2 out of 4 stars
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If you enjoy romance novels, this book by William H. Coles just may be the one for you. Through moves across town, across the country and across oceans The Spirit of Want follows the ups and downs of the lives of Luke, Lucy, and Elizabeth. We experience how these three characters view the world and operate in it based on their socialization and their conscience.
Lucy and Elizabeth are sisters who despite being raised in the same house had drastically different experiences. We meet them as adults and journey with them through love affairs, careers, and family dynamics. Luke, although infatuated with Lucy must decide what to do about his feelings for Elizabeth while maintaining a professional relationship with their father.
An ongoing sibling rivalry between Lucy and Elizabeth also colors feelings about their parents while memories of their childhood affect the sisters’ beliefs about marriage and infidelity. Told from all three points of view, we see how love, lust, power, greed, ideals of virtue, and family secrets change the response of each character to the same situations and ultimately the relationships between them and others.
I give this novel 2 out of 4 stars. Even though the characters are complex, we never get to experience anything but their superficial concerns. They all have first world problems including those living in third world countries. One star would be too low as the story is realistic and relatable. Three stars are not earned because the book fails to expand on the climatic actions so I was left wanting more details to keep the excitement.
The use of three voices taking us through the story is interesting as it gives different points of view of the same moment which creates tension and interest. Although so many scenes and people are brought forward nothing is memorable in the telling. There is no delving into why beyond predictable stereotypes that make the entire cast seem shallow and lacking self-worth. Even the few sex scenes felt uninspired and didn’t arouse.
While it is not a bad read, it is simply not a good one either. This book fits the bill for someone looking for a mindless modern-day fairy tale. It follows the structure of damsel in distress who is saved by prince charming while we learn lessons about being virtuous so that we do not fall prey to evil.
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The Spirit of Want
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