Review by Love_Good_Books -- Hearts Set Free
-
Love_Good_Books
- Posts: 7
- Joined: 14 Feb 2018, 13:25
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 7
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-love-good-books.html
- Latest Review: Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte
Review by Love_Good_Books -- Hearts Set Free
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hearts Set Free" by Jess Lederman.]
Jess Lederman’s Hearts Set Free: A Novel is an intriguing tale of redemption and the pursuit of truth. The setting spans from World War I to present day and from Alaska to Europe to Nevada. I rate this book three out of four stars. If I could give a partial star, I would rate the book 3.8 stars out of 4 because I enjoyed the story that much. This is a book worth reading and reading again. With only one typo in all 382 standard pages, the book seemed to be professionally edited. The only reason I did not give this book the full four stars is because of excessive profanity.
From the beginning, Lederman introduces disparate characters and events that he weaves together with remarkable plot twists. It was easy to read in a little over a week. The action-packed portions of the story balanced well with the exploration of abstract concepts. This book will appeal to those who enjoy science and/or historical fiction. Some people who are interested in investigating spiritual beliefs will also enjoy reading this book. For others, the conversational profanity will dim the enjoyment. Illicit sex occurs but it is not described graphically. Bestiality is mentioned twice in the context of mythology. Despite the grittier aspects, my overall impression of the story is one of encouragement to seek truth and do what’s right, regardless of circumstances. Reading this book inspired me to research the historical figures and dig into the science on my own.
There are several central characters in this book --- in fact, because the story line jumps back and forth in time, I had some minor difficulty in keeping the characters and events clear in my mind while reading. The story begins in the voice of Uukkarnit Noongwook, an Athabascan who lived in the town of Nenana in the Alaskan Territory. Uukkarnit later takes the English name Luke. We follow Uukkarnit and his mother, Yura, as they search for father and husband Taliriktug. Later in the story, Luke and Yura meet David Gold and Jack Johnson, who had traveled to Europe for a time but returned to America. As the story progresses, we jump to the year 2011 and meet Tim Faber and Joan Reed, New York television producers. The ripple effect of bad decisions is demonstrated clearly. One of the things I like most about this book is that Lederman chooses to focus on the future rather than the past. He does not have his characters stall in a swamp of self-pity. Rather, he takes the reader along as the characters become more self-aware and spiritually mature. The edifying nature of the book is another thing I love about it. This story is one which gives example after example of people refusing to succumb to baser tendencies and reaching instead for higher, truer standards.
The one thing that detracts from the book is the inclusion of so much profanity. Every instance was spoken by a rough character, so perhaps the expletives are “realistic.” Lederman did avoid the crudest language through the use of euphemisms. His restraint is much appreciated by this reader.
For me, only a few works of fiction merit the status of worthy of rereading. Hearts Set Free: A Novel is one of those books. If you’re looking for a fun read with substance to it, consider Hearts Set Free. This book will feed both intellect and soul.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Jess Lederman’s Hearts Set Free: A Novel is an intriguing tale of redemption and the pursuit of truth. The setting spans from World War I to present day and from Alaska to Europe to Nevada. I rate this book three out of four stars. If I could give a partial star, I would rate the book 3.8 stars out of 4 because I enjoyed the story that much. This is a book worth reading and reading again. With only one typo in all 382 standard pages, the book seemed to be professionally edited. The only reason I did not give this book the full four stars is because of excessive profanity.
From the beginning, Lederman introduces disparate characters and events that he weaves together with remarkable plot twists. It was easy to read in a little over a week. The action-packed portions of the story balanced well with the exploration of abstract concepts. This book will appeal to those who enjoy science and/or historical fiction. Some people who are interested in investigating spiritual beliefs will also enjoy reading this book. For others, the conversational profanity will dim the enjoyment. Illicit sex occurs but it is not described graphically. Bestiality is mentioned twice in the context of mythology. Despite the grittier aspects, my overall impression of the story is one of encouragement to seek truth and do what’s right, regardless of circumstances. Reading this book inspired me to research the historical figures and dig into the science on my own.
There are several central characters in this book --- in fact, because the story line jumps back and forth in time, I had some minor difficulty in keeping the characters and events clear in my mind while reading. The story begins in the voice of Uukkarnit Noongwook, an Athabascan who lived in the town of Nenana in the Alaskan Territory. Uukkarnit later takes the English name Luke. We follow Uukkarnit and his mother, Yura, as they search for father and husband Taliriktug. Later in the story, Luke and Yura meet David Gold and Jack Johnson, who had traveled to Europe for a time but returned to America. As the story progresses, we jump to the year 2011 and meet Tim Faber and Joan Reed, New York television producers. The ripple effect of bad decisions is demonstrated clearly. One of the things I like most about this book is that Lederman chooses to focus on the future rather than the past. He does not have his characters stall in a swamp of self-pity. Rather, he takes the reader along as the characters become more self-aware and spiritually mature. The edifying nature of the book is another thing I love about it. This story is one which gives example after example of people refusing to succumb to baser tendencies and reaching instead for higher, truer standards.
The one thing that detracts from the book is the inclusion of so much profanity. Every instance was spoken by a rough character, so perhaps the expletives are “realistic.” Lederman did avoid the crudest language through the use of euphemisms. His restraint is much appreciated by this reader.
For me, only a few works of fiction merit the status of worthy of rereading. Hearts Set Free: A Novel is one of those books. If you’re looking for a fun read with substance to it, consider Hearts Set Free. This book will feed both intellect and soul.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Code Name Lily by Julien Ayotte
-
LauraLeeWasHere
- Posts: 242
- Joined: 18 Aug 2019, 11:39
- Favorite Book: David Copperfield
- Currently Reading: Relentless
- Bookshelf Size: 182
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-lauraleewashere.html
- Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
A great review. Lots to consider. It sounds like you really appreciated this book. With how precious time is to us, it's no small thing to recommend reading a book over again. But not only is this a good read but it has a lot of facts amongst the fiction which I'm sure I missed and could be harvested with a second go over.
Looking forward to reading more of your reviews to see what you will recommend next.
Sincerely, LLR
Looking forward to reading more of your reviews to see what you will recommend next.
Sincerely, LLR
And they sang a new song saying,
"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its to seals,
for You were slain and have redeemed us to God,
by your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and Nation." Rev. 5:9
NKJ & KJV
"You are worthy to take the book,
and to open its to seals,
for You were slain and have redeemed us to God,
by your blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and Nation." Rev. 5:9
NKJ & KJV
Latest Review: Island Games by Caleb J. Boyer
