Would you read a book that started with symbolism and a description of a Golf Tournament? Yes, you would, because… the narrative is nothing short of intriguing. There is little chance that you’ll get bored by the start of the story, even if you don’t like golf! JK Barnes narrative and plot is just too interesting, and the the plot will grow in quality as it matures.
The novel starts off… spiritually, but hold on to each word as the thriller and mystery parts are just making its way to you and it will be a multilayered story, impressive to follow and well narrated.
Setting the tone for the book, although taking a while to, the author explains the intricate processes of golf, the courses and the golfer’s evolution as a professional along with due drawbacks of the game. I think that, given that most people don’t understand the sport, or see it, the author had a need to at least give a clear image of the whole atmosphere around the game and the mentality of the players, to allow us readers, to immerse ourselves on the story right in the prologue.
As the first chapter starts, we get a complex and multi-layered, multi-perspective and wonderfully accurate description of physical assault. I know what you are thinking, physical assault is not “wonderful”, but the accuracy of description of the stages of thought of the victim is wonderful. In less than a paragraph you can understand what goes on in the head of people that suffer it and why it continues in societies such as the United States.
The rape aspect is… visceral. It shows so many aspects of the mind of the woman, and how the American society is made to protect men. It’s evil, true, repulsive, but needs to be said.
The narrative is good, surprising and controlled. As you read this story, you will feel yourself paying close attention to the narrator’s voice as the scenes unfold in your mind, although, sometimes the descriptions will seem a tad lengthy.
There is a tone of motivational and inspirational background in parts of the story that will teach soft lessons many of us need to hear, and apply on our lives, taught by the characters and their experiences.
This book can be felt as personal by many who will read it, as it touches in things like trauma, guilt, anxiety and impulses to which many readers will relate to, but above all, the feelings of despair and lack of control on the events of life that cripple many people’s sense of self and worthiness, the theme of self-forgiveness and compassion towards ourselves and others, and that makes this book worthy of coming back to. Nice.
While reading, we can feel touched by many of the scenes, interactions and revelations that our main character, Craig goes through, and we get the intended message of the Author with each scene. Yes, it’s true that some scenes feel “pre-set”, and follow the standards of American novels, and many characters too feel like this, when they are secondary or third-role characters, BUT, that does not, in any way impede us from enjoying this story as it runs smoothly with each chapter adding another piece to the puzzle.
The author achieved what he wanted with this novel, that was to inspire and relate with its target audience, and send a clear message of hope and show a path towards a better understanding of oneself and our choices while providing an entertaining story at the same time.
It’s surprising when the story turns to other characters and moves from present to past and from past to present in order to better explain what happened and why many of the characters came to live the lives they did, and do, why they did what they did, and also, how the perception of the main character, and consequently ours, would change towards them, something that you don’t find everyday in a book. Well done by the JK Barnes.
An jokes! Phrases like “Well, shit, Mr. Manes. You might be the exception. Of course, if you’re not, I’ll pop a cap in your ass.” and why the pope shits on the woods will be very present and scattered mercilessly throughout this book.
There is a lot of golf-slang, BUT, you don’t have to know, or enjoy golf to read this, and you might actually watch a game of two after reading this novel about it. Yes, this novel is THAT good.
I loved the way the author made this story with time-lapses, and brought the pieces together slowly, tying up the events when their time came, and that it was totally understandable and deepened the story attractiveness and entertainment. It was beautiful to read and to realize that its all making sense as you read. Be patient, this story might seem boring at first, but keep with it, it only gets better as you read, trust me.
Pros:
- Textbook perfect narrative. Exemplary
- Excellent plot and timeline manipulation in order to show the events and the various perspectives
- Highly inspirational
- It makes golf look great and fun
- Highly relatable to every reader in one way or another, this is a must read
Cons:
- The vagueness of description of some characters, and the terms used to describe them took out their imagery, at times feeling “rushed”, but this is understandable.
Scribble's Worth 
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