Official Review: Starting From Scratch: by Duane The Author

[Guda Lydia]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Starting From Scratch:" by Duane The Author.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Life is excellent for Noblesse L’ Ouverture; he is a devoted husband and father of three and considers his children as miracles, having conceived them after ten years of trying. His wife, Genevieve, is a doting mother and wife and works as a teacher at the same school the children attend. Noblesse is highly skilled in engineering and construction and provides his skills as the head foreman in Haiti’s leading Construction Company. He also devotes his time to helping and inspiring youths to choose productive paths in life and keep in school as well. Abigail Winters (Abby) is a bubbly and kind-hearted woman who radiates positivity and hope. Abby survived Hurricane Katrina and overcame the grief of losing her unborn child and everything she owned, literally having to rebuild her life from scratch.

The experience empowered her and gave her a new purpose in life, to assist people who have been struck by natural disasters. In Haiti, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake suddenly strikes, and everything changes for the country and her people. Noblesse loses his entire family in the calamity, and with that, everything he stands for and his source of strength. Abby, being devoted to her mission, travels to Haiti to help as much as she can. In the chaotic and depressing environment is where the two meet, and their worlds begin to intertwine, and a new story emerges. Together they develop a bond and go through numerous trials, blows, and triumphs, including escaping a ruthless regime and happening upon a miracle survival and a double surprise.

The book is captivating right from the introduction, as it begins with some mystery and suspense. The character descriptions are in exquisite detail, making it easy to visualize their physical traits and personalities, like Abby and her full figure, as well as her infectious smile. Duane The Author further describes the scenes and settings poetically and metaphorically, taking the reader through the sights and sounds of Haiti as well as the despair of the earthquake’s aftermath. This evokes a range of emotions in the reader and makes the story surreal and impactful. The descriptions also depict human resilience and power to rise above tribulations and help each other.

The aspect I love most about the novel is how Abby and Noblesse’s stories run concurrently, creating anticipation for their meet up and convergence of their worlds. The various French words and phrases in the book are also fun to read and learn, and you are sure to have a few stuck in mind. I equally enjoyed reading about Haiti’s history, such as the birth of the nation and Haitian survival spirit and strength. However, I dislike the book’s conclusion; it left me overcast and sad, and I feel it does not tie-up with the book’s title and overall storyline.

The book is professionally edited; I found only one spelling error. The language employed is intelligible and clean with no profanities, making the novel suitable for a wide range of readers. It is an easy read, highly engaging, and interactive. It also contains numerous instances of Christian references and prayers that help in tying up the storyline. Even though I am depressed and dissatisfied by the conclusion, I nevertheless give Starting From Scratch: A True Love Story a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to anyone looking for a compelling story of hope, resilience, intelligence, and genuine love.

******
Starting From Scratch:
View: on Bookshelves

[Jenni-Inna]

This book sounds really interesting and heart-warming despite the tragic background and events that bring the two characters together. I'm really interested in giving it a go, even though I'm a bit worried about the disappointing ending!

[Ada Ling]

"The book is captivating right from the introduction, as it begins with some mystery and suspense." - This will be an interesting one. Thank you for the introduction.

[Vannaskivt]

This sounds like an interesting story. The religious aspects of the book would not interest me, but the simultaneously told perspectives are something that is always interesting. Thank you for the review.

[jokinyo]

Just from the cover page this book looks intriguing. Am interested to reading this.
Great review.

[Guda Lydia]

This book sounds really interesting and heart-warming despite the tragic background and events that bring the two characters together. I'm really interested in giving it a go, even though I'm a bit worried about the disappointing ending!

It is a worthy read, hope you enjoy it.

[Guda Lydia]

"The book is captivating right from the introduction, as it begins with some mystery and suspense." - This will be an interesting one. Thank you for the introduction.

Thank you for your comments.

[Guda Lydia]

This sounds like an interesting story. The religious aspects of the book would not interest me, but the simultaneously told perspectives are something that is always interesting. Thank you for the review.

Welcome! Hope you enjoy it.

[Guda Lydia]

Just from the cover page this book looks intriguing. Am interested to reading this.
Great review.

Thank you for your comments.