Review of Souljourner

[Enigmaticriver42]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Souljourner" by Paul Steven Stone.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Have you ever started reading a book and immediately felt the pull of it from your soul? (pun intended) The first chapter in the book Souljourner by Paul Steven Stone is a letter to you. You specifically. The next incarnation of his soul. Reading that chapter really enables me to believe that he really is speaking to me. It is like he knows me, well because I guess he is me, in a way?

David is in prison for murdering his third wife, the love of his life, Anna. Why would he murder the love of his life? He does not remember. The story of Souljourner reveals an enemy in our karmic pond, 16 million dollars in overseas assets, gangs that insist David owes them money, and a therapist that does not seem to have his best interests in mind. David goes through the story of how he ended up in prison for murdering the woman that he loved most in this world, while he tells you everything that is happening in prison.

I really enjoyed how the novel bounced back and forth between his story telling of events and speaking directly to the reader, which can both bring the reader into the story, and be a little distracting at times. His communication with his muse, along with the chapters that are from people other than David, really make you question David and his sanity. Is he a reliable narrator? Is he being wholly honest? What is going on here? This element makes you question everything and keep an eye on everyone's words a bit more carefully. Another pleasant aspect of the book is the ending. Stone wraps up the book in such a way that is not predictable to the reader, but makes sense and does not feel like it was an after thought.

There were not many negative points of the book, but the back and forth between the story telling and the parts when he speaks to Sam the Muse, and the input from Blossom can be confusing at first, but once you get it all sorted out it makes more sense, but can still be irksome sometimes, which I think is the point. It builds the story more fully, giving you more to work with as you read and try to guess what is going to happen next.

The book seemed to be edited professionally, and would be great for the readers who enjoy crime and mystery books, with a karmic/spiritual twist. I give this book a four out of four!

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Souljourner
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