Review of The Tally Man

Praise GodWord · Post by **Praise GodWord** » 12 Feb 2023, 15:22

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Tally Man" by Tod Benjamin.]

5 out of 5 stars

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Charlie Horace Stoker, a successful salesman and a protege of Stephen Collick, is the major character in the novel The Stoker Trilogy, Book II: The Tally Man, by Tod Benjamin. Charlie's youthful exuberance results in impregnating a girl from a devout Catholic background. A forced marriage ensues, with both youngsters feigning love for each other. His life begins to crumble with each passing day upon discovering who Margret has grown to be. Will he ever be whole again?

The author portrayed Charlie's character to be one of a flawed perfectionist. Benjamin states that although perfection can be attained in all spheres of life, our weaknesses will strive to color it. Sometimes, these weaknesses give our lives a tint of ugliness or beauty, depending on how we tackle them. Most importantly, he lets us know that wealth, success (and sometimes, hard work) will not always satisfy the deep-seated longing of a human being. Stoker had success, yet his life kept taking a downward turn. How about Stephen Collick and even Walter Habish?

In addition, to be loved and to give love in return is still the greatest feeling any man can have. When this doesn't happen, a void is left in the heart of such persons. And all they do revolves around filling up that void. Even the greatest bachelor in the story knows this. I was happy when he professed his love for Millie Stoker. Love is not far from us, but some have chosen to shut the doors of their hearts to love, which will always come back to hunt us.

I enjoyed the theme of mentorship Benjamin highlights. Investing in people is the most fulfilling of all the investments a man makes. Charlie rose to the top as a tallyman and even as a salesman because he was submitted to a highly successful and intelligent business magnate, Stephen Collick. He kept an open spirit towards everyone he met, earning him the love of all and sundry, especially ladies. I expected to see Charlie rise to the top of the ladder of high-ranking men in the company, but the path he chose left me shocked and somewhat disappointed.

Tod Benjamin has written a great story of love mixed with unrequited love, all laced with the spice of history. I like everything about this book, but I would have loved it to have a befitting book cover. I wish this cover page could be modified. I found just an error. I am convinced that the book was professionally edited. Therefore, a 5 out of 5 stars rating wouldn't be bad.

You should read this book if you want to know how to give your business and relationship a smooth ride together. There are many lessons packed together for you.

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The Tally Man
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Favour Ugwu Chidinma · Post by **Favour Ugwu Chidinma** » 14 Feb 2023, 10:02

Love is not far from US, but some has chosen to the door of their heart to love, which will always come back to hunt us. I admire this line and I'm impressed by this review. Thanks for this feedback.

Kemzy5 · Post by **Kemzy5** » 17 Feb 2023, 08:03

Unrequited love is very painful and no human deserves to feel that way. I love this review. Well done.

Post by **Rebecca De Figueiredo** » 07 Jan 2025, 05:46

Thank you, reviewer, for presenting an easy to read and thoughtful synopsis of this book. It was an interesting review but I must say that I disagree with their opinion about the cover illustration, as I really loved it and it drew my eye immediately.

Post by **Fanisa Ndhabambi** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:02

The Tally Man: Book II of The Stoker Trilogy by Tod Benjamin is a historical fiction book in which Charlie discovers true love when he meets Sally Cutter in 1936. It continues to become a darker place and the growing menace of Hitler’s Nazi Party in Europe is echoed by Moseley’s anti-Semitic Fascists marching through Cable Street. He tries schemes to secure Sally’s future but is surprised when Sally resets the scheme on her terms. Great Read

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:30

If love for another, the pursuit of wholeness, and mentorship are themes you resonate with, I suggest giving this book a read, even if you haven't read book 1 before. It is great for readers who admire or aspire to become high-ranking people.

James Hanna · Post by **Wamboi Susan** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:42

Indeed investing in people is a fulfilling venture. I have enjoyed reading this compelling review of "The Tally Man" by Tod Benjamin ,the author's work is unmatched. "although perfection can be attained in all spheres of life, our weaknesses will strive to color it". The book brings a reader to a place of appreciating love and life ,"as wealth and success will not always satisfy the deep-seated longing of a human being."

Aashiya Ashok · Post by **Aashiya Ashok** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:49

The Tally Man got a wonderful story plot. Back to reading classics. All book lovers must give try

salma AbuBaker · Post by **salma AbuBaker** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:51

The story is characterized by an interesting and dark narrative style that reflects the psychological and human tensions of the characters. The writer skillfully uses language to convey a sense of fear and isolation, while offering a critical view of capitalist society and the concept of justice.
Despite the power of the idea and deep messages, some readers may feel that the story contains lengthy details that sometimes slow down the pace of events. However, "The Tally Man" is a text rich in philosophical and symbolic reflections that make it worth reading.
Very cool I loved it. Thank youVery cool I loved it. Thank you.

kashala · Post by **kashala** » 07 Jan 2025, 06:51

'' Investing in people is the most fulfilling of all the investments a man makes.'' That's what love takes. The plot of the story is so interesting.

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 07 Jan 2025, 07:10

I am so curious about Margret, and what the issues are in the relationship. I am even more curious to see which path Charlie has chosen, shocking and even disappointing the reviewer. I like the message that wealth is not enough to satisfy the deep longing in a person. Love is needed. I must say this review leaves me with so many questions I want to pick up the book and read it to find out!

Gita Azahra · Post by **Gita Azahra** » 07 Jan 2025, 07:36

"In addition, to be loved and to give love in return is still the greatest feeling any man can have." This is one of the sentences that amazed me about this writing. Thank you to the author who has created a book as good and special as this. However, I don't like the cover.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 07 Jan 2025, 07:49

A good mentor is an invaluable asset. Many successful people have their outstanding mentors to thank. I agree that investing in people is the most fulfilling of all the investments a man makes. Charlie's open spirit towards everyone he met, undoubtedly served him well. The depression was tough for everyone and made it harder to become successful. Thank you for your informative review.

Post by **Amarachi Stephanie Ejike** » 07 Jan 2025, 08:00

Tod Benjamin has written an inspiration, packed with striking life lessons.
"The Stoker Trilogy, Book II: The Tally Man" is a great story of love and unrequited love, all laced with the spice of history. Readers will also find highlights on business mentorship and how to build seamless business relations.

Post by **Seetha E** » 07 Jan 2025, 08:14

The plot arcs are interesting. I'm curious in the reviewer's references to mentoring, unmet affection, and the path chosen by Charlie. But I would really like to begin with the first book. I appreciate your informative evaluation.