Wisdom by Heather Neff

Rating:   PENS!!!!

An Unwise End
 

Dr. Heather Neff’s  WISDOM paints a pretty picture of Paradise and weaves a tale intertwined in mystique, Caribbean folklore,  imagery and illumination. Maia Ransom, a Michigan nurse, travels to St. Croix  to await her eventual death, and to learn more about her grandfather’s people.  When she arrives she finds her grandfather’s estate, Wisdom, in shambles and occupied by Severin “Seven” Johanssen, the ill and alcoholic son of the last owner. Instead of taking care of herself, however, she becomes Seven’s nursemaid despite the fact that he resents her presence on the island. But Seven isn’t the only one out to sabotage Maia--most of the town wants her kind off their island.  Yet, she unexpectedly falls for Attorney Noah Langston, who gives her reason to continue her soul’s journey. 

I wanted to give Neff a higher rating for this book, because she creates this wonderful dreamy atmosphere that is conveyed through the entire novel. It’s beyond romantic. It’s captivating. The way she personifies St. Croix’s landscape and Wisdom draws her readers not only into the plot of the story, but into the undertones, metaphors, and themes that rides under the surface of the novel. She whispers her message of self-discovery and self worth in every scene, then brings it to the forefront in the novels last lines. The book reminds me of  EVE'S BAYOU and THE SCARLETT LETTER because of its delicate poetic prose.

However, she falls short of making WISDOM the classic that it aspires to be.  There are too many characters, which makes it hard to fully develop. I can’t understand why Maia so easily accepts her diagnosis when she is a nurse in the first place. At the climax of the novel, the slow pace keeps the story from rising to its highest peak. Moreover, the violent scene between Noah, Severin, Juan, Carlos and Noah’s near the conclusion of the novel is unclear and hard to visualize.

I recommend this book to anyone who love far away places, is interested in Caribbean culture and has a poetic vibe. WISDOM is a fascinating read.

Dee Stewart

R.E.A.L. Reviewers

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