OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Seven Gifts" by John Mellor.]
In this story a young boy is presented with the task of discovering the seven gifts given to the Earth by its guardian. The nature of each gift is gradually revealed to him through seven apparently unrelated stories, and, with the help of an Angel, he finally comes to realise who he is and what he must do.

This is an unusual story that I would describe as a morality tale for the present day. It shows a society dominated by technology and science, logic and computers, where religion and spirituality have been sidelined in favour of material gain and self indulgence. You can't help but feel that it is doomed from the start. By contrast, the world which the young boy inhabits is far more natural: we see him on the sea shore and in the Angel's modest cottage, enjoying simple pleasures like walking by the river, looking round the Angel's garden and going fishing.

It would appear to be set in a time similar to the our own, with references to rock 'n' roll, atom bombs and pension funds, and it even touches on space exploration and the exploitation of other planets. But, in spite of the parallels, this is definitely a fantasy world, inhabited by Ice Queens, magicians and monsters as well as normal people.

The modern day parables are peopled with whimsical characters, and although the situations they find themselves in are pure fantasy, many of them have very human traits that the reader can relate to. The young boy himself comes across as a believable, normal child and there are often times when he would rather go fishing than look for the next gift.

The author uses a simple style to tell the tale and this is very effective. His repetition of certain phrases reinforce the messages contained in the book and create a feeling of security, for example: the Angel watching over the boy. In addition, the technique of telling stories within the story works well and it is a clever way to pass on information to the reader at the same time that it is being revealed to the boy. It also means that the reader identifies with him on another level as they both try to work out the hidden meanings.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it as a good read with an original way of presenting the theme. It is thought-provoking and the author draws on a wide range of subjects to weave his tale, from bees and gardening to boats and fishing; his experience and knowledge of things nautical make the stories involving the sea particularly vivid. However, for me, it just falls short of four stars as I was a little bit disappointed not to get to know what happens to some of the characters; and, although it is very well written, it doesn't quite have the wow factor.

I rate this book 3 out of 4.

***
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Thank you for the thoughtful review of my book. I am pleased that you enjoyed it, and was also intrigued by your comment: "I was a little bit disappointed not to get to know what happens to some of the characters". It has never occurred to me to wonder what happens to them after their chapters have finished, so here is my take on it:

As I see it, when a honeybee visits a flower the two share a brief communion, that remains forever precious even if their lives never touch again. Similar things happen when ships pass in the night, and people meet, and hummingbirds mate.

We cannot revisit these connections, as each is part of a unique juxtaposition of space, time and consciousness. Attempts to do so invariably end in disappointment. My characters are there to serve the story, and when they have done so, I think they are best left to go their ways. Perhaps some will walk again, in different stories under different guises; and perhaps not.

John Mellor

Thank you both to the Reviewer and for the Author for his response. This book has piqued my interest, as I am a huge fan of reading spiritual books. This book seems to be similar to other spiritual books which are based in fiction I have read (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho; The Saint, the Surfer and the CEO by Robin Sharma) and thoroughly enjoyed. The messages weaved in a fictional tale is a genre that appeals to be tremendously.

"As I see it, when a honeybee visits a flower the two share a brief communion, that remains forever precious even if their lives never touch again. Similar things happen when ships pass in the night, and people meet, and hummingbirds mate".

I love how the Author explains the magical or, as I would put it, Divine meeting of "matter" which, I would agree, doesn't need to have their own story once the purpose of the meeting has been served.

Thank you for the review and must get a copy to read