Review by linham02660 -- McDowell by William H. Coles

[linham02660]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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Every once in a while you come across a book that will invoke strong emotions and really make you pause a moment to let everything sink in. This is one of those books for me.

McDowell written by William H. Coles is a fiction novel about a man named Hiram McDowell. He is a world-renown surgeon and President of International College of Surgeons. He has also founded a hospital in poverty-stricken Nepal and manages a medical research group. Hiram loves mountain climbing in his free time. He seemingly has everything a man could desire fame, wealth, recognition, family. From the outside, he sits on top of the world. However, Hiram is also the most self-centered, egotistical, condescending, bigot and sexist you will ever come across. The book takes you on a journey with him from his heights of success to his complete ruin and his search for enlightenment. Is there redemption for Hiram? You will have to read the book to find out.

My favorite thing about the book is how the author pointedly shows us the correlation between a disconnected and dysfunctional father and the results it has on his children. Hiram’s children Ann, Sophie and Billy have lives wrought with psychological and emotional issues. Coles vividly and almost poetically portrays this. While being so selfish and self-centered Hiram is blinded to his crushing effects on others close to him. Hiram shows his love for his children by shielding and protecting them from themselves as much as his money can buy. All the significant characters have immense depth and are very easy to relate to.

Secondly, I enjoyed how Coles made Hiram a character that I both hate and feel sympathy for. He is ruthless and will do whatever it takes to further his own agenda. He never takes any responsibility for anything that happens to him. It is so tragic how out of touch with himself Hiram is. As much as I loathe this part of Hiram, I can’t help feel he was unfairly handed some unjust punishments as well.

Lastly, the rise and fall of Hiram are brilliantly written. He finds himself in serious legal trouble and ends up escaping from jail. He lives on the run looking to remain one step ahead of the law and maybe find some inner peace trying to change his life. The talented author provides us the whole story through different lenses by using the children and women in Hiram’s life along with a few longtime colleagues and other professionals he interacts with in the book. Positively making for an absolutely great read with plenty of action and drama. I promise you will not be bored. The ending was fitting and well done.

I did not dislike anything about McDowell It was fascinating, moves fluidly and kept me completely engaged. It is well worth reading. I recommend it to adult readers that enjoy fiction novels that will thoroughly engage their emotions. This book is not a light read. I don’t think anyone can read it and be left untouched. Because of these things I gladly rate it a 4 out of 4 stars. The book was professionally edited, and I did not find any mistakes.

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McDowell
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[Nicky Rita]

The novel has a strong sense of place, with the settings becoming characters in their own right.