Title: The Face of God
Author: Brian Ray Brewer
Publisher: GoldTouch Press, LLC
ISBN: 978-1955347877
Pages: 252
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
“If one tries to think about history, it seems to me, it is like looking at a range of mountains. The first time you see them, they look one way. As time changes, the pattern of light shifts. Maybe, you have moved slightly or your perspective has changed. The mountains are the same, but they look very different”-Robert Harris. These words resonate so well with the story in this brilliant, compelling book set in the modern times.
“The Face of God” is the story about a man, Martin Drake, a renowned sculptor, working under an avaricious agent, Armine Quadras, who owns a high-end gallery. Martin is a vain and ruthless artist who would do anything for money and together with Armine, make a living through employing skillful deception upon the rich, who often hear ploys.
Harry Banks, on the other hand, is a wealthy industrialist, who wants to give back to Brazil, the country he started his mining production in. Harry intends to fund an orphanage run by Father Manoel da Silva. Harry’s late wife’s love for art leads him to make Drake an attractive offer. He has to sculpt the face of God which will then be sold and the proceeds will be directed to the orphanage in Brazil. There is a tough condition for Drake though. The sculpture must be approved by the Father.
The first encounter between Drake and Father Manuel is unpleasant, to say the least. Will the two work together for the greater good of the orphaned children in Brazil? Will Drake commit to the task and at the same time deal with the emptiness in his life? This is one man’s journey to rediscover himself, find the truth, and unearth the beauty of friendship in the least expected place.
“The Face of God” is certainly a masterpiece. The juxtaposition placed between Father Manoel’s undeterred faith and Drake’s worldliness is well executed. The characters in the book are impeccably developed. The author unquestionably took his time advancing a plot that very easily pulls readers in from the beginning. There is no dull moment in the book. Perhaps my most favorite aspect of the book was the conversations between the characters. They are based on sound doctrine and well-researched history.
I appreciate the work put in by the author to weave this fantastic text together. There are a few instances of mature language used in the book hence suitable for mature audiences. It is a book one cannot read without feeling an emotional connection. I certainly hope there will be part two of the story.
The story lingers on in the reader’s mind long after the reading is done. Fans of contemporary drama will find Brian R. Brewer’s “Face of God” a wonderful read!
