Review by Rosenblatt1 -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[Rosenblatt1]

[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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It is the blight of the human condition that the influence of greed, lust, and envy can all at once feel instinctive and depraved. The motivation that individuals call upon to create businesses and lead nations is often engendered by a combination of egocentrism and ascendancy masquerading as altruism, a fact that is exacerbated by the sensational media headlines and scandals that saturate the news cycle. It is far more profitable to report that the sky is falling than it is to expose the conditions that make its fall inevitable, creating an opportunity for the most incendiary candidates to appeal to those who feel displaced and angered by the status quo.

In William H. Coles' McDowell , the influence of greed drives a respected general surgeon and devoted father to use morally and ethically questionable tactics to rise to power as the President of the board of directors of the International College of Surgeons. During Part I of the two-part, 662-page novel, Hiram McDowell seems to be almost completely motivated by base instincts. The reader develops an understanding of McDowell as a powerful and wealthy man who takes what and who he wants with no regard to the consequences of his actions. The reader watches as Hiram makes a myriad of miscalculations that lead to the unravelling of his life, creating a sense of just appropriation that turns out to be short-lived.

In Part 2, the tone softens as Hiram searches for the answers to some of life’s most elusive questions. The egomaniacal character that the reader discovers in Part 1 fades as Hiram develops more sophisticated emotions that curtail the greed and lust. Though Hiram’s development appears to be authentic, the question of Hiram’s moral fortitude never completely goes away. Part of what makes Hiram such an interesting character is that he is openly conflicted with his thoughts on what it means to love, to be a good person, and to be successful. Hiram is relatable, if not understandable, to anyone who has ever wondered what it means to be a good parent.

McDowell was an absolute pleasure to read. The story is skillfully woven into a series of twist and turns that engages the reader and encourages the type of up-all-night reading binges that is exciting to discover. The reader gains valuable insights about their own life through their adventures with Hiram, and ultimately must decide for themselves whether Hiram is vindicated at the end.

The only criticism that I can offer is that the ending seems a bit rushed, and a little too clean and tidy. It appears to leave a few questions unanswered that readers may feel have led them to an abrupt end, rather than a crescendo. Having said that, it is with my greatest respect to the author that I rate this novel a 4 out of 4 stars . I look forward to reading more pieces of literary art by Mr. Coles.

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McDowell
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[Erin Painter Baker]

I am conflicted about this book. (Seems appropriate, right?) This is not a genre I have any interest in reading, but the story and the questions it brings up, as described by reviews like yours, is very interesting to me. If this were wrapped in a fantasy package, I would probably love every bit of it. And yet, no matter how many great reviews, like yours, I read of the book, I can't bring myself to want to read it.

[R Benedicta]

The themes in McDowell are universal and will resonate with many readers.