Review of Hearts Set Free
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Jane Pulido
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Review of Hearts Set Free
[Following is a volunteer review of "Hearts Set Free" by Jess Lederman.]
Hearts Set Free takes off from where the movie Togo ends. Yura and Luke, wife and son, respectively, of one of the Alaskan mushers in the so-called Great Race of Mercy—Victor—leave for the US mainland to look for the missing man. Their search leads them to meet men and women, some rich and famous--like Jack Jackson and Albert Einstein—understated scientists, like Georges Lamaitre and Milton Humason, and a host of more ordinary men and women, whose stories and lives will intertwine with theirs. Set in the region surrounding Las Vegas and spanning almost the entire 20th century up to the present for its period, this quasi-historical work of fiction explores contemporary issues such as faith and science, and ecumenism, as well as the human experience of brokenness and the existence of evil, alongside the deep desire for what is good, and the values of friendship, marriage, and family.
Jess Lederman has done a splendid job weaving what is already known and could be known about his featured famous characters with those of his principal protagonists. The historical elements in his narration are sufficiently supported. One is given a good idea, for instance, how the area of Las Vegas developed. What he tells of Lamaitre and Humason contributes to the recognition that ought to be given to these astronomers. Lederman does not in any way dwell on the possible differences of the different Christian religions; rather, he shows where they unite, and he does so in a surprisingly natural way. His exposition of human frailty is upfront but remains decent, not violating human sensibility. He balances this, too, with his optimistic acknowledgment of a person’s capacity for greatness. All this he does telling his story in an incredibly interesting and modern way.
Some people may find this piece of work a little bit too long for a novel that they would like to read in one sitting. There may also be too many characters that could not be given sufficient characterization. Those who are not used to a distinctively Christian literature may find some parts jarring.
I rate this novel 4 out of 4 stars for how well it has been written and for taking on themes and topics that many are not wont to dwell on.
Overall, this book is enjoyable to read. While it can come across as of a genre which is obviously Christian, for which reason its first audience will definitely be them--especially the non-Catholics —Catholics might be surprised to find in the dialogues a trove of Christian truths that in they end they will realize they share with their brethren in the Christian faith. They will also learn how deftly others can make use of the Scriptures. Those who find interest in the issues of science and faith will be happy to read some things about our guests men of science. This book is also for those who are trying to discover if there is more to this life than what can be readily seen.
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Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Hearts Set Free takes off from where the movie Togo ends. Yura and Luke, wife and son, respectively, of one of the Alaskan mushers in the so-called Great Race of Mercy—Victor—leave for the US mainland to look for the missing man. Their search leads them to meet men and women, some rich and famous--like Jack Jackson and Albert Einstein—understated scientists, like Georges Lamaitre and Milton Humason, and a host of more ordinary men and women, whose stories and lives will intertwine with theirs. Set in the region surrounding Las Vegas and spanning almost the entire 20th century up to the present for its period, this quasi-historical work of fiction explores contemporary issues such as faith and science, and ecumenism, as well as the human experience of brokenness and the existence of evil, alongside the deep desire for what is good, and the values of friendship, marriage, and family.
Jess Lederman has done a splendid job weaving what is already known and could be known about his featured famous characters with those of his principal protagonists. The historical elements in his narration are sufficiently supported. One is given a good idea, for instance, how the area of Las Vegas developed. What he tells of Lamaitre and Humason contributes to the recognition that ought to be given to these astronomers. Lederman does not in any way dwell on the possible differences of the different Christian religions; rather, he shows where they unite, and he does so in a surprisingly natural way. His exposition of human frailty is upfront but remains decent, not violating human sensibility. He balances this, too, with his optimistic acknowledgment of a person’s capacity for greatness. All this he does telling his story in an incredibly interesting and modern way.
Some people may find this piece of work a little bit too long for a novel that they would like to read in one sitting. There may also be too many characters that could not be given sufficient characterization. Those who are not used to a distinctively Christian literature may find some parts jarring.
I rate this novel 4 out of 4 stars for how well it has been written and for taking on themes and topics that many are not wont to dwell on.
Overall, this book is enjoyable to read. While it can come across as of a genre which is obviously Christian, for which reason its first audience will definitely be them--especially the non-Catholics —Catholics might be surprised to find in the dialogues a trove of Christian truths that in they end they will realize they share with their brethren in the Christian faith. They will also learn how deftly others can make use of the Scriptures. Those who find interest in the issues of science and faith will be happy to read some things about our guests men of science. This book is also for those who are trying to discover if there is more to this life than what can be readily seen.
******
Hearts Set Free
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Happiness is All We Want! by Ashutosh Mishra
