Review by Remesethe -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland
-
Remesethe
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 31 Jul 2020, 08:28
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 11
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-remesethe.html
- Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White
Review by Remesethe -- Shifting Sands by Barry Litherland
[Following is a volunteer review of "Shifting Sands" by Barry Litherland.]
An ethically eye-opening story is unfolded when Phil Tyler, a low-key journalist, chooses to investigate his friend, Winston's, encounter. Things became more intriguing when a person they both knew transformed almost instantly into someone very unlikely of him. Shifting Sands as a title illustrated the book well with respect to the change in the character’s personality when the environment becomes a contradicting factor to the individual’s beliefs. Once left without a choice but death leads to unpredictable changes and vice versa. The unforeseeable events that took place altered the character’s usual perspective and decision, which is less likely to happen without the prior occurrence.
Barry Litherland's approach of using the first-person point of view made it easier for the reader to imagine the setting and the events of the story. The characters became increasingly appealing throughout the story. Without a constant description of their being, they became more powerful with their dialogues. This, in turn, drove the story and created a smooth flow as the characters made decisions.
Opposing personalities were able to express a heavier message that reflects a part of reality. I loved how the dialogues gave color to the characters rather than how they were described in the story. Although some of the story’s direction can somehow be predetermined by the reader, a certain mystery remained in question as the author managed to stir doubt in one’s mind. Curiosity is stimulated because suddenly you want to confirm your hunch and question what the author has prepared.
Beyond the colorful dialogues of curses, the book leaves a deeper, darker, yet realistic possibility that’s not to be disregarded. It challenges the powerful and questions the line as to what should be the limit with regards to advancing knowledge. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy questioning their minds because this will leave you dumbfounded from time to time. Although it is also recommended that the reader is open-minded to swear languages as it is a part of the work that paints the characters.
I rate this book four out of four. Despite having consecutive dialogues, it didn’t become difficult to follow the story. It also became natural to identify and root for the characters because of their contradicting dispositions. This made the book relatable for me even if it doesn’t focus on everyday life. The author’s way was engaging enough that reading Shifting Sands also became an experience of self-reflection.
******
Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
An ethically eye-opening story is unfolded when Phil Tyler, a low-key journalist, chooses to investigate his friend, Winston's, encounter. Things became more intriguing when a person they both knew transformed almost instantly into someone very unlikely of him. Shifting Sands as a title illustrated the book well with respect to the change in the character’s personality when the environment becomes a contradicting factor to the individual’s beliefs. Once left without a choice but death leads to unpredictable changes and vice versa. The unforeseeable events that took place altered the character’s usual perspective and decision, which is less likely to happen without the prior occurrence.
Barry Litherland's approach of using the first-person point of view made it easier for the reader to imagine the setting and the events of the story. The characters became increasingly appealing throughout the story. Without a constant description of their being, they became more powerful with their dialogues. This, in turn, drove the story and created a smooth flow as the characters made decisions.
Opposing personalities were able to express a heavier message that reflects a part of reality. I loved how the dialogues gave color to the characters rather than how they were described in the story. Although some of the story’s direction can somehow be predetermined by the reader, a certain mystery remained in question as the author managed to stir doubt in one’s mind. Curiosity is stimulated because suddenly you want to confirm your hunch and question what the author has prepared.
Beyond the colorful dialogues of curses, the book leaves a deeper, darker, yet realistic possibility that’s not to be disregarded. It challenges the powerful and questions the line as to what should be the limit with regards to advancing knowledge. I highly recommend this book to people who enjoy questioning their minds because this will leave you dumbfounded from time to time. Although it is also recommended that the reader is open-minded to swear languages as it is a part of the work that paints the characters.
I rate this book four out of four. Despite having consecutive dialogues, it didn’t become difficult to follow the story. It also became natural to identify and root for the characters because of their contradicting dispositions. This made the book relatable for me even if it doesn’t focus on everyday life. The author’s way was engaging enough that reading Shifting Sands also became an experience of self-reflection.
******
Shifting Sands
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Maestro Monologue by Rob White
