What is your opinion?
An action-packed thriller
"This is a terrific novel. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn't read it fast enough. Like all fabulous novels, I'm also sad that I've finished it. The multi-layered plot tackles contemporary issues, provoking questions and insight while also delivering suspense, tension and action. Greg has taken a sensitive and difficult topic and woven a story that travels through the maze with finesse and skill. The characters are real and strong personalities. As a reader I became emotionally invested in their plight, wanting them to succeed while dreading failure. I could feel Stephanie's pain and frustration as she tried to deal with the complex problem without hurting her children. I could experience Chuck's disorientation, helplessness, anger/guilt and the sheer shock of his situation while he was trying to find a way back to his family. The teenage daughters were beautifully drawn, each responding to the shock and horror of what has happened in their own, unique way. They felt real and their teenage behaviour played out just like I would expect in real life. The writing is classic Greg McLaughlin and carries the reader forward at a cracking pace. It flows beautifully with the story being told from different POVs that heighten the drama and tension. Greg deftly weaves in the backstory and delivers a real emotional punch. His attention to detail adds to the context and atmosphere of the story and immerses the reader in the environment. This is a must read."
A masterpiece
"Your story is really well written. From your portrayal of Chuck and Stephanie, the different reactions of his daughters, to the life he manages to build in Reynosa, this story is rich and detailed. Personally, I don't find myself qualified to critique such a great story. If I found this in a bookshop, I would buy it for certain."
Broken English
"At my age and level of immaturity as a writer, I honestly feel unworthy to critique such a well-composed story. Broken English is my favorite story that I have come across on this site so far, and the only one, at this point, that I truly feel is flawless. From the realistic depiction of such a dire and depressive situation to the humanity, struggle, and imperfection of our protagonist in his quest to get back home to his family, this story will constantly have you on your toes. I was hanging on every word from start to finish. I went through so many emotions. And you do a brilliant job of bringing your characters to life; I was able to get so close and attatched to these characters in a time that seemed to fly by as I could not seem to stop reading. You approach this subject matter in such a compassionate and truthful way. The way that you use your words as an art, I always had a vivid picture of what was happening in my mind--down to the salad tongs mentioned in the very first chapter. It is the details and the small things that build up and make a cohesive painting so beautiful. You are a true artist. I am not sure why I am seeing this on Inkitt instead of a shelf at Barnes and Noble but I hope that that soon changes!"
Greg McLaughlin Has Done It Again!
"Wow is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Broken English. It's got a plot line relevant to current events, it has a cast of strikingly contrasting characters, it's engaging, and keeps the reader flicking the page to the very end. Another masterpiece by Greg, who, time and time again, always manages to outdo himself with his thought provoking stories and their evocative description. Cannot wait for the next novel by Greg. (I did notice a couple of typos which can be fixed with a quick scouring of the novel, but this is me really just being finicky!) Well done!"
Buen trabajo!
"This author has a way of always serving up exactly the kind of book I'm craving at the moment. It's a difficult thing to comment on current events through a work of fiction without constructing characters that aren't just pawns. The characters clearly come first for McLaughlin. They are rich with admirable and non-admirable motivations, deceit, faulty judgment, and best intentions gone awry. All the while they are pitted against the bureaucratic monolith that is American immigration policy, which has been so well researched that one really shares the anxieties of these characters and lauds them when they find artful ways to play the system. Chuck is my favorite kind of protagonist, in that the reader often wants to scream at him out of frustration throughout the book - so much more engaging than your typical hero: an invulnerable pillar of forbearance and decency. His wife, for me, is the real linchpin of the story. Stephanie comes to life more and more as challenges big and small are hurled at her from all directions. It would've been easy to make her a sideline caricature, but McLaughlin paints her psychology and inner workings with a deft brush. She really is the force that propels the book onward. I could gush about the cast for pages. Despite what you might think by reading the blurb, this is a character-driven rather than a plot-driven narrative, the plot serving mainly as a framework, while the mistakes and achievements of myriad players dictate how things unfold. Well worth your time if you're looking for something fresh and original, something that isn't all candy-coated escapism but poses relevant questions without ever once cramming an agenda down your throat. Realistic, balanced, and heart-wrenching. These and so many more attributes are what Broken English serves up to grand effect. Este libro supero mis expectativas."
An Immigration story handled with a ingenuity that few could posses!
"1. I like how you crafted the ending. The story was realistic. Both Stephanie and Chuck would have moved on emotionally. They probably would have split up even without the traumatic event. I do wonder what made decide this arc instead of either Chuck risking life and limb to escape to his wife or vice versa? Why not have Stephanie track down her husband to save him? Not that your story is bad. It's a great story. I am just curious to your thought processes? 2. I would have liked to see Pedro come to the states with Chuck. Although, he wouldn't have left his mom. 3. I agree that Mirabella would never go to the states. I would hope they would end up together but being realistic they wouldn't. It's sad, though. 4. Well-written, well thought out. Minor editing of minor misspellings that all. 5. I like that Chuck wasn't necessarily a hero. 6. Maybe, add more about Miss Singer to get an idea of her personality. I just don't know about her and Chuck getting together. It works by not adding another character. Maybe, I'm just upset that he and Mirabella didn't end up together. Chuck should have been honest with Stephanie. 7. You made Mexico likeable. At first it seemed that you would make Mexico an evil place and America a good place. There's good and bad in both countries and you demonstrated that. I like that Chuck wanted to stay in Reynosa but his daughter's would have never forgiven him - maybe Emily. 8. You covered a tough subject as one can regarding immigration and you handled it with a passion and creativity that few could possess. 9. I could see Senor Grande tipping off the Border Dogs about the tunnel. That's a large expanse and I doubt the Border Dogs would be able to find it without tips? Unless Rojas was detected and they followed him. 10. Well-done. Bravo!"
An Impressive Journey
"Broken English is the second McLaughlin book I’ve read and got even more satisfaction from it than I did The Third Party, which I enjoyed immensely. I found it to be thoroughly researched and its facts easily presented, rather than infodumps. Set at an easy pace, this was engaging and enjoyable, its characters straightforward and relatable. The protagonist is likable and the reader is sympathetic to his cause. McLaughlin offers a look into Mexican life and culture, while shining a light on the misery that is American-Mexican immigration. Deftly crafted, this was an informative read that caught my attention from the beginning. My congratulations to Greg McLaughlin on such a inventive work."
Broken English
"I like the way the story is developed. Makes me wanna continue on the chapters "
