Review by Zion Mesa -- Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman
-
Zion Mesa
- Posts: 235
- Joined: 18 Jan 2020, 08:40
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 27
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-zion-mesa.html
- Latest Review: Business Basics BootCamp by Mitche Graf
Review by Zion Mesa -- Hearts Set Free by Jess Lederman
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hearts Set Free" by Jess Lederman.]
A pleasantly complicated and engaging tale, Hearts set free tells the story of how God's love can manifest its power in even the darkest circumstances. It’s hard to confine this story to a single protagonist. It would be most accurate to say it revolved around four main characters, although it contained multiple narratives. From a boy in search of his lost father to a middle-aged woman coping with the heartbreak of a failed marriage, it seems impossible that these characters would have anything in common, yet they’re crafted into a cohesive plot that makes the book an effortless page-turner. Set between the early 1900s and present day, the book follows the individual faith journeys of several individuals as they are forced to question everything they believe in the face of adversity.
Centered in a fluid, yet creatively structured format, the book manages to progress the plot forward smoothly. Author Jess Lederman has an admirable ability to make even the most remote characters seem lifelike and realistic. From the very first chapter, it was easy to feel the emotions of the protagonists. Despite this, I didn't feel the writing was too heavy-handed. While sometimes, trying to juggle multiple interconnected narratives gives even the most accomplished writers headaches, Lederman manages to avoid making the book seem cluttered, while still leaving the reader guessing where the story will take them next.
Interwoven with clever parallels, symbolism, and imagery, the novel has a poetic tone to it that carries throughout. The story-writing lacks nothing in power or impact. My only critique with this book is that the epilogue felt largely unnecessary. While not poorly written, in my opinion, it didn’t add much value to the book.
I rarely feel a book deserves four out of four stars, but this one made my list. It made me almost feel as though I was reading a classic. Despite being incredibly ambitious, it still managed to deliver a solid story, and had a message, but didn’t feel cheesy or forced down my throat.
The editing was exceptional, especially considering how much material is within the novel, and the characters are lifelike and interesting. I would recommend this book for teens and adults of either gender. The story requires some level of attention to detail which many younger readers may not possess. Aside from this, there are some more mature concepts that a small child could be confused by. People who object to the foundational Christian worldview may dislike this novel; however, if they have no particular opinion on the religion, it could still make for a pleasant read.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A pleasantly complicated and engaging tale, Hearts set free tells the story of how God's love can manifest its power in even the darkest circumstances. It’s hard to confine this story to a single protagonist. It would be most accurate to say it revolved around four main characters, although it contained multiple narratives. From a boy in search of his lost father to a middle-aged woman coping with the heartbreak of a failed marriage, it seems impossible that these characters would have anything in common, yet they’re crafted into a cohesive plot that makes the book an effortless page-turner. Set between the early 1900s and present day, the book follows the individual faith journeys of several individuals as they are forced to question everything they believe in the face of adversity.
Centered in a fluid, yet creatively structured format, the book manages to progress the plot forward smoothly. Author Jess Lederman has an admirable ability to make even the most remote characters seem lifelike and realistic. From the very first chapter, it was easy to feel the emotions of the protagonists. Despite this, I didn't feel the writing was too heavy-handed. While sometimes, trying to juggle multiple interconnected narratives gives even the most accomplished writers headaches, Lederman manages to avoid making the book seem cluttered, while still leaving the reader guessing where the story will take them next.
Interwoven with clever parallels, symbolism, and imagery, the novel has a poetic tone to it that carries throughout. The story-writing lacks nothing in power or impact. My only critique with this book is that the epilogue felt largely unnecessary. While not poorly written, in my opinion, it didn’t add much value to the book.
I rarely feel a book deserves four out of four stars, but this one made my list. It made me almost feel as though I was reading a classic. Despite being incredibly ambitious, it still managed to deliver a solid story, and had a message, but didn’t feel cheesy or forced down my throat.
The editing was exceptional, especially considering how much material is within the novel, and the characters are lifelike and interesting. I would recommend this book for teens and adults of either gender. The story requires some level of attention to detail which many younger readers may not possess. Aside from this, there are some more mature concepts that a small child could be confused by. People who object to the foundational Christian worldview may dislike this novel; however, if they have no particular opinion on the religion, it could still make for a pleasant read.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Business Basics BootCamp by Mitche Graf
