Official Review: The Seventh Commandment by Barb McIntyre

[debo9967]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Seventh Commandment" by Barb McIntyre.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Seventh Commandment by Barb McIntyre is a book in fiction genre. It explores the issue of adultery through the lives of the characters in the story.

Sandra is excited about her marriage, and cannot believe her good luck in finding Mark. Darcy hasn't found a woman yet, who can match up to his standards. Alice is afraid to trust the institution of marriage. Jodi has come out of a violent relationship, but is Dylan ready to wait for her? Victoria has kept her suspicions about her husband to herself for decades, but what is the secret he is hiding? Margaret believes that the reason behind her successful marriage is her ability to block a painful memory. Apart from family and friendship, there is something else that connects the lives of these people, but what?

The book is written in first person, from the view-point of multiple characters. The story spans across a century, and time leaps are abundant in this tale. The author takes the reader through different phases in the lives of the characters. As I mentioned before, the characters are connected through familial bonds and friendship, and Sarah seems like the focal point of the story. The author’s writing style is straightforward, with heavy doses of irony. The irony and twists of fate, keep increasing progressively as the reader moves towards the finale. The first half of the book seems a bit long, since it is basically narrating how the characters find their picture-perfect romances. It becomes difficult to put down the book once it reaches the second half, because that’s when the story really catches on.

The author has sketched some solid, flesh-and-blood characters, which are quite believable. Whether dealing with the pitfalls of old age, or facing a difficult choice between cheating and commitment; the characters handle their lives like ordinary people caught in difficult situations. The author looks at issues like a husband dominating in the marriage, or a wife trying to deal with the reality that her husband is gay, or something as serious as domestic violence. The story looks at the central theme of commitment from different angles, which makes for an interesting read. I was impressed with the author’s unusual writing style, because it is not judgmental or moralistic; it is just looking at how life plays a joke on us.

I recommend this book for readers who like stories with dry humor, where the author is not bent on making a point. Readers, who like romantic fiction, might also find something interesting here. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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The Seventh Commandment
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[Jesska6029]

I love when characters are believable. I enjoy reading about them so much more! Great review!

[debo9967]

Thanks

-- 21 Jul 2015, 00:03 --

Thanks

[ananya92]

I like the fact that the author's treatment of an issue like adultery, is non-judgmental. Good review.

[debo9967]

Thanks

[Tanaya]

I used to really dislike stories told in the first person that alternated between characters. I could never keep all the characters and their storylines straight. Luckily, I've gotten over that and have come to tremendously enjoy this technique. Anyway, nice job! I'm glad you enjoyed the book so much.

[debo9967]

Thanks

[HalcyonFlower]

Another book to add to the list. The title isn't something that would've pulled my attention but I'm glad I overcame my bias and ventured to read the review. Definitely would've missed out on a gem

[gali]

Sounds good! I like stories with dry humor and flesh-and-blood characters.

Thank you for the great review, and congratulations to the author in the positive review!

[ALynnPowers]

This sounds like a book I could definitely relate to! Hahaha... I wouldn't expect for it to be funny, but it sounds like the author incorporated a great sense of humor! Thank you for the awesome review!

[bluemel4]

Great review. This book sounds like a fascinating character study about intimacy and relationships. I really like that the author does not place judgement on her characters.

This such an excellent line about to what the book is about!
"The story looks at the central theme of commitment from different angles, which makes for an interesting read."

[Rachaelamb1]

This isn't really my kind of book, but you did a great job on the review! It seems like the author has a talent for creating realistic characters.

[debo9967]

Thanks, all of you

[Heidi M Simone]

Great review, debo9967! I don't think book is for me either, but cheating has always been a subject that I never understood and don't think I ever will. Although, I do like dry humor sometimes...so I guess we'll see!
Congratulations to the author for getting a positive review!

[LivreAmour217]

Very nice review! The story sounds interesting, but the topic isn't really my cup of tea. I'm glad that you enjoyed it, though.