Author: Gordon Osmond

Publisher: Wordzworth Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78334-036-4

Watch-out, it's easy to become a fan of Gordon Osmond. This witty and perceptive author has written three published novels, guides to sports and the English language, an “unauthorized autobiography,” and eight produced stage plays. And if you like him as much as I do, you can easily become addicted to his work and make a career of reading it.

In his latest endeavor, The Page Osmond spins an animated and moving tale of the Lovett family, Jim, Candy and their son Cameron (Cam), who live in small town America where their once successful fashion manufacturing enterprise, Fashionaire Dress Factory was the source of a good income for themselves as well as some of its inhabitants. The Lovetts had been enjoying la dolce vita (the good life) until one day the Environmental Protection Agency pokes its nose into their business and all hell breaks loose causing complete havoc in their household.

We first meet up with Candy in her cubicle in her once owned factory that has now become part of the Wotan Industries Company. Candy is writing a letter to her son Cam wishing him good luck on his forthcoming interview and inviting him home for Thanksgiving. The scene shifts to Cam who had entered an essay competition set up by Senator Edward Anson of the U.S. Senate who was looking to hire the most suitable candidate as his Congressional page. Anson informs Cam that he was tremendously impressed with his essay that in his opinion reflected a degree of maturity that one rarely encounters in one so young.

He further goes onto explain to Cam that he had experimented with the selection process to avoid the normal patronage system making it “meritocratic,” i.e.based on ability and talent rather than class privilege or wealth. Incidentally, Cam's essay dealt with global warming and the environment which was something dear to Senator Anson and in fact there was even a name plate set on his desk with the following inscription: “TO SENATOR EDWARD 'Mr. Clean' Anson from his many friends at the Environmental Protection Agency.” No doubt, Cam was well-aware of the Senator's influence pertaining to environmental protection legislation and how it had affected his own family's situation.

When Cam's interview is about to end with the Senator, he is asked to tell something about himself that is not on his application or resume and he tells him that he is hoping to go to College at Georgetown and then onto Law School. He also tells him that he is partly on an academic scholarship wherein one of the criteria is financial need as his mother works in a factory and his father is unemployed.

Osmond's scenes switch back and forth describing the Lovetts' comfortable life style, their eventual economic downfall, and Cam's experiences as a page which raise serious questions concerning the nonsense that goes on in Congress. What is really noteworthy is his skillful way of structuring delicious moments that engender unexpected emotions that blend a variety of issues including government legislation that has far reaching consequences than originally anticipated.

And you are also going to love Osmond's lazer sharp eye and astute sense of humor concerning politicians, the financial service industry, and even the legal profession which he was once part of for several years. Not to be left out is the perfectly calibrated development of the satire with rich language and alive dialogue all of which is painstakingly crafted, providing us with a delightful read. Osmond's refreshingly distinctive voice truly deserves our recognition as an accomplished writer and one to look forward to in the future.

Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With Gordon Osmond