Official Review: Deceitful Survival by LC Lee

Post by **Rosemary Wright** » 18 Jan 2019, 16:58

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Deceitful Survival" by LC Lee.]

3 out of 4 stars

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Deceitful Survival, by LC Lee, follows the life journey of Beth, who was born and raised in Brittany. As a teenager, she lost her parents, and her brothers made her move into Aunt Simone's home. They wanted her to stay there until she got married. Aunt Simone was their father's sister, and being a hard taskmaster, she set Beth to work straightaway. After being starved and treated like a slave for almost a year, Beth packed her few belongings and left Aunt Simone's place.

Having little formal schooling and without a home, Beth sent a letter of inquiry about becoming a nun to the Reverend Mother in the Ursuline Convent in Rouen, after much persuasion from her friends. Later on, Beth was renamed Sister Mary Andree La roux and allowed to take her temporary and final vows. Afterwards, she was sent to Haiti, where she met Father René, and as she was about to settle into her new life, unexpected events started unfolding. She and René got faced with the temptation of breaking their religious vows.

Based on a true story, Deceitful Survival has an intriguing plotline, and using historical events and real places, the author succeeded in providing an entertaining and a thought-provoking tale. The beginning is a bit sketchy, but from the middle, the narration becomes thorough. Nonetheless, if you're seeking an action-packed historical fiction novel, this is not it. Exploring the themes of love and family, this narrative has few action scenes, but it has some intriguing twists and turns. I enjoyed reading every page.

The book has the right balance of descriptions and dialogues. Lee described the characters very well, enough for a reader to relate to them. They are so vivid, especially the protagonists, Beth and René, who are calm and resilient. Beth is a determined woman, with great love for her family. Somewhere in the story, she had to do something out of the ordinary to get her family back together. Miguel, Beth's son, is a strong young man, proving that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Overall, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I didn't rate it lower because it's interesting. It's a well-structured novel. Again, I couldn't rate it higher because it consists of some grammatical and typographical errors, such as "The Vodun dragged in her in as she screamed for James..." and "The intruders were large men that and approached the camp in a rush." It requires a second round of editing, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy reading historical fiction books involving politics, love, and romance.

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Deceitful Survival
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Jessacardinal · Post by **Jessacardinal** » 20 Jan 2019, 11:38

The plot sounds intriguing. I have so many ideas running around in my head as to what Beth and the Father do....interesting indeed!

Post by **Anthony__** » 20 Jan 2019, 11:39

From your Review, The book is quite intriguing. From Nun to a mum, and From a Reverend Father to a Daddy. Great description of character by Lee. Nice review!

Faithmwangi · Post by **Faithmwangi** » 20 Jan 2019, 15:25

You genuinely caught my attention until you said if am anticipating an action-packed novel this wasn't for me(Sad). However, it still sounds like it has quite the twists and turns. Thanks for the review.

kdstrack · Post by **kdstrack** » 21 Jan 2019, 16:13

I think Beth must have a strong personality to be able to leave her aunt's house. She made some interesting life choices after that. You have written a very intriguing review. I like it!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 21 Jan 2019, 18:52

I always wonder what it takes for someone to become a nun. This book has that and more. Other than love, I wonder what tempts them to break their vows. Thanks for the review.

gen_g · Post by **gen_g** » 29 Jan 2019, 04:04

This seems like a well-constructed novel, if not for the various grammar and editing errors found. Thanks for the review!

maxiphemmax · Post by **maxiphemmax** » 07 Oct 2019, 09:25

I am currently reading this book, and I find it so interesting. the few chapters I have read reminds me of the movie titled 'The Sound of Music.' Nice review.

nana7613 · Post by **nana7613** » 07 Oct 2019, 11:49

Other than the fact that they break their vows, it does not appear that interesting. Then again, the themes mentioned do not usually pique my interest. Thanks for your review.

Nikolas Farmakis · Post by **Nikolas Farmakis** » 28 Oct 2019, 04:49

This is a great review! I liked the fact that you included your opinion of the book in the review. Great work!

Annie2019 · Post by **Annie2019** » 28 May 2020, 06:41

kandscreeley wrote: ↑21 Jan 2019, 18:52 I always wonder what it takes for someone to become a nun. This book has that and more. Other than love, I wonder what tempts them to break their vows. Thanks for the review.

A good read!

Being a nun I feel should be a calling and not pushed by circumstances or issues of life like for the case of Andree. Nice review

Annie2019 · Post by **Annie2019** » 28 May 2020, 06:46

This is an intriguing and interesting historical book I have just read. You've given honest remarks and a great review. Good job!

Odette Chace · Post by **Odette Chace** » 05 Jul 2020, 09:57

When people are backed into a corner, they become surprisingly resourceful. I'm interested to see what tempts Beth to abandon her vows. Thanks for a great review.

Jorge Leon Salazar · Post by **Jorge Leon Salazar** » 05 Jul 2020, 10:11

An interesting novel based on real events that follows the journey of life of Beth, who lives difficult experiences with her aunt and then decides to become a nun. It looks like a slow-paced but entertaining book.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 05 Jul 2020, 10:12

An interesting historical fictional thriller novel with mystery, temptation, romance, revolution, religion, determination, and an impressive protagonist. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has an inciteful OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.