Review of McDowell
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Oluwasegun Timothy
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Review of McDowell
[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]
In William H. Coles' McDowell, the reader is introduced to a highly skilled surgeon whose level of hubris is matched only by his talent. The story opens with McDowell and his climbing partner braving the elements, but when his partner's life is in peril, McDowell leaves him behind, taking the life-saving equipment for himself. He sees himself as invincible and believes that God will always protect him, while any mistakes or problems in his life are always someone else's fault. However, when a tragic event shakes his core beliefs, McDowell is forced to face the consequences of his actions and his own mortality.
The book attempted to capture a compelling reality that left a profound impact on me. As I read through its pages, it felt like I was an active participant in a movie, where my emotions ranged from intense hatred towards Hiram to an overwhelming feeling of affection towards Sophie. I was particularly impressed by how the author portrayed the women in the story, highlighting their pivotal roles that transcended societal expectations. Additionally, the book was immaculately edited, and I couldn't spot any errors. McDowell is a complex story that weaves together the narratives of several characters, including McDowell himself and his three children, as well as other supporting roles. While it may be challenging to keep track of all these storylines, it is not an insurmountable task thanks to the ample information provided that keeps readers engaged throughout. Finally, I appreciated how the author generously allocated time and space to develop the characters, which made them more relatable and enjoyable to follow.
In the book, the author presents a frank depiction of the challenges that come with working in the medical field. On the other hand, there is McDowell, who appears to have an admirable profession and engages in charitable work, but his inner character is lacking in moral values. His negative outlook towards women and conservative beliefs about their role in society are concerning, and despite his positive actions towards his children, the reader finds it hard to sympathize with him.
Despite these flaws, the author skillfully portrays the impact of Hiram's behavior on his family, which is a major highlight of the book. Without revealing too much, apart from the later part of the book where things take a turn for the worse, the family dynamics make this book exceptional.
There was nothing I disliked about this book. The book was exceptionally edited. Therefore, I would give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This book might be of interest to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with complex and flawed characters, as well as those interested in exploring themes related to the medical profession, family dynamics, and societal attitudes towards women. However, readers who may be sensitive to depictions of negative attitudes towards women or who prefer fast-paced plots may want to approach the book with caution.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
In William H. Coles' McDowell, the reader is introduced to a highly skilled surgeon whose level of hubris is matched only by his talent. The story opens with McDowell and his climbing partner braving the elements, but when his partner's life is in peril, McDowell leaves him behind, taking the life-saving equipment for himself. He sees himself as invincible and believes that God will always protect him, while any mistakes or problems in his life are always someone else's fault. However, when a tragic event shakes his core beliefs, McDowell is forced to face the consequences of his actions and his own mortality.
The book attempted to capture a compelling reality that left a profound impact on me. As I read through its pages, it felt like I was an active participant in a movie, where my emotions ranged from intense hatred towards Hiram to an overwhelming feeling of affection towards Sophie. I was particularly impressed by how the author portrayed the women in the story, highlighting their pivotal roles that transcended societal expectations. Additionally, the book was immaculately edited, and I couldn't spot any errors. McDowell is a complex story that weaves together the narratives of several characters, including McDowell himself and his three children, as well as other supporting roles. While it may be challenging to keep track of all these storylines, it is not an insurmountable task thanks to the ample information provided that keeps readers engaged throughout. Finally, I appreciated how the author generously allocated time and space to develop the characters, which made them more relatable and enjoyable to follow.
In the book, the author presents a frank depiction of the challenges that come with working in the medical field. On the other hand, there is McDowell, who appears to have an admirable profession and engages in charitable work, but his inner character is lacking in moral values. His negative outlook towards women and conservative beliefs about their role in society are concerning, and despite his positive actions towards his children, the reader finds it hard to sympathize with him.
Despite these flaws, the author skillfully portrays the impact of Hiram's behavior on his family, which is a major highlight of the book. Without revealing too much, apart from the later part of the book where things take a turn for the worse, the family dynamics make this book exceptional.
There was nothing I disliked about this book. The book was exceptionally edited. Therefore, I would give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This book might be of interest to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with complex and flawed characters, as well as those interested in exploring themes related to the medical profession, family dynamics, and societal attitudes towards women. However, readers who may be sensitive to depictions of negative attitudes towards women or who prefer fast-paced plots may want to approach the book with caution.
******
McDowell
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon | on Smashwords
Latest Review: Timewise by Robert Leet
