Official Review: Peacock White survival by Linda Lorraine
Posted: 19 Feb 2020, 02:36
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Peacock White survival" by Linda Lorraine.]
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.
******
Peacock White survival
View: on Bookshelves
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.
******
Peacock White survival
View: on Bookshelves
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!
