Review of Souljourner

[Bentrad Micheal]

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

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Have you ever picked up a book to read and felt your soul being drawn to it? Paul Steven Stone's novel Souljourner opens with a letter to the reader (pun intended). Specifically you. The following manifestation of his soul. After reading that chapter, I feel he is speaking to me. He seems to know me, or perhaps he already is me somehow.

David is behind bars for the murder of Anna, his third wife, and the love of his life. Why would he kill the one he loved the most? He cannot recall. A karmic foe, 16 million dollars in overseas assets, gangs that claim David owes them money, and a therapist who doesn't seem to have his best interests in mind are all revealed in the Souljourner narrative. While detailing the events in prison, David tells you how he came to be there—for killing the person he loved most in the world.

The way the author alternated between narrating events and talking directly to the reader in the novel was incredibly engaging and had a dual effect of drawing the reader into the plot and occasionally being a little annoying. You start to doubt David's sanity due to his communication with his muse and the chapters written by persons other than David. Is the narrator trustworthy? Is he being entirely truthful? What's happening here? This component challenges you to think critically and listen to everyone's words more intently. The conclusion of the book is another appealing feature. Stone concludes the novel in a way that defies reader expectations while yet making sense and without coming off as an afterthought.

The book didn't have many problems, but the back and forth between the narration and the passages in which he speaks to Sam the Muse and the input from Blossom can be confusing at first. Once you figure it all out, though, it makes more sense, though it can still be irksome occasionally, which I believe is the point. As you read and try to predict what will happen next, it more thoroughly develops the plot and gives you more information to work with.

The book seems to have undergone expert editing, and those who like crime and mystery novels with a karmic or spiritual edge will love it. A five out of five rating for this book!

******
Souljourner
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon