Review by Cotwani -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda]

The elephant in the room for me, however, was the derogatory way in which women were described in the book. Older women who happened not to be in a relationship were often portrayed as vain, lonely, unfulfilled, and desperate pickups. I immensely hated this sexism and degradation of women in. In addition, the private investigator’s occasionally unexplained ‘leads’ that took her right where McDowell was, made the hunt appear so simple. Neither was she professional in carrying out her investigations. You will agree with me that only an amateur would barge into a new town and start showing pictures of the hunted before first lying low and secretly studying the residents. It did not help that she came highly recommended! I also found the ending of the book to be a bit rushed.

I’m currently reading this book. At least I’m trying... but the issue you mention here is making it unbearable for me. The whole narrative is sexist and, at least for me, Hiram is a self-centered jerk. There are also some really questionable examples like Hiram encouraging his son to sleep with his stepdaughter. I’m having real trouble finishing a book with such an annoying main character.
But your review is insightful, critical and extremely well presented. Thank you!

[Oulababe]

I've read one of Willam H. Coles novels and I can agree that he's a great author. The fact that the Stellar surgeon gone health secretary fails when he's at the top of the game demonstrates that what's on the inside is what really matters. I love that it has a moral lesson.

[Samy Lax]

McDowell's attitude that if people felt cheated or belittled by him, it was their problem is something else! Your review really makes me want to read this one. Lovely writing!

[Connie Otwani]

The elephant in the room for me, however, was the derogatory way in which women were described in the book. Older women who happened not to be in a relationship were often portrayed as vain, lonely, unfulfilled, and desperate pickups. I immensely hated this sexism and degradation of women in. In addition, the private investigator’s occasionally unexplained ‘leads’ that took her right where McDowell was, made the hunt appear so simple. Neither was she professional in carrying out her investigations. You will agree with me that only an amateur would barge into a new town and start showing pictures of the hunted before first lying low and secretly studying the residents. It did not help that she came highly recommended! I also found the ending of the book to be a bit rushed.

I’m currently reading this book. At least I’m trying... but the issue you mention here is making it unbearable for me. The whole narrative is sexist and, at least for me, Hiram is a self-centered jerk. There are also some really questionable examples like Hiram encouraging his son to sleep with his stepdaughter. I’m having real trouble finishing a book with such an annoying main character.
But your review is insightful, critical and extremely well presented. Thank you!

Soldier on, things kinda change! But I must agree Hiram can be pretty annoying.

[Connie Otwani]

I've read one of Willam H. Coles novels and I can agree that he's a great author. The fact that the Stellar surgeon gone health secretary fails when he's at the top of the game demonstrates that what's on the inside is what really matters. I love that it has a moral lesson.

You actually sum the book well - what's on the inside is what really matters! Thanks for the feedback!

[Bianka Walter]

The slight sexism would definitely be a big turn off for me. It's a theme that I've noticed in a few other books that I've read lately as well. Must be something in the air.
Wonderful review!

[LaurenHaupt]

He seems to be quite the character. I've seen this book but I didn't know if I would be interested or not. Great review. I think I'll try reading it.

[Connie Otwani]

The slight sexism would definitely be a big turn off for me. It's a theme that I've noticed in a few other books that I've read lately as well. Must be something in the air.
Wonderful review!

I know what you mean - like there was a lot on personal motivation/improvement a while back. Thanks for giving feedback!

[Connie Otwani]

He seems to be quite the character. I've seen this book but I didn't know if I would be interested or not. Great review. I think I'll try reading it.

Great! I hope you get through it. The good part is you will have the opportunity to vent in the botm topic discussions!!

[crediblereading2]

There are many such persons in the world who connive, cheat and even kill to get to the top of the ladder of success. This is truly an interesting tale. Thank you for your well-written review of this book.

[Connie Otwani]

There are many such persons in the world who connive, cheat and even kill to get to the top of the ladder of success. This is truly an interesting tale. Thank you for your well-written review of this book.

Yes you are right. Thanks for stopping by and giving feedback!

[stacie k]

From distinguished public figure to hunted fugitive, McDowell sounds like a complex character. The derogatory view of women puts me off, but I still may give it a chance. Thanks for the information!

[Kat Berg]

The main character sounds like someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or perhaps a Sociopath (no empathy). I would have a difficult time reading an entire book about this kind of person. Their charm is often primarily manipulative. If they care about their children, it is because to not care, or for their children to fail, makes them look bad. Add to that a sexist attitude, and for me the book becomes unredeemable. But I do appreciate the helpful review!

[Connie Otwani]

From distinguished public figure to hunted fugitive, McDowell sounds like a complex character. The derogatory view of women puts me off, but I still may give it a chance. Thanks for the information!

McDowell is complex indeed. The derogatory view of women is annoying, but manageable. Thanks for reading and giving feedback.

[Connie Otwani]

The main character sounds like someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, or perhaps a Sociopath (no empathy). I would have a difficult time reading an entire book about this kind of person. Their charm is often primarily manipulative. If they care about their children, it is because to not care, or for their children to fail, makes them look bad. Add to that a sexist attitude, and for me the book becomes unredeemable. But I do appreciate the helpful review!

Lol! Good one! I googled NPD and for sure McDowell seems to exhibit the symptoms. It was ironic they said only a professional should diagnose yet the culprit is a top level surgeon! His friends/colleagues should have helped him a long time ago!!! Thanks for stopping by and making my day!