4 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
The Spirit of Want is a tragic novel which was set in some cities and towns in USA and Ghana respectively. It was written by William H. Coles.
The book was about the life of a young woman, Lucy, whose crooked childhood turned into an over-ambitious, self-centered, insatiable and cold individual, incapable of loving. When Lucy walked down the aisle, it was only for her selfish reasons. That was why she became distraught when she found out she was pregnant. Lucy wasn't made to be a mother. No wonder she abandoned her toddler child and husband to chase after her illusion- Bain. Lucy could not keep a relationship even with family. The few she was able to keep were all crooked like her personality.
One of the motifs of the novel was over-ambition versus selflessness. Where Lucy and A.J trampled on people in order to excel and attain their desired height, Luke and Elizabeth were ready to make sacrifices for others' well-being. The theme of giving versus taking kept reoccurring in the book. Where Luke gave without reservation, Lucy took without reciprocating. Another reoccurring theme is trust versus betrayal. Lucy trusted Bain and lost her 'life' as a result, it turned out all that Bain was accused of, he did. Lucy also betrayed a trust Maria and Panetta put on her.
There were so many issues that kept me wondering, which the book did not answer but will always intrigue me; Why did Samantha commit suicide? Why did Bain's wife leave him, taken his children with her without granting Bain visiting rights? And why did A.J keep the truth of Lucy's birth from everyone, his family included?.
William's writing style was impeccable. The arrangement of the book followed chronological order which made it easy to understand right from the beginning. His choice of words and grammar were excellent. I therefore, rate this book 4 stars out of 4. I recommend it for all book lovers.
******
The Spirit of Want
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on iTunes | on Smashwords
Like oge123's review? Post a comment saying so!
