Review by Rosemary Wright -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[Rosemary Wright]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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McDowell written by William H. Coles spotlights the backwash of arrogance and selfishness. The protagonist of this work of fiction is Hiram McDowell, a self-important, self-centred and ambitious surgeon. He is a regent to the board of directors of the International College of Surgeons in Chicago. Hiram approaches Michael O'Leary, a key member of the college's board of governors executive committee, and asks him to swing votes for him to be nominated for the post of the president of the college with a promise to make Michael the executive director of the college. Hiram is elected president but he broke his promise to Michael who vowed to ruin him.

Hiram's high-and-mighty attitudes get him into trouble with the law, and he is convicted and sentenced to twenty-five years imprisonment. He escapes from jail and takes a journey into the wilderness and starts writing a memoir. He then meets a woman in a convenience store and his values and perspectives about life change. This book is in two parts. The first part is about the rise of Hiram McDowell and the second part, his fall. The setting of the story takes the readers of the book through various cities in the United States of America; from Denver to Chicago, New York, and other cities.

The story has a fascinating and suspenseful plot, and well developed characters that are interestingly relatable. The plot runs smoothly and it's fast paced. As I read, closing the book occasionally, was an absolute struggle for me because I just wanted to know what was next. The book has mentions of sexism. Sophie, one of Hiram's daughters was a photographer involved in a project about the plight of women. This book also gives insight to the influence of family on kids and parental negligence as Hiram's pedigree is seen going through life with psychological issues.

I like the way the author explored the politics involved in healthcare and journalism institutions and the consequent need and fight for good journalism; fair reporting with truth and balance. Additionally, the book plays up the corrupt practices in some philanthropic foundations; inadequate documenting of the scope of benefits available and benefits actually received compared to fundraising results.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because in addition to being very intriguing and engaging, it seems properly edited and proofread. I recommend this book to lovers of fiction books, who appreciate fiction with a blend of crime.

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McDowell
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Like Rosemary Wright's review? Post a comment saying so!

[kdstrack]

Enjoyed your review very much. I liked how you pointed out the theme of the influence of family on the children. Very interesting. Thanks!

[Rosemary Wright]

Enjoyed your review very much. I liked how you pointed out the theme of the influence of family on the children. Very interesting. Thanks!

Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[cvetelina_yovcheva87]

Very nice review. I get interested in reading the novel.

[Princeroland]

nice review...... really the book is a good one with so many lessons to be learnt

[Naheed883]

this book is very nice because to many lessons to be learnt, and i like that very much.
I likable however you distinguished the theme of the influence of family on the youngsters. it,s really too much interesting.
i'll give 4 rating stars for your book.

[Asavela]

Sounds like a great book that raise important issues, so interesting.

[Kareka88]

he protagonist of this work of fiction is Hiram McDowell, a self-important, self-centred and ambitious surgeon.

The story has a fascinating and suspenseful plot, and well developed characters that are interestingly relatable. The plot runs smoothly and it's fast paced. As I read, closing the book occasionally, was an absolute struggle for me because I just wanted to know what was next.

Thank you for your review. I just started reading this and I agree with you about the self-important and self-centeredness and I would say overly ambitiousness of McDowell. I am glad to know there is more to the story. I am always looking for books with good character development and a plot that will hold my interest.

[Evance Wekesa]

Such an amazing book to read, very interesting and informative articles on this book keeps me up all the time

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an amazing piece of literary fiction from William H. coles and i loved reading and reviewing it. The onlinebookclub review of the book was written perfectly and it highlighted the best the book had to offer. I rated the book 3 out of 4 stars. Congrats on being the BOTD.

[gali]

A book revolving around the rise and fall of self-centered ambitious surgeon sounds intriguing. A suspenseful plot, well developed characters, and good writing make for a good book. The exploration of politics and psychological issues is a plus. That it was well-edited is another plus. Thank you for the review!

[Elizabeth Pass]

I hate when evil is validated and rewarded, but I love the eventual comeuppance. I like that this book is in two parts, specifically split between the rise and fall.

[jelly_lover101]

That was such an insightful review. I quite loved your recount of the story. It makes me want to read it, I love books such as these

[LaurenHaupt]

This guy was a doctor? Lol. Sounds like a great book. I wasn't sure if I was going to read it before. Thanks to your review, I think I will.

[deashane]

i like that it has an influence to family on kids and parental negligence.