4 out of 4 stars
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Told through a poetic style, Eye of the Storm by Master Michael Ramsey is a striking story chronicling Ramsey’s life events from his childhood to his war experiences in Iraq then to his trial that results in his incarceration.
To Ramsey, his father is nothing short of a hero, he is a symbol of security and power. When Ramsey’s father dies, he leaves his family without direction. His wife and two children wander through life lost and confused. When Ramsey joins the army, he finds purpose through the sense of brotherhood it instills. In between, he gets involved in a few romantic relationships. When his son is born, he is gearing up for a trip to Iraq. Stress and depression plague him and heighten when his best friend Dylan is murdered in unusual circumstances. Everything starts going south when he returns home and once again he is at war not only with others but also with himself.
One great feature of the book is the language that is used which is powerful and contains striking words that help the reader grasp the writer’s feelings. The scenes are despondent and the writer’s life is dotted by heart-breaking events and this style of writing delivers the emotional punch that allows for suspenseful impact. In between, there is romance in the plot and once again, the language accentuates the writer’s feelings. It also left me guessing in some cases and made me pay keen attention to every word so as to understand the message intended by the author.
Another great aspect of the book is that it sheds light on the plight of soldiers fighting in a strange land. The stress and depression experienced by Ramsey show the magnitude of what they have to deal with, the constant fear that you might never make it home rendering your child fatherless, the sadness of losing comrades and the constant need to be alert even when dealing with stressful thoughts. All these feelings can be felt throughout the book. It all gets worse when one has little to come back to and does not know how to deal with what they have left behind.
Eye of the Storm also touches on the gaps in the judicial system. Ramsey is paired with an experienced but dispassionate lawyer in his trial. The burden of proving he is innocent falls on Ramsey’s shoulders. Sadly, what he comes up with is not enough. A hero by many standards, having given much of his life for his country, Ramsey is still serving a life sentence.
I rate the Eye of the Storm 4 out of 4 stars as it is gripping and powerful. It is a great read for readers who appreciate narrative poetry.
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Eye Of The Storm
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