Review: Delightful Serial Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 15, 2012
It was bound to happen here at Kindle (or ebook for that matter) - a serial novel, the same way we have soap operas on TV be it nighttime or daytime and on graphic novels. Of course serial novels are nothing new. A long time ago, before radio and television, serials were published in newspapers and magazines, even books.So, why are people upset about "Past Forward" being a serial novel, although it says so in the title? Perhaps its because as readers we are used to have the story reach into a conclusion in one book. Serial novels, though they exist today in mega epic books likeThe Eye of the World (Wheel of Time (Tor Paperback))- Wheel of Time Series orWizard's First Rule (The Sword of Truth)- Sword of Truth series, very few among us, (including myself) has encountered a serial novel the way "Past Forward" is presented.Yet, so far, "Past Forward" has been a delightful read for me. Willow Finley, the main character is introduced, together with a budding romance and friendship, something she has not experienced before. Raised in isolation by her mother, Willow does not use many of our modern conveniences though she is aware of it. No television, no cell phones, no cars, etc.As described in the book, Willow's mother admired the Amish way of life and tried to emulate it. But, the Amish has a community around them. Willow and her mother did not. They were alone, for all intent and purposes.So, when tragedy struck, Willow had to face it head on without a support group around her. And this is the crux of the first episode of Past Forward. Willow, while remaining still very innocent in the ways of the world "grew up" in the eyes of the readers and also proved her mettle.The author developed the characters very well, beginning with Willow, the main protagonist and the supporting characters wherein several main characters are bound to come from as the story progresses. I can't wait for the next installment.This book is PG with parents cautioned on how to handle grief. No sexual content or violence.