War. The most horrible word in the twenty-first century, bringing devastation, brutality, and murder. With hostile sides destroying everything in their path, oblivious to one another’s truths, is it possible to wake compassion and draw upon the constant feelings of love and friendship to build a bridge of peace?

Apples of Paradise is a story about an unusual, forbidden love, self-discovery, and outdated traditions, set before the backdrop of a war that splits everything.

About the Author

David Gardner is a Georgian-born author, actor, and stage director. He graduated from Georgian State University with a degree in film and theater, soon after securing a job working as a director as Akhmeteli Municipal Theatre. Over the years, he has directed some Oscar Wilde and William Saroyan plays, as well as plays written by Georgian playwrights. Two of his original plays were staged at Akhmeteli Municipal Theatre and had good financial success.

Gardner serves as an acting coach for children and youth. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling and cooking, and currently resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Book review by Jill Rey for Reader Views (09/2023)

Woven amongst the backdrop of war is a beautiful journey of two men. Left for dead in a channel on the battlefield, Alex is found by David, a trained doctor in enemy territory. David saves Alex’s life, nursing him back to health, and neither of their lives will ever be the same from the experience. With perspective from both sides, believing each other the enemy and realizing they are simply one and the same to settling into their new understanding of themselves. “Apples of Paradise” by David Gardner is a stunning story of finding oneself in a stranger.

The author immediately drops readers into Alex’s world at war. Instantly giving him what would be a fatal wound without the kind hand of David. Interwoven with glimpses of Alex’s past, family, and lovers, readers begin to develop the sense of character Alex is currently and is becoming. Conversely, we are shown David as he is today, introduced to his father, and provided snippets of his training and life. As these two men come together despite their differences, their feelings and beliefs come to a head.

Despite the opening pages of war, war seems to take a backseat to the real story within “Apples of Paradise.” Gardner has developed nuanced characters, with tangible feelings and warring thoughts, but brutality and gore are not at the forefront here. The struggle with oneself, one’s beliefs, and one’s culture plays more of a role as David and Alex develop an understanding. This talented penning centers simply around two characters as readers circle their orbit and nearly block out all outside interference.

The world seems to stop spinning when David and Alex are together in David’s remote village and home. It’s just the two of them, Alex’s wounded rehab, and friendship that develops. Despite this being a shorter read, Gardner has stuffed a lot of stories, feelings, and friendship into its pages. From beginning to end the war, action, romance, and rehab never cease. Ending in such a way that keeps you thinking long after the final page is turned. Author David Gardner’s writing is truly a delight.

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