Review of From A Distance

Amy K Collier · Post by **Kigen Valarie** » 23 Oct 2023, 08:55

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "From A Distance" by Gwendolyn Morey Skeens.]

3 out of 5 stars

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Artsy was going to study art history at the Louvre in Paris, while Parker would study engineering at James Madison University. This meant that their relationship would have to survive even when they were a continent apart. This couple was not sure that their love would stand this test, especially Parker. At JMU, he meets Ezra Goldman, and they get along well, while a professor at the Louvre, Professor Le Duc, takes a liking to Artsy. In between the constant skyping and the messaging across different continents, their love takes on a new shape. From A Distance by Gwendolyn Morey Skeens narrates the story of these two passionate lovers and their fate. It's only at the end that it's revealed whether their love stands the test of time and distance.

Between the two courses being studied by the characters and the different continents they are on, there is a lot to learn. There is a lot to learn about art and different artists, like Monet. On the other side, Parker's journey takes us through engineering, especially agricultural engineering, and we also see how agriculture is done in Israel. This is all thanks to the author's adept description of events and their studies. Every character had enough words thrown in for better understanding, although the book was mostly concentrated on Parker and Artsy.

Additionally, I love how characters like Ezra, Paul, and Brenda helped me keep tabs on both Parker and Artsy's lives. Their own stories, intertwined with the main characters' lives, helped bring out some of their desires and things that the reader could not have fathomed if their story had not been told. I also liked the titles for every event that happened in the book.

However, within these pages, I found a few negatives. The author's change of point of view, even mid-sentence, was a bother. This happened at least twice. The book is generally written from a third-person point of view. However, this could change to the first point of view where Parker was narrating, mid-sentence! Moreover, the book is plain in terms of plot. There are no major climaxes, and it resembles reading a non-fiction book; there is no thrill or suspense, which could have done the book a lot of justice. The story was like a perfect story, but not so realistic.

I rate From A Distance by Gwendolyn Morey Skeens 3 out of 5 stars. I have deducted two stars because of the irregular change in points of view and the general plot. Otherwise, it is a love story that would suffice in some situations. The editing was also professionally done, with a few problems with punctuation. Reading the book is like touring the characters' respective countries.

I recommend From A Distance by Gwendolyn Morey Skeens to readers who enjoy love stories that teach moral lessons or love stories that would be great for a slow Sunday afternoon. The book is also suitable for all interested in art and engineering.

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From A Distance
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Mayang Bature · Post by **Mayang Bature** » 25 Oct 2023, 06:40

I believe this story was meant to just show how couples' relationships can be challenged because of distance. With the great descriptions, I believe it was a nice read. However, I understand how the inconsistencies in the narrative style could be challenging. Regardless, this was a really impressive review; I enjoyed reading it.

kretika5 · Post by **kretika5** » 25 Oct 2023, 07:00

After reading this review, I think this story is about the challenges that were faced by couples when they are at a distance from each other. The challenges and adventure they go through while, they are not together physically but emotionally. According to this review I assume it's not a thrilling love story but interesting love story about the two characters. Nice and detailed review

Matthan Chishala · Post by **Matthan Chishala** » 25 Oct 2023, 10:34

"From A Distance" takes readers on an immersive journey through a world teetering on the edge of chaos. With its richly developed setting, well-crafted characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

One of the standout gaspects of "From A Distance" is its vivid and detailed world-building. The author effortlessly paints a picture of a dystopian society grappling with the consequences of its past actions. The descriptions are so immersive that readers can easily visualize the decaying landscapes and feel the palpable tension that permeates the air. It's a testament to the author's ability to create a believable and compelling backdrop for the story.

The characters in "From A Distance" are multi-dimensional and relatable. Each protagonist is flawed yet compelling, grappling with their own personal demons while trying to navigate the challenges of the world they inhabit. The author skillfully weaves their individual storylines together, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives that keeps readers engaged throughout. While some characters could have benefited from further development, their overall arcs were satisfying and contributed to the overarching narrative.

The themes explored in "From A Distance" are both timely and thought-provoking. The book delves into issues such as societal inequality, the consequences of unchecked power, and the importance of human connection amidst adversity. These themes are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, offering readers the opportunity for introspection and sparking meaningful discussions long after the final page is turned.

The pacing of the book is generally well-executed, with a balance of action-packed sequences and quieter moments of reflection. However, there were a few instances where the story felt slightly rushed, particularly during pivotal moments that could have benefited from more exploration. Nonetheless, the overall flow of the narrative was engaging and kept me invested in the characters' fates.

While the plot of "From A Distance" does contain some familiar tropes, such as the struggle against an oppressive regime, the author manages to infuse it with enough originality and unexpected twists to keep readers on their toes. The story's unpredictability adds an element of suspense and excitement, ensuring that readers are constantly eager to uncover what lies beyond the next page.

In conclusion, "From A Distance" is a captivating and thought-provoking read that transports readers to a dystopian world filled with danger, resilience, and the enduring power of hope. With its immersive world-building, well-drawn characters, and exploration of pertinent themes, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. While it may not break entirely new ground, it firmly cements itself as a worthy addition to the dystopian fiction canon.

Prabhat Sunil Mathur · Post by **Prabhat Sunil Mathur** » 25 Oct 2023, 10:42

Thank you for taking the time to read and review "From A Distance" by Gwendolyn Morey Skeens. I appreciate your thoughtful and honest assessment of the book, and I'm grateful for your feedback.

I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the way the author described the characters' academic pursuits and the places they explored. It's always a delight when a book can transport the reader to different worlds and provide insight into various subjects.