Review of JTs World
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Ochieng Omuodo
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Review of JTs World
[Following is a volunteer review of "JTs World" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]
JT’s World: A JT Thomas Novel by E. Alan Fleischauer is, as the title suggests, part of a fictional series. It is the final one of a five-book Western series and John Thurgood Thomas, better known as JT, is the protagonist. The story is set in the milieu of America’s Wild West in the nineteenth century. It begins explosively with a frenzy of murders. However, in addition to the action, there is history, romance, racial and sexual diversity, and some social commentary is weaved into the story.
JT is a wealthy man who has lost the love of his life, Annabelle, to murder. She is survived by her daughter, Madeline, who JT takes makes his ward. Even with Madeline’s sunny disposition, a beautiful home, loyal friends and employees, substantial properties in multiple states, and the progressing construction of JT’s World – a complex including a theatre, hotel, and amusement park – JT seems unable to overcome this tragedy. As we follow JT through the routine of his life, we encounter a considerable number of characters that seem to be either despicable or endearing, but rarely anything in between. However, none of them are what they initially seem to be. From the amazing and selfless Jessica, who just might be the ‘cure’ for JT’s malaise, to the indestructible villain, Zamora, the characters are developed well, each one with something going on in the background.
I was most impressed by Fleischauer’s use of backstories for the characters. This gave them a holistic feel and showed what in their lives made them turn out the way they did. For example, it was easy to label characters by one attribute: Heller, the adroit marksman, Jessica, the self-made doctor, and Zamora, the criminally crooked lawyer. But, as their true characters began to filter through, it became clear that there was much more to each one than those labels. The people JT only interacts with in a transient fashion also get this attention. It would have been easy for Fleischauer to limit himself to describing them only insofar as they supported JT’s story.
I also appreciated the inclusion of the major issues of the day. Some are: mortality related to infectious diseases like influenza, slavery, historical facts around events and figures like Baccelli’s development of intravenous therapy and Sheriff Garrett, Billy the Kid’s nemesis. All of these, along with nuggets about the novelty of Coca Cola, in-house water closets, and other things that we take for granted today, gave me an entertaining peak into the 1800s.
The writing style is also to be admired. Fleischauer is good with figurative descriptions, strategically using symbolism to bring colour to the reading experience. Not only is the grammar excellent – I only found a couple of typographical errors – but the vocabulary is rich.
The only aspect of the book that I found somewhat questionable was the way Fleischauer dealt with the sexual content, which was based on euphemistic references. My reaction to this did not rise to the level of dislike, but I did find it to be a little prudish. However, that is strictly a reflection of my personal preference.
Therefore, I have no hesitation in giving the book a four out of four rating. The plot is engaging, the characters are holistic, the narrative is written well, and, even though the book is fictional, the historical content is factual.
It was every bit as enjoyable as many Wild West movies I have watched and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in that era. It has everything associated with the time: gunfights, lawlessness, gallantry, damsels in distress, and much more. I was disappointed to get to the end of the book, especially as I knew that it was the final one in the series. Since I have not read the prior ones, I suppose that I could try something new to deal with my ‘problem’: reading them in reverse order.
******
JTs World
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
JT’s World: A JT Thomas Novel by E. Alan Fleischauer is, as the title suggests, part of a fictional series. It is the final one of a five-book Western series and John Thurgood Thomas, better known as JT, is the protagonist. The story is set in the milieu of America’s Wild West in the nineteenth century. It begins explosively with a frenzy of murders. However, in addition to the action, there is history, romance, racial and sexual diversity, and some social commentary is weaved into the story.
JT is a wealthy man who has lost the love of his life, Annabelle, to murder. She is survived by her daughter, Madeline, who JT takes makes his ward. Even with Madeline’s sunny disposition, a beautiful home, loyal friends and employees, substantial properties in multiple states, and the progressing construction of JT’s World – a complex including a theatre, hotel, and amusement park – JT seems unable to overcome this tragedy. As we follow JT through the routine of his life, we encounter a considerable number of characters that seem to be either despicable or endearing, but rarely anything in between. However, none of them are what they initially seem to be. From the amazing and selfless Jessica, who just might be the ‘cure’ for JT’s malaise, to the indestructible villain, Zamora, the characters are developed well, each one with something going on in the background.
I was most impressed by Fleischauer’s use of backstories for the characters. This gave them a holistic feel and showed what in their lives made them turn out the way they did. For example, it was easy to label characters by one attribute: Heller, the adroit marksman, Jessica, the self-made doctor, and Zamora, the criminally crooked lawyer. But, as their true characters began to filter through, it became clear that there was much more to each one than those labels. The people JT only interacts with in a transient fashion also get this attention. It would have been easy for Fleischauer to limit himself to describing them only insofar as they supported JT’s story.
I also appreciated the inclusion of the major issues of the day. Some are: mortality related to infectious diseases like influenza, slavery, historical facts around events and figures like Baccelli’s development of intravenous therapy and Sheriff Garrett, Billy the Kid’s nemesis. All of these, along with nuggets about the novelty of Coca Cola, in-house water closets, and other things that we take for granted today, gave me an entertaining peak into the 1800s.
The writing style is also to be admired. Fleischauer is good with figurative descriptions, strategically using symbolism to bring colour to the reading experience. Not only is the grammar excellent – I only found a couple of typographical errors – but the vocabulary is rich.
The only aspect of the book that I found somewhat questionable was the way Fleischauer dealt with the sexual content, which was based on euphemistic references. My reaction to this did not rise to the level of dislike, but I did find it to be a little prudish. However, that is strictly a reflection of my personal preference.
Therefore, I have no hesitation in giving the book a four out of four rating. The plot is engaging, the characters are holistic, the narrative is written well, and, even though the book is fictional, the historical content is factual.
It was every bit as enjoyable as many Wild West movies I have watched and I definitely recommend it to anyone interested in that era. It has everything associated with the time: gunfights, lawlessness, gallantry, damsels in distress, and much more. I was disappointed to get to the end of the book, especially as I knew that it was the final one in the series. Since I have not read the prior ones, I suppose that I could try something new to deal with my ‘problem’: reading them in reverse order.
******
JTs World
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Endgame by William Reed
