Review by Gavin Crowley -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Gavin Crowley
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- Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
Review by Gavin Crowley -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
[Following is a volunteer review of "Strong Heart" by Charlie Sheldon.]
3 out of 4 stars
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A young tear-away turns up unexpectedly in the life of her grandfather. Strong-willed and angry, this orphan looks to be more than he can handle. However, as it happens, this is the Pacific North-west. A three-party camping group becomes a reluctant foursome in what appears to be a coming-of-age story complete with animal spirit guides and drawing upon the resources of a deep and mixed heritage in the area.
Then we step out of that story. The girl goes missing for days and returns with a story of a journey in ancient times along the Asian-American landbridge. Once the dust settles there comes a time of reckoning during which the many threads of the story draw together. The strengths gathered in each place help in the other, and despite the time difference traits, characteristics and personalities appear to chime.
This is a story of multiple redemptions each of which is quite satisfying in its own right.
I liked the setting, the author introduced enough local flavor without being off-putting to someone from a far different place. Life in both eras was unvarnished and fresh. I felt that the characters acted in ways that jarred towards the start of the book as the scenario was being set. I recognize this as an attempt to move the story along and avoid unnecessary exposition, which by the middle of the book I appreciated and welcomed.
I most disliked what appeared to me to be an attempt to use the book to popularize a pet historical theory of the author. He did a fair job of self-challenging through the character of Sergei, who represent science, but allows him to capitulate in the end. Sergei's capitulation crystallized this flaw which is disappointing because it wasn't necessary to the story - he could have been left doubtful. That being said, the pet theory has some validity and merits a wider audience.
I became quite fond of almost all of the characters, even those who were flawed and antagonistic. The darkness was not dwelt upon for long enough to travel deeply. Some might find the harshness has been expressed a bit too great of a remove to feel real.
I most enjoyed the guessing game, "Where are they, and where is the story going?". I rate Strong Heart 3 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed it but felt uneasy with the behavior of the characters on the occasions when the needs of the story trumped my expectations of what a character would actually do in that situation.
It would appeal most to people of college age, but I would recommend it to a rigid thinker as therapy.
******
Strong Heart
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3 out of 4 stars
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A young tear-away turns up unexpectedly in the life of her grandfather. Strong-willed and angry, this orphan looks to be more than he can handle. However, as it happens, this is the Pacific North-west. A three-party camping group becomes a reluctant foursome in what appears to be a coming-of-age story complete with animal spirit guides and drawing upon the resources of a deep and mixed heritage in the area.
Then we step out of that story. The girl goes missing for days and returns with a story of a journey in ancient times along the Asian-American landbridge. Once the dust settles there comes a time of reckoning during which the many threads of the story draw together. The strengths gathered in each place help in the other, and despite the time difference traits, characteristics and personalities appear to chime.
This is a story of multiple redemptions each of which is quite satisfying in its own right.
I liked the setting, the author introduced enough local flavor without being off-putting to someone from a far different place. Life in both eras was unvarnished and fresh. I felt that the characters acted in ways that jarred towards the start of the book as the scenario was being set. I recognize this as an attempt to move the story along and avoid unnecessary exposition, which by the middle of the book I appreciated and welcomed.
I most disliked what appeared to me to be an attempt to use the book to popularize a pet historical theory of the author. He did a fair job of self-challenging through the character of Sergei, who represent science, but allows him to capitulate in the end. Sergei's capitulation crystallized this flaw which is disappointing because it wasn't necessary to the story - he could have been left doubtful. That being said, the pet theory has some validity and merits a wider audience.
I became quite fond of almost all of the characters, even those who were flawed and antagonistic. The darkness was not dwelt upon for long enough to travel deeply. Some might find the harshness has been expressed a bit too great of a remove to feel real.
I most enjoyed the guessing game, "Where are they, and where is the story going?". I rate Strong Heart 3 out of 4 stars because I enjoyed it but felt uneasy with the behavior of the characters on the occasions when the needs of the story trumped my expectations of what a character would actually do in that situation.
It would appeal most to people of college age, but I would recommend it to a rigid thinker as therapy.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Gavin Crowley's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
