Official Review: Through the Gates by A.V. Schmidlin

[NadineTimes10]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Through the Gates" by A.V. Schmidlin.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Mallory Carter isn’t sure what final event has led her to the pearly Gates of Saint Peter to have a private conference with the revered saint himself in Through the Gates, a novel by author A.V. Schmidlin. Yet, Mallory soon realizes that her life back on Earth has ended. Now she must face a difficult interview related to the abuse and devastation she’s suffered, her tumultuous marriage, and the earlier death of her only daughter. Though Mallory longs to go spend eternity with her child in heaven, Saint Peter’s questioning doesn’t seem to be tilting in Mallory’s favor. Will her answers for the earthly choices she’s made be enough to sway Saint Peter into making a positive judgment?

Now, it’s important to note right off that although this novel indeed has a religious theme, this book is not of the Christian fiction genre. Neither is it meant to give theological instruction concerning religious practices or the afterlife, as allegories might. Still, this story’s theme of eternity serves to expand the scope of the protagonist’s reflections on the way she’s lived.

The author writes with a smart and piquant style. Though much of the subject matter is intense and rather dark, Mallory prevents her life (and death) story from becoming overwhelmingly heavy through her wits, her affection, and her down-to-earth personality. Her conference with Saint Peter spans most of the novel in first person, present tense, and she relates the account of her life to the reader in past tense. Mallory doesn’t give her account chronologically, but her reflections follow the course of the conference instead. While there are occasional slips in tenses that don’t appear to be intentional, the flow of the story is smooth overall.

It would’ve been easy to depict Mallory’s quasi-celestial meeting with Saint Peter as something overly formal. However, the interaction between these two characters develops more of a personable and empathetic quality. Mallory’s references to “God” and “god” are telling, and though some of her musings on love become redundant, her reflections are thought-provoking. She considers what it’s like to nearly disappear along with one’s fading dreams, what it’s like to miss oneself. While I imagine some readers may have qualms about the story’s conclusions on what true love is, the novel strongly makes its case in a way that is anything but superficial.

Therefore, I give Through the Gates a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Despite its minor flaws, the novel unashamedly addresses tough questions with a nuanced level of sensitivity. I’d recommend it to contemporary and women’s fiction readers who appreciate stories that delve into serious and challenging issues concerning the human experience.

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Through the Gates
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[chytach18-]

What an unusual and interesting subject! At first, I thought the book would be something humorous. I'm glad that I was mistaken.

[NadineTimes10]

What an unusual and interesting subject! At first, I thought the book would be something humorous. I'm glad that I was mistaken.

Unusual and interesting indeed. The main character's wry way of telling her story does make for a humorous moment or two, but there's not much in the way of comedy. I think the book cover nails it, as far as the novel's mood goes.

[bookowlie]

I enjoyed reading your well-written, insightful review. I thought the plot looked familiar and then I realized I read the sample a while ago and almost selected the book for review. I am going to take a second look based on your positive opinions.

Congrats to the author on receiving 4 stars!

[NadineTimes10]

I enjoyed reading your well-written, insightful review. I thought the plot looked familiar and then I realized I read the sample a while ago and almost selected the book for review. I am going to take a second look based on your positive opinions.

Thanks, Owlie! Sometimes books snag me that way--if I stop to look, then pass on by, but then see later that someone else read it...

[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like an interesting story with profound premise and relatable character. I am very much intrigued by the idea of an 'interview with Saint Peter'.

[NadineTimes10]

Sounds like an interesting story with profound premise and relatable character. I am very much intrigued by the idea of an 'interview with Saint Peter'.

Yes, Saint Peter turns out to be quite a human character in this story.

[Anya]

Ummm..normally Christian fiction genre isn't my kind of book at all...but i could read this one..

[NadineTimes10]

Ummm..normally Christian fiction genre isn't my kind of book at all...but i could read this one..

Yes, I thought it important to state in the review that this novel isn't of that genre, as there may be readers who think any fiction with Christian themes must of course be Christian fiction, but that isn't always the case. Just like a book containing romantic themes or romance in the storyline doesn't necessarily make it a romance novel, or a book with a mysterious murder in it doesn't automatically make it a murder mystery novel--and so on.

[kira]

Your review was really good. I will pick this book next:)

[NadineTimes10]

Your review was really good. I will pick this book next:)

Thanks, Kira--good to hear it!

[Swiftmover07]

Nicely worded and well written review

[NadineTimes10]

Nicely worded and well written review

Gee, thank you kindly!