BOOK REVIEW: “The Point” fails to deliver its potential …

“The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout” (published by Port Estillyen Productions) is one of those books where the reader wants the writer to turn the corner and deliver a brilliant book … but the writer never turns the corner.

Instead, The Point is a book where the writer routinely tells the reader “words matter” but fails to make his words matter as much as they could.

That’s because of the convoluted writing style adopted by author William Jefferson. At once, the writer attempts a simple, descriptive style, then suddenly mixes in an attempt of the poetic that makes for confusing, slow, and difficult reading, and rhymes more fitting for a Dr. Seuss book.

The subtitle, “The Redemption of Oban Ironbout,” gives away the plot on the cover of the book. Yet, the Mr. Ironbout character isn’t the main character of the book. The story starts with Goodwin and Hollie McBreeze heading for the isle of Estillyen for a personal retreat. Ironbout is an inhospitable recluse living on the island, and the collision of their lives is supposed to be key to this narrative.

In the meantime, multiple secondary characters jump in and out of the
story, without bringing enough value to the story other than making for
slow reading.

The author attempts to build tension, but it’s at these peak points where the writing is the most convoluted. For example, there is a scene where the Ironbout character tells of seeing himself trapped inside a mirror, but the story makes no sense.

Apparently what is supposed to make this book “Christian” fiction is the inclusion of story-telling monks on the island. Goodwin and Hollie sit in on multiple “readings” performed by the monks, but instead of these being as profound as the writer obviously hoped, it’s at these points where the author mixes in his difficult and odd rhymes. Just because some of the characters are supposed to be monks providing tidbits of commentary on scripture doesn’t mean you will have a profound spiritual message … and you don’t find that in “The Point.”

A weak plot, under-developed characters, and an odd and difficult writing style results in “The Point” being a book with some promise that is never fully delivered.

Scotty

I received this book free from Handlebar as part of
their book review bloggers program. I was not
required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed
are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal
Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use
of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”