My rating: 4/5
As we inhabit a world dominated by technology, emboldened by gain, and obstructed by social influence, one could question the effects of societal advancement on the human psyche. What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown comprises an enthralling paradigm of a person who attempts to control the progressive shift in humanity through technology. With interesting themes of identity, community, and family, this novel is an absolute page turner.
What Kind of Paradise is an intriguing story with a gripping plot and well-developed characters. Set during the 1990’s, primary character Jane Williams is raised in isolation within the woodlands of Montana, by her exceptionally intelligent father, whose erratic behaviors and bizarre societal ideologies shaped her worldview and beliefs. However, as a teenager on the cusp of adulthood, Jane has an increasing yearning for friendship and a gnawing desire to experience life outside of the confines of their seclusive cabin. During one of her father’s periodic outings, Jane makes a startling discovery that surges her urge to leave the cabin. When her father agrees for her to accompany him on one of his sporadic trips, a disastrous event occurs that causes her to flee Montana into the modern city of San Francisco, where she questions her father’s peculiar philosophies on society, and sets out on a quest to uncover her true identity.
What Kind of Paradise is a well-paced novel that contains a plot and character driven narrative that immerses the reader seamlessly into the story. There is a coming-of-age dynamic in the prose along with historical and mystery literary themes that appeal to the reader. Unforgettable complex characters along with a gripping plot make this novel quite astounding. This was the first novel I read by Janelle Brown and it will not be the last. I highly recommend this book to others.
Christian perspective: The storyline is somewhat clean with minimal profanity, very minimal allusive sexual activity, and no gore. Within the story, Jane’s father holds some controversial beliefs about technology and its integration into society. His bizarre perceptions have negative effects on his family and put others in danger. Driven by his philosophical beliefs, he tries to take on the persona of a god, as he feels warranted through his beliefs of the degradation of society by technology, to determine the fate of humankind. He holds atheist beliefs and lacks a moral compass when it pertains to his life choices and decision making. As a Believer of Jesus Christ, reading this story highlights the importance of having moral integrity, specifically through the framework of Jesus. As imperfect beings, we are unable to fulfill the role of God and lack the heart posture and mind frame to do so. I found this story to be an encouraging reminder that our purpose and identity is not from the world but given through Christ Jesus.
#Fiction #HistoricalFiction #Mystery
