Official Review: The Narrow Gate by John Servant

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 20 Apr 2019, 13:53

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Narrow Gate" by John Servant.]

4 out of 4 stars

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As the story begins, John Kelly, once an award-winning newspaper reporter, is assigned to write an article on an ex-senator, Joe Jay. The newspaper’s editor has learned that Jay is hospitalized and likely dying. Since Senator Jay rose to fame quickly and was later forced into retirement, due to scandal, the editor suspects that a good story is lurking there. (This is not a spoiler, as the reader will learn this information in the first few pages of the novel).

When Kelly enters the senator’s hospital room, he sees an old man who appears to be near death. Next, he notices a nun, dressed in full habit, kneeling on the tile floor and praying her rosary. Writer’s intuition convinces Kelly that there is definitely an intriguing story here.

At this point, the story flashes back to Senator Joe Jay's earlier life. Ambitious to a fault, Jay is lured into the seedy world of politics. He soon learns that each decision he makes carries an unforeseen, and often dangerous, consequence. As this captivating plot unfolds, both the senator and the nun (Sister Francis) will intersect one another’s lives on numerous occasions. However, it is what occurs between these encounters that will captivate the reader.

The Narrow Gate by John Servant captured my interest from the beginning and held it until the last page. Since this is a short read, I easily read it in one day. Servant does a masterful job of developing the main characters. Jay is the ambitious, arrogant and confident (yet often naïve) politician. Sister Francis is the steady, caring and nurturing nun. She is steadfast in her principles and will not be swayed into compromising them.

Servant keeps the tone of the book teetering between hope and despair. Since the characters are so relatable, readers will identify with both of these emotions, throughout the book. Also, the major themes of the book are greed (for money and power), atonement and service to God. The author is skilled in evoking the reader’s senses. At times, the reader may shudder at the arrogance of Jay, as he nonchalantly makes some of his life-altering decisions. Yet, at other times, the reader will sympathize with Jay’s fear, and utter despair, as the consequences hit him head on.

For all of the reasons noted above, I am pleased to award The Narrow Gate 4 out of 4 stars. I could find nothing to dislike about this novel. Additionally, the book appears to have been professionally edited. Readers may also be interested to learn that Servant was a lawyer. Having witnessed individuals overcome huge hurdles to achieve their dreams, he has also observed as they fell from grace. His experience and knowledge lend another layer of authenticity to this novel.

This intriguing story will appeal to those who have made mistakes in the past, even life-altering ones, and wondered if true forgiveness was possible. Those with an eye toward politics would certainly benefit from reading this novel. There are no explicit scenes or strong language to offend readers. However, there are a few hints of sexual liaisons, crime, and death that may not be suitable for young adults. I highly recommend this captivating novel and would love to see it adapted as a movie.

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The Narrow Gate
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Post by **kandscreeley** » 25 Apr 2019, 08:57

Interesting. I am curious about what Joe Jay's secret is and how he finds forgiveness. This sounds like a fabulously well-written novel. As long as there is nothing explicit, the hints of various liaisons, etc. don't bother me. I might have to try this one. Thanks for the great review.

Bianka Walter · Post by **Bianka Walter** » 25 Apr 2019, 10:09

Ooooh, this one sounds right up my ally. Joe Jay sounds like a super interesting character - all the better!
Very cool premise, and on my to-read list.
Thank you for the great review.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 25 Apr 2019, 13:41

kandscreeley wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 08:57 Interesting. I am curious about what Joe Jay's secret is and how he finds forgiveness. This sounds like a fabulously well-written novel. As long as there is nothing explicit, the hints of various liaisons, etc. don't bother me. I might have to try this one. Thanks for the great review.

Wish I could have given the book 5 stars- I know you would love it. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. I really appreciate your kind words!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 25 Apr 2019, 13:44

Bianka Walter wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 10:09 Ooooh, this one sounds right up my ally. Joe Jay sounds like a super interesting character - all the better!
Very cool premise, and on my to-read list.
Thank you for the great review.

He was a fascinating character- who could not make a good choice if his life depended on it. But you will love him! Thank you so much for your comments!

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 25 Apr 2019, 16:34

A politician and a nun? Strange bedfellows! But the premise is quite unique. I am intrigued.

Thanks for the awesome review!

Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 25 Apr 2019, 16:44

This book sounds intriguing. I do enjoy this kind of book and I will have to take a look at it. Thanks for a wonderful review!

Janelle Juncos · Post by **Janelle Juncos** » 25 Apr 2019, 20:41

There's nothing like a good deathbed mystery! I've found myself really enjoying books that zigzag between eras and perspectives lately. Is it just me or is the name "Joe Jay" slightly irritating? A great review, as always.

Basmeen · Post by **Basmeen** » 26 Apr 2019, 00:03

Interesting. Since I am a thriller lover. This grasps my attention. Eagerly want to know the Joe jay's history and reason for which he seeks forgiveness.The review itself does justice to this story. And I am always interested in politics but, never thought of the consequences of placing our opinion over political issues.always ready to read this kind of genre

Laura Ungureanu · Post by **Laura Ungureanu** » 26 Apr 2019, 01:42

A short book with complex characters and intriguing plot is everything I desire. Your review made me curious about what is going on with the Senator and the nun. Thank you for this amazing review!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 26 Apr 2019, 07:43

Cotwani wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 16:34 A politician and a nun? Strange bedfellows! But the premise is quite unique. I am intrigued.

Thanks for the awesome review!

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm glad you stopped by.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 26 Apr 2019, 07:54

Prisallen wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 16:44 This book sounds intriguing. I do enjoy this kind of book and I will have to take a look at it. Thanks for a wonderful review!

I do hope that you are able to find time for this one. Thank you so much for stopping by, Prisallen, and for commenting!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 26 Apr 2019, 07:57

Janelle Juncos wrote: ↑25 Apr 2019, 20:41 There's nothing like a good deathbed mystery! I've found myself really enjoying books that zigzag between eras and perspectives lately. Is it just me or is the name "Joe Jay" slightly irritating? A great review, as always.

I would have preferred a more formal senatorial sounding name also. I think you would definitely enjoy this one. Thank you, Janelle, for stopping by and for commenting!

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 26 Apr 2019, 08:00

Basmeen wrote: ↑26 Apr 2019, 00:03 Interesting. Since I am a thriller lover. This grasps my attention. Eagerly want to know the Joe jay's history and reason for which he seeks forgiveness.The review itself does justice to this story. And I am always interested in politics but, never thought of the consequences of placing our opinion over political issues.always ready to read this kind of genre

Hi, Basmeen. Joe has a lot to ask for forgiveness for- but don't we all. If you follow politics, I think you would really like this one. Thank you so much for stopping in and for your insightful comments.

Bluebird03 · Post by **Bluebird03** » 26 Apr 2019, 08:03

Laura Bach wrote: ↑26 Apr 2019, 01:42 A short book with complex characters and intriguing plot is everything I desire. Your review made me curious about what is going on with the Senator and the nun. Thank you for this amazing review!

I hope you find the time to read this one! It certainly has been one of my favorites. Thank you, Laura, for stopping by and commenting!