Title: Strathard: A Question of Choice
Author: Jean Bisbey
Publisher: AuthorHouseUK
ISBN: 978-1-5246-6704-7
Pages: 282
Genre: Fiction
Reviewed by: John Murray
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
A recent study at Cornell University found that adults make over 70 choices a day. Some of those decisions result in minor short-term outcomes and others can have life- changing effects. How we decide and how we live with the aftermath defines us. “Strathard: A Question of Choice” presents a story wherein a woman’s life is examined through her choices and how it shapes her and those around her.
Jenny McLeod returns to her childhood home in the village of Strathard. As she moves about the area, she reflects on her life’s ups and downs. The loss of her mother during the birth of her sister, war breaking out across the globe, marriage, pregnancy and lost loves. She has returned home to ponder a difficult choice. A mentor and friend left her a large sum of money upon his death. The only condition is that she cannot use it for personal gain, it must benefit humanity at large. The narrative flips back and forth between present day and various life events that led up to the choice.
“Strathard: A Question of Choice” is a fascinating character study. Jenny is a headstrong and intelligent woman during the 1940s in Scotland. She experiences loss and love and struggles to remain on the right path according to her own instincts. As a child, she was raised Christian but as she experiences the world she begins to doubt that Christianity is the one true means of understanding the world. Unfortunately, that puts her at odds with the people around her, especially her pastor husband. That dilemma spurs most of the story and serves as the pivot for the finale to teeter upon.
The writing is stellar with some minor editing hiccups. Scenes are painted in vivid detail and give the book a feeling of a languorous period drama with gorgeous backdrops. Characterization is top notch and not just for the heroine Jenny. Side characters such as Jenny’s grandfather have larger than life personalities and impact the Jenny’s narrative strongly. Dialogue flows wonderfully and the Scottish accent is captured realistically and understandably. Aside from some very minor editing, the prose is polished to a high shine.
“Strathard: A Question of Choice” follows the impact of choice on a spirited woman from childhood to adulthood but culminates in one decision that should impact humanity in a delightfully introspective read.
