Trials and Trails - Libroj.org

Neniu kovrilo — Trials and Trails (Paperback, 2019, Gail Force Publishing)

Poŝlibro, 278 paĝoj

Eldonita je 24-a de januaro 2019 de Gail Force Publishing.

ISBN:: 978-1-7326194-0-1

(1 recenzo)

With a past of slavery and compliance, LeRoy has learned to pick his battles carefully. Johnny B, a quick-tempered Sioux, is still learning to control his anger. When dangerous circumstances bond them together, the pair learn to navigate Reconstruction Era America and all its prejudices. They save an innocent man from hanging, reunite two old friends, assist in an honorable death for an elder Indian, and discover their worth as they steadily assimilate self-respect into their lives.

From Jim Halverson’s debut novel comes a tale of adventure, purpose, and the pursuit of self-actualization. Cowboys and psychology ride hand in hand, traveling a journey from living life on the edge to finding a place of belonging, joy, vulnerability, and distinction. Through trials along their trails, LeRoy and Johnny B transform people they meet, brand the world a better place, and reap the benefits.

1 eldono

Stephanie Jane recenzis Trials and Trails de Jim Halverson

Interesting philosophical fiction

4 steloj

In Trials And Trails, Jim Halverson attempts to portray an Abraham Maslow philosophical theory within the context of a historical fiction novel. The theory is that we need to fulfil our physiological needs first - such as ensuring sufficient food and shelter - and will then strive to gain more abstract ideals - social acceptance, self actualisation and self transcendence. I was intrigued as to how Halverson would fare so was pleased to be able to read his novel as part of this blog tour.

Set across 1870s America, Trials And Trails follows a pair of noble drifters, LeRoy and Johnny B, as they slowly journey West. The pace of the story reflects that of our protagonists in that they are generally on horseback and with no particular destination in mind for the day's riding. I appreciated Halverson taking the time to look around the natural world through which they …

In Trials And Trails, Jim Halverson attempts to portray an Abraham Maslow philosophical theory within the context of a historical fiction novel. The theory is that we need to fulfil our physiological needs first - such as ensuring sufficient food and shelter - and will then strive to gain more abstract ideals - social acceptance, self actualisation and self transcendence. I was intrigued as to how Halverson would fare so was pleased to be able to read his novel as part of this blog tour.

Set across 1870s America, Trials And Trails follows a pair of noble drifters, LeRoy and Johnny B, as they slowly journey West. The pace of the story reflects that of our protagonists in that they are generally on horseback and with no particular destination in mind for the day's riding. I appreciated Halverson taking the time to look around the natural world through which they pass. Wild America must still have been an incredible place in these decades before humans left their traces everywhere. I enjoyed reading about this journey even though I wasn't always convinced by the validity of LeRoy and Johnny B's encounters with other people along the way. Our heroes seem to be able to swiftly overturn racism against them simply by being useful or speaking wisely and, even in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War, I can't imagine they could so easily reverse generations of bigotry.

I would have liked more in the way of uncertainty and tension too. I understand that Halverson's style is to accentuate the positive wherever possible but, for my tastes, the serenity needed more shaking up! Perhaps greater use of direct speech would have helped with this. We are frequently told of characters reciting or recounting events but, as readers, we are kept two steps removed from what actually happened.

On the whole I think Trials And Trails was an interesting look at this historical period. Halverson successfully achieves his philosophical aims and this is a good debut novel.