Review of In the Shadow of a Dark Star

[Chris Alex Powell]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "In the Shadow of a Dark Star" by Brent R. Mekosh.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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In the Shadow of a Dark Star: Godwinks and the Search for a Golden Thread is a book written by Brent R. Mekosh. This autobiography by Brent has a detailed narrative of experiences he acquired while he traveled around several continents, including Asia and Africa. In search of a perfect life and fulfillment, Brent moves from one country to another. On his way, he meets people who, like him, are also looking for peace, rest, and perfection. Will he find this peace and perfection he seeks? What experiences did he have on his journey?

There are positive aspects of the book. The book is filled with lessons. For example, one of such lessons a reader will learn, just like the author, is that one can still lead a joyful life despite the problems and despair of life. Also, I loved the emotional aspect of the book. The manner with which Brent described his experiences at the station in Sealdah, where he met Mikey and Bernard, would bring tears to the eyes of even the most hardened men. Furthermore, I consider the book a religious one. Almost everything in this book alludes to religion and belief. For example, after he prayed, there seemed to have been a miraculous solution to Brent's legal problems. The sufferings of persons like Bernard alluded to his karma under Hinduism. However, I admire the ability of the author to include aspects of different religions in this book while also ensuring that it will be suitable for every reader.

In addition, the book is descriptive enough and enables the reader to feel the emotions of the characters. One would get a glimpse of the feelings of the author when he volunteered at Calcutta. Also, the manner in which Brent told the story is interesting despite being an autobiography.

Then, there are a few negative aspects of the book. First, how the author introduces new characters is poor and causes confusion. Brent just introduces new characters like he had talked about them before. For example, I was confused when he introduced Keith and Dan, just to mention a few. Also, there are certain comments that the author made that suggest racism. For example, in location 164, it was stated that “The 4.3 million whites that lived in this nation of forty-seven million had thoroughly transformed South Africa into a modern, western country.”

To conclude, I spotted only a few errors in the book. This shows that the book was professionally edited. However, due to the negative aspects identified above, I will be rating this book four out of five stars. I wish I could give the book a 4.5 rating. This is because the book, being an autobiography, was written with no recourse to fiction. I recommend this book to all lovers of autobiographies, tourism stories, and even persons feeling lost and searching for a perfect life.

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In the Shadow of a Dark Star
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[Elina Tshabalala]

I live vicariously through travelers since I haven't traveled much myself. I'll definitely be reading this one. Great review!

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

Is there a perfect life? Perfection is nowhere to be found, from my point of view. Even the most wealthy individuals, still have something missing from them. I hope that Brent finds peace, not perfection.

[Sthembiso Thulebpona]

This book makes you wonder about life

[Oluchi23]

Your review awaken my soul and the question you asked is there perfect life? Gave me a concern and compelling me to add the book to my shelf as to read it soonest. Thank you for such a great question

[Bikesh9dahal]

Very good question is there perfect life? Made me curious to read the book.

[Oluchi23]

I believe that there is no where perfect life is found despite how influential you and comfort you might be. It is unattainable. Thank you for this nice review

[Lynne Akinyi 1]

I love the review you made about the book. It's a guide to me and some of us who think we cant live a happy life unless we have things like cars,wealth,luxury. Even in the midst of all the challenges and misfortunes one goes through,humans have to remember and know that sometime you have to smile.A smile can be a solution to maybe the problem your facing.

[Leen282]

Travel stories are great, I love it when an author takes their reading audience on a trip around the world. I am looking forward to reading about the volunteering in Calcutta.

[Nothando Cherity]

Sometimes I also ask myself is there a perfect life? But other than that I love traveling it helps more when you are always wondering about life. Great review

[Fortson Kabanda]

The book is amazing and makes u think more about life and it's existence rhetorical analysis

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

Chris Alex Powell’s review was interesting and to the point. There are so many ‘find yourself’ type books on the market and I might hesitate before reading this one. Is this one of the same I wonder? Yet it seems that Mr Mekosh is writing from his heart and soul using good descriptions about the characters.

Unfortunately, it seems there was a smidgen of racism in the book, which did cast a shadow over the read.

[Sena Guente]

now i am thinking about my life... that is a good question.i wil try to figure it out by myself if is there a perfect life

[Jay Lu]

Brent R. Mekosh's 'In the Shadow of a Dark Star' presents a fascinating journey through continents, offering a blend of emotional depth and spiritual exploration. The author's experiences, particularly in Sealdah, highlight the power of human connection. While the narrative's descriptive nature vividly brings places and emotions to life, the introduction of characters could have been more coherent. The book's nuanced approach to various religions, encapsulating a universal appeal, is noteworthy. However, the hints of racial insensitivity call for a critical reading, especially in today's diverse global landscape.

[Kshitija Sonawane]

I think it is good that souls are being searched for answers. Not all answers are obvious and logical and can be found by pure intellect. Sometimes, you have to search for the answers, and that's what the author did. I am glad he did find the answers. Congratulations on BOTD, and best wishes for future projects.