Review by Slingrider 10 -- McDowell by William H. Coles
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- Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles
Review by Slingrider 10 -- McDowell by William H. Coles
[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]
3 out of 4 stars
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W. H. Cole establishes unforgettable levels of barbaric ambition for the central character, Hiram McDowell, in his newest novel titled McDowell. Born into wealth and nourished by an innate thirst for power, Hiram McDowell achieves accolades for superior skills as a top surgeon. His physical achievements in mountain climbing are likewise impressive.
The problem with McDowell is a lack of understanding for the value of other beings. Women for example: His first wife died of cancer. He considered her gentleness and courage a weakness. She bore McDowell three children, Ann, Sophie and Billie. Her bravery is evidenced only in Sophie. McDowell’s second wife, Carole, along with his long-time mistress, Rima, and countless extra marital affairs – were all simply the means to an end. McDowell is a user. He rises on support from male and female, friend and foe, stepping on or over them to reach a goal.
As Regent to the board of directors for the International College of Surgeons, McDowell scuttles another surgeon’s career to become the president. He commandeers remaining oxygen containers to reach the mountain summit in Nepal, knowing Woolf, his best climbing buddy, definitely has no chance to survive as a result of his actions. McDowell comes close to a much desired pentacle with his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services by the President of the United States. Of course, consequences for despicable actions are inevitable. McDowell is headed for a personal, unprecedented avalanche.
On numerous occasions, a simple caring action by McDowell could have prevented disaster. Research misconduct under his leadership netted millions. He could have prevented suffering but turned a blind eye to the faulty research. Mismanagement of funds for the foundation and charity hospital in Nepal - which he founded and which brought him fame - is yet another example of self-centered villainy.
McDowell preferred to write a check rather than become involved in the lives of his children. He didn’t, however, offer a check to help his two stepdaughters, Tasha and Candice, or his estranged wife, Carole. He did not approve of his elder daughter’s choice of husband. Could his approval have prevented her mental breakdown or his rather bratty granddaughter’s death in a mass school shooting incident?
Leaving McDowell momentarily to incorporate relative story information, the author, peaks interest in an affair between McDowell’s son, Billie, and stepdaughter, Tasha; daughter Sophie’s shattered soul when her lover, June, betrays her; and the challenges of a persistent journalist following Hiram McDowell’s news worthy activities.
The novel is worth the read. A strong twist in fate provides the opportunity for the author to entertain the reader with excellent descriptive skills in the second half. I recommend this novel and rate it 3 out of 4 stars for contemporary relevance and quality story telling.
******
McDowell
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3 out of 4 stars
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W. H. Cole establishes unforgettable levels of barbaric ambition for the central character, Hiram McDowell, in his newest novel titled McDowell. Born into wealth and nourished by an innate thirst for power, Hiram McDowell achieves accolades for superior skills as a top surgeon. His physical achievements in mountain climbing are likewise impressive.
The problem with McDowell is a lack of understanding for the value of other beings. Women for example: His first wife died of cancer. He considered her gentleness and courage a weakness. She bore McDowell three children, Ann, Sophie and Billie. Her bravery is evidenced only in Sophie. McDowell’s second wife, Carole, along with his long-time mistress, Rima, and countless extra marital affairs – were all simply the means to an end. McDowell is a user. He rises on support from male and female, friend and foe, stepping on or over them to reach a goal.
As Regent to the board of directors for the International College of Surgeons, McDowell scuttles another surgeon’s career to become the president. He commandeers remaining oxygen containers to reach the mountain summit in Nepal, knowing Woolf, his best climbing buddy, definitely has no chance to survive as a result of his actions. McDowell comes close to a much desired pentacle with his nomination for Secretary of Health and Human Services by the President of the United States. Of course, consequences for despicable actions are inevitable. McDowell is headed for a personal, unprecedented avalanche.
On numerous occasions, a simple caring action by McDowell could have prevented disaster. Research misconduct under his leadership netted millions. He could have prevented suffering but turned a blind eye to the faulty research. Mismanagement of funds for the foundation and charity hospital in Nepal - which he founded and which brought him fame - is yet another example of self-centered villainy.
McDowell preferred to write a check rather than become involved in the lives of his children. He didn’t, however, offer a check to help his two stepdaughters, Tasha and Candice, or his estranged wife, Carole. He did not approve of his elder daughter’s choice of husband. Could his approval have prevented her mental breakdown or his rather bratty granddaughter’s death in a mass school shooting incident?
Leaving McDowell momentarily to incorporate relative story information, the author, peaks interest in an affair between McDowell’s son, Billie, and stepdaughter, Tasha; daughter Sophie’s shattered soul when her lover, June, betrays her; and the challenges of a persistent journalist following Hiram McDowell’s news worthy activities.
The novel is worth the read. A strong twist in fate provides the opportunity for the author to entertain the reader with excellent descriptive skills in the second half. I recommend this novel and rate it 3 out of 4 stars for contemporary relevance and quality story telling.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Like Slingrider 10's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: McDowell by William H. Coles
