Review by onduru_one -- The Narrow Gate by John Servant

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onduru_one
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Latest Review: The Narrow Gate by John Servant

Review by onduru_one -- The Narrow Gate by John Servant

Post by onduru_one »

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Narrow Gate" by John Servant.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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The Narrow Gate by John Servant is an intriguing story that opens with newspaper editor Frank Barry summoning John Kelly, an award-winning reporter to his office for an assignment. Frank requests John to do a piece on Joe J., a man who served as a senator a decade ago and is now hospitalized and nearing his death. The editor is convinced that owing to Joe’s scandalous past and current deteriorating health condition, John can pen a great article for next Sunday edition of the newspaper.

John heeded to his Frank’s command, packed, and took a train to the facility where Joe was receiving treatment. Once in the room, John’s attention is drawn to a nun kneeling behind Joe while reciting the rosary in a soft voice. After asking the nun and a nurse a few questions, John is convinced that there is a lot more to Joe’s story. Initially, John thought that Joe’s story is not worthy of his time and effort. When John gets back to his hotel room to piece up the story, the author takes the reader back to the ex-senator’s early life, and the story gets even more fascinating to the end.

The author skillfully explores two main themes, including religiousness and greed. Joe had such a strong desire for status and power that he even despised the truth that Sister Francis shared. Character development is excellent, particularly the main characters Joe, John, Frank, and Sister Francis, making all of them so relatable. I found myself switching between optimism and hopelessness for each character throughout the book.

The book is a masterpiece. The author weaved together two different themes and used his excellent literary skills to piece up this captivating story. I strongly believe everyone can somehow relate to the story since we have all made mistakes in the past and desire forgiveness. The book is an absorbing read, and I did not find anything to dislike about the book.

I am glad to rate John Servant's The Narrow Gate four out of four stars. I enjoyed reading the book right from page one to the last. The book seems to be professionally edited since I did not find any errors which made my reading smooth and fun from start to end. The book is a short read, just 124 pages, and would recommend it to anyone since it features no explicit scenes or offensive language. However, there are some slight mentions of sexual relations, but these are mild may not influence young adults’ reading; instead, the few lines greatly enrich the story.

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The Narrow Gate
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Vivian Jabeya
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Post by Vivian Jabeya »

I am glad that Joe's story changed John's life especially since John didn't want to handle this story initially. Good review!
Latest Review: Void by Tayma Tameem
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