Official Review: Peacock White survival by Linda Lorraine

[InStoree]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Peacock White survival" by Linda Lorraine.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Take a moment and imagine that “the Sun is dying,” and the Earth stopped spinning. That’s the scenario presented in Peacock White, by Linda Lorraine, as we watch an Australian family struggling to survive this apocalyptic time.

The disastrous occurrence begins as simple breaking news but later escalates into a full-blown catastrophe. Birds start falling out of the sky, and the Sun is surrounded by a purple haze. Under these conditions, panic unfolds in Québec, where Linda and Jim are vacationing. They decide to cut their trip short and fly back home to Millmerran in Australia. As tragedy looms, Linda and Jim, along with their children and their spouses, gather together. They start planning and preparing for what is to come. The shocking events force the entire family to stockpile food and supplies, hoping to increase their chances of survival as well as those of the numerous animals (kangaroos, peacocks, horses, and goats) that they raise on their sixty acres. A sense of doom envelops the world as it becomes a hellish place to live. The fight for survival then begins.

Patrick Moore’s Data Book of Astronomy, with themes concerning solar flares and nuclear fusion reactions, seemingly inspired the author. Nonetheless, Lorraine’s attempt falls short. The story is not fully developed, and the work reads more like a writer’s draft. Many of the characters didn’t seem to have a progressive evolution course which made them latent. Some of them appeared in the story without any introduction. I had to assume who they were, and this often created confusion in understanding the plot. The characters’ reactions were also unrealistic. Despite the widespread panic in Québec when Linda and Jim plan to fly back home, they first enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony. This improbable passage in the novel pulled me out of the story. I had a similar reaction with other scenes when drinking wine was involved while the characters performed various tasks. This seemed rather odd and a bit exaggerated considering the unfavorable circumstances. In addition, I couldn’t notice any connection between the title and the theme of the book.

Despite these shortcomings, there is an interesting message that guides the reader toward a thought-provoking question: “Would you be ready in a catastrophic disaster?” This led me to one of the more favorable aspects of the book — the tips necessary to survive if the economy of my country was halted. When your surroundings turn into a ghost town and shops and banks are closed, your debit and credit cards are rendered useless pieces of plastic. The aftermath of Mother Nature’s rage made me realize just how helplessly small a human being can be when faced with a disaster like a tsunami or an earthquake.

For the sake of fantasy, I was open to the far-fetched theory that the Earth stopped spinning and somehow the world’s ecosystem survived. While the suspension of disbelief is subjective to each reader, personally, I believe that in a story with unrealistic elements, it is essential to make some logical sense. But this sci-fi novel lacks any layer of realism, which impeded my ability to connect to the story or characters. Yet, the writer used bits of humor that made the story somehow engaging. It was hilarious to read about people filling their bellies at McDonald’s during the potential end of humanity.

The second part of the book, “Songs from the Heart,” has a beautiful collection of poems like “Give Me Back Yesterday,” or “Fighting for Tomorrow.” This part made the author’s poetic ability shine. The poem, “Shake the Strings Away,” describes the detachment of young women from their mothers as they embrace their own separate lives.

The book needs an editorial revision as the author’s “run-on” writing style lacks periods, commas, and quotations marks. I would recommend Peacock White to readers who have an interest in solar flares and their potential effects on global life and communities. Those curious about methods of survivalism might also enjoy this read. Readers who are looking for a coherent and insightful story may not like this work. Only one profane word is used, and no sexual references are made throughout the text. I am giving this piece 2 out of 4 stars, but if I were to award only the poems, it would earn a perfect score.

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Peacock White survival
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[That Reviewer]

I think the plot is a good one. It's a shame to story wasn't properly developed.

[NetMassimo]

Honestly after reading about the Sun dying and the Earth that stopped spinning I was already in facepalm mode. Too bad the author didn't think of a more realistic scenario as your remarks about the poems is much more intriguing. Thank your for your thorough review!

[SunVixen]

Honestly after reading about the Sun dying and the Earth that stopped spinning I was already in facepalm mode.

This is not science fiction, it is something like anti-science fiction. At least I am grateful for this review. I know now that I will not read this book.

[InStoree]

I think the plot is a good one. It's a shame to story wasn't properly developed.

I agree. A more organized storyline could make this read more intriguing. Thanks for stopping by!

Honestly after reading about the Sun dying and the Earth that stopped spinning I was already in facepalm mode. Too bad the author didn't think of a more realistic scenario as your remarks about the poems is much more intriguing. Thank your for your thorough review!

Yeah, I guess the fact that the Earth has millions of years of spinning makes it a bit hard to believe that it will just stop. But hey, it's fiction! Who knows? Perhaps one day he will decide he's tired and he got dizzy and it's time for retirement. However, the premise is quite promising. Hopefully, the author will complete the missing parts; it will make a great book. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Massimo!

Honestly after reading about the Sun dying and the Earth that stopped spinning I was already in facepalm mode.

This is not science fiction, it is something like anti-science fiction. At least I am grateful for this review. I know now that I will not read this book.

There are plenty of books out there that explore this hypothesis. It's too bad that the author failed to transmit it in a clear and concise manner. But reading between the lines, the story has a vital message of survivalism. Thank you for your honest comment, SunVixen!

[Nerea]

I kind of like the theme highlighted in the story, survival quest. It's somewhat related to our day today. I'm adding the book to my want to read shelf. Thank you for presenting an insightful review.

[Kelyn]

I love post-apocalyptic novels. I think they're my favorite type of books. I was ready to like this one, but it sounds like the writer needs to do a lot more work on it before it's actually ready for the public. I hope they take this under advisement. I would love to read it after a thorough re-write. Thanks for the review!

[Letora]

It's interesting that there is no clear connection to the title. Just about every book I read mentions the title somewhere. I don't think this one will make it onto my to read this though. Poorly developed characters are almost an instant do not finish for me in a book. Great review!

[InStoree]

I kind of like the theme highlighted in the story, survival quest. It's somewhat related to our day today. I'm adding the book to my want to read shelf. Thank you for presenting an insightful review.

Happy reading, Nerea, and thank you for commenting!

I love post-apocalyptic novels. I think they're my favorite type of books. I was ready to like this one, but it sounds like the writer needs to do a lot more work on it before it's actually ready for the public. I hope they take this under advisement. I would love to read it after a thorough re-write. Thanks for the review!

I hope so too as I think it's a promising story with educational elements. Thank you for your time, Kelyn!

It's interesting that there is no clear connection to the title. Just about every book I read mentions the title somewhere. I don't think this one will make it onto me to read this though. Poorly developed characters are almost an instant do not finish for me in a book. Great review!

There was one scene at some point with Linda's white peacock, Opal, but sadly, I couldn't find its relationship with the book's theme or story. For me, it was rather confusing. Thanks for taking the time to read my review though!

[Prisallen]

It certainly seems as though this book could have been written better. It's too bad as the underlying idea seems like a good one. Thanks for the informative and well-written review!

[InStoree]

It certainly seems as though this book could have been written better. It's too bad as the underlying idea seems like a good one. Thanks for the informative and well-written review!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Prisallen!