Review of The Dumb Supper

[Seetha E]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Dumb Supper" by Jack Pentire.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Dr. Jonathan Wilde graduated from Queens in Belfast. He always wanted to specialize in emergency medicine but instead found himself working as a general practitioner. During a challenging time in his life, while reevaluating things, he met Sally Johnson, a freelance researcher. Their meeting could not have been a mere coincidence. There was an instant connection, and a beautiful relationship blossomed. Not long after, they moved to Cornwall, a place Sally had always dreamed of living in. Work and family life all fell into place soon after.

Amidst the simple and idyllic life in Cornwall, not everything was as it seemed. Sally was enlightened about mysterious historical patterns and her connection to them, which suggested an imminent danger that would follow her bloodline if left unaddressed. Her only clue is the Dumb Supper. Sally was brought up and educated in a Catholic school system. She was open to the idea of superstition and occult practices. But Jonathan was a man of science and an arch-rationalist. He was skeptical. With these two opposing viewpoints, how could they deal with the events and handle life-threatening situations? Are the duo capable of restoring the balance lost long ago?

The author takes us through several chapters, introducing new characters and their gripping stories, all vividly described. Its relatability stirs you to the core. All the characters come alive with their powers, weaknesses, vices, internal conflicts, motivations, and more. As the narrative unfolded, I became eagerly engaged, wanting to know how everything would turn out. The settings, both historical and present-day, and the conversations among the characters are crafted so well that I felt like I was watching a motion picture with visual effects. I recommend picking up a copy of The Dumb Supper, by Jack Pentire, to discover how things end in Cornwall and for the Wilde family.

I admit it took some time to figure out what the author was driving at. To enhance the reading experience, the author could consider having titles specific to each story and subdividing that chapter into parts wherever needed. For example, chapters 4 and 5 can be clubbed under one, as the storyline progresses for the same characters. A single chapter can be dedicated to the character Gerry Pascoe. These aspects did not detract from my overall enjoyment, and I loved the way everything came together at the end.

I did spot several spelling and punctuation errors. I recommend a round of thorough editing to polish it up to ensure an error-free delight for the readers. These errors force me to award a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The profanity and sexual content make the book suitable for mature adults only. Using the themes of lies, gossip, or not standing up for what is right in time, the author beautifully highlights how we are connected and how our actions or inactions can impact society. Overall, this book is not just an entertaining read but also a call for some soul-searching about how we respond to wrongdoings around us.

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The Dumb Supper
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[Priya Murugesan]

A very unique and interesting plot. Hope the author notes about editing errors. Will surely try this book if I get a chance. Thanks for your review!

[ChinniES]

Your review makes me curious. Supernatural and logic makes it more interesting. I'll check it out.

[Amy Luman]

I have to admit that I do believe in the occult, but I don’t think that it is ever helpful. I do sympathize with Sally’s predicament, though. Who wants to put their children through something awful if it can be avoided? Thanks!

[Sarah Zain]

The story seems captivating. If subdividing the titles and other points you mentioned could be modified, it would be better because the book would be more organized and engaging that way. Thank you

[NetMassimo]

At first, this novel seems about rationality vs. supernatural but I see that there are more profound themes that are developed through conversations and connections. I hope the author does proper prooreading to make the novel excellent. Thank you for your great review!

[Mark Lazarus]

The mix of history, mystery, and the clash between science and superstition sounds intriguing. I like stories that explore deeper themes about our choices and their ripple effects, so that part definitely resonates with me. The pacing and structure concerns might be a bit frustrating, but if the storytelling is strong enough, I’d still consider giving it a try.