Review of McDowell
Posted: 14 Apr 2024, 16:51
[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]
”McDowell” by William H. Coles is a character-driven novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Hiram McDowell. The novel is an interesting tale that details the rise and fall of a prominent surgeon, McDowell, who is ambitious and skilled but deeply flawed. Despite his flaws, McDowell is not without merit; he saves lives, maintains physical prowess through mountain climbing, and displays a semblance of care for his children, albeit in a cold and domineering manner. His professional life is marked by remarkable achievements, yet his personal life is far from admirable. He is depicted as a self-serving individual who prioritizes his career and interests over the well-being of his family and others. Coles masterfully portrays the two sides of McDowell's character, making him an intriguing yet flawed protagonist who captures readers attention, even when his actions may not.
McDowell treats his third marriage to Carole as a practical arrangement for raising children instead of a loving union. His heart, shielded by impenetrable cold logic and a watertight prenup, remains invulnerable to emotional vulnerability. However, this detachment extends to his professional life, where accusations of ethical breaches and strained relationships with colleagues resonate with the isolation of his personal life.
As the plot unfolds, McDowell's carefully constructed life begins to unravel when journalist Paige, tasked with writing his biography, exposes his deceptions. Tragedy strikes as his grandson, Jeremy, commits mass murder and attempts suicide; Hiram allegedly killed him. Convicted of second-degree murder, McDowell serves only one year and seven months of his twenty-five-year sentence before escaping, embarking on a solitary journey in search of redemption. Finding solace in the mountains, he forms unexpected bonds and begins penning his memoir. His encounter with Maud, a librarian, prompts him to confront his true self. Parting ways with her and her family, he unexpectedly finds himself missing them, revealing newfound humanity. McDowell's profound transformation distinguishes him as a likeable character, vastly different from his former self.
The novel dives into cultural exploration, from Nepal’s streets to women’s intimate struggles. Sophie, McDowell's daughter, adds a touching layer to the story as she evolves from battling depression to championing women’s issues through her powerful photography work, which adds to the narrative by showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. The novel’s structure may seem disjointed occasionally due to shifts between different characters perspectives, which I find potentially distracting from the central narrative. However, the editorial craftsmanship is impeccable; with not a comma out of place, I didn’t find any errors, and my minor critique about it occasionally distracting from the central narrative does not diminish the brilliancy of the author’s literary craft. The book is well edited and exceptionally well written. Hence, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Ultimately, ”McDowell” by William H. Coles gracefully explores themes of redemption and personal transformation, which are aspects I particularly love in the book. Its realistic portrayal of a morally complex main character invites readers to reflect on forgiveness and the need for change in even the most flawed individuals. Highly recommended for those who appreciate deep character development and complex plot lines.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
”McDowell” by William H. Coles is a character-driven novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the moral dilemmas faced by its protagonist, Hiram McDowell. The novel is an interesting tale that details the rise and fall of a prominent surgeon, McDowell, who is ambitious and skilled but deeply flawed. Despite his flaws, McDowell is not without merit; he saves lives, maintains physical prowess through mountain climbing, and displays a semblance of care for his children, albeit in a cold and domineering manner. His professional life is marked by remarkable achievements, yet his personal life is far from admirable. He is depicted as a self-serving individual who prioritizes his career and interests over the well-being of his family and others. Coles masterfully portrays the two sides of McDowell's character, making him an intriguing yet flawed protagonist who captures readers attention, even when his actions may not.
McDowell treats his third marriage to Carole as a practical arrangement for raising children instead of a loving union. His heart, shielded by impenetrable cold logic and a watertight prenup, remains invulnerable to emotional vulnerability. However, this detachment extends to his professional life, where accusations of ethical breaches and strained relationships with colleagues resonate with the isolation of his personal life.
As the plot unfolds, McDowell's carefully constructed life begins to unravel when journalist Paige, tasked with writing his biography, exposes his deceptions. Tragedy strikes as his grandson, Jeremy, commits mass murder and attempts suicide; Hiram allegedly killed him. Convicted of second-degree murder, McDowell serves only one year and seven months of his twenty-five-year sentence before escaping, embarking on a solitary journey in search of redemption. Finding solace in the mountains, he forms unexpected bonds and begins penning his memoir. His encounter with Maud, a librarian, prompts him to confront his true self. Parting ways with her and her family, he unexpectedly finds himself missing them, revealing newfound humanity. McDowell's profound transformation distinguishes him as a likeable character, vastly different from his former self.
The novel dives into cultural exploration, from Nepal’s streets to women’s intimate struggles. Sophie, McDowell's daughter, adds a touching layer to the story as she evolves from battling depression to championing women’s issues through her powerful photography work, which adds to the narrative by showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. The novel’s structure may seem disjointed occasionally due to shifts between different characters perspectives, which I find potentially distracting from the central narrative. However, the editorial craftsmanship is impeccable; with not a comma out of place, I didn’t find any errors, and my minor critique about it occasionally distracting from the central narrative does not diminish the brilliancy of the author’s literary craft. The book is well edited and exceptionally well written. Hence, I rate it 5 out of 5 stars.
Ultimately, ”McDowell” by William H. Coles gracefully explores themes of redemption and personal transformation, which are aspects I particularly love in the book. Its realistic portrayal of a morally complex main character invites readers to reflect on forgiveness and the need for change in even the most flawed individuals. Highly recommended for those who appreciate deep character development and complex plot lines.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords