Title: The Soul Retrieval
Author: Ann W. Jarvie
Publisher: JazzComm Publishing
ISBN: 978-0692368206
Pages: 425
Genre: Mystery, Spiritual
Reviewed By: Tiffany Ezuma, Pacific Book Review
Book Review
A riveting read by writer Ann W. Jarvie, “The Soul Retrieval” will take readers on a journey filled with mystery, suspense, love and hope. Set in the 1950s on the Medichero Indian Reservation, the novel tells the story of Henrietta, a young Southern wife, living on the reservation due to her husband’s medical work for the Department of the Interior.The book tells two stories, one of the past and one of the present. Early on, we learn that Henrietta suffered some damage to her soul, which is evident to Apache Indians Joe Loco and his wife, Altie. He offers her the chance to go through “soul retrieval,” as a way to restore her soul to its whole. Through his sessions with her, we learn about family secrets that threaten to destroy the life her husband, Jeff, and what she has built for their twin girls and young son on the reservation. This is coupled with the story of Jeff’s own research on the effects of native beliefs and healing powers for the sick. When the two stories collide in the present, the reader is placed on a roller coaster of emotions when a murder is committed.
Jarvie has much strength as a writer, and one that stands out is her ability to describe her characters, so that readers feel like they know them. To introduce Joe, Jarvie describes him as “an attractive oddball and a happy curiosity;” the phrasing is neat and succinct, which makes it particularly effective in getting down to the core of his character. These kinds of descriptions, paired with knack for writing dialogue make the story entertaining and allow readers to empathize with the characters she has created. Her style gives nuances to even her less sympathetic characters, which adds to the reader’s enjoyment of narrative.
This novel will be a great read for the curious reader or book club because it brings up so many topics for discussion including, but not limited to, science versus religion, belief and the power of healing, and the clash of religions. Even though the book is set in the past, it brings up many issues relevant to the modern reader while coming to insightful conclusions about the power and durability of the human spirit. By the end of the novel, readers will feel as if they’ve been on a journey of soul retrieval for not only Henrietta but for themselves as well.
