Review of McDowell
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Review of McDowell
[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]
What would you do if you lost everything you ever worked for? How far would you go to redeem yourself and regain your dignity? These are some of the questions that McDowell by William H. Coles explores in this captivating novel that follows the life of Hiram McDowell, a renowned surgeon and mountaineer who falls from grace after being convicted of murder.
The novel begins with a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the story. McDowell is climbing a mountain in Nepal with his friend and colleague, Paolo Bertolucci, when Paolo collapses from exhaustion and begs for help. McDowell decides to leave him behind and continue his ascent, claiming that he has no choice but to save himself. This act of selfishness reveals McDowell’s character and foreshadows his future downfall.
The novel then shifts to McDowell’s life as a successful and influential doctor who has achieved fame and fortune through his medical skills and humanitarian efforts. He is also a skilled mountain climber who has conquered many peaks around the world. He has a large family consisting of three wives (two divorced and one current), four children (three biological and one adopted), and several grandchildren. However, he is also arrogant, manipulative, and unfaithful to his spouse and friends. He has many enemies who resent his power and prestige.
The novel is divided into four parts: The Surgeon (before prison), The Fugitive (after escape), The Redemption (after meeting Sophie), and The Reckoning (the final confrontation). Each part consists of several chapters that alternate between different points of view, such as those of McDowell’s children (Billie, Ann, and Sophie), his friends (Michael O’Leary, Maud), his enemies (Paige Sterling, Wilson Banes), and other minor characters.
The novel is well-written and engaging from start to finish. The author uses vivid descriptions and realistic dialogues to create a believable world where the characters live and interact. The author also explores complex themes such as morality, justice, and redemption through the actions and choices of the characters.
The novel portrays realistic and diverse characters with different perspectives on McDowell’s case. Some sympathize with him and hope for his salvation, while others despise him and wish for his demise. McDowell himself is a fascinating and contradictory figure who displays both brilliance and arrogance, generosity and selfishness, and courage and cowardice. He is neither wholly good nor wholly evil, but rather human with flaws and virtues.
The novel has a fast-paced and suspenseful plot that keeps readers hooked until the end. The author skillfully weaves together multiple subplots and twists that add depth and intrigue to the story. The novel also has an unexpected and ambiguous ending that leaves readers wondering about McDowell’s fate.
However, the novel also has some drawbacks that may affect some readers’ enjoyment. One drawback is that the novel is too long and repetitive at times. It could have been shorter and more concise without losing its essence. Another drawback is that the novel has too many subplots and characters that are hard to follow at times. Some subplots seem irrelevant or unresolved, while some characters seem underdeveloped or unnecessary. A third drawback is that the novel is too harsh and cynical in its depiction of human nature. It shows how people can be cruel, greedy, or hypocritical towards each other, even among family members or friends. Some readers may find this depressing or disturbing.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is an excellent work of fiction that offers an insightful look into human nature, morality, and redemption. If you love suspense and do not mind the drawbacks above, this book is for you. This book was splendidly edited. It is without a single error.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
What would you do if you lost everything you ever worked for? How far would you go to redeem yourself and regain your dignity? These are some of the questions that McDowell by William H. Coles explores in this captivating novel that follows the life of Hiram McDowell, a renowned surgeon and mountaineer who falls from grace after being convicted of murder.
The novel begins with a prologue that sets the tone for the rest of the story. McDowell is climbing a mountain in Nepal with his friend and colleague, Paolo Bertolucci, when Paolo collapses from exhaustion and begs for help. McDowell decides to leave him behind and continue his ascent, claiming that he has no choice but to save himself. This act of selfishness reveals McDowell’s character and foreshadows his future downfall.
The novel then shifts to McDowell’s life as a successful and influential doctor who has achieved fame and fortune through his medical skills and humanitarian efforts. He is also a skilled mountain climber who has conquered many peaks around the world. He has a large family consisting of three wives (two divorced and one current), four children (three biological and one adopted), and several grandchildren. However, he is also arrogant, manipulative, and unfaithful to his spouse and friends. He has many enemies who resent his power and prestige.
The novel is divided into four parts: The Surgeon (before prison), The Fugitive (after escape), The Redemption (after meeting Sophie), and The Reckoning (the final confrontation). Each part consists of several chapters that alternate between different points of view, such as those of McDowell’s children (Billie, Ann, and Sophie), his friends (Michael O’Leary, Maud), his enemies (Paige Sterling, Wilson Banes), and other minor characters.
The novel is well-written and engaging from start to finish. The author uses vivid descriptions and realistic dialogues to create a believable world where the characters live and interact. The author also explores complex themes such as morality, justice, and redemption through the actions and choices of the characters.
The novel portrays realistic and diverse characters with different perspectives on McDowell’s case. Some sympathize with him and hope for his salvation, while others despise him and wish for his demise. McDowell himself is a fascinating and contradictory figure who displays both brilliance and arrogance, generosity and selfishness, and courage and cowardice. He is neither wholly good nor wholly evil, but rather human with flaws and virtues.
The novel has a fast-paced and suspenseful plot that keeps readers hooked until the end. The author skillfully weaves together multiple subplots and twists that add depth and intrigue to the story. The novel also has an unexpected and ambiguous ending that leaves readers wondering about McDowell’s fate.
However, the novel also has some drawbacks that may affect some readers’ enjoyment. One drawback is that the novel is too long and repetitive at times. It could have been shorter and more concise without losing its essence. Another drawback is that the novel has too many subplots and characters that are hard to follow at times. Some subplots seem irrelevant or unresolved, while some characters seem underdeveloped or unnecessary. A third drawback is that the novel is too harsh and cynical in its depiction of human nature. It shows how people can be cruel, greedy, or hypocritical towards each other, even among family members or friends. Some readers may find this depressing or disturbing.
Overall, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it is an excellent work of fiction that offers an insightful look into human nature, morality, and redemption. If you love suspense and do not mind the drawbacks above, this book is for you. This book was splendidly edited. It is without a single error.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
