Overall rating and opinion of "McDowell"

serendipity 27 · Post by **serendipity 27** » 08 Oct 2018, 12:03

Hiram McDowell is a very ruthless and unpleasant man. I think the only thing that redeemed him was his love for kids even if he didn't really know how to love them. His treatment of women was awful and he only seemed to treat Maud as if she was a peer.

fernsmom · Post by **fernsmom** » 08 Oct 2018, 19:23

McDowell by William H. Coles was a deeply complex book that had the main character a rich, arrogant, successful, and unlikable man. From leaving a fellow climber of a mountain on the trail to die, to only caring about being on the top professionally, he wasn't a nice man. But, the author again, surprised me with his character development as with the other book I had read of his previously, The Surgeon's Wife. In McDowell, the second half of the book had me if not liking this character, feeling closer to liking him, and if nothing else understanding him better. I was proud of his small accomplishments that he made when he wasn't successful, and I was disappointed when he was successful when he was on the top of his profession. He seemed to start caring for his family and did turn his life around some at least.

I really liked how the author made me question what I was feeling at points, about Hiram mainly, but different topics as well that come up in the book.

I personally look forward to reading another book by William H. Coles.

LaurenHaupt · Post by **LaurenHaupt** » 10 Oct 2018, 09:07

I enjoyed the book a lot. I enjoyed reading about how much McDowell changed at the end. I thought the part where said that he was happier living on the streets than he has ever been. I thought there was great character development. I enjoyed hearing about his travels.

Sonya Nicolaidis · Post by **Sonya Nicolaidis** » 10 Oct 2018, 14:31

I can't wait to read this one and find out what all the fuss is about! I was suitably impressed by the sample on Amazon, and quite like this author's style in general. Besides, all those 4-star ratings on the forum can't all be wrong!

Julez · Post by **Julez** » 11 Oct 2018, 05:19

I found it to be a very interesting read and full of unexpected twists. I gave it a perfect score and encourage others to read it irrespective of a blurb written by someone else.

Book Lover 35 · Post by **Book Lover 35** » 11 Oct 2018, 09:46

I thought it was a great drama. I enjoyed most of the character in it. I liked seeing how much McDowell changed towards the end of the book.

MissAndi · Post by **MissAndi** » 11 Oct 2018, 12:30

Overall, I wasn't wild about it. I rated it 2 out of 4 stars, but I found there was too much foundation to lay. It felt like the book was just unending without any real interest catching my eye. I recognize my own bias, as I typically prefer to read as an escape from reality, not a reminder of how awful and sexist people can be. I also definitely associated traits of Hiram with a few of my more undesirable previous romantic interactions, which you hate to see.

Dusamae · Post by **Dusamae** » 11 Oct 2018, 17:39

My rating was 3 out of 4 stars. I didn't like a few things but the one that stands out is the ending. It was just said and moved on like he never existed. I would have loved more, the author seemed to have changed the main characters from Hiram to Sophie.

I did like Hiram after his escape, the change was amazing.

StormBorn1721 · Post by **StormBorn1721** » 13 Oct 2018, 14:24

The reviews make this story seem interesting enough. I am not certain I will read this book but maybe I will give it a go and then update my opinion on the matter.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 13 Oct 2018, 14:49

I rated it 3 out of 4 stars. I liked the author's good command of English, and the fact that Hiram tried to change. I disliked his callous disregard for women.

Charlyn Tuzon · Post by **Charlyn Tuzon** » 14 Oct 2018, 01:08

I thought that it was a really good novel. The book is based more on the character rather than the plot, which is why I thought Hiram to be a believable protagonist. He could be annoying but what kept me interested was how he would redeem himself. I would recommend this to those wants to read a book about an interesting character with a good plot, but not to those who are looking for a suspenseful plot with good characters.

Bavithra M · Post by **Bavithra M** » 15 Oct 2018, 23:09

McDowell" by William H. Coles is an intresting novel. The characters in the novel are potrayed well.The storyline of the novel is also very unique.I would rate the book 3 out 4 stars.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 16 Oct 2018, 00:36

After reading this book, I rate it 4 out of 4 stars. How the author managed to turn things around till we can empathize with Hiram is amazing. It is a fascinating story and the narration is full of vivid descriptions not to leave out adventures from one state to the other.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 16 Oct 2018, 00:37

Bavithra M wrote: ↑15 Oct 2018, 23:09 McDowell" by William H. Coles is an intresting novel. The characters in the novel are potrayed well.The storyline of the novel is also very unique.I would rate the book 3 out 4 stars.

This is very true. The characters are well built and the plot was developed well too.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 16 Oct 2018, 00:39

Julez wrote: ↑11 Oct 2018, 05:19 I found it to be a very interesting read and full of unexpected twists. I gave it a perfect score and encourage others to read it irrespective of a blurb written by someone else.

Very true. I was almost skipping this book because of a blurb I read. I was quite wrong.