{Review} THE VINEYARD by Michael Hurley

ISBN #: 978-0976127567

Page Count: 384

Copyright: November 25, 2014

Publisher: Ragbagger Press

Description:

(Taken from back cover)

Ten years after their college days together, three wounded and very different women reunite for a summer on the island of Martha's Vineyard. As they come to grips with the challenges and crises in their lives, their encounter with a reclusive poacher, known only as "the fisherman," threatens to change everything they believe about their world--and each other.

Charlene's Review:

Charlotte, executing a well-devised plan to end her life and reunite with her deceased daughter; Turner, running from divorce and trying to find her place in life; and Dory, wealthy with family money and destined to its’ ties, all come together for a reunion summer at the Vineyard. When Charlotte meets "the fisherman", the plans and goals of the summer start to change, and each must find their own way back. Is "the fisherman" a miraculous healer with divine gifts, or a scourge to the economy of the small community?

There is so much wrapped up in this novel that it is hard to single out a place to begin. In the first page, we learn of Charlotte’s plan. When she meets the mysterious fisherman, her plans are thwarted and she is led to Father Vecchio, a rather slimy individual that unveils the dilemma of religious leaders and their power over their believers.

The Vineyard is a story of absolution. Whether it be spiritual, emotional, or physical, each of the characters are searching for some sort of pardon. Mr. Hurley expertly casts a pall over false prophets and enlightens the reader to unexplained possibilities that triumph over evil, while leaving the reader to decide for themselves what "the fisherman" is truly capable of.

Beautifully crafted, flawlessly written, and a resounding novel of friendship, pain, and ultimate forgiveness. 5 out of 5 stars!


*A physical copy of this novel was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.