Review of McDowell

[Kelsey Roy]

[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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William H. Coles' fictional novel, McDowell, follows the rise and fall of the successful surgeon, Hiram McDowell. McDowell's unrelenting pursuit of wealth and status strains his relationships with his friends and family. Hiram does not value or respect others. He treats all of his wives with blatant disrespect, knowing he will always be able to attract another woman. His children suffer under his neglect and the challenges of living with only his money to help them navigate. Hiram eventually suffers a significant setback in his life and begins to learn what is truly important. Status and money will never remain, so what is the purpose of life?

I loved reading the second half of this book. The plot outlines McDowell's change in mentality and how his newfound outlook influences everyone he comes across. McDowell's past continues to haunt him. Yet, the effort he puts into creating normalcy and helping others is admirable. I applaud the author for changing my mind on such a despicable character, as Coles depicts Hiram to be in the first half of the book.

At first, I was hesitant that I would enjoy the book. Hiram was a menace to women, and his actions were disgusting. But after completing the book, I see the impact his selfish actions had on people around him before and after he changed. The author shows the reader the complexities of life and how selfish actions have a ripple effect throughout time. I was sad to have completed this book. I wanted more! But the ending shows a firm connection to Hiram's changed mentality, cementing in the mind of the reader how profound his transformation was. There's nothing to dislike about this narrative.

I rate McDowell 4 out of 4 stars. The book is well-written and professionally edited. I found only two minor errors, a couple of errant spaces in the text. The author's writing brings life to several characters. Each person within the story has a distinct tone and personality. Coles' ability to transform the reader's opinion about McDowell is admirable. In the beginning, I was disgusted by Hiram, but at the close of the final chapter, I was impressed with the man he had become.

I recommend this book to readers interested in crime or coming-of-age fiction novels. There is a distinct evolution of the main character's outlook on life. Crime constitutes a critical portion of this novel, but the book is not a true-crime thriller. There are scenes of sexual exploitation, violence, and coarse language, so I recommend this book to adult readers. I am highly impressed with this novel. I would enjoy reading more from this author.

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McDowell
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[David Samanthaa]

McDowell" is a beautifully written novel that explores the themes of redemption and personal growth with great sensitivity. Coles' writing is both evocative and powerful, making for a deeply moving reading experience.