – a Manor House. Unusual and intriguing things have been going on there and the press can never quite get to the bottom of it.
But now his psychic lover will not tell him something and stays away.
His mind races with possibilities, pressures are building and he senses an inexplicable, evil presence in a half empty storeroom. Do demons only exist in bible stories? He fears exorcism might work or it might fail, these possibilities are both very frightening.
Odd events start to occur – is it safe?
Something intrudes between him and his lover and then a horrible event drives everyone away from the Manor House. Alone and distraught Jonathan takes comfort in reading, but there are no clear answers to his questions. The Vatican archives will always hold many secrets.
He gets an astonishing and heart-breaking message from beyond the grave …
Suddenly the mystery of the storeroom is explained …
It becomes clear that nothing is what it appears to be …
Who is the man who seemed real?
The truth behind all this is complex. A shocking story you will remember but may try to forget …
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2023
About the author
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine
22 books264 followersWriting was always something I intended to do eventually.
I WANT TO WRITE HERE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED during and after writing 'A Man Who Seemed Real'. Call it strange, reassuring, disturbing, striking …
I’ll use abbreviations to avoid spoilers, hopefully it will make sense to anyone who has read the book. In the chapter before the Epilogue J discovers the translation of an old document – Y.
Y is inspiring, very beautiful, something unexpected and deeply significant for J. But at this point he is too weary and distracted to work out whether or not Y is true. And I myself as the author didn’t at this time have the energy or inclination to try and find out more about Y, having seen in a brief online search that ‘…scholars consider Y is a forgery.’
Despite this I kept it and J and I were at a point where many people are which is putting these considerations aside for the time being.
Now, in this, the re-written novel I made this event more ‘low key’ in the context of the story and of course the fact of the Epilogue means I am further distanced from any guilt that might be hovering somewhere in my mind about J asking questions on this subject – (it was this particular guilt and fear that made B very ill).
It had been a startling moment in my own life when I first found and read parts of Y, and I had the same experience as J, ‘… it was like coming home and hearing what he always knew. It made him feel he had been right to keep asking so many questions … it was like someone was shaking him by the hand and confirming what he had been doing all these months, endlessly struggling with the meanings of words …’
However, later on I have been very interested indeed by another search online which brought up the exceptional writer, Dolores Cannon on Goodreads. There are two of her books I was amazed to discover (which two will be obvious to anyone who knows what Y is) – many of her books are so utterly extraordinary and controversial I simply didn’t (and don’t) have the head space to even think about reading them yet. However I then read some reviews of these two particular books which relate to Y – and there are several reviews in particular which give a lot of information, one by Linda K. Thomas, and another (on the other book) by Robert which has been hidden because of spoilers but can be accessed.
And some instinct drove me to keep digging.
And I am relieved and delighted to find – Petra Meyer – YouTube – The European School of Theosophy – there a number of videos, and one which obviously relates to Y. It is long and intense, with a rather drawn-out introduction at the beginning, so it requires a concentrated effort to listen to. However I am thrilled to have found it and will return to it soon. And there must be more to discover, Petra refers to many names and places.
In my own life the questions J continually asks have been in my mind from an early age. They say write about your own experience. I have been doing that to start with.
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine October 2024 www.elizabethtebbygermaine.co.uk.
I WANT TO WRITE HERE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED during and after writing 'A Man Who Seemed Real'. Call it strange, reassuring, disturbing, striking …
I’ll use abbreviations to avoid spoilers, hopefully it will make sense to anyone who has read the book. In the chapter before the Epilogue J discovers the translation of an old document – Y.
Y is inspiring, very beautiful, something unexpected and deeply significant for J. But at this point he is too weary and distracted to work out whether or not Y is true. And I myself as the author didn’t at this time have the energy or inclination to try and find out more about Y, having seen in a brief online search that ‘…scholars consider Y is a forgery.’
Despite this I kept it and J and I were at a point where many people are which is putting these considerations aside for the time being.
Now, in this, the re-written novel I made this event more ‘low key’ in the context of the story and of course the fact of the Epilogue means I am further distanced from any guilt that might be hovering somewhere in my mind about J asking questions on this subject – (it was this particular guilt and fear that made B very ill).
It had been a startling moment in my own life when I first found and read parts of Y, and I had the same experience as J, ‘… it was like coming home and hearing what he always knew. It made him feel he had been right to keep asking so many questions … it was like someone was shaking him by the hand and confirming what he had been doing all these months, endlessly struggling with the meanings of words …’
However, later on I have been very interested indeed by another search online which brought up the exceptional writer, Dolores Cannon on Goodreads. There are two of her books I was amazed to discover (which two will be obvious to anyone who knows what Y is) – many of her books are so utterly extraordinary and controversial I simply didn’t (and don’t) have the head space to even think about reading them yet. However I then read some reviews of these two particular books which relate to Y – and there are several reviews in particular which give a lot of information, one by Linda K. Thomas, and another (on the other book) by Robert which has been hidden because of spoilers but can be accessed.
And some instinct drove me to keep digging.
And I am relieved and delighted to find – Petra Meyer – YouTube – The European School of Theosophy – there a number of videos, and one which obviously relates to Y. It is long and intense, with a rather drawn-out introduction at the beginning, so it requires a concentrated effort to listen to. However I am thrilled to have found it and will return to it soon. And there must be more to discover, Petra refers to many names and places.
In my own life the questions J continually asks have been in my mind from an early age. They say write about your own experience. I have been doing that to start with.
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine October 2024 www.elizabethtebbygermaine.co.uk.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 19, 2024
A MAN WHO SEEMED REAL: A story of love, lies, fear and kindness by Elizabeth Tebby Germaine is such an interesting read. The book has a strong start with Jonathan moving into his deceased aunt's home only to find his cousin already living there. What ensues is an argument and the story takes off. The descriptive writing pulls you in right away and the mesmerizing story holds your attention. There is much going on here to analyze and wonder about, the author creating a somewhat convoluted yet propulsive read. A truly fascinating book and one worth reading. Recommended.
September 28, 2024
Art imitating life in this novel of love and lies.
Jonathan is a vicar that has experienced tragedy and loss. He is kind and the villagers come to him with issues. George gives him the Manor House to live in, and he brings people there to work. There are many characters with various issues. Jonathan is in love with Pam, and she is trying to tell him something. Jonathan also tries to relate his thoughts to Pam, but both seem lost in their minds.
The big twist is in the epilogue, and it comes together.
I was surprised by the ending.
Jonathan is a vicar that has experienced tragedy and loss. He is kind and the villagers come to him with issues. George gives him the Manor House to live in, and he brings people there to work. There are many characters with various issues. Jonathan is in love with Pam, and she is trying to tell him something. Jonathan also tries to relate his thoughts to Pam, but both seem lost in their minds.
The big twist is in the epilogue, and it comes together.
I was surprised by the ending.
October 11, 2024
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine’s novel explores several themes throughout this novel. Germaine uses this novel to delve deeply into human emotions, spirituality, and the consequences of decisions.
Guilt and Redemption - Jonathan’s struggle with guilt is introduced from the very first scene. After leaving the priesthood, Jonathan goes back to his childhood home, which holds a lot of heavy memories for him. He struggles with the public’s opinions and rumors about his activities, conveying societal judgment.
Supernatural and Mundane - The supernatural and the ordinary intertwine. Germaine doesn’t present the supernatural as unbelievable, instead she blends it into characters’ everyday lives. The ‘man’ represents this, as it leaves readers to question whether he is an actual person or a manifestation of Jonathan’s own disturbed emotional and psychological state.
Isolation and Desire - Jonathan’s emotional and physical isolation crops up again and again. The old family home is where Jonathan feels cut off from the outside world. His desire for Pam conveys his need for human connection and escape from his internal struggles.
Consequences of Choice - Jonathan’s past choices affect both his personal relationships and his sense of self-worth. Germaine explores the emotional weight and consequences of these decisions and that each choice—whether made out of guilt, confusion, or desire—leads Jonathan further into the mystery of the book.
Reality Vs. Perception - Germaine confuses readers as to what is real and what is imagined. Jonathan’s perceptions of some of the characters in this book are never fully made clear. The blurring of lines between reality and imagination tie to how individuals process guilt and desire, and how their perception of events can be influenced by emotional and psychological turmoil.
It was a thrilling and gripping read. I will certainly be looking for more of this author’s work.
Guilt and Redemption - Jonathan’s struggle with guilt is introduced from the very first scene. After leaving the priesthood, Jonathan goes back to his childhood home, which holds a lot of heavy memories for him. He struggles with the public’s opinions and rumors about his activities, conveying societal judgment.
Supernatural and Mundane - The supernatural and the ordinary intertwine. Germaine doesn’t present the supernatural as unbelievable, instead she blends it into characters’ everyday lives. The ‘man’ represents this, as it leaves readers to question whether he is an actual person or a manifestation of Jonathan’s own disturbed emotional and psychological state.
Isolation and Desire - Jonathan’s emotional and physical isolation crops up again and again. The old family home is where Jonathan feels cut off from the outside world. His desire for Pam conveys his need for human connection and escape from his internal struggles.
Consequences of Choice - Jonathan’s past choices affect both his personal relationships and his sense of self-worth. Germaine explores the emotional weight and consequences of these decisions and that each choice—whether made out of guilt, confusion, or desire—leads Jonathan further into the mystery of the book.
Reality Vs. Perception - Germaine confuses readers as to what is real and what is imagined. Jonathan’s perceptions of some of the characters in this book are never fully made clear. The blurring of lines between reality and imagination tie to how individuals process guilt and desire, and how their perception of events can be influenced by emotional and psychological turmoil.
It was a thrilling and gripping read. I will certainly be looking for more of this author’s work.
August 10, 2024
‘…nothing is what it appears to be’ – A fascinating novel
British author Elizabeth Tebby Germaine is a musician, educator, and author who has published six books ranging from musical instruction to WW II history, fantasy fiction and children’s books.
Mastering the art of capturing attention with opening lines, Germaine opens this captivating novel as follows: ‘Jonathan turned the car into the short drive where uneven shrubs strangled over worn bumpy gravel and patches of brown grass, and parked in front of the old family home, a handsome, detached Victorian villa in an old-fashioned tree lined street with pretentious steps up to the front door and a porch with stained glass windows. His mother was dead and the house was his. But he was never free of disturbing memories of his recent life, during the weeks of guilt and confusion about leaving the priesthood he had net a young girl with striking psychic abilities, and he waned her desperately. But after a brief time together she had left him, confused after hearing about his activities in the village and probably reading misleading newspaper reports….’
One of the many reasons exploring this novel is rewarding is the fluid, effortlessly colorful prose that establishes seemingly unreal factors as possible realities. Jonathan’s ‘imagination’ and his interplay with both credible (his psychic lover Pam) and the mysterious ‘man’ of the novel’s title create a unique mystery embracing surprises and consequences as well as the traits of ‘love, lies, fear and kindness.’ Enter a strange new world – a fine new novel!
British author Elizabeth Tebby Germaine is a musician, educator, and author who has published six books ranging from musical instruction to WW II history, fantasy fiction and children’s books.
Mastering the art of capturing attention with opening lines, Germaine opens this captivating novel as follows: ‘Jonathan turned the car into the short drive where uneven shrubs strangled over worn bumpy gravel and patches of brown grass, and parked in front of the old family home, a handsome, detached Victorian villa in an old-fashioned tree lined street with pretentious steps up to the front door and a porch with stained glass windows. His mother was dead and the house was his. But he was never free of disturbing memories of his recent life, during the weeks of guilt and confusion about leaving the priesthood he had net a young girl with striking psychic abilities, and he waned her desperately. But after a brief time together she had left him, confused after hearing about his activities in the village and probably reading misleading newspaper reports….’
One of the many reasons exploring this novel is rewarding is the fluid, effortlessly colorful prose that establishes seemingly unreal factors as possible realities. Jonathan’s ‘imagination’ and his interplay with both credible (his psychic lover Pam) and the mysterious ‘man’ of the novel’s title create a unique mystery embracing surprises and consequences as well as the traits of ‘love, lies, fear and kindness.’ Enter a strange new world – a fine new novel!
August 17, 2024
The story is engaging, with a perfect blend of drama, suspense, and real feelings. This unique trend will make the book more engrossing. The moderately placed storyline with characters and subplots will gradually draw you to the narrative and keep you on edge throughout the journey.
The characters are well-versed, and their growth is significant with the passing of each page. The central characters are engaging and relatable. The author has done a commendable job of illustrating the struggles and inner conflicts of the main character, which gives the narrative a realistic and heartfelt sense. The plot advances at a good hook, combining thoughtfulness with thrill and culminating in a satisfying ending that will stick in your mind long after you've put your book down. The book is a profound, contemplative and deep read as it tackles issues like identity, how we see the world and its reality in various circumstances.
The author's explicitly lucid writing style is one more important facet to hook the readers as it efficiently surfaces emotions and circumstances in a more understandable and brings the readers closer to the read.
The characters are well-versed, and their growth is significant with the passing of each page. The central characters are engaging and relatable. The author has done a commendable job of illustrating the struggles and inner conflicts of the main character, which gives the narrative a realistic and heartfelt sense. The plot advances at a good hook, combining thoughtfulness with thrill and culminating in a satisfying ending that will stick in your mind long after you've put your book down. The book is a profound, contemplative and deep read as it tackles issues like identity, how we see the world and its reality in various circumstances.
The author's explicitly lucid writing style is one more important facet to hook the readers as it efficiently surfaces emotions and circumstances in a more understandable and brings the readers closer to the read.
October 11, 2024
This book pulls readers in with a steady pace, which allows the tension and drama to build naturally. The characters, especially our protagonist Jonathan, grow throughout, which made their emotional conflicts feel more relatable to me. His relationship with Pam added emotional depth to the story and I was rooting for them all the way through, despite the chaos going on around Jonathan. Instead of big twists and turns, the story had a slower, consistent development that kept me hooked the whole way through (no slow or boring lulls in the writing). Elizabeth Tebby Germaine’s straightforward writing helped keep my focus on the characters' struggles and the message behind the plot. It’s a simple, effective writing style that made the overall impact that much more powerful, and led to a satisfying conclusion that stayed with me long after I finished reading. Will be recommending this book to friends.
November 21, 2024
Reading A Man Who Seemed Real is a window into the main character, Jonathan’s, mind; and the line between reality and perception is blurred. I liked how Elizabeth Tebby Germaine wove in themes of guilt, kindness, and redemption; these were layered into Jonathan’s character as he navigates life after the priesthood. The Manor House setting added mystery and magic, and was both a sanctuary and a place of unease for Jonathan. The supernatural elements felt almost believable, which added to my sense of connection with his journey. I enjoyed the moments with Pam, as her absence intensified Jonathan's isolation and heightened the story’s emotional weight. Germaine’s clear, thoughtful prose made it easy to feel Jonathan's turmoil. Each chapter seemed to peel back another layer of his psyche, pulling me deeper into the mystery of his past and his haunted present. This is a book that resonates; I found myself reflecting on it long after the last page.
December 2, 2024
A Man Who Seemed Real was an unexpected journey, full of mysteries but also real, human emotions. I felt that Jonathan, the main character, had this deep struggle—he’s left the priesthood and is trying to move on, but you can see how haunted he is by guilt and regret. Then there’s the Manor House, which he inherits, and this place has a strange life of its own, full of hidden things and secrets. I liked how his relationship with Pam, who has psychic abilities, gave the story a really different angle. It’s not a typical romance because there’s this big distance between them—she’s holding something back, and it leaves Jonathan almost obsessed with finding out what she won’t tell him. The author, Elizabeth Tebby Germaine, has a way of writing that makes you question what’s real and what’s just in Jonathan’s head, and the story’s pacing flowed the whole way through, giving me time to process the hidden meanings. Great read.
October 11, 2024
In A Man Who Seemed Real, Elizabeth Tebby Germaine creates a gripping plot centred around the protagonist, Jonathan, who returns to his inherited home after leaving the priesthood. Jonathan’s personal journey is at the centre of the plot, along with his relationship with psychic Pam, who withdraws from him at a crucial moment and leaves him emotionally adrift. Reality and perception become blurred for both Jonathan and the readers throughout this novel, as Pam’s absence makes the already growing unease worse. The novel explores the complexities of human emotion, where Jonathan’s internal personal struggles and the external mystery of the plot intertwine. I loved reading this book and there were many times I was on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend.
November 7, 2024
A Man Who Seemed Real by Elizabeth Tebby Germaine
A novel that is complex, clever, relentlessly gripping and action packed. Elizabeth Tebby Germaine has assembled a remarkable number of characters, events, and situations to keep the reader constantly absorbed in this book, which has no dull moments. The story provides a community of fascinating, endlessly interesting people causing the reader to want to be there participating in one turn of events after another.
A novel that is complex, clever, relentlessly gripping and action packed. Elizabeth Tebby Germaine has assembled a remarkable number of characters, events, and situations to keep the reader constantly absorbed in this book, which has no dull moments. The story provides a community of fascinating, endlessly interesting people causing the reader to want to be there participating in one turn of events after another.
September 18, 2024
The truth has become more and more complex and more and more mysterious, the clarity he craves retreats and dances before his eyes and slips through his fingers.
In A Man Who Seemed Real, Elizabeth Tebby Germaine masterfully weaves together themes of love, lies, fear, and kindness, crafting a story that captivates from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of Jonathan's inherited Manor House, the novel explores not only the external struggles of its characters but also their deep internal conflicts. Jonathan, who has already faced the emotional turmoil of leaving the priesthood, is drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems, and he is forced to confront dark truths, both in his surroundings and within himself.
The novel opens with Jonathan returning to his family home, a haunting Victorian villa, with its own layered history and unsettling atmosphere. Germaine immediately sets a tone of tension and uncertainty, as Jonathan is met with untidy shoes, wine bottles, and a mysterious presence, his cousin Jeremy, who complicates matters further. What makes A Man Who Seemed Real stand out is its complex portrayal of Jonathan’s psyche. His lover, Pam, distances herself, refusing to share something crucial, leaving Jonathan haunted by both her absence and the lingering presence of something dark in the Manor House.
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine has delivered a tale where love, fear, and kindness collide in the most unexpected ways. Jonathan, Pam, and even the dark presence lurking in the storeroom are symbols of the greater human struggle with reality and perception.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
In A Man Who Seemed Real, Elizabeth Tebby Germaine masterfully weaves together themes of love, lies, fear, and kindness, crafting a story that captivates from the very first page. Set against the backdrop of Jonathan's inherited Manor House, the novel explores not only the external struggles of its characters but also their deep internal conflicts. Jonathan, who has already faced the emotional turmoil of leaving the priesthood, is drawn into a world where nothing is as it seems, and he is forced to confront dark truths, both in his surroundings and within himself.
The novel opens with Jonathan returning to his family home, a haunting Victorian villa, with its own layered history and unsettling atmosphere. Germaine immediately sets a tone of tension and uncertainty, as Jonathan is met with untidy shoes, wine bottles, and a mysterious presence, his cousin Jeremy, who complicates matters further. What makes A Man Who Seemed Real stand out is its complex portrayal of Jonathan’s psyche. His lover, Pam, distances herself, refusing to share something crucial, leaving Jonathan haunted by both her absence and the lingering presence of something dark in the Manor House.
Elizabeth Tebby Germaine has delivered a tale where love, fear, and kindness collide in the most unexpected ways. Jonathan, Pam, and even the dark presence lurking in the storeroom are symbols of the greater human struggle with reality and perception.
You might like to check out more similar books here.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews