Book Review: Defiant Joy by Kevin Belmonte (2011)

In his work Defiant Joy, Kevin Belmonte gives an exposition of the life of Gilbert Keith Chesterton. Although the life of Chesterton is one that has always intrigued me, as he is truly a literary legend, this book did not really elucidate quite what I hoped it would. I have always loved his quotes and books and really wanted to dig deeper into the life of this larger-than-life writer. But I would say it fell short. It was basically a chronological offering of Chesterton’s life and books and how they were received by the public at that time.

 

  Although few, there were nevertheless many interesting things I had learned from the text about Chesterton that I have never known. Belmonte basically takes you through what seems to be a very outside-looking-in feel of looking at Chesterton’s life. It seemed like more fitting for a history book than an engaging biography, which does not do a literary legend such as Chesterton justice.

  If you want a deep look into the intricacies of G.K.’s life, this is not for you. But if you are looking for basic details and generalization of Chesterton’s life, then Mr. Belmonte’s book will be what you are looking for. Although it was not what I anticipated, I will by no means say that this was a bad book and will still recommend it to friends and family.

  Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”