Review by Shruti27sharma -- Strong Heart by Charlie Sheldon
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Shruti27sharma
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Review by Shruti27sharma -- 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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Opening with an ominous weather and reference to great animals and spirits, Strong Heart hums of an unconventional journey from the start.
Tom Olsen is on his way for a hiking trip in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula to visit his grandfather’s grave along with his friend William and his daughter, Myra. Their plans hit a bump with the arrival of an unexpected visitor – someone whose existence was not known to Tom. Tom’s ex-wife drops off his granddaughter at his doorstep, a wild thirteen year old, who has had a little run in with the law, Sarah. A neglected teenager, Sarah has a tough time dealing with three adults who don’t let their hiking plans get foiled and decide to bring her along to their backpacking trip. Tom senses trouble and all too soon, it is evident that it is not going to be a smooth journey.
Mingled with adventure, magic realism, tenets of history and scientific scrutiny, the novel is slow paced in the beginning but soon manages to capture the interest of the reader and keeps them hooked till the last page. The novel is fused with the concept of ancestry and archeology. It has deep and mysterious conversations at the campfire, discussions about the Ice Ages and human race, coupled with the nostalgic element of the stories they grew up listening to. The writer chooses to focus on the life of the protagonist, Sarah that gives more credibility and authenticity to this character.
The novel seems to get a little tedious in the initial chapters. It is definitely more action packed as it moves along. The writer is adept at using visual and auditory tools of vocabulary to set the tonality of the plot. The introduction and the build up around an ancient artifact, the atlatl, is certainly the highlight of the narrative. It gives the novel a tinge of scientific inquisitiveness coupled with historicity. The portion dedicated to the atlatl and Sarah’s disappearance for eight days are the most defining moments in the narrative that give shape to the story and keeps the reader engaged in the plot. Sheldon carves the narrative in a clear, defining manner, with the assistance of a little dry humour.
I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars for the dexterity that the plot manages to encapsulate in the narrative. It is difficult to give it 4 stars because of some monotony here and there. Apart from that, it is a captivating and at times thought provoking narration that makes it a swift read and is worth recommending to others who have a penchant for native history and adventure. This book will stay will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
******
Strong Heart
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3 out of 4 stars
Share This Review
Opening with an ominous weather and reference to great animals and spirits, Strong Heart hums of an unconventional journey from the start.
Tom Olsen is on his way for a hiking trip in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula to visit his grandfather’s grave along with his friend William and his daughter, Myra. Their plans hit a bump with the arrival of an unexpected visitor – someone whose existence was not known to Tom. Tom’s ex-wife drops off his granddaughter at his doorstep, a wild thirteen year old, who has had a little run in with the law, Sarah. A neglected teenager, Sarah has a tough time dealing with three adults who don’t let their hiking plans get foiled and decide to bring her along to their backpacking trip. Tom senses trouble and all too soon, it is evident that it is not going to be a smooth journey.
Mingled with adventure, magic realism, tenets of history and scientific scrutiny, the novel is slow paced in the beginning but soon manages to capture the interest of the reader and keeps them hooked till the last page. The novel is fused with the concept of ancestry and archeology. It has deep and mysterious conversations at the campfire, discussions about the Ice Ages and human race, coupled with the nostalgic element of the stories they grew up listening to. The writer chooses to focus on the life of the protagonist, Sarah that gives more credibility and authenticity to this character.
The novel seems to get a little tedious in the initial chapters. It is definitely more action packed as it moves along. The writer is adept at using visual and auditory tools of vocabulary to set the tonality of the plot. The introduction and the build up around an ancient artifact, the atlatl, is certainly the highlight of the narrative. It gives the novel a tinge of scientific inquisitiveness coupled with historicity. The portion dedicated to the atlatl and Sarah’s disappearance for eight days are the most defining moments in the narrative that give shape to the story and keeps the reader engaged in the plot. Sheldon carves the narrative in a clear, defining manner, with the assistance of a little dry humour.
I rate this novel 3 out of 4 stars for the dexterity that the plot manages to encapsulate in the narrative. It is difficult to give it 4 stars because of some monotony here and there. Apart from that, it is a captivating and at times thought provoking narration that makes it a swift read and is worth recommending to others who have a penchant for native history and adventure. This book will stay will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
******
Strong Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Like Shruti27sharma's review? Post a comment saying so!
Latest Review: Pancake Money by Finn Bell
