Review of The Freedom Building
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Jen Poulin
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Review of The Freedom Building
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Freedom Building" by Martin Kendall.]
Martin Kendall's The Freedom Building is a story which I cannot compare to any of the other novels I have read within the past few years. Kendall kept me engaged from the opening setting of the Zenith building being attacked by terrorists until the main character, John Gowan's method of closure on his architectural project at the end. The main character's ability to manage his amnesia that resulted from a car accident is the main plot of the book, and I was impressed as to how Gowan was able to get out of various scenarios trying to hide it from others.
Overall, the story is easy to follow and has a clear focus. Kendall did not deviate much from the plotline of the book, but he could have included some other sub plotlines that may have added even more. While some of the characters could have been developed a bit more, John Gowan's co-worker, Pete Williams, kept me guessing. I think most readers will be intrigued as to the trajectory of Gowan and Williams' relationship, as it becomes an integral part of the story.
While the book did keep my interest, the continuity did falter for a little bit. While the author started strong, I did find myself losing some interest halfway through the story. My interest was piqued again when I realized just how debilitating Gowan's amnesia was. The reader will wonder if he will ever be able to have any further meaningful involvement or even any memory about the crowning achievement of his architectural career.
The book can be described as hybrid fiction, as there are elements of both realistic fiction and science fiction. Gowan's experiences with his amnesia described by Kendall will appeal to science fiction readers, while the politics that led to the terrorist attack will appeal to readers who prefer stories that are relatable to current events.
Being someone that typically reads historical fiction, I did not quite know what to expect from The Freedom Building , and I was pleasantly surprised that I was engaged by the author's ability to weave together action, politics, and some magical realism. What is probably the best part of any book is not to expect the ending- which I did not with The Freedom Building . I would give this book 3 out of 4 stars for Kendall's ability to present a unique story concisely and clearly while keeping me eager to learn whether John Gowan does eventually get to appreciate his world-famous Freedom Building. Only possible elaborations on the story line and character development could have enhanced the story a bit more, but they did not deter too much from this entertaining read.
******
The Freedom Building
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Martin Kendall's The Freedom Building is a story which I cannot compare to any of the other novels I have read within the past few years. Kendall kept me engaged from the opening setting of the Zenith building being attacked by terrorists until the main character, John Gowan's method of closure on his architectural project at the end. The main character's ability to manage his amnesia that resulted from a car accident is the main plot of the book, and I was impressed as to how Gowan was able to get out of various scenarios trying to hide it from others.
Overall, the story is easy to follow and has a clear focus. Kendall did not deviate much from the plotline of the book, but he could have included some other sub plotlines that may have added even more. While some of the characters could have been developed a bit more, John Gowan's co-worker, Pete Williams, kept me guessing. I think most readers will be intrigued as to the trajectory of Gowan and Williams' relationship, as it becomes an integral part of the story.
While the book did keep my interest, the continuity did falter for a little bit. While the author started strong, I did find myself losing some interest halfway through the story. My interest was piqued again when I realized just how debilitating Gowan's amnesia was. The reader will wonder if he will ever be able to have any further meaningful involvement or even any memory about the crowning achievement of his architectural career.
The book can be described as hybrid fiction, as there are elements of both realistic fiction and science fiction. Gowan's experiences with his amnesia described by Kendall will appeal to science fiction readers, while the politics that led to the terrorist attack will appeal to readers who prefer stories that are relatable to current events.
Being someone that typically reads historical fiction, I did not quite know what to expect from The Freedom Building , and I was pleasantly surprised that I was engaged by the author's ability to weave together action, politics, and some magical realism. What is probably the best part of any book is not to expect the ending- which I did not with The Freedom Building . I would give this book 3 out of 4 stars for Kendall's ability to present a unique story concisely and clearly while keeping me eager to learn whether John Gowan does eventually get to appreciate his world-famous Freedom Building. Only possible elaborations on the story line and character development could have enhanced the story a bit more, but they did not deter too much from this entertaining read.
******
The Freedom Building
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker
