Review of So Much More the Man

[Walter R]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "So Much More the Man" by Stephan Le Marchand.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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How does one handle the feeling of a life not lived to its full potential, the stark reality of aging, and the regrets of bygone years?  Love, loss, and longing are potent themes that collide to form a very gripping account in Stephen Le Marchland's So Much More the Man.

Philip, a retired teacher, reflects on his life and legacy. The sudden emergence of an old love of his, Jane, is the incendiary event that throws his hitherto humdrum life into upheaval. Unresolved feelings and shocking revelations from a passionate teenage romance four decades prior provide the conflict which the central characters attempt to overcome. The events of the novel, both present occurrences, and past recollections, unfold against the backdrop of popular and classic literature in the form of in-world plays, descriptive techniques, and character comparisons. Most striking in this regard is the influence wielded subliminally by Jane over Philip, being a not so veiled allusion to the characters in Shakespeare's Macbeth. Will the excitement and allure of temptation lead to a tragic conclusion for our characters? Find out by picking this intriguing fiction.

This book has many positive aspects to it. The descriptions are vivid and transporting. The writing is very immersive, offering the reader a very intimate look into the lives, thoughts, and relationships of the central characters. The use of both the present and past tense narration techniques was a great choice by the author. The usage of the latter in the portions of the book that are memories was very effective in communicating how different an era those times were in the lives of our characters.

The characterization is also well-executed. Despite some very questionable things done by Philip, I found myself empathizing with him. This was perhaps due to having followed his evolution from a teenager to an aged man. The author managed to make the character feel different and authentic to his relevant age bracket, though remaining the same person.

The only negative which I can point out from this book is the pacing, which at some points of the novel dragged on a bit too long. However, this did not detract from the quality or enjoyability of this book. I found no errors within the text. Hence, it was exceptionally edited. There was moderate sexual content which the prospective reader should be aware of. I found this book to be a well-written piece with exciting characters, intrigue, and a satisfying resolution. I give it 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to readers with a taste for classic literature, drama, and forbidden love.

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So Much More the Man
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[Mbenma Esther 080]

Love and loss are not always easy to endure. This is an awesome review.

[Blessing Odii]

This book is made up of different themes which I would to read. Interesting review.

[Pauls_]

The end of teenage romance is always unpredictable. It would be great to see what becomes of Philip and Jane now that they reunited at an older age. Great review.