Review by HMZ923 -- Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman
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Review by HMZ923 -- Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hearts Set Free" by Jess Lederman.]
Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman is a novel that takes experiences and historical facts and weaves them together to form an in-depth look at both. It is a fictionalized account based on imagined diaries, news releases, history, and personal knowledge of the foundational beliefs presented. The account spans from the early 1900s to recent times.
The story begins when 14-year-old Uukkarnit Noongwook, later known as Luke, and his mother Yura, leave their Alaskan home in search of Luke’s father. They encounter David Gold, and their Indian heritage and his path, fuse into an unexpected future.
The Church of the Heart Set Free becomes a catalyst evolving from a building to a movement as Sebastian Bale stakes his claim to Nevada’s burgeoning gambling enterprises. Almost simultaneously, the Great Depression, the building of Boulder Dam, and scientific discoveries of the world’s creation give rise to tragedies and conflicts.
Luke, David and Daniel Gold, Joan Reed and Tim Faber of Science Cable T.V., Skull, Lucas, Julia, the General, and Oz Osman are some of the characters that unveil the story’s landscape through knife fights, boxing, prison, murder, scheming, scientific discovery, and so much more.
I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars, primarily because it achieved the author’s objectives. Grammatical errors were next to none. It was a joy to trust the writing. Although there were some references to intimate encounters, none had explicit references of any type. The profanity was sparse, minor, and mostly displayed as appropriate to the speaker.
The characters were authentic and varied, which artfully displayed in their speech patterns. One of my favorite lines is “the stars hint at greater things than themselves.”
What I disliked most about the book is what felt like excessive preaching, even though much of it was encased in dialogue and primarily resonated with my knowledge and experience. I would have liked to see more of the mystery and revelation of faith presented as was done in some of the more compact dialogue and acted out scenes.
What I liked most about the book is the drama between the ‘evil/bad’ elements and the ‘individual/community’ response (countermeasures). Often the dialogue was fresh, realistic, and as flavorful as the characters. My favorite character is Lucas. He warmed my heart.
I would recommend this book for those interested in seeing faith worked out through frequent impromptu discussion as well as faith-based choices in trying times. History buffs and those intrigued by the seeming conflict between the Christian faith and science will enjoy this passage of discovery.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman is a novel that takes experiences and historical facts and weaves them together to form an in-depth look at both. It is a fictionalized account based on imagined diaries, news releases, history, and personal knowledge of the foundational beliefs presented. The account spans from the early 1900s to recent times.
The story begins when 14-year-old Uukkarnit Noongwook, later known as Luke, and his mother Yura, leave their Alaskan home in search of Luke’s father. They encounter David Gold, and their Indian heritage and his path, fuse into an unexpected future.
The Church of the Heart Set Free becomes a catalyst evolving from a building to a movement as Sebastian Bale stakes his claim to Nevada’s burgeoning gambling enterprises. Almost simultaneously, the Great Depression, the building of Boulder Dam, and scientific discoveries of the world’s creation give rise to tragedies and conflicts.
Luke, David and Daniel Gold, Joan Reed and Tim Faber of Science Cable T.V., Skull, Lucas, Julia, the General, and Oz Osman are some of the characters that unveil the story’s landscape through knife fights, boxing, prison, murder, scheming, scientific discovery, and so much more.
I would give this book 4 out of 4 stars, primarily because it achieved the author’s objectives. Grammatical errors were next to none. It was a joy to trust the writing. Although there were some references to intimate encounters, none had explicit references of any type. The profanity was sparse, minor, and mostly displayed as appropriate to the speaker.
The characters were authentic and varied, which artfully displayed in their speech patterns. One of my favorite lines is “the stars hint at greater things than themselves.”
What I disliked most about the book is what felt like excessive preaching, even though much of it was encased in dialogue and primarily resonated with my knowledge and experience. I would have liked to see more of the mystery and revelation of faith presented as was done in some of the more compact dialogue and acted out scenes.
What I liked most about the book is the drama between the ‘evil/bad’ elements and the ‘individual/community’ response (countermeasures). Often the dialogue was fresh, realistic, and as flavorful as the characters. My favorite character is Lucas. He warmed my heart.
I would recommend this book for those interested in seeing faith worked out through frequent impromptu discussion as well as faith-based choices in trying times. History buffs and those intrigued by the seeming conflict between the Christian faith and science will enjoy this passage of discovery.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Irma's Daughters by Jennie Linnane
