Official Review: The Freedman of the Pharaoh's Staff

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Trix9201
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Latest Review: "The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff" by Lane Heymont

Official Review: The Freedman of the Pharaoh's Staff

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[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff" by Lane Heymont.]
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The Freedman and the Pharaoh’s Staff is a historical novel set in the Reconstruction era which followed the American Civil War. The story begins in Louisiana when misguided Crispus steals a map that is of the utmost importance to the Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan. When Crispus’ brother-in-law, Jeb, decides to come to his aid it sets them on a dangerous trajectory. The Klan besieges the town of Allenville with disastrous results as they search for the men and the map. The map shows the location of the legendary staff of Narmer which is said to possess his supernatural powers. The Klan, lead by the evil blackhearted Verdiss and the nefarious Nighthawk Narce, pursues the two men through the bayous of Louisiana, through Virginia and up to New York. With many people wanting to use the power of the staff for their own diabolical desires, physical and supernatural battles ensue. This novel is the story of personal redemption and the fight to save an entire race.

Heymont captures the settings and events in remarkable detail. The reader is present in every moment and can see exactly what the writer is describing. With clever, well written phrases, the author renders this tale larger than life. Throughout the narrative, there are heart rending, stomach churning, and anger evoking moments which make the story feel very real. The introduction of zombies into this work of historical fiction was off putting and added nothing whatever to the story itself. In fact, it broke that sense of realism which was so intense. Another aspect that did not seem to fit with the genre of this story was time travelling. Admittedly, the use of time travel did bring into the narrative the Geist Führer and the additional layer of evil into the story. Were the book classified as science fiction these elements may not have been so jarring for the reader.

The main characters in this novel present the reader an interesting conglomeration of backgrounds and languages. The use of Creole, German, and various Southern drawls and dialects enhances the characterization as does the use of internal monologues. The addition of Egyptian hieroglyphics increase the verisimilitude which Heymont develops during the course of the story. Also, the Greek inscription below the Egyptian hieroglyphics becomes a point a curiosity for the reader. Voodoo is very much at work in this book connecting many of the major events together, beginning with Verdiss’ childhood through to his ruination and the end of the story. The flashbacks that Jeb has to his life as a field hand on a plantation and his experiences on the battlefield as a “Colored Soldier” add rich subtext the story of his journey. The way in which Heymont links these elements together is an accomplishment.

The author also links the redemption stories of three men together, during the course of this narrative. Together, Jeb, Crispus and Fallon are charting the same course, attaining and keeping the staff of Narmer. Jeb seeks to destroy it. Crispus wants to use it for the good of all people but does not stop to consider the repercussions of its use. Fallon wants to make up for the things he did as a member of the Klan. Three men, one course, different goals, all in need of redemption. By the end of the story, each man deals with their demons and attains their redemption. Consequently, they are reborn better and stronger than they were at the beginning.

In the beginning, I was not sure this was the book for me as a reader. Though interested in this era in american history, I was physically repulsed by the descriptions the actions of the members of Ku Klux Klan. Perhaps, I am a bit naive or too softhearted for these types of scenes. I enjoyed the story line as a whole but found the science-fiction-like elements odd in the context of a piece of historical fiction. I think that Lane Heymont has a definite skill when it comes to turning a phrase and setting a scene for his readers. His characters are believable and have a depth to them. Overall, this book is worth reading especially if you are prepared to stray from the typical historical fiction story.

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Latest Review: "The Freedman and the Pharaoh's Staff" by Lane Heymont
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