My rating: 4/5
A provocative tale with layers of intrigue and suspense, Shadows in the Mind’s Eye by Janyre Tromp is a welcomed whirlwind that grips the reader into an immersive plot that skillfully depicts matters of mental health, healing, and unconditional love.
Shadows in the Mind’s Eye is an enthralling story, with a historical setting in 1940’s Hot Springs, Arkansas. The novel intricately portrays the devastating collision that past trauma can have on present circumstances. Main characters Sam and Annie Mattas should be thrilled about this joyous time in their lives, as Sam is returning home after serving three years in the war. What should be a celebratory return quickly turns tumultuous, as Sam is dealing with troublesome memories from the war and has made a stark discovery on his farm that his wife and others do not believe. Their disbelief places in question Sam’s current mental state, and his ability to manage his family. Simultaneously, Annie is struggling with accepting the changes that the war has inflicted on her husband, while failing to cope with childhood traumas triggered by the challenges of her husband’s return. Unsettling events occur that threaten to destroy their marriage, divide their family, and endanger their lives. A shift happens and the truth prevails, when they both realize the blessing of their love and place their hope in a brighter future instead of the present challenges.
Although aptly plot driven, the novel is also pleasingly character driven. The cast of characters were well developed and wholly memorable. I especially favored Dovie May, Sam’s mother, who had a wealth of wisdom and strength, as well as an unwavering faith in the Lord that renewed her family. The element of suspense in the plot made the story fast paced and was an embraced aspect of the novel that pivoted from the grim topic of PTSD. Although categorized as a Christian fiction novel, the story did not substantially contain Christian content, yet there was adequate inclusion of Christian faith in the storyline. This is the second novel that I have read by the author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Well written and enlightening, I highly recommend this book to others.
