received from the publisher for review
Roche Harbor Books
published July 2011
Product Description
FAR FROM THE WAR is the story of a girl from Orcas Island, Washington serving as a page in the United States House of Representatives when rogue politicians and military leaders stage a modern day coup d’état. When the coup turns violent, she abandons Washington, D.C. for home. She learns to survive on her own as transportation and financial networks fail, as the war disrupts food and water supplies. The result is a cautionary tale about political extremism and the true cost of war. J. Stephen O’Laughlin, author of forthcoming novel The Squirrel Prophecy, calls FAR FROM THE WAR “Nothing short of brilliant. Fast paced and easy to read.” FAR FROM THE WAR kicks off a trilogy of novels about modern day civil war, a theme that grows more resonant every day as pundits and political leaders begin to talk openly of widespread civil unrest and the possibility of new political violence in America. Despite the broad scope and dark narrative, the story is ultimately about how love and family serve as a refuge when nations and economies crumble.
From the Author
"I didn't originally set out to write a book about civil war. I wanted to write about a family on Orcas Island gradually losing contact with the mainland. After considering several different scenarios I settled on a new civil war as the most compelling way to explain that loss of contact. Even so, I was still worried about whether or not readers would believe it - the idea of a new civil war was just unthinkable back then. But since then we've had politicians and pundits actually start talking about some kind of armed revolt, radicals on both sides of the political spectrum gaining ground. It's not a crazy idea anymore and that's why I thought it was especially important to show readers, in as vivid a way possible, what civil war would mean to real people. So in the end, it's not about the war or who should win the war, it's about how the failure to peacefully resolve political disputes ruins some poor girl's life."
MY REVIEW
This book should be required reading for all politicians. Civil War in America. People fed up with big government. It's very hard to tell who are the traitors and who are the rebels. My allegiance flipped so many times during the coarse of the novel.
The book features a very strong main character. Esther Casey. A 17 years old congressional page (Republican). She has lived her entire life in awe of the governmental process. Upon arrival in Washington DC, she begins to realize all in not as she imagined. Bitter rivalries exist between the parties of government. It's nothing like the debate team back home. Civil War break out and she must find her way back home to Orcas Island, Washington.
This book is part one of a trilogy. The first few chapters were somewhat slow as they began by laying the groundwork for the series. The story draws you in. The author has an unbelievable ability to make you 'see' in your minds eye the action occurring in the story. This is easily one of the best books I've read this year. Not too happy that I have to wait until next July for part 2 of the series. Interesting that it comes out shortly before the next Presidential election. Washington DC--stand up and take notice. We are getting sick of your foolishness. Learn to resolve your issues. The ideas in this book are not so far fetched.
In short, an excellent story. Can't wait for part 2! 5/5 stars
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