Review of If Only

[peace_m]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "If Only" by Matthew Tree.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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If Only by Matthew Tree is historical literature with an intertwined tale of Malcolm Lowry’s letters to his Father’s accountant, Mister Patrick, and the interrogation of a young man decades later, found with the letters mentioned above and a bag of explosives.

A young man behaved strangely at St. James Park in London and was detained by the police. They found a bag of Russian explosives and ten letters on him — the letters were correspondence from Malcolm Lowry to Mister Patrick, the young man’s grandfather. He was interrogated by a psychiatrist, Dr. Murray Bishop, and a detective chief Inspector on these possessions. The authorities don’t believe the letters to be genuine but find it so after analysis. That heightens the investigation, as the young man has traveled to each location on the letter. In seeking truth, Dr. Bishop finds out the connecting logic between Malcolm and the young man, who takes a more violent approach. Is this a case of a highly planned terrorist attack? Or a case of a man who has lost the sanity of his mind? Read up on this book to find out.

Matthew Tree creates a drawing, engaging story with an otherwise complicated writing technique. Also, his word bank is affluent and vivid in the description. The characterization was also superb. Malcolm Lowry happens to be a dead historical character, writer, and poet, who we get a glimpse into his life, struggles, and achievement. The character of the young man was also an interesting one. I loved his mind’s inner workings and erratic behavior.

I love the two plotlines that sort of merge together, as one preceded the other in a teaser-like manner. Fleeting from one story to another wasn’t confusing at all, and the thrill was unrivaled. I like the character of Malcolm; his character resonated with me the most and his insightful letters. It’s pretty telling that he possessed a rich mind, albeit dulled a bit by alcohol yet still shining brightly.

My favorite scene was when Dr. Bishop finally connected the dots. I felt relieved on his behalf after so much mental work. I admired the fact that each letter serves as a teaser in uncovering the psychopathic tendency of this young man and his arid school of thought.

Unfortunately, I would rate it 3 out of 4 stars. I deducted a star because of the errors that distorted my reading flow. Also, long narrations go on without much basis and point. I had to go back a good number of times to reread and get the hang of what is implied, especially the long inner tirades of the young man. In my opinion, those parts were not necessary, as they were confusing and sometimes out of point. Besides that, there is nothing more to dislike about the book.

I recommend this book to a mature audience of historical fiction.

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If Only
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Amenrodion]

Hmmm, intriguing plot. It also looks like a book for lovers of suspense as well

[Reading_Jack]

I love the plot. It promises to be very interesting. I also love that the author merged the two stories perfectly. Thanks for an honest review.

[Blessing Odii]

It seems this historical literature has a little suspense. Nice review

[Pauls_]

The storyline seems engaging. It would be great to read when it has been properly edited. Nice review.

[Mbenma Esther 080]

Historical fiction is one of my best reading moments. Thanks for the review

[Roli T]

Great plot. The story feels like a thrilling and mind engaging read. Also, I've always enjoyed a good historical fiction. Nice review

[peace_m]

Hmmm, intriguing plot. It also looks like a book for lovers of suspense as well

Yes, thank you for stopping by.

[peace_m]

I love the plot. It promises to be very interesting. I also love that the author merged the two stories perfectly. Thanks for an honest review.

Yes, he did a very great job. Thank you for stopping by

[peace_m]

Historical fiction is one of my best reading moments. Thanks for the review

Thank you for stopping by.

[peace_m]

Great plot. The story feels like a thrilling and mind engaging read. Also, I've always enjoyed a good historical fiction. Nice review

Yes, the plot was great!

[peace_m]

It seems this historical literature has a little suspense. Nice review

Yes, you will enjoy the book. Thank you for stopping by.

[peace_m]

The storyline seems engaging. It would be great to read when it has been properly edited. Nice review.

Exactly, I think the second edition would be much free of errors. Thank you for stopping by.

[cutemami]

The idea of two plots merging together is tickling my fancy. I would like to see how the author did it. I am also interested in getting to know more about the Dr Bishop character.

[Aisha Yakub]

Except the errors, this looks like a great read. Thank you for the review.