Review: Astounding - Highly Recommended.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 27, 2012
Eating LizzyAesop's fable is so apt giving rise immediately to philosophical issues that have faced man from dawn of time.  The Monkey See and Monkey Do is chilling.This is an electrifying read. I could hardly put the book down. The opening chapter was impressive with the ominous introduction in the court, giving dignity and respect for a story that examines the highest and most basic of human instincts.  Jayson's interior dialogue also intrigues instantly shaping his character.I have tried to steer away from the philosophy in this book but found I could not; it is too strong, its message so powerful.  To my mind, the book in its deepest layer begs a philosophical debate between the reader and the written word as to whether a person's spiritual aspirations can overcome the basic animal urges for survival. What is really true, can the courts of law really address such issues of life and death?The prose is succinct and flows naturally.  The plot is carefully developed and structure sound so that the reader follows the storyline enthralled. The characters are sensitively formed with Jayson's remorseless steely logic following a strict cause and effect which could really be an excuse to indulge in the basest of human instincts. This is revealed in his dealings with Deborah. Victoria is again a flawed character, albeit she did seek to save her soul when thinking of confessing to Jayson. Little Lizzy, a child of goodness is the only light in that dark cave, where the heartbreaking pleas of little Lizzie and her killer's response is echoed in Aesop's fable, the  Blood of the Lamb is shed.  It is horrifying to read the Leyton's  sheer lack of remorse after the event.  I will not reveal anymore about the storyline and its incredible ending, as it is for the reader to discover.Albeit I am giving in to deconstruction, in my mind, this astounding story asks us to reflect on where we truly are on the continuum of spirituality? Are our ethics and morals just a thin veneer? Are thousands of years of religiosity and philosophy so easily divested as were little Lizzy's clothes?  Would we choose to die comforting another or would we lunge for the law of necessity.  How far are we from the Homo erectus with only a stone to cut his meat?This is an incredible work that uses the darkness of the cave, the light of the Sun, survival, cause and effect and spirituality.  This is a work to respect in all its layers.  I shall definitely be reading more of this writer's work.Highly recommended