I hadn’t intended reading The Connection Game by S.S. Turner at the moment as the idea was to review ready for publication, but sadly the book went astray and so a few months later than hoped, I’m delighted finally to have my review to share. My huge thanks to S.S. Turner for sending me a copy of The Connection Game in return for an honest review.

Published by Gramarye Media on 21st March 2023, The Connection Game is available for purchase here.

The Connection Game

Benny Basilworth makes connections. A rare intellect, he sees things that others don’t see and draws conclusions that others completely fail to grasp. He has the kind of mind that can make a person a national sensation on the television gameshow “The Connection Game”- and the kind of mind that can be the target of predators.

Despite his brilliance, Benny and his family find themselves destitute, living in a basement apartment with one tiny window that affords them only the view of the feet of passersby on the street above. It is from this vantagepoint that Benny once again starts making connections. Mad, inconceivable connections. Connections that can change lives . . . and turn the entire world upside down.

Humorous, surprising, wise, and remarkably perceptive, The Connection Game is a novel unlike any other and one that you are unlikely to forget.

My Review of The Connection Game

Benny makes connections.

The Connection Game is, I fear, a book few readers will find as it doesn’t enjoy the big five publishers’ marketing budgets. And that’s a shame because it is highly entertaining, multi-layered, quirky, witty and extremely clever. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I rarely make comparisons between books, but The Connection Game had echoes of The Rosie Project and television’s Big Bang Theory with a similar humour and pathos.  

I thought Bell’s first person narrative was perfect for the story as it draws in the reader through her conversational tone and disarming directness. It feels as if Bell is relating the story to the individual reader alone. She presents the narrative in such a way that the reader is entirely on her side even though it is Benny who is the main driver of the plot. 

It’s tricky to say too much about that plot without spoiling the story for others. However, it builds incrementally to an exciting conclusion and given that it includes a television programme – The Connection Game – it would make a super television series itself. 

Indeed, the consequences of reality television and game shows, their impact on people’s lives, the modern obsession with conspiracy theory, the way the past affects adulthood, and ways to find true meaning and happiness in life all add both interest and depth to a cracking story. There’s humour but there are some profound themes too. S.S. Turner’s presentation of Bell and Benny’s marriage and their family dynamics feels realistic and moving. 

I also loved the feet drawings at the start of each chapter because they are a visual reminder that, unlike Benny’s ability to know what others are thinking and his obsessive watching of feet, we never really know what is going on in another person’s life or why they behave as they do unless we’ve walked in their shoes. It’s not until The Connection Game is finished that the reader makes a true emotional connection to Benny, understanding fully why he behaves as he does. 

The Connection Game is a surprising novel. It’s well written, engrossing and has an edgy modernity underpinned by universal truths and traditional value that makes it an engaging and engrossing read. I truly hope other readers find it and enjoy it as much as I have. S.S. Turner has a talent that deserves a wide audience. 

About S.S. Turner

S.S. Turner has been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout his life which has been spent in England, Scotland and Australia. Just like Freddy in his first novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer, he worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with his values. In recent years, he’s been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing, as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations (easier said than done). He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, son, two cats, and ten chickens.

For more information, visit S.S. Turner’s blog or follow him on Twitter @SSTurner7. You’ll also find him on Instagram and Facebook.