I found it quite hard to place this novel; Adventure, Metaphysical
or something else? I think this one doesn’t fit a niche. The writer maybe
wanted to explore what happens to you if you die when you still have many
unresolved issues with a loved one. (Did John die looking for his wife while
looking for her after a fight?) This book poses as many questions as it
answers, which is a good thing if you like your books to have a deeper meaning.
I found the parts I enjoyed the most were when John joined
the tribe of the Rory. He learns their ways while remaining an outlander
(Outsider) This universe the writer has created is a fascinating one, with
different Tribes and well developed characters, and we set off on a cracking
adventure trying to find a captured tribeswoman. Maybe the metaphysical was a
bit over my head, but if you a lover of adventure you will still enjoy this
book. Take from it what you want as it is well written, at times very poetic,
but also some fast paced action.
Leslie Watkins gives us a unique glimpse into his life and
career as a journalist that started in the late 1940’s. Needless to say, but he
knows how to write a story as he must have written hundreds of them over a
career spanning 70 years. It is nice being taken back to a time where news had
to be fact checked before being printed, although I was surprised that fake
news was nothing new. But then making up a few letters allegedly send into the
paper is a bit more innocent then the blatant twisting of facts we see these
days. I could have done with a bit less of Mr Watkins own views on political
events, but it is his book and not a newspaper. Everyone is entitled to his or
her views; I just preferred his own story, career and especially the unusual
characters in the industry. This is a timely book as most newspapers are
struggling and the news mostly comes to us now via online media. A look at a
world that is quickly disappearing, and an excellent read.