3 out of 4 stars
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You get a sense from the beginning of McDowell by William H. Coles of a story unfurling about the trials and tribulations of one man and an iron-clad edict of what needs to be done and what needs to be done away with. That may be true, in a way.
McDowell also happens to be something of a surprise, as far as books go. Within, you find a story of love at the center of a man who spent most of his life rejecting the nature of love in its many forms. A story of someone finding their way to the center of society’s biggest institutions for change, and yet, experiencing more personal growth and healing from the world around him.
McDowell features Hiram McDowell, a middle-aged man of certain renown in his education (and business) of medicine. Being a prestigious heart surgeon can have its perks. The steady increase of stature comes with a greater amount of responsibility, most of which Hiram attempts to side step with every move up the ladder. Hiram is independently wealthy, in addition to a legacy of prosperous family in the south. With a vision of duty in mind, he characterizes his every movement as being for the resolute good of himself as well as his family, even when things only benefit him. With a life as a doctor, a regent to his college’s board of directors, overseas traveler, husband and parent (his 3rd time, with a net gross of three kids and numerous step-children), the stress fractures in his life are apparent to everyone but him as time goes by. For Hiram, many of his roles lack intimacy and full accountability, beyond the point of preserving his reputation. Enthusiasm for wealth and recognition have steered Hiram’s time and attention for so long, he doesn’t see the next chapter of his life making a turn towards being conquered by everything he sought to control.
The book is framed as a set of journal entries in a way, each chapter set in a specific region of the world at the time of the story. The chapters’ region connects characters to the events in the book. Often, the book is centered around Hiram and the moments where his choices carry him forward. Through anecdotal description of events, you see more of the featured individuals connected with Hiram whether that becomes his family or merely people connected to the business and politic invested in Hiram’s public health role.
The story line is orated with a pacing of a blockbuster movie. Each scene has an incident in the foreground, with many symbolic gestures in the background. Should there be a point, for example, where McDowell speaks about a character entering a life-changing relationship, or a few paragraphs delve into a character’s involvement with another character at the time of something life changing. In turn, the referenced individual is either going to be the next person’s parallel timeline, or in the next given chapter advancing the situation now within scope. It works in McDowell’s favor, making the bonds and dynamism of each person’s relationship a bit more organic than they might have been. The tone of the book speaks to the barriers that each person has between their life and the lives of others. In this way, the development of main characters in the book utilizes the perspective of people just trying to live life on their own terms, and the clash you experience as a result gives you advancements in the story which is good.
The streamlined story approach comes with its pros and cons. Many characters get their personalities detailed, as it applies to an interaction or primary event. However, with the great deal of jumping around from place to place, you may also lose some track of the timeline. I can tell you that I remember some members of Hiram’s family more than others for that reason. Diminishing returns come with many punchlines in the plot, especially if a reader’s memory can’t do the heavy lifting.
As a read, there is a significant array of intrigue and curiosity to be gained and not much to be lost, as you start to explain the big picture to yourself going forward. A great set of discussion questions and heated debate could be on the itinerary, if you have some acquaintances looking to launch into a book group!
I must say I was given the most from this book by way of the presentation of the story. The evenly paced content from each different character in part 1 and part 2 felt deliberate, and complimentary in both parts. The tone was very modern, as you read the inner monologue of many characters to indulgence, the greatest points of intrigue will have you thinking back to the inner monologues across the length of the book. An early incident involving Hiram’s children stir up an immediate fore boding, lingering within the essence of exchanges between Hiram and three other characters. This incident prompts a delayed resolution that concludes in a way you may have speculated in brief, near the beginning. William H. Coles much prefers you to absorb as much of the context as possible as you replay the scenarios in your head, watching the chips fall as you to catch them.
The innovation within McDowell has a lot to offer the reader that’s looking for a book that transports them at every turn. A solid 3 out of 4 stars, you can’t go wrong here. With a brandished word and willingness to shoot straight with every self-diagnosis, William H. Coles offers you a novel that doesn’t boast the successes of its characters. Modern fiction takes the instruments of family, of inter-generational and cultural exploration for lenses for self discovery. Walk into McDowell with an open mind to see what it helps you discover.
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McDowell
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