3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Opening with a stunning scene that drops the reader straight into the action. McDowell by William H. Coles promises to be an extremely compelling novel. The novel presents a unique blend of Nepalese mountain climbing, themes of misogyny, and an unforgettable protagonist. Focusing primarily on the titular character, McDowell draws readers in through its array of characters, clever dialogue, and underlying arc of redemption.
Told through multiple perspectives, the story centers on Hiram McDowell, a celebrated and respected surgeon, philanthropist, and mountain climber. As McDowell’s ambitions and lust grow, however, he begins to find himself ostracized by the public and shunned by his family. In an effort to resurrect his deteriorating career and get his life back on track, McDowell commits an act of passion that will change his life and the lives of his family for forever. Coles’s novel culminates in the ultimate moral paradox: should a person be forgiven of his sins for the lives he has affected, or is evil an all-or-nothing state?
Coles’s analysis of McDowell’s character and motivation remained a constant source of intrigue throughout the novel. The author’s unique implementation of multiple perspectives allows his audience to feel as though they have lived McDowell’s biography; from the inner thoughts of his nemesis reporter to the devastating struggles of his most trusted daughter, nearly every point of view seems to have been considered.
Perhaps what makes McDowell such an interesting read, however, is the vast extent of the author’s obvious research regarding surgery, climbing. and even homelessness. The full and complete facts encouraged me to fall into Hiram’s world with a complete understanding of the life he was facing. Coupled with the incredible imagery scattered throughout the novel, McDowell became an immersive reading experience that was refreshing to endure.
Despite the author’s triumphs, McDowell nevertheless fell into one major pitfall: inconsistency. Though the multiple perspectives were intriguing, the number of characters given narrator roles became increasingly difficult to follow throughout the novel. The introduction of new characters in the middle of the book was also jarring, and difficult to reconcile with the other characters. The novel was also largely dialogue-based, and could have used some extra description regarding the characters’ reactions to pivotal events.
Overall, i give McDowell by William H . Coles three out of four stars. Beautifully written and almost entirely error-free, McDowell was a compelling read, if slightly confusing. For anyone looking for a quick-paced, energetic book, this is the one for you!
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Like juliannedanford230's review? Post a comment saying so!
