4 out of 4 stars
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McDowell written by William H. Coles spotlights the backwash of arrogance and selfishness. The protagonist of this work of fiction is Hiram McDowell, a self-important, self-centred and ambitious surgeon. He is a regent to the board of directors of the International College of Surgeons in Chicago. Hiram approaches Michael O'Leary, a key member of the college's board of governors executive committee, and asks him to swing votes for him to be nominated for the post of the president of the college with a promise to make Michael the executive director of the college. Hiram is elected president but he broke his promise to Michael who vowed to ruin him.
Hiram's high-and-mighty attitudes get him into trouble with the law, and he is convicted and sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment. He escapes from jail and takes a journey into the wilderness and starts writing a memoir. He then meets a woman in a convenience store and his values and perspectives about life change. This book is in two parts. The first part is about the rise of Hiram McDowell and the second part, his fall. The setting of the story takes the readers of the book through various cities in the United States of America; from Denver to Chicago, New York, and other cities.
The story has a fascinating and suspenseful plot, and well developed characters that are interestingly relatable. The plot runs smoothly and it's fast paced. As I read, closing the book occasionally, was an absolute struggle for me because I just wanted to know what was next. The book has mentions of sexism. Sophie, one of Hiram's daughters was a photographer involved in a project about the plight of women. This book also gives insight to the influence of family on kids and parental negligence as Hiram's pedigree is seen going through life with psychological issues.
I like the way the author explored the politics involved in healthcare and journalism institutions and the consequent need and fight for good journalism; fair reporting with truth and balance. Additionally, the book plays up the corrupt practices in some philanthropic foundations; inadequate documenting of the scope of benefits available and benefits actually received compared to fundraising results.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because in addition to being very intriguing and engaging, it seems properly edited and proofread. I recommend this book to lovers of fiction books, who appreciate fiction with a blend of crime.
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McDowell
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