Review of Then Comes The Flood
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Valeria Marigliano
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Review of Then Comes The Flood
[Following is a volunteer review of "Then Comes The Flood" by John Payne.]
Then Comes The Flood by John Payne tackles sensitive topics often avoided in literary discourse, sparking introspection and potentially igniting dialogue on complex issues like sexual assault, abortion, and religious belief. By presenting diverse perspectives, the novel avoids easy answers, encouraging personal reflection on sensitive subjects, especially in the area regarding the experience of pain and the search for meaning.
The novel headfirst into a churning sea of emotions, exploring the impact of trauma, grief, faith, and forgiveness. The book is both uplifting and heartbreaking, as it follows Megan Alladee, a survivor of sexual assault, who experiences tremendous guilt after getting an abortion, following her personal journey of growth and overcoming the negative experience lived.
In writing a review of the book, I tried to think about how to structure my text in a way that clearly highlights the strengths of it but also the aspects that left me more perplexed about this narrative adventure, which didn't leave me deeply satisfied. As always, when dealing with sensitive themes, there's never a simple way to address them, but I disagree with some choices made by the author who, in my opinion, didn't give enough depth to the embodiment of the different viewpoints through the characters.
My lack of agreement isn't rooted in my religious beliefs; rather, it is informed by a broader awareness of the intricate ethical considerations inherent in tackling weighty subjects. This encompasses an understanding of the profound impact that storytelling can hold, necessitating a conscientious approach that prioritizes nuance, empathy, and respect for the complexities inherent in these themes.
One of the most positive aspects of the book is the author's ability to address sensitive topics with compassion and empathy. Payne portrays Megan's experiences and emotions with authenticity, creating a realistic and relatable character.
Another strength of the novel lies in the reflection it triggers on important themes such as:
- Trauma and Its Aftermath: the novel delves into the profound impact of Megan's sexual assault on her life. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of the long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences that trauma can have on an individual. By exploring Megan's experiences and reactions to her assault, the author highlights the complexity of recovery and the ongoing struggle to regain a sense of self and trust in others.
- Abortion and Guilt: The book tackles the sensitive and controversial topic of abortion, particularly in the context of Megan's experience. It explores the internal conflict she faces as she grapples with the decision to terminate her pregnancy and the subsequent guilt that overwhelms her. This aspect of the story invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and encourages dialogue about the moral and ethical dimensions of abortion.
- Faith and Healing: The introduction of faith through Kayla's character adds a layer of spiritual exploration to the narrative. As Kayla shares her belief in a loving God with Megan, it opens up questions about the role of faith in healing and finding meaning in the midst of suffering. The author carefully navigates the delicate balance between religious beliefs and personal growth, allowing readers to contemplate how faith can intersect with personal struggles.
- Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Through Megan's journey, readers witness her transformation from a survivor haunted by guilt to an advocate for the elimination of abortion due to unplanned pregnancies. The book explores Megan's personal growth as she confronts her pain, engages with others who have experienced loss, and finds purpose in her activism. This theme invites readers to consider how adversity can lead to personal growth and inspire individuals to make positive changes in their lives and communities.
- Love, Loss, and Acceptance: The novel highlights the different ways characters navigate love, loss, and acceptance amidst tragedy. Megan's encounter with Kayla, who is grieving the loss of her son, provides a lens through which readers can explore the various stages of grief and the transformative power of love and acceptance. The book acknowledges that while pain and loss can be overwhelming, they can also be catalysts for personal and spiritual growth.
The book is professionally edited and does not seem to report any important syntactic, typing or structural errors. But, despite the powerful premise and the importance of the themes addressed, the execution of the book leaves the reader with a mixed experience, much like navigating a flood with both strong currents and unclear spots. In presenting diverse viewpoints, the narrative's core leans heavily towards a specific religious message. This might alienate readers of different faiths or those seeking a more neutral exploration of the themes. The subtle messaging, at times, feels more like preaching than offering genuine exploration. The author's perspective on the issue of abortion is clear, leaving little room for opposing viewpoints. Some readers might find this approach too one-sided and potentially off-putting.
In addition, certain characters, particularly those representing opposing sides of the abortion debate, fall into somewhat stereotypical portrayals. This lacks the nuance and complexity of real-life individuals holding such beliefs, potentially hindering meaningful conversations and character connections.
Also, while the emotional journeys are compelling, the novel's conclusion feels rushed, leaving several plotlines and character arcs underdeveloped and unresolved. This leaves the reader unsatisfied and wanting more closure, particularly considering the profound issues explored.
My rating of the book is 3 out of 5. The basis for my evaluation originates from my observation that, as previously mentioned, the novel tends to overly emphasize certain dialogues concerning morality and faith, which I found somewhat heavy-handed. I had hoped for a more nuanced exploration of these themes, one that would embrace a wider spectrum of viewpoints and acknowledge the inherent complexity of grappling with moral and spiritual questions. Specifically, I longed for a narrative approach that would highlight the richness of diverse perspectives and underscore the notion that there may not always be a singular, definitive answer to these profound existential inquiries.
******
Then Comes The Flood
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Then Comes The Flood by John Payne tackles sensitive topics often avoided in literary discourse, sparking introspection and potentially igniting dialogue on complex issues like sexual assault, abortion, and religious belief. By presenting diverse perspectives, the novel avoids easy answers, encouraging personal reflection on sensitive subjects, especially in the area regarding the experience of pain and the search for meaning.
The novel headfirst into a churning sea of emotions, exploring the impact of trauma, grief, faith, and forgiveness. The book is both uplifting and heartbreaking, as it follows Megan Alladee, a survivor of sexual assault, who experiences tremendous guilt after getting an abortion, following her personal journey of growth and overcoming the negative experience lived.
In writing a review of the book, I tried to think about how to structure my text in a way that clearly highlights the strengths of it but also the aspects that left me more perplexed about this narrative adventure, which didn't leave me deeply satisfied. As always, when dealing with sensitive themes, there's never a simple way to address them, but I disagree with some choices made by the author who, in my opinion, didn't give enough depth to the embodiment of the different viewpoints through the characters.
My lack of agreement isn't rooted in my religious beliefs; rather, it is informed by a broader awareness of the intricate ethical considerations inherent in tackling weighty subjects. This encompasses an understanding of the profound impact that storytelling can hold, necessitating a conscientious approach that prioritizes nuance, empathy, and respect for the complexities inherent in these themes.
One of the most positive aspects of the book is the author's ability to address sensitive topics with compassion and empathy. Payne portrays Megan's experiences and emotions with authenticity, creating a realistic and relatable character.
Another strength of the novel lies in the reflection it triggers on important themes such as:
- Trauma and Its Aftermath: the novel delves into the profound impact of Megan's sexual assault on her life. It provides a raw and honest portrayal of the long-lasting emotional and psychological consequences that trauma can have on an individual. By exploring Megan's experiences and reactions to her assault, the author highlights the complexity of recovery and the ongoing struggle to regain a sense of self and trust in others.
- Abortion and Guilt: The book tackles the sensitive and controversial topic of abortion, particularly in the context of Megan's experience. It explores the internal conflict she faces as she grapples with the decision to terminate her pregnancy and the subsequent guilt that overwhelms her. This aspect of the story invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and encourages dialogue about the moral and ethical dimensions of abortion.
- Faith and Healing: The introduction of faith through Kayla's character adds a layer of spiritual exploration to the narrative. As Kayla shares her belief in a loving God with Megan, it opens up questions about the role of faith in healing and finding meaning in the midst of suffering. The author carefully navigates the delicate balance between religious beliefs and personal growth, allowing readers to contemplate how faith can intersect with personal struggles.
- Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Through Megan's journey, readers witness her transformation from a survivor haunted by guilt to an advocate for the elimination of abortion due to unplanned pregnancies. The book explores Megan's personal growth as she confronts her pain, engages with others who have experienced loss, and finds purpose in her activism. This theme invites readers to consider how adversity can lead to personal growth and inspire individuals to make positive changes in their lives and communities.
- Love, Loss, and Acceptance: The novel highlights the different ways characters navigate love, loss, and acceptance amidst tragedy. Megan's encounter with Kayla, who is grieving the loss of her son, provides a lens through which readers can explore the various stages of grief and the transformative power of love and acceptance. The book acknowledges that while pain and loss can be overwhelming, they can also be catalysts for personal and spiritual growth.
The book is professionally edited and does not seem to report any important syntactic, typing or structural errors. But, despite the powerful premise and the importance of the themes addressed, the execution of the book leaves the reader with a mixed experience, much like navigating a flood with both strong currents and unclear spots. In presenting diverse viewpoints, the narrative's core leans heavily towards a specific religious message. This might alienate readers of different faiths or those seeking a more neutral exploration of the themes. The subtle messaging, at times, feels more like preaching than offering genuine exploration. The author's perspective on the issue of abortion is clear, leaving little room for opposing viewpoints. Some readers might find this approach too one-sided and potentially off-putting.
In addition, certain characters, particularly those representing opposing sides of the abortion debate, fall into somewhat stereotypical portrayals. This lacks the nuance and complexity of real-life individuals holding such beliefs, potentially hindering meaningful conversations and character connections.
Also, while the emotional journeys are compelling, the novel's conclusion feels rushed, leaving several plotlines and character arcs underdeveloped and unresolved. This leaves the reader unsatisfied and wanting more closure, particularly considering the profound issues explored.
My rating of the book is 3 out of 5. The basis for my evaluation originates from my observation that, as previously mentioned, the novel tends to overly emphasize certain dialogues concerning morality and faith, which I found somewhat heavy-handed. I had hoped for a more nuanced exploration of these themes, one that would embrace a wider spectrum of viewpoints and acknowledge the inherent complexity of grappling with moral and spiritual questions. Specifically, I longed for a narrative approach that would highlight the richness of diverse perspectives and underscore the notion that there may not always be a singular, definitive answer to these profound existential inquiries.
******
Then Comes The Flood
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Hotel Detective and his Lover by Derek Picot
